The Northwest Territories (NWT) is located in Canada, a country in North America.
Why is it called Northwest Territories?
The name refers to the territory acquired in 1870 from the Hudson’s Bay Company and Great Britain, which included Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory.
Canada picked up this land through the Rupert’s Land Act of 1868 and the Deed of Surrender in 1869. Then in 1880, Britain handed over the Arctic islands north of the mainland to Canada, expanding the region even more. What we now call the NWT is just the smaller slice left after several splits over the years.
What is Northwest Territories called now?
It’s still officially called the Northwest Territories (NWT), but in 1999 part of it became Nunavut.
Nunavut officially launched on April 1, 1999, following Canada’s biggest Indigenous land claim deal ever. That split moved 60 percent of the NWT’s land to Nunavut, leaving the NWT with its current smaller footprint around Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie Mountains.
When did NWT become part of Canada?
The Northwest Territories officially joined Canada on July 15, 1870, when Britain handed over control through the Deed of Surrender.
That transfer came right after Canada bought Rupert’s Land from the Hudson’s Bay Company. At the time, the territory covered every land draining into Hudson Bay—nearly 40 percent of today’s Canada. It was the country’s first territory and set the stage for northern growth.
Why do people live in NWT?
People are drawn to the Northwest Territories for its tight-knit communities, rugged lifestyle, and stunning wilderness.
Residents love the strong cultural identity, endless outdoor adventures, and access to spots like Nahanni National Park. The territory also brings jobs in mining, energy, and government services. Many choose it for the slower pace of life and deep Indigenous roots that shape the region’s character.
Does Yellowknife have 24 hour sun?
Yellowknife gets nearly round-the-clock daylight in summer, with up to 20 hours of sun and just a few hours of twilight—but it doesn’t hit true 24-hour sunlight like spots inside the Arctic Circle.
The midnight sun only happens north of the Arctic Circle (around 66.5° N), and Yellowknife sits at 62.4° N. Even though it’s marketed as part of the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” the city never sees full 24-hour daylight. Instead, you get long evening light and short nights through the summer.
What is Canada’s smallest province?
Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) is Canada’s smallest province, both in size and population.
P.E.I. covers just 5,660 square kilometers and is famous for its red soil, dramatic coastlines, and farming—especially potatoes. It’s connected to New Brunswick by the Confederation Bridge, one of the world’s longest continuous multispan bridges, built back in 1997.
Who owns Nunavut?
Nunavut is a self-governing territory owned and run by the Inuit people under a historic land claim deal with Canada.
Nunavut officially launched on April 1, 1999, after the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement—the largest Indigenous land settlement in Canadian history. Under that deal, the Inuit gained control over 350,000 km² of land, $1.17 billion in payments over 14 years, plus self-government powers in many areas.
What was Canada originally called?
Canada started out as “New France” in the early 1600s, though the name “Canada” originally referred only to the area along the St. Lawrence River.
French explorers borrowed the word “Canada” from the Iroquoian term “kanata,” meaning “settlement” or “village.” By the early 1600s, the whole French-controlled territory in North America became New France with Canada at its heart. After Britain took over in 1763 and Confederation in 1867, the name “Canada” stuck.
Who lives in Nunavut Canada?
As of 2026, Nunavut has about 42,000 people, with roughly 85 percent identifying as Inuit.
It’s the most Inuit-majority place on Earth. Over half the population is under 25, showing a young, growing demographic. Small villages dot the Arctic landscape, and Iqaluit serves as the capital and largest city. Most residents live in coastal communities, relying on hunting, fishing, and government work for their livelihoods.
Why did BC join Canada?
British Columbia joined Canada in 1871 mainly to get financial help for building railways and roads—and to avoid getting swallowed by the U.S.
The colony was deep in debt from rail projects and had a tiny population. By joining Confederation, it secured federal cash for infrastructure and kept its British-style government. At the time, the U.S. was expanding west, so staying part of Canada offered political stability too.
Why did NWT join Canada?
The Northwest Territories (NWT) joined Canada in 1870 after Canada bought Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory from the Hudson’s Bay Company.
That purchase, finalized through the Rupert’s Land Act and Deed of Surrender, hugely expanded Canada’s territory. The goal was to assert control over the North and encourage settlement farther west. The NWT became Canada’s first territory and the foundation for later northern development.
Why did Yukon join Canada?
Yukon became a Canadian territory in 1898 because the Klondike Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of prospectors flooding into the region.
The rush that started in 1896–1899 turned the area upside down, so the government carved out a separate territory to keep order and manage the boom. Yukon’s borders were drawn to include the goldfields, and it became a territory to handle governance and build up infrastructure fast.
Is Yellowknife safe?
Yes, Yellowknife is considered safe, with very low violent crime and a small, tight community.
You’ll run into petty theft now and then—especially downtown near bars and hotels—but serious violent crime is rare. The city has active community policing and good emergency services. Like any small city, standard precautions are smart, especially in quieter spots.
Is Yellowknife a safe place to live?
Yes, Yellowknife is a safe place to call home, with crime rates well below those in bigger Canadian cities.
The city has a strong community feel, reliable emergency services, and almost no gang activity. While downtown can get a little rowdy at night, violent crime stays uncommon. Many residents say safety is one of the top reasons they choose to live there despite the remote location.
Why is Yellowknife expensive?
Housing costs drive Yellowknife’s high cost of living, often eating up over 30 percent of household budgets.
Everything has to be flown or trucked in during the short access season, so prices for food, building supplies—you name it—skyrocket. Add limited housing stock and tough northern construction conditions, and the bills pile up fast. Wages are higher to match, but rarely enough to cover the real cost.
