Exploring Canada’s Territories? Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon
Why not let yourself be tempted by Canada’s territories ?
Which province(s) are you thinking of immigrating to ? Why not consider settling in one of Canada’s three territories, stretching from the Northwest to the Northeast of the country ?
We present these three territories to help you make your choice : Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.
What they have in common : vast open spaces with wild, breathtaking nature, and the chance to live alongside warm and welcoming residents. They boast a rich historical heritage and offer countless activities to enjoy !
If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll adore these three territories where you can be close to nature and even witness spectacular northern lights.
As a French speaker, several immigration options are available to you.
Nunavut
Some facts about Nunavut
Nunavut is one of Canada’s largest territories, with an area of over 2 million km² ! If you love wide open spaces, Nunavut will surely appeal to you.
The territory offers stunning landscapes : located near the Arctic Ocean, it borders the famous Hudson Bay.
The population is primarily Inuit, making up 85% of the residents. The territory has about 35,944 inhabitants, mostly concentrated in the capital, Iqaluit.
Notably, only 12% of the population are Nunavummiut (people born in Nunavut); the rest come mainly from other provinces or territories in Canada.
With its small population and breathtaking nature, Nunavut is becoming increasingly attractive. It has the highest population growth rate among the territories, with a 12.7% increase, making it the territory with the youngest population in Canada. In 2016, about 30% of its residents were under 14 years old.
What about the climate?
If you’re not afraid of cold temperatures, you’ll appreciate Nunavut’s climate. Due to its Arctic location, winters are harsh, with temperatures around -30°C. In summer, the average temperature is only about 11°C.
However, the snowy landscapes, northern lights, and polar bears will likely make you forget the cold.
Francophonie in Nunavut
You won’t find many French speakers here, only about 630 people speak French, representing just 1.8% of the population.
Unsurprisingly, most residents are English-speaking. So, speaking English is essential if you plan to settle here.
There is, however, a French-language school in the capital, Iqaluit: École des Trois-Soleils. For older students, a post-secondary institution with three campuses is also located in Iqaluit.
The city of Iqaluit
Iqaluit is the most attractive city in the territory. Outside of pandemic times, it offers many activities such as dog sledding, visiting artisan shops, art exhibitions, igloo tours, snowshoeing or skiing, and local restaurants not to be missed.
For those who enjoy nightlife, festivals and concerts are held in the capital, along with traditional performances.
Job sectors that are hiring
Professionally, more than half of the residents work for the Territorial or Federal Government.
It’s the main employer in Nunavut, offering jobs in health, administration, environment, social services, and finance.
Unique Facts
Wondering what sets Nunavut apart from other territories? Here are a few fun facts :
- Snowmobiles are more common than cars!
- Taxi fares are fixed at $7, no matter the destination.
Northwest Territories
Some facts about theNorthwest Territories
It is the most populated territory in Northern Canada. It’s bordered by Nunavut to the east and Yukon to the west. It spans 1.3 million km² and is home to over 41,000 people.
The population is primarily Indigenous, making up more than half of the residents.
The territory is divided into three regions: the Arctic Archipelago in the north, the Mackenzie Valley region, and the mainland Arctic.
The capital is Yellowknife, with 19,000 residents, making it the largest city in the territory.
The city of Yellowknife
The capital is known for its stunning landscapes, vast open spaces, and unique nature. You can see northern lights, visit lakes and forests, go boating, and enjoy many other activities that make it feel like a vacation spot!
Downtown, you’ll find galleries, bars, shops, and excellent restaurants. It’s a small, vibrant city where you’ll be warmly welcomed by locals.
Francophonie
Good news: French is one of the 11 official languages of the territory.
There are about 1,240 French speakers, mainly in Yellowknife. Most are originally from Quebec and Acadia. In the capital, you’ll find services and activities offered in French. There are even three dedicated newcomer services to help you integrate.
For your children, you’ll have the choice between two French-language schools:
– Allain St Cyr in Yellowknife;
– Boréale in Hay River.
For older students, consider the Collège nordique francophone, also located in Yellowknife.
Job sectors that are hiring
Several professional sectors are actively hiring in the territory. You can work in healthcare, education, or social support services.
The territory’s economy is now primarily based on mineral resource extraction, energy, construction, services, and tourism (outside of pandemic periods).
Unique Facts
Wondering what sets the most populated northern Canadian territory apart from the others? Here are a few unique features :
- The capital, Yellowknife, has three active diamond mines, earning it the nickname “Diamond Capital of North America.”
- Dreaming of seeing the northern lights ? Head to the capital, often called the northern lights viewing city. The best time to see them is from September to March.
Yukon
Some facts about Yukon
“Yukon” means “great river”, referring to its famous river.
The territory borders Alaska and British Columbia. If you love mountain landscapes, you’ll love Yukon. It has 40,962 residents, with 70% living in the capital.
The territory is known for its river, breathtaking scenery, modern transportation, and professional opportunities. It’s a fun and high-quality place to live.
Due to its proximity to Alaska, Yukon has a continental climate: winters are harsh (around -20°C), but summers are pleasant (up to +20°C).
Fun fact: The coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada was in Snag, Yukon, at -63°C! Don’t worry, it was in 1947 and hasn’t been matched since.
The Capital: Whitehorse
If you love beautiful landscapes, wild nature, and wide-open spaces, Whitehorse is the place to settle.
Whitehorse is an attractive, welcoming city that embraces newcomers. You can see spectacular northern lights, go hiking, try fishing, or explore the city by dog sled in winter.
Outside of pandemic times, the city is lively and offers cultural events like concerts, festivals, and museum exhibitions. It’s a great place to live with plenty to do, you won’t get bored!
Trying to escape big-city pollution? Settle in Whitehorse, the UN ranked it among the cities with the cleanest air in the world.
Francophonie
Yukon is attracting more and more French speakers each year. There are 1,635 francophones, mostly in Whitehorse. Several integration-focused associations organize activities like happy hours, coffee meetups, and more!
The very active Association Franco-Yukonnaise aims to help newcomers integrate smoothly.
In terms of education, you’ll find three French-language schools. For older students, there’s Yukon College and the University of Yukon.
Despite the francophone presence, English is the main language spoken by 83.7% of the population.
Job sectors that are hiring
Yukon’s economy is mainly based on mining and tourism (outside of pandemic times).
Like Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, you can also find work in public administration, healthcare, and social services.
You’ll have better chances of finding a job during the summer vacation season.
Unique facts
Wondering what makes this territory different from other provinces and territories ? Here are a few fun facts :
You’re more likely to encounter moose than people, there are about 70,000 moose compared to 40,962 residents.
Yukon is as large as Spain, so there’s no shortage of things to explore.
Which immigration program should you choose for Canada’s Territories ?
If you want to settle in one of Canada’s three territories, your immigration program will depend on your profile, age, education, and work experience. There are several options.
One of the most popular among French-speaking immigrants is the Express Entry program, which leads to permanent residency. It’s a great option for francophones looking to settle in an English-speaking province.
Other options are available too ! If you’d like more information, contact our professionals.
In conclusion…
These three territories will undoubtedly offer you breathtaking landscapes, cultural discoveries, sporting adventures, and wildlife encounters. Despite the small populations and cold temperatures, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the locals.
If these territories appeal to you, we’re happy to offer a free pre-assessment of your options. Whatever your project, our team of immigration professionals is always here to support you.
This article was last updated on April 12, 2021.