17 Photos That'll Make You Say, "Dang, Northwest Territories, You're, Like, Really Pretty"

I need to see these IRL.

When I think "Northwest Territories", I automatically think of the northern lights. While they're gorgeous (and obviously included on this list) there's still so much more to see.

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Here are 19 photos that'll make you wanna pack your bags and head to the Northwest Territories.

1. Sambaa Deh Falls

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The falls are located below the Mackenzie Highway, so you won't even need to bust out your hiking boots to marvel at their beauty. There is a network of trails around the falls, too, if you wanna get some exercise (and nail those artsier shots).

2. Nahanni National Park Reserve

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This park is essentially a playground for nature lovers, from canyons to hot springs, to sky-high mountains, it really has it all. Since you probably won't be able to see all of its gorgeousness on foot, you'll probably want to book a flightseeing trip ✈️.

3. Cirque of the Unclimbables

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Speaking of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, one of the most stunning sights to see in the reserve is the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Look at those mountains! Unclimbable? Maybe. Beautiful? Absolutely.

4. Yellowknife

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If you're going to the Northwest Territories, it would probably be a sin not to visit their capital city. Not only is Yellowknife surrounded by stunning parks, mountains, and rivers to explore, but it's also got a ton of awesome restaurants, farmers markets, and art to experience. Check out NWT Brewing Co., Bullocks Bistro, and Birchwood Coffee Ko.  

5. Houseboat Bay

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While you're in the city, take a visit to Yellowknife Bay and you'll see tons of colourful houseboats. In the '80s a few families built their homes on old river barges and the community has been growing ever since. I don't know about you, but these floating houses make me want to abandon my shoebox of an apartment forever.

6. Canadian Arctic Tundra

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A large portion of the Northwest Territories is made up of arctic tundra. That means you'll be able to explore untouched, frozen grounds as far as the eye can see. Keep your camera at the ready and you might be able to snap some caribou.

7. Aurora Borealis

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Ok, you knew this one was coming, but we couldn't *not* add the northern lights to this list. You can actually see them around 200 nights a year in the Northwest Territories!

8. Cameron Falls

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This stunning natural display can be found in Hidden Lake Territorial Park, just east of Yellowknife. It takes less than 20 minutes to get to the falls, so you won't need to be a seasoned hiker to get in on the action. 

9. Tsiigehtchic

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Located right where the Arctic Red and Mackenzie Rivers meet, Tsilgehtchic is pretty dang beautiful. It's the ancestral territory of the Gwichya Gwich'in, who still hunt and fish there today.

10. Alexandra Falls

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Alexandra Falls is a 32-metre marvel surrounded by lush forest. There are two strategically placed viewing platforms, so you won't have to crane your neck to take in all its glory (or get the perfect Insta photo).

11. Mackenzie Mountains

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If you want to see some gorgeous, gigantic peaks, you'll want to visit the Mackenzie Mountains. Surrounded by stretches of forest, they're truly a sight to behold.

12. Dempster Highway

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The Dempster Highway will take you from Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, so prepare for one heck of a beautiful journey. There are plenty of campsites where you can chill for a day or two while you're on your expedition, so you won't have to do it all in one go.

13. Prosperous Lake

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Prosperous Lake is the perfect place for a sunset canoe or boat ride. I mean, do you see that skyline? It is truly epic.

14. Mackenzie River

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The Mackenzie River is North America's second-longest river and runs almost the entire length of the province. Though it's formally named after Alexander Mackenzie, it's known by many other monikers. For example, the Dene named it Deh Cho (big river), the Inuvialuktun named it Kuukpak (great river), and Gwich’in call it Nagwichoonjik (river flowing through a big country).

15. Thelon River

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Thelon Lake is yet another picturesque body of water to behold and it flows all the way to Baker Lake in Nunavut. Maybe a little far to travel in a humble canoe, but you could always try!

16. Tibbitt Lake

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As you can see by this pic, Tibitt Lake is a spectacular spot to check out the northern lights. You can watch them reflect on the water AND in the sky, giving you a pretty impressive show.

17. Frame Lake

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Even if you don't want to travel far from Yellowknife, you won't have any trouble  seeing some gorge vistas. Frame Lake is actually smack in the middle of downtown!

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