Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada? If you're planning to go to Northwest Territories, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Northwest Territories
  2. Important essentials for Northwest Territories
  3. Activities for Northwest Territories
  4. Northwest Territories in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Northwest Territories in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Northwest Territories in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Northwest Territories in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Northwest Territories in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Northwest Territories in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Northwest Territories in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Northwest Territories in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Northwest Territories in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Northwest Territories in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Northwest Territories in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Northwest Territories in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northwest Territories, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada by month

January

Traveling to Northwest Territories in January, you will notice that it is beyond freezing. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

February

February in Northwest Territories can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

March

March in Northwest Territories can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in Northwest Territories is biting cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

May

Traveling to Northwest Territories in May, you will notice that it is beyond freezing. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

June in Northwest Territories is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

July

If you are traveling to Northwest Territories in July, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

September

September for Northwest Territories can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

October

October in Northwest Territories can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

November

November in Northwest Territories is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you go to Northwest Territories in December, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Territories. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

What to do in Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories, Canada

Northwest Territories, located in the northern region of Canada, is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders in the world. The region's vast wilderness, northern lights, and unique cultural diversity make it an ideal destination for tourists looking for an unforgettable adventure. Here's a list of top tourist attractions in Northwest Territories that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

1. Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake is the second-largest lake in Canada and one of the deepest lakes in North America. It's a popular spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Visitors can take a tour on a boat or kayak to witness the stunning scenery and wildlife. Summer is the best time to visit as the lake thaws and the wildlife becomes more active.

2. Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada, stretching over 44,807 square kilometers. It was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herd of wild bison in North America. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the park, including hikes to remote areas and wildlife watching tours. Some of the most impressive wildlife viewing opportunities include the bison, caribou, and wolves.

3. Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Mackenzie Mountains. It's home to the South Nahanni River, which boasts towering canyons, hot springs, and waterfalls. Visitors can go on guided canoe trips or hike the region's countless hiking trails. The park is also home to diverse wildlife like moose, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep.

4. Aurora Village

Northwest Territories is known for its stunning northern lights displays, and Aurora Village is one of the best places to catch the show. Visitors can stay in cozy glass domes that offer uninterrupted views of the sky. The village also offers tours that take visitors to the best viewing spots to watch the northern lights dance in the sky.

5. Inuvik

Inuvik is a remote town located in the Arctic tundra, just 120 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Visitors can experience the unique culture of the Gwich'in people and take tours of the region's breathtaking natural landscapes. The town is also home to the famous Igloo Church, a striking architectural gem that's shaped like an igloo.

In conclusion, Northwest Territories is a dream destination for travelers seeking an authentic wilderness experience rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. The top tourist attractions listed above offer some of the best opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the unique attractions that make Northwest Territories one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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