The Northwest Territories is one of the three territories of Northern Canada. Situated north of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories ranges from pine forests and mountains in the south to the Arctic tundra in the north. The territory is extremely desolate and sparsely populated, yet still an inviting tourist destination for those who want to see the famous aurora borealis. In a destination like this, it’s crucial to have travel medical insurance .
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Northwest Territories – FAQs
The Northwest Territories is a place of extreme temperatures and very few people. Any illness or injury here can quickly turn dangerous, so you’ll need medical attention as soon as possible. To be sure you can get it for a price that won’t bankrupt you, always have travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Northwest Territories?
It isn’t a legal requirement, but it is a practical necessity. Although starkly beautiful, the Northwest Territories are mostly wild. This is the type of place where you can be as likely to see a grizzly bear as you are to see another human. Any major medical issue could require emergency medical evacuation to the tune of $100,000 or more. You don’t want to have to pay this cost yourself. Buy travel medical insurance that has this coverage.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting Northwest Territories?
With vast expanses of wilderness and temperatures that can drop to -50°F, you must do everything possible to protect your health here. Get travel medical insurance so you can access the best available care for a predictable price.
Please note that certain portions of the Northwest Territories are above the Arctic Circle. If you venture to the Arctic region, you will be subject to any Arctic region exclusions in your travel medical insurance plan.
Northwest Territories’ Most Popular Activities
If you think there isn’t much to do in a place like the Northwest Territories, you’d be very incorrect. This far-north destination draws in many different visitors throughout the year. These are a few of the most popular activities.
Visit Yellowknife
Yellowknife is the largest population center and only city in the Northwest Territories. It’s where many visitors base their visit out of. Here, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants, winter festivals, and even a massive mall. Yellowknife was the original location of the Arctic Winter Games, and its residents are big fans of winter sports such as cross-country skiing, dog mushing, and snowshoeing.
See the Aurora Borealis
Also known as the polar lights or northern lights, the aurora borealis is an incredible natural light display. As it happens, Yellowknife is one of the best places on earth to view this phenomena. Tourist bundle up and head to the city in the winter to see a sight that few other people on earth have been able to experience in person.
Go Dogsledding
Dogsledding is one of the oldest ways to quickly cover long distances in the snow, and you can still try it today. There are several dogsledding outfitters in Yellowknife and elsewhere in the territory where you can give the sport a try. And don’t worry about the dogs being cold. The Siberian huskies and other dogs bred to pull these sleds thrive in the snow and extreme cold.
See Nahanni National Park Reserve
With nearly 12,000 square miles of pristine wilderness, Nahanni National Park Reserve is incredible, to say the least. It boasts gorges that are deeper than the Grand Canyon, and waterfalls that are taller than Niagara Falls. However, don’t think that you can drive here, as the park has no roads. You’ll need a to charter a floatplane if you want to visit.
Fish at Great Bear Lake
Some say that Great Bear Lake is the finest fishing destination in the world. Being as it’s the largest lake entirely in Canada (over 12,000 square miles) yet hosts only 300 anglers per year, they might be right. However, it’s not so easy to get to. Once again, you’ll need to go by air. However once you’re here, there are luxury lodging options available. Some will even fly you directly to the lake from a regional airport.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Northwest Territories
Extreme Cold
If you choose to visit the Northwest Territories in the winter, understand that it’s one of the coldest places on earth. You will need to pack extremely warm clothing that is designed for these kinds of temperatures. Even in the middle of summer, some parts of territory still require a jacket.
Limited Road Network
Although the Northwest Territories does have over 3,000 miles of all-weather roads, it’s a massive place. Outside of population centers like Yellowknife, air travel is often the only option. Be prepared to charter a floatplane if you want to access most of the wilder parts of the territory.
Before You Visit Northwest Territories – Do This
- Charter any additional transportation you might need ahead of time.
- Pay attention to the weather forecast, and pack appropriate clothing for it.
- Buy travel medical insurance that can cover you.