Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a large territory in northern Canada known for its natural resources, pristine wilderness, and deep Indigenous roots. It stretches from the 60th parallel to the Arctic Ocean and covers a wide variety of landscapes.
Quick Facts
- Capital and Largest City: Yellowknife
- Population: Over 45,000 (as of 2024)
- Official Languages: 11 total, including English, French, and 9 Indigenous languages
- Area: 1,346,106 km²
- Time Zones: Mountain and Arctic Time Zones
Geography
The territory borders Yukon to the west, Nunavut to the east, and several provinces to the south. It includes vast boreal forests, tundra, thousands of lakes and rivers, and parts of the Arctic Archipelago.
Major Communities
- Yellowknife – Capital and economic hub
- Hay River
- Inuvik
- Fort Smith
- Behchokǫ̀
Economy
The NWT’s economy is centered around:
- Mining (diamonds, gold, rare earths)
- Oil and gas
- Government and public services
- Tourism and cultural experiences
Education
- Aurora College (with campuses in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Fort Smith)
Attractions
- Nahanni National Park Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Great Slave Lake – one of the deepest lakes in North America
- Northern Lights viewing
- Ice road travel and Arctic adventures
- Indigenous cultural festivals and museums
Did You Know?
- The NWT recognizes 11 official languages — more than any other Canadian jurisdiction.
- Great Bear Lake is the largest lake entirely within Canada.