Travel

A Jonathon Hawes Guide to the Canadian North in Winter

The Canadian North is breathtaking in a way that’s impossible to put into words. It’s not just about the snow-capped mountains or the endless tundra—it’s about the feeling of being somewhere completely untouched, where the world feels bigger, quieter, and more magical than you ever imagined.

Luxury, Adventure & the Unimaginable Beauty of the Arctic

There are places in this world that are so vast, so untouched, and so breathtakingly beautiful that they remind you just how small you are. The Canadian North is one of those places.

I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time up north, and when I was 18, I worked as a flight attendant for Canadian North for a few months. It was an experience that let me see firsthand how people truly live in the Arctic—in conditions that would make most city dwellers crumble, yet with a warmth and resilience that is uniquely Northern. And while I’ve seen many stunning places in my life, I can confidently say: the North is unimaginably beautiful.

There’s something about the vast, frozen tundra, the way the Aurora Borealis dances in the sky like a living watercolor, and the silence—so deep and so pure, it’s almost sacred. This isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience of a lifetime.So let’s embrace the cold, bundle up in the coziest cashmere, and explore the wild beauty of the Canadian territories in true Jonathon Hawes fashion—luxuriously, of course.

Where to Stay: The Best Luxury Lodges & Hotels in the North

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: The Best Base for Northern Lights

Blachford Lake Lodge – Fly-in only, totally remote, and one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights while soaking in an outdoor hot tub.
Aurora Village – A luxurious glamping-style retreat with private heated glass domes for watching the Northern Lights in warmth and style.

Whitehorse, Yukon: Gateway to the Arctic & Stunning Wilderness

Inn on the Lake – Rustic, elegant, and perfectly positioned for a cozy, high-end wilderness retreat.
Northern Lights Resort & Spa – Scandinavian-style chalets, an outdoor spa, and direct views of the aurora from your bed.

Nunavut: The True Arctic Experience

Frobisher Inn, Iqaluit – The most comfortable hotel in Nunavut, with warm hospitality and stunning Arctic views.

A One-Week Itinerary Through the Territories in Winter

Day 1: Arrive in Yellowknife & Get Cozy

Check into Blachford Lake Lodge – Because if you’re going to experience the Arctic, you might as well do it in complete luxury.
Lunch at Bullock’s Bistro – Famous for its ridiculously fresh fish and cozy, cabin-like charm.
Explore Old Town Yellowknife – Stroll through boutique galleries filled with Inuit art and handmade crafts.
Dinner at Thornton’s Wine & Tapas Room – Unexpectedly refined dining in the heart of the North.
Nighttime Northern Lights Viewing – Watch the aurora swirl across the sky from your private outdoor hot tub.

Day 2: Dog Sledding & Arctic Adventure

Morning Dog Sledding Experience – Because if you haven’t mushed a team of huskies across a frozen lake, have you even been to the North?
Lunch at The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery – Cozy, rustic, and the perfect place to warm up with local craft beer.
Afternoon Snowmobiling Across the Tundra – Nothing but the sound of snow crunching beneath your sled and an endless stretch of frozen wilderness ahead.
Dinner at The Explorer Hotel’s Trader’s Grill – Alberta beef, Arctic char, and locally foraged ingredients, all served fireside.

Day 3-4: Whitehorse & the Yukon Wilderness

Fly to Whitehorse & check into Northern Lights Resort & Spa.
Afternoon Visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve – See caribou, bison, and Arctic foxes in their natural habitat.
Dinner at Wayfarer Oyster House – Surprisingly chic for the Yukon, with impeccable seafood and handcrafted cocktails.
Northern Lights Viewing from Your Private Chalet – Because watching the aurora in a plush robe with a glass of wine is the only way to do it.

Day 4: Winter Wilderness Adventure

Morning Snowshoeing at Miles Canyon – The deep blue river cutting through the snowy landscape is something out of a painting.
Lunch at Baked Café & Bakery – The perfect little spot for warm, homemade bread and hearty soups.
Afternoon at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs – Hot mineral pools in the middle of the snowy wilderness? Yes, please.
Dinner at Antoinette’s Restaurant – A hidden gem with a Yukon-meets-Caribbean menu—unexpected but delightful.

Day 5-6: The Edge of the World – Iqaluit, Nunavut

Fly to Iqaluit & check into the Frobisher Inn.
Lunch at The Granite Room – A cozy, well-loved spot for fresh Arctic char and muskox stew.
Afternoon Ice Fishing on Frobisher Bay – Experience the Inuit tradition of fishing through a frozen hole in the sea ice.
Dinner at Black Heart Café – Small, warm, and known for the best coffee in the Arctic.

Day 6: A True Arctic Adventure

Morning Dog Sledding with Local Inuit Guides.
Visit the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum – A fascinating collection of Inuit artifacts and artwork.
Lunch at The Storehouse Bar & Grill – The best (and maybe only) pub in town.
Dinner at Big Racks Barbecue – Because sometimes, you just need a proper plate of ribs, even in the Arctic.

Day 7: A Slow Goodbye in Whitehorse

Fly back to Whitehorse for one last night at Inn on the Lake.
Spend the afternoon in the cozy lounge, sipping mulled wine by the fire.
Farewell dinner at G & P Steakhouse & Pizza – Unexpectedly excellent steak in the middle of the Yukon? Yes.

What to Eat: The Must-Try Northern Specialties

Arctic Char – Delicate, buttery, and as fresh as it gets.
Bannock – A staple Indigenous fry bread that pairs with everything.
Muskox & Caribou – A taste of the North, often served slow-roasted or in stews.
Fireweed Honey – Sweet, floral, and unique to the Yukon.
Birch Syrup – Like maple syrup, but richer and more complex.