Facts About Canada

Territories of Canada

Territories of Canada are the three northern jurisdictions—Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—that together encompass Canada’s Arctic and subarctic regions. Unlike provinces (which derive powers directly from the Constitution), territories exercise powers delegated by Parliament under federal statutes and devolution agreements. The territories are home to diverse Indigenous peoples, vast landscapes, northern communities, and resource and cultural economies shaped by distance, climate, and geography.

At a glance — Territories of Canada
Territories Yukon (capital: Whitehorse) • Northwest Territories (capital: Yellowknife) • Nunavut (capital: Iqaluit)
Legal basis Federal statutes (Yukon Act, Northwest Territories Act, Nunavut Act) and devolution/land claims agreements
Languages (examples) Yukon: English & French (plus Indigenous language recognition) • NWT: 11 official languages • Nunavut: Inuktut (Inuktitut & Inuinnaqtun), English, French
Time Yukon observes year-round UTC−7; NWT mostly Mountain Time; Nunavut spans multiple time zones by region

Overview

Canada’s three territories cover a large share of the national landmass and Arctic Archipelago. Communities range from small fly-in hamlets to regional hubs and capitals connected by road, air, marine, and seasonal routes. Territorial governments deliver health, education, transportation, and other services in partnership with federal departments, Indigenous governments, and municipalities/hamlets.

Governance and devolution

  • Statutory framework. Territorial institutions are established by federal law (Yukon Act, Northwest Territories Act, Nunavut Act). Over recent decades, devolution agreements have transferred many land and resource management powers from the federal government to territorial governments.
  • Consensus and party systems. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut operate consensus-style legislatures (non-party, with MLAs selecting the premier and cabinet). Yukon uses a party system similar to provinces.
  • Indigenous rights and land claims. Modern treaties (comprehensive land claims) and self-government agreements define rights, governance powers, land ownership, wildlife co-management, and participation in resource decisions.

The three territories

Yukon

Road-connected to the Alaska and British Columbia systems, Yukon has mountainous terrain (including Mount Logan in the Saint Elias Range), subarctic climate, and strong mining, tourism, and services sectors. The capital, Whitehorse, is the largest community and administrative centre.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

Stretching from the boreal forest to the Arctic coast, the NWT includes major lake and river systems (Great Slave, Great Bear, Mackenzie River). Yellowknife is the capital and a hub for government, mining, culture, and northern logistics. The territory recognizes 11 official languages and operates a consensus legislature.

Nunavut

Created in 1999 through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Act, Nunavut encompasses the eastern Arctic, including Baffin Island and much of the Arctic Archipelago. Iqaluit on Baffin Island is the capital. Inuktut (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun), along with English and French, is official; communities emphasize Inuit governance, language, and culture.

Economy and infrastructure (high level)

  • Sectors: public administration and services, mineral development, construction, transportation, tourism (including cultural and cruise/expedition segments), fisheries in select regions, and research.
  • Connectivity: extensive reliance on air transport, seasonal sealift, and (in some regions) winter/ice roads. Road networks are limited outside of Yukon and parts of the NWT.
  • Energy & housing: diesel generation remains common in remote communities; projects for renewable integration and efficiency are expanding. Climate, permafrost, and logistics affect construction costs and housing supply.

People, languages, and culture

Indigenous peoples—First Nations (Yukon), Inuvialuit and Dene (NWT), and Inuit (Nunavut)—are central to territorial life, languages, and governance. Cultural expressions include language revitalization, carving and printmaking, festivals, and on-the-land programs. Schools and colleges support local languages and northern studies; territorial media and arts organizations showcase northern perspectives.

Environment and protected areas

Northern landscapes include tundra, boreal forest, mountains, glaciers, fjords, and extensive wetlands. Protected areas feature national parks and park reserves such as Ivvavik (YK), Nahanni (NWT), Quttinirpaaq (NU), and co-managed conservation areas. Wildlife co-management boards balance harvesting rights, conservation, and research.

Quick reference table

Territory Capital Legislature style Notable official language policy (summary) Notes
Yukon Whitehorse Party system English & French official; Indigenous languages recognized for use Road links to Alaska/BC; Saint Elias Mountains (Mount Logan)
Northwest Territories Yellowknife Consensus 11 official languages (including Indigenous languages) Mackenzie River system; Great Slave & Great Bear Lakes
Nunavut Iqaluit Consensus Inuktut (Inuktitut & Inuinnaqtun), English, French Established 1999; Arctic Archipelago; strong Inuit cultural governance

See also

External links (official)

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