Canada Boating and Sailing - Northwest Territories

Boating and Sailing in Northern Canada

The Northwest Territories, Canada enjoys a vast network of rivers and lakes. Prior to the arrival of air and road travel, the river and lake system in the Northwest Territory was the transportation route used for travel, fishing and hunting.

Boating and sailing is enjoyed from many of the communities in the N.W.T.. Many of the communities are located on a major river or on one of the larger lakes. Most come with marine services, boat launches, docks and piers.

Great Slave Lake

The major lake in the territory for boating and sailing is Great Slave Lake. It is the 9th largest lake in the world, the deepest lake in North America and the 2nd largest lake (within Canadian borders) in Canada. Most cruise out to the East Arm of the lake for fishing, activities and sightseeing.

Great Slave Lake Communities

The Northwest Territory Communities located on Great Slave Lake include Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Resolution. Hay River is the largest marine centre in the N.W.T. Yellowknife is the capital and Fort Resolution is a First Nation village.

Top Rivers for boating

There are many major rivers in the Northwest Territory popular for boating like the Mackenzie and Slave Rivers. None is more popular than the Mackenzie River. It is the largest river in Canada and a main marine transportation route in the Northwest Territory. The communities on the river include Fort Providence, Fort Simpson and Norman Wells.

Boat Tours and Cruises

No boat, no problem. There are boating tours and cruises operating from most communities in the region. Tours provide interpretive guides and experience. Multi day tours may provide meals, accommodations and entertainment.

There are many boating and sailing destinations to explore in the Northwest Territory. Too many to list here. However, each N.W.T. community listed on this tourism website provides detailed descriptions and pictures for most of the popular marine destinations. And listed under each community are the participating tour companies and outfitters, their contact information and more photos.

Enjoy your cruise in the N.W.T., Canada!