Camping in the Arctic autumn: A how-to guide

In the Northwest Territories, fall can be forbidding. Yet for many visitors to the region, it's their favorite time to camp, as some territorial parks remain open through the middle or end of September.

Here's a suggested packing list:

Should I bring a headlamp?

During the summer it's bright 24/7 in the Arctic, so your flashlight or headlamp often ends up staying home. But come autumn, darkness stages a comeback and your light gets to come out and play, so be sure to pack a good headlamp or flashlight. Northerners often go for the most powerful option: headlamps that blaze at 1,000 lumens or more, transforming the night into day.

Will I want to bring a camera?

In the North, autumn is ablaze with color, so you'll definitely want to bring a camera! Whether you're up in the Mackenzie Mountains or out on the Barrenlands, the flora and foliage will be a canvas of crimson and gold—a stellar scene for keen shutterbugs. Better yet, birds and caribou are on the move in the fall. If you're lucky, you might get to take their portrait.

Do I need bear spray when camping in the Arctic?

This time of year, bears engage in what scientists call hyperphagia, which means they’re pigging out in preparation for their long winter sleep. So yes, stay vigilant and bring bear spray, keep a clean camp, and pay attention to fresh tracks or scat. (Pro tip: Make sure your bear spray isn’t expired and practise using it. That way you’ll be quick on the trigger if a bear wanders into camp.)

What about a winter hat and mittens?

While you’re setting up camp, 50 °F may feel balmy, but once you’re sitting still, it can actually feel quite chilly. You can’t overdress for autumn camping. Long underwear, gloves and a fuzzy hat will provide that extra layer and help you to stay up late, sipping wine and watching the aurora borealis do its dance. Plus, you’ll be the hero the next morning when you emerge from your frosty tent and make coffee for your shivering friends.

Should I bring hot cocoa?

Hot drinks are the blissful secret to fall camping. There's nothing cozier than huddling around the fire with a mug of something hot and sweet to warm you from the inside out. If you're not into cocoa, you can’t go wrong with warming apple cider in a pot over the fire and adding in a sachet of mulling spices for extra warmth.

Do I need a canoe?

Yes, bring a canoe if you can! Winter will arrive faster than you think—and when it does, you're going to wish you'd spent more time out paddling before it got cold. While the water is still liquid, cram in as much boating time as you can. Your soul will thank you.

How about a water bottle?

Yes, bring a water bottle, but for a different reason than you think. Before you go to bed, fill the bottle with hot water. Then stick the bottle inside a woolly sock and place it inside the foot of your sleeping bag. Advantage 1: Toasty toes all night along. Advantage 2: Warm water for the kettle the next morning.

Will I need bug spray?

Actually, nope! Fall camping in the Northwest Territories is blissfully bug-free. As the temperature drops, the mosquitoes of the summer disappear. 

All set? Visit the NWT Parks website to book a campsite at a territorial park.

Oh, a few more things...

What's the aurora forecast?

In autumn, the northern sky is lit. There's nothing better than kicking back on a Therm-a-Rest, listening to the loons wail and watching the heavens go crazy. Pay attention to the northern lights forecast for the Northwest Territories and you can time your camping trip to enjoy maximal auroral activity.

What about bonfires?

During the hot, bright summer, campfires just don't seem that special. In autumn, though, you'll be stoking up the flames. There's nothing better than huddling around a radiant blaze while the sparks fly up to the sky. Bring some newspaper to help you get that fire started.