We have entered the time of year we all wait for: longer days, warmer sunshine and the season when good things start growing. That couldn't be more true in the Northwest Territories, where summer brings endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the land and its many flavours. From lively culinary festivals and refreshing brews to freshly caught fish and Northern stories baked into a cookie, there's no shortage of delicious discoveries waiting in the Northwest Territories. Are you ready to go where the days are even longer?
Read on to discover 5 delicious opportunities to taste what the Northwest Territories are all about this summer!
This yearly event is organized by the Territorial Agrifood Association and features a host of events taking place over a period of four days from July 23rd to 26th. Revelers can opt to join one of the multi-course dinners brought to life by talented chefs, take part in a market garden tour, participate in a medicine walk or enjoy a community feast. A street festival comes to life with local restaurants and food vendors, live music and plenty of activities. It is a Yellowknife culinary celebration not to be missed!
This year, a special competition will be taking place: The Great NWT Cookie Quest. On the hunt to find the cookie that represents the North through flavours, traditions and stories, live judging will take place during the festival for submitted recipes to crown the best cookie of them all.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer after a day of adventuring and exploring. Whether you’ve spent the day fishing, paddling, or immersing yourself in Yellowknife’s wild surroundings, head to NWT Brewing Co. for a taste of the North. Try a local favourite like a Kicksled Cream Ale, Ragged Pine Pale Ale, or Bug Repellent IPA while planning your next day’s adventures.
The on-site Woodyard Eatery will make sure you’re fuelled up for what comes next, serving up hearty favourites like burgers, cheesesteaks, and yes—even mac ‘n’ cheese.
Yellowknife’s Tastes of the North Store is your chance to stock up on goods from across the territory, whether they’ve been farmed, fished, or foraged. Featuring products that are made, grown, harvested and processed in the NWT, it’s an entry point to discovering the territory’s agri-food sector while stocking up on all things delicious.
From frozen foods and ready-to-eat meals to a curated selection of products celebrating local ingredients and flavours, the store offers a taste of the North to enjoy at home.
A great way to get a local taste of the community is by visiting one of the territory’s farmers markets. Head to the Arctic Market in Inuvik, the Yellowknife Farmers Market, or the Desnedé Farmers Market in Fort Smith to discover fresh produce and regional delights. With plenty of greenhouses and small farms across the NWT, you’ll find locally grown ingredients alongside a variety of unique products that showcase the flavours of the North.
Looking for fresh fish? Head to Vale Island in Hay River, where the weekly Saturday summer market at Fisherman's Wharf showcases local produce, handmade crafts, and the town's renowned Great Slave Lake whitefish. Be sure to try the freshly fried whitefish—it's worth the trip alone and a delicious reminder of why Hay River is known as the Whitefish Capital of Canada.
A great way to experience local culture in the NWT is attending a community feast. Keep an eye on local event calendars, community posts and announcements for opportunities to take part in these gatherings, which often feature traditional dishes and local ingredients. Community feasts are usually held around special events and celebrations, so asking locals when you arrive can be a helpful way to find out when the next feast will take place. You never know what you might stumble upon.
Are You Ready to Taste What the North Has to Offer?
Whether you're exploring Yellowknife or venturing farther across the Northwest Territories, every destination offers a chance to experience the region through its food. From vibrant community celebrations and local ingredients to unforgettable regional flavours, each meal tells a story of culture, connection and place. Looking for more inspiration? Discover what makes the Northwest Territories truly spectacular.
