The Northwest Territories (NWT) 🇨🇦 offer some of the most remote and adventurous RV road trips in North America. Expect vast boreal forests, tundra landscapes, northern lakes, wildlife, and incredible views of the Aurora Borealis. Because the region is sparsely populated, many routes follow legendary northern highways such as the Mackenzie Highway and Dempster Highway.
Below are several great RV road trip ideas in the Northwest Territories.
1. Yellowknife & Great Slave Lake Adventure
4
Route:
Yellowknife → Great Slave Lake → Ingraham Trail → Yellowknife
Distance: ~120 km
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Historic Old Town in Yellowknife
- Massive inland waters of Great Slave Lake
- Northern lights viewing
- Fishing and paddling
RV Stops
- Prelude Lake Territorial Park Campground
- Fred Henne Territorial Park
2. Mackenzie Highway Northern Drive
4
Route:
Hay River → Fort Providence → Yellowknife
Distance: ~500 km
Ideal length: 3–4 days
Highlights
- Crossing the Mackenzie River
- Boreal forest scenery
- Lakes and wildlife viewing
- Northern towns and culture
RV Stops
- Louise Falls Campground (near Hay River)
- Prelude Lake Campground
3. Waterfalls & Wood Buffalo Route
4
Route:
Hay River → Alexandra Falls → Louise Falls → Wood Buffalo National Park
Distance: ~250 km
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Two of the most impressive waterfalls in northern Canada
- Wildlife such as bison and cranes
- Remote wilderness landscapes
- Dark skies for stargazing
RV Stops
- Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park Campground
- Hay River Campground
4. Dempster Highway Arctic Expedition
4
Route:
Inuvik → Dempster Highway → Arctic Circle → Tuktoyaktuk
Distance: ~300 km from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk
Ideal length: 3–4 days
Highlights
- Driving to the Arctic Ocean
- Tundra landscapes
- Indigenous Arctic communities
- Midnight sun in summer
RV Notes
- Remote roads with limited services
- Gravel sections
5. Great Bear Lake Remote Expedition
4
Route:
Yellowknife → Wrigley → Great Bear Lake
Distance: ~1,000 km+ depending on route
Ideal length: 5–7 days
Highlights
- One of the largest lakes in North America
- Remote northern wilderness
- World-class fishing
- Spectacular northern lights
RV Notes
- Limited infrastructure
- Plan carefully for fuel and supplies
6. Ultimate Northwest Territories Adventure
4
Route:
Hay River → Alexandra Falls → Yellowknife → Inuvik → Tuktoyaktuk
Distance: ~2,000 km+
Ideal length: 10–14 days
Highlights
- Great Slave Lake
- Northern waterfalls
- Arctic Ocean coast
- Aurora Borealis
✅ Quick Comparison
| Trip | Best For | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowknife & Great Slave Lake | Northern culture & auroras | 2–3 days |
| Mackenzie Highway | Scenic northern highway | 3–4 days |
| Waterfalls & Wood Buffalo | Wildlife & waterfalls | 2–3 days |
| Dempster Arctic Drive | Arctic Ocean adventure | 3–4 days |
| Great Bear Lake | Remote wilderness | 5–7 days |
| Ultimate NWT Trip | Full northern exploration | 10–14 days |