The Northwest Territories requires no special vaccinations for entry, nor visas for Australian, American, or European visitors. The requirements, including visas, for citizens of specific nations to enter the Northwest Territories or anywhere else in Canada are further described on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp). Travel insurance covering medical evacuation flights is strongly recommended for all visitors to the Northwest Territories as many seriously ill or injured patients must be airlifted to Edmonton.

Health and Safety

Wildlife, isolation, and extreme weather are the main health and safety concerns in the Northwest Territories. Experienced tour guides can tell you the safest ways to travel around the Northwest Territories’ wilderness areas, many of which are only accessible by air and several miles away from the nearest community. Backcountry campers must always stand guard over campfires, skip swimming in water with fast currents, and avoid wearing cotton clothing as it does not absorb heat as well as wool or polypropylene. Carrying whistles to use in times of distress provides extra security in the wilderness.

Keep your eyes peeled for droppings and tracks, and never approach or feed the wildlife. Always bury or burn leftover food scraps, and try to minimize noise while walking are some of the best ways to stay safe from wildlife in the Northwest Territories. Animals can also be a hazard on the highways, and motorists must always stock their vehicles with emergency supplies any time of the year. Late night bar fights are the biggest safety threat visitors are likely to encounter in Yellowknife or any of the urban centers.