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Traveling is much more than going from one place to another. It is to appreciate different cultures, explore new paths, discover new experiences and emotions, and so much more. It is experiencing the magic of a destination and allowing it to transform you.
If you are deciding to embark on an adventure and visit a different, unique, and magical destination, consider among your options to become an Auroras hunter for a moment.
This natural phenomenon occurs when particles charged by the sun reach the earth and interact with its magnetic field, mainly in a narrow strip called the auroral oval. This activity generates a spectacle in the sky with green, blue, purple, and reddish colors.
Without a doubt, the best place to see the Northern Lights or Northern Lights in the world is the Northwest Territories (NWT) in Canada.
Beyond physical reactions, the Dene First Nation locates the origin of the auroras in a fire generated by the world’s creator. They remain in the sky as a reminder that the creator cares for us. On the other hand, the legends of the Cree Nation say that the auroras are the spirits of our loved ones who are no longer there; but who remain in the sky trying to communicate with us.
NWT locates in the north of the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, between Yukon and Nunavut. It is a remote territory that not many travelers have had the privilege of exploring.
Reaching the capital, Yellowknife requires hoping at least three Canadian airports. But, it is by far worth the wait. This city is the ideal place to see the Northern Lights dance in the sky. Between November and April, travelers have a 97% probability of seeing them, the highest in the world. That is thanks to the fact that the region has vast and clear skies, low humidity, and a perfect location under the auroral oval.
In Yellowknife, the northern lights are shown, even in the vicinity of the city. Although to improve its visibility finding yourself in a more secluded place is quite helpful.
Some sites offer the experience of seeing the auroras in places conditioned for cold weather and provide several options to have a complete winter experience. And even late at night, there will always be someone to let you know when the show starts.
At Aurora Village, you can watch the dancing lights within authentic teepees on heated seats with no light pollution. Another unforgettable experience is staying at Blachford Lake Lodge. To get there, you will have to be transported by seaplane. Here you will contemplate the auroras in an authentic, calm, and relaxed way in their cabins.
Mosaic of winter experiences
As if it wasn’t enough to witness one of nature’s most delighting and enigmatic spectacles, NWT offers activities that complement the Canadian winter experience in this remote natural setting.
One option to tour the region’s landscapes is to do it on a dog sled outside of Yellowknife, or you can have an adventure in the city by getting on a kicksled which is a smaller version of this sled. In addition, you can visit some of the local businesses for a hot drink.
What is certain is that you will be in the middle of a unique natural setting performing an activity that the ancestors of the region have practiced for centuries to survive. To end the day, you can observe the Northern Lights from a warm Jacuzzi.
Furthermore, you can also participate in the Naka Festival: a celebration of the auroras and culture. Naka means northwestern lights in the Wiiliideh language of the Yellowknives Dene belonging to the First Nations. This festival features an exciting myriad of cultural displays, Arctic sports demonstrations, northern haute cuisine displays, an indigenous fashion show, and an art gala. This meeting is a unique opportunity to learn more about the native culture of Canada.
Finally, the gastronomy of the region will surprise you. To taste the flavors of NWT, you must include in your list eat a delicious bannock -typical bread of the province- the flavor will depend on where you taste it because each family and place have their recipe. Fresh fish is essential in the region. You will try different varieties such as white fish and arctic trout, among others. The dried fish will captivate you with its smoky flavor. To fix it is cleaned and then cut into strips or cubes that hang from the skin and slowly dry over a smoky fire.
Northwest Territories is a spectacular place that will bring you closer to nature in a unique way. You’ll see the Northern Lights at their best, feel the winter chill with well-known Canadian warmth, hear the stories of the first nations that inhabit the region, and taste authentic dishes.
If you are looking for a unique destination to live a transformative and inspiring experience, bundle up and prepare your passport. Northwest Territories.
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Adam Pisani, CTC NWT Tourism, Martina Gebrovska, Weiland.