Attractions and Places To See in Northwest Territories - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see in Northwest Territories encompass a diverse landscape of natural wonders and significant cultural sites. The region is characterized by vast wilderness, including North America's deepest lake and unique Arctic geological features. Visitors can explore national parks, learn about Indigenous heritage, and experience distinct northern phenomena. These attractions offer a wide range of outdoor and cultural exploration opportunities.
Best attractions and places to see in Northwest Territories
- The most popular attractions is Louise Falls, a waterfall that is part of the Twin Falls in Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. These 15-meter-high falls are easily accessible and allow visitors to descend to the banks of the Hay River.
- Another must-see spot is Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, a public museum where you can learn about the culture and history of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories. It showcases the region's heritage through various exhibits.
- Visitors also love Somba K'e Civic Plaza, a park in the heart of Yellowknife. Located on Frame Lake, it serves as a venue for many community events and features sculptures and monuments.
- Northwest Territories is known for its impressive waterfalls, significant cultural centers, and unique Arctic landscapes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural monuments to historical sites.
- The attractions in Northwest Territories are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1 highlight upvoted and 8 photos shared.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Louise Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
A high spiral staircase allows you to descend to the banks of the Hay River and admire the waterfalls up close.
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Somba K'e Civic Plaza
Highlight • Rest Area
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Lady Evelyn Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
From the Mackenzie Highway, you can reach them after a five-minute turnoff towards Kakisa. From the parking lot at the campsite (23 pitches with electricity), it is also only a few hundred meters to the viewing platform. In summer, when there is less water flow, you can go down a staircase to the stone beach and swim or fish in the warm river. If you're lucky, pike and grayling will bite.
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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
Highlight • Historical Site
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
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Alexandra Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Next to the Mackenzie Highway, there is a parking lot (with toilets) from which you can reach Alexandra Falls in just a few steps. Depending on the water level of the Hay River, you can walk on the rocks on the bank very close to the falling water, of course with enough caution.
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Escarpment Creek Group Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
A beautiful hiking trail follows the course of the Hay River and connects this group campsite with the Louise Falls and the Alexandra Falls further up.
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On the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway
Highlight • Trail
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Cameron Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tuktoyaktuk
Highlight • Settlement
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Virginia Falls Seaplane Base
Highlight • Rest Area
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As is common in North America, particularly popular tourist attractions often have a so-called group campsite in addition to normal campsites, which can be used by larger groups. This is one of them. Twelve campsites are available. A beautiful hiking trail follows the course of the Hay River and connects this group campsite with the Louise Falls and the Alexandra Falls further up.
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With a height of 32 meters, Alexandra Falls is the third highest waterfall in the Northwest Territories. Together with Louise Falls, they form the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. Next to the Mackenzie Highway, there is a parking lot (with toilets) from which you can reach Alexandra Falls in just a few steps. Depending on the water level of the Hay River, you can walk on the rocks on the bank very close to the falling water, of course with enough caution.
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The 15-meter-high Louise Falls are part of the Twin Falls in the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park of the same name, which is located on the Mackenzie Highway. They are easy to reach from both the highway and the campsite. This makes them one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Northwest Territories. A high spiral staircase allows you to descend to the banks of the Hay River and admire the waterfalls up close.
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There is also a campsite with restrooms near the landing stage for the seaplanes that are used to reach Virginia Falls. Wooden walkways make it easier to move through the forest and connect the different campsites. A short path also leads to the small lake.
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Cameron Falls is only a 20-minute walk from the Ingraham Trail parking lot. After a short hike through the wild backcountry, you can view the 17-meter-high waterfalls, which flow over several stages, from both sides of the river. A small bridge spans the Cameron River.
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The Lady Evelyn Falls are certainly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Northwest Territories. They are 17 meters high and flow harmoniously over the rocks, which are surrounded by forest. From the Mackenzie Highway, you can reach them after a five-minute turnoff towards Kakisa. From the parking lot at the campsite (23 pitches with electricity), it is also only a few hundred meters to the viewing platform. In summer, when there is less water flow, you can go down a staircase to the stone beach and swim or fish in the warm river. If you're lucky, pike and grayling will bite.
