While we don’t have a formal film permitting system in the NWT permits, proof of insurance and documented permissions may be needed if crews are planning to film in specific jurisdictions, on traditional land; publically owned land or property; protected areas or historical sites; territorial highways, ice roads or airports; or observing wildlife.
The NWT Film Commission is here to help production teams navigate those cases, and guide you through any regional and municipal filming requirements that may be needed for your project. Please contact the office of the Film Commissioner if you need assistance.
Filming in Yellowknife
Production crews will need a filming license to shoot on municipally-owned land in Yellowknife. The Department of Communications and Economic Development is responsible for licensing and Production Information Form applications must be received well in advance before the filming start date.
Filming Guidelines, Filming License Agreement and Hold Harmless Agreement offer more information on filming in Yellowknife.
Orderly Use of Highway Permit Application (Road Closures)
Filming in Inuvik
The Town of Inuvik has a filming and photography policy for the community which is free of charge. If you are interested in filming in Inuvik, the Town of Inuvik's Tourism & Economic Development Department can provide assistance with questions and applications requests. For more information, please refer to:
Town of Inuvik – Filming and Photography Section
Town of Inuvik Filming & Photography Policy
Town of Inuvik Filming & Photography Application Form
Filming in the Gwich'in Settlement Region
(Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik)
The Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) requires that film and television productions taking place within the Gwich'in Settlement Region may be required to complete the GTC's Filmmakers Application Form.
Filming in Tuktoyaktuk
The Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk has a filming and photography policy for the community. Production teams interested in shooting in the hamlet need to send all inquiries and applications to the Senior Administrative Officer, or the Manager of Community and Recreation Programs.
The policy’s definition of ‘land’ includes roads and right of ways, facilities, parks and public spaces. The full terms of the policy, including application requirements, are outlined in Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk Filming Policy.
Filming on Traditional Land & Indigenous Communities
If you’re thinking about filming on traditional lands in the NWT, please read our Indigenous Land information guideline, which includes a list of NWT communities as well as regional contact information.
You can also refer to On-Screen Protocols & Pathways, an information-rich media production guide to working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. It was created for use by screen-storytellers and production companies wishing to feature First Nations, Métis or Inuit people in their films, television programs and digital media content. The document also highlights rules around including content or concepts like traditional or contemporary cultures, knowledge or intellectual property in their projects.
Filming Wildlife
Wildlife Observation Permits may be needed if you plan to film or interact with big game species like caribou, wolves, muskox or other wildlife in the NWT. More information is available from the NWT’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
If you are surveying wildlife from an aircraft, please:
- do not fly below 1,000 feet (304.8 metres);
- obey Transport Canada regulations;
- find out where outfitter camps are located and avoid them during hunting season;
- avoid barren-ground caribou calving grounds during calving season;
- do not take-off or land in a calving area during calving season;
- do not chase or harass wildlife by flying too close; and
- respect our wildlife - keep to a safe altitude.
Flying close enough to an animal so that it runs away is too close!
Brochure: Flying Low? Think Again...
Filming in National Parks
Parks Canada issues permits to production teams interested in filming in national parks. A film/photography permit must be received to Parks Canada well in advance to production. The permit may include filming conditions and any additional requirements needed, before production can start. Projects with a crew size of 6 or fewer can apply under Small Scale Registration.
Nahanni National Park Reserve Film/Photography Permit Information The Naha Dehé Consensus Team (NDCT) is a group that works with Parks Canada to manage Nahanni National Park Reserve. The NDCT is made up of representatives from the Nahʔą Dehé Dene Band, Dehcho First Nations, Sahtu Dene and Métis, and Parks Canada. The NDCT's main tasks include: Preparing an Ecological Integrity Statement, Reviewing the Park Management Plan, Preparing an Interim Park Management Arrangement, and Preparing a Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Park Expansion. You can contact the Naha Dehe Consensus Team through Jonas Antoine, the Dehcho representative for the Nahanni Expansion Working Group at (867) 695-2355.
Wood Buffalo National Park Film/Photography Permit Information
Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve Film/Photography Permit Information
Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve
Filming in Territorial Parks
Filming within a territorial park may require a Commercial Use Permit. You can obtain the permit by contacting the regional Tourism and Parks office.
Filming in Territorial Protected Areas
Applications for GNWT-issued permits for activities within protected areas are reviewed by the territorial protected area management board. Apply well in advance of production as a management board may not meet frequently. In addition to other permits or requirements, filming within a territorial protected area may require a Protected Areas Permit. The permit may include filming conditions and additional requirements before production can start. The requirements for Protected Areas Permits is included within Regulations under the GNWT’s Protected Areas Act. Please contact the Conservation Planning and Implementation Unit at the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ConservationPlanning@gov.nt.ca) to obtain advice on filming in territorial protected areas.
Filming with Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
In 2019, Transport Canada published new rules for flying drones in Canada. The new rules and laws governing UAV flights is now in effect.
Transport Canada outlines the required rules to fly a drone in its Drone Safety infographic.
All pilots of drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must get a drone pilot certificate.
Pilots conducting basic operations need a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations.
Pilots conducting advanced operations need a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.
All drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada. Pilots must mark their drones with their registration number before they fly.
Filming on Public Highways, Ice and Winter Roads, Airports and Ferries
The Department of Infrastructure requires permits for all production on public highways, ice and winter roads, airports, and ferries in the NWT. Applications need to be received 10 business days before filming starts, and should outline the scope of the project, including locations and dates of filming. The permit may include filming conditions and any additional requirements needed, before production can start.
Through the application process, the Department of Infrastructure can:
- Provide details on conditions and requirements
- Provide advice on film/photography opportunities and locations
- Assist with arranging interviews with department staff if needed
If you’re thinking about filming in any of these areas, please email the Department of Infrastructure for more information.