The ‘land of the midnight sun’, Northern Canada covers nearly 40 per cent of the land mass of the entire country but yet less than one per cent of the population call this region home. The reason for this is the severe weather and cold temperature. The region forms part of the Arctic Circle and temperatures vary between minus five and minus 40 degrees Celsius. Summers are very short with temperatures between seven and 18 degrees Celsius and 19 hours of sunlight.
As you can imagine, Northern Canada isn’t for everyone but if you’re open to new experiences and challenges, this region has something very unique to offer visitors and students.
What is Northern Canada like?
Location and demographics
As can be seen from the map below, Northern Canada borders Western Canada and the Prairie Provinces of this large country. It is made up of three territories:
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
In terms of the 120,000+ people who live in the Northern region, many live in the three capitals of the territories. The region has a very large Indigenous population made up of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.
- 86 per cent of the 40, 000+ people in Nunavut are Indigenous peoples.
- 51 per cent of the 45,500+ people in the Northwest Territories are Indigenous peoples.
- 23 per cent of the 43,7800+ people in Yukon are Indigenous peoples.
As a result of immigration there are also people from the Philippines, Germany, China, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA among others.
Nunavut is made up of hundreds of islands reaching all the way to the North Pole. It is the only territory where over 70 per cent of the population don’t speak English or French.
Culture and history
The First Nations, Metis and Inuit people arrived in the region many thousands of years ago. Although European colonisers had arrived in Northern USA and other regions of Canada, very few Europeans settled in the region as the land was considered too harsh and difficult. Some French and British fur traders migrated north to Canada and then westward from the Atlantic coast.
In the late 1600s the British claimed ownership of most of the northern part of North America. Two hundred years later the British sold the land to the recently established government of Canada. The large expanse of land was divided into regions and provinces, the last of which were the Northwest Territories in 1870, Yukon in 1898 and Nunavut which separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999.
In the late 1800s gold was discovered in the Klondike River in Yukon. This discovery led to the area being flooded by people from all over the world hoping to find some of the precious metal, quickly creating an urban area filled with apartments and shops. This history has led to this territory becoming today the most urban, modernised of the three territories relying heavily on tourism. Nunavut on the other hand has very little European influence and what small communities that exist there, these are quite poor and rural.
What cities are in Northern Canada?
There are very few cities in this part of Canada. Here are the main ones:
- Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon and is famous for the Klondike Gold Rush. It has everything from 700kms of trails to explore to coffee shops and museums.
- Yellowknife is the capital and the only city in the Northwest Territories. It’s well known as the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
- Iqaluit has a population of nearly 8,000 people, is the only city in Nunavut and is rich in Inuit culture.
These cities are very different from the top cities in Canada for international students but are very much worth visiting.
How much does it cost to live in Northern Canada?
Surprisingly, the cost of living in this region is expensive everything considered. In general, however, you should consider budgeting around CAD 1,080 per month. Remember to also include the cost of flying home for the holidays and travelling. For more detailed information, read about how much it costs to study in Canada.
What services are there in Northern Canada?
An important service for international students is healthcare. All international students registered on a full-time course for more than 12 months can apply for Northwest Territories Health Care Card which gives you the right to free basic health care.
Public transport between the different territories isn’t easy, you would need to really have a car and to fly. Yukon is a major transport hub but the other two territories are more difficult to access. For example in Nunavut there are no roads or railway, air travel is the main way for visitors to access Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay. Communities in Northwest Territories are connected by car. You can also take your car upriver on the car ferry.
What are the post-study options?
Although a remote region, the three territories have diamond mines, and gas and oil reserves and a healthy tourism industry so there is much potential for the region and for its graduates. The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) was set up to support social and economic development of the region. There are major international companies such as McDonalsds, Walmart and TD Bank among others in the region.
For a more detailed guide to the system, read our advice on how to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.
Inspired? Discover the top five graduate jobs in Canada.
What universities are in Northern Canada?
It is little surprise that the region does not have many universities, in fact there is only one in Yukon. Yukon University in Whitehorse has small class sizes and competitive tuition fees. The courses on offer for international students vary from Pathway programmes to Aviation Management, Earth Sciences and Renewable Resources Management.
What are the main attractions in Northern Canada?
As you can imagine, the landscape and the great outdoors plays a major feature in this region but before heading there, you could visit the MacBride Museum to get a better understanding of the area’s history and First Nations peoples.
Outdoors you can hire a mountain bike, download the Whitehorse Trail Guide app and go cycling down the many trails of Whitehorse. There’s also paddling down the Yukon river, hiking, dogsledding and ice fishing for you to try.
What must you see in Northern Canada?
It is not very surprising that the must-sees of this region are examples of its stunning nature. Here are just a few:
- Great Bear Lake in Northwest Territories is the largest lake in Canada (it’s 31,328km2) and the eighth largest in the world.
- Rabbit Kettle Hot Springs in Nahanni Park Reserve are natural hot springs and are only accessible through guided tours.
- Nahanni National Park is part of UNESCO World Heritage. The park is set along the South Nahanni River which is ‘one of the most spectacular wild rivers in North America.’ UNESCO. The park has deep canyons, large waterfalls and caves among many other amazing features.
- Northern Lights – these are a must on everyone’s bucket list and you’ll be sure to see the Aurora Borealis in Yukon and Northwest Territories. You may even see them on your visit to Whitehorse as seen in the image below.
Northern Canada may not have the vibrant, metropolitan cities of Central and Atlantic Canada but it has something far more unique to offer its visitors and international students. It would definitely be an experience of a lifetime.
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