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The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is a public museum where you can learn about the culture and history of the indigenous and non-indigenous people of the Northwest Territories. It was opened in 1979 in the presence of Prince Charles and thus bears his name. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
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The Somba K’e Civic Plaza is a park in the heart of Yellowknife. It is located right on Frame Lake and is the venue for many events throughout the year. You will find sculptures and monuments scattered throughout the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural wonders can I explore in the Northwest Territories?
The Northwest Territories are home to spectacular natural features. You can visit Louise Falls and Alexandra Falls, which together form the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. Other notable waterfalls include Lady Evelyn Falls near Kakisa and Cameron Falls, accessible via a short hike. The region also boasts Nahanni National Park Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic canyons and Virginia Falls, and Wood Buffalo National Park, known for its bison herds and Salt Plains. Don't miss the unique ice-cored hills called Pingos in Tuktoyaktuk.
Where can I learn about the history and culture of the Northwest Territories?
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife is a public museum showcasing the rich history and cultures of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of the region. You can also explore Yellowknife's Old Town, which reflects its gold rush history. Other significant cultural sites include Saoyú-ʔehdacho National Historic Site on Great Bear Lake, sacred to the Sahtu Dene, and the historic Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Good Hope.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Northwest Territories?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. The waterfalls like Louise Falls, Alexandra Falls, Lady Evelyn Falls, and Cameron Falls offer accessible viewing platforms and trails. In Yellowknife, Somba K'e Civic Plaza is a park that hosts community events. Many territorial parks also offer camping and easy trails for all ages.
What unique experiences can I have in the Northwest Territories?
The Northwest Territories offers several unique experiences. You can witness the spectacular Northern Lights, especially around Yellowknife, or experience the Midnight Sun during summer months, particularly in Inuvik. Driving the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway is a unique journey to the Arctic Ocean, and in winter, traveling on ice roads provides an unforgettable adventure.
What outdoor activities are available near these attractions?
The region offers abundant outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Frame Lake Trail or Cameron Falls Trail. Fishing, boating, and ice fishing are popular on Great Slave Lake. For more extensive outdoor adventures, consider exploring the routes listed in the Hiking in Northwest Territories guide, which includes trails near many of the mentioned attractions.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife is wheelchair accessible, providing an opportunity for everyone to explore the region's history and culture. Many viewpoints at popular waterfalls also offer accessible paths.
What is the best time to visit the Northwest Territories for outdoor activities or the Northern Lights?
For outdoor activities like hiking and exploring natural parks, summer (June to August) offers pleasant temperatures and the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. To witness the Northern Lights, the best time is typically from late August to mid-April, when the nights are long and dark. Yellowknife is considered one of the best places globally for aurora viewing.
Can I find hiking trails of varying difficulty levels?
Yes, the Northwest Territories offers a range of hiking trails. You can find easy trails like the Frame Lake Trail or the path to Lady Evelyn Falls. More moderate options include the Twin Falls Gorge trail. For a comprehensive list of routes, including their difficulty, refer to the Hiking in Northwest Territories guide.
What is there to see in Yellowknife?
Yellowknife, the capital city, is a hub for cultural and outdoor experiences. You can visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, explore the historic Old Town, and relax at Somba K'e Civic Plaza. Yellowknife is also renowned as one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, with dedicated viewing spots like Aurora Village.
Where can I see wildlife in the Northwest Territories?
The vast wilderness of the Northwest Territories provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Wood Buffalo National Park is famous for its roaming bison herds and rare whooping cranes. Nahanni National Park Reserve is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and Dall's sheep. You might also spot caribou, moose, and various bird species throughout the territories.
What are the most scenic drives in the Northwest Territories?
The Dempster Highway offers stunning views of the Arctic tundra, connecting Dawson City to Inuvik. Another remarkable drive is the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, which is the first all-weather road to reach the Arctic Ocean, providing unique Arctic landscapes.
Are there any significant historical trading posts or missions to visit?
Yes, the Northwest Territories has a rich history of trading posts and missions. Fort Resolution was a key trading post for the North West Company and Hudson's Bay Company. Old Fort Providence marks the original location of a vital trading post. The Fort Smith Mission Territorial Park preserves the remains of an original Oblate Catholic Mission, and the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Good Hope is a beautifully preserved early northern mission church.
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Most popular attractions in Northwest Territories
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