Along the ice roads to the Arctic Circle

This expedition takes you from Yellowknife to the remote indigenous community of Colville Lake. You will experience extreme weather conditions while getting to know the beauty and challenges of the Canadian Arctic up close. Together with experienced guides, you will not only discover the unique ice roads, but also the traditions and stories of the Dene culture. After crossing the Arctic Circle, you will finally make your way back to Yellowknife. A very special winter journey awaits you!

Along the ice roads to the Arctic Circle: the itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Yellowknife
Your tour program begins in the afternoon in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. A shuttle will take you directly from the airport to The Explorer Hotel, where you will receive and try on your clothing for low temperatures, get an itinerary overview and a welcome gift. After checking in, you will take a guided city tour and learn about the fascinating history and sights of Yellowknife. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at Bullock's Bistro. The night will be spent at The Explorer Hotel.

Day 2: From Yellowknife to Fort Simpson
The journey through the wild landscapes of Canada begins! After an early breakfast at Tim Horton's, you set off and cross the vast snowfields toward Fort Providence (310 km). On the way, you stop in North Arm Park for lunch at Big River Service and continue your journey deeper into the Dehcho region until you finally arrive in Fort Simpson (340 km). Here you check into the cozy Willow Rest Inn and receive a warm welcome. Later that day, you will learn more about the stories of the Dehcho Dene people on a tour and dine in a local restaurant.

Day 3: Into the Mackenzie Valley
Your day begins with breakfast at a local café before driving through boreal forest and frozen muskeg toward Wrigley (248 km). After a traditional lunch hosted by a local leader at the tribal office, you will continue along the winter road to Tulita, where the Mackenzie and Great Bear Rivers meet (222 km). There you check into the Tulita Hotel, which has a picturesque location next to the river. Afterward, a guided walk through the community awaits you. Look forward to insights into the Dene traditions and their connection to the land. The rest of the evening is quiet, with dinner at the lodge.

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Day 4: Great Bear Lake & the Arctic Watershed
After breakfast at the Tulita Hotel, you drive to Délı̨nę (130 km), crossing frozen rivers and snow-covered plateaus. Once you arrive in Délı̨nę, you move into the Grey Goose Lodge with a view of the frozen Great Bear Lake. Here you will go ice fishing with indigenous guides and enjoy homemade lunch with local ingredients. You then switch to a snowmobile and explore the icy shoreline. For dinner, you will find yourself in the lodge dining room, surrounded by Northern art, stories and cultural performances such as the traditional drum dance.

Day 5: From Délı̨nę to Norman Wells
Star the day with breakfast at the Grey Goose Lodge and look forward to today's drive on old trade and traplines through the Sahtú region. First you drive back to Tulita (130 km) and stop for lunch at Tulita Hotel. From there, you will continue your journey to Norman Wells (85 km). This small town has many stories to tell about oil, war and the land of the Dene. After checking into the Heritage Hotel, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and expansive skies, get acquainted with the community on a guided walking tour. Dinner will be served at the Heritage Hotel.

Day 6: The silence beyond the Arctic Circle
After breakfast at the Heritage Hotel, you will continue your journey today along the mighty Mackenzie River to Fort Good Hope (147 km). There you will have lunch with the locals of this remote community. The route then lead you to Colville Lake (165 km), crossing the Arctic Circle and immersing yourself in the pristine tundra. You will check into the Colville Lake B&B and in the evening partake in a home-cooked dinner with the hosts, using traditional, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 7: In the Arctic of Colville Lake
Delve deeper into the traditions of the Sahtu Dene today! First, you will enjoy breakfast at the B&B and go on a snowmobile tour across frozen lakes afterward. The tour is led by a local who will tell you the stories of the land. After lunch, you will go ice fishing on Colville Lake. The indigenous guides will show you their traditional methods. In the evening, a cozy dinner awaits you at the B&B, where your hosts will share tales beneath the Arctic sky. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the Northern Lights!

Day 8: Return from the edge of the map
You start the morning with breakfast at Colville Lake B&B. Today, you will fly back to Yellowknife on a private charter flight. On the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the untouched wilderness. In Yellowknife, you will be taken to The Explorer Hotel and check into your room again. Lunch will be served at Bullock's Bistro. Rest up from the journey or explore the city on your own. Later in the afternoon, you will meet up again for an indigenous dog sled tour and can look forward to a ride over snowy trails. While your guide steers you safely through the winter nature, you sit comfortably in the front of the sled. For dinner, you will visit the Copperhouse, which is known for its wood-fired Northern cuisine. Maybe you can watch the dance of the Northern Lights afterward?

Day 9: Yellowknife
Today, you can enjoy Yellowknife once again and remember the best moments of your trip. After breakfast at The Explorer Hotel, you can optionally take part in a cultural crafts workshop or a mining heritage tour for an extra charge. For lunch, you will all meet again at Coyote's Bistro. In the afternoon, you have time at your own disposal. Stroll through the city or take a relaxed approach to the day instead. If you'd like to, you can also participate in an indigenous storytelling tour for an extra fee. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant, where you can share your best travel stories with the group. If you want to hunt for the Northern Lights this night, you can book an extra tour (extra charge).

Day 10: Farewell to the far north
After a final breakfast at The Explorer Hotel, you will return your equipment and be taken to Yellowknife Airport by shuttle. Not only have you crossed the Arctic Circle, but you made unforgettable memories of a world of snow and ice.

Accommodation:
Accommodation during your expedition includes 3 nights in the comfortable Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife and 6 nights in cozy B&Bs and hotels in indigenous communities (Willow Rest Inn B&B in Fort Simpson, Tulita Hotel in Tulita, Grey Goose Lodge in Délı̨nę, Heritage Hotel in Norman Wells, Colville Lake B&B (2 nights)). Each room is equipped with the necessary amenities. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the local communities and experience the culture of the indigenous people of Canada's far north.

Surcharge for groups under 4 persons:
Please note that there is a surcharge for groups of less than 4 people.
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