yellowknife tourism website

Growing Tourism in Yellowknife

Tourism is a big deal – not just for hotels, restaurants and tour operators but for everyone who lives here. In fact tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Yellowknife economy. There are hundreds of local jobs in tourism and scores of local businesses that wouldn’t exist without tourists. To continue to grow tourism in NWT communities the Government of the Northwest Territories has passed legislation to allow tax based towns and cities to collect a levy on the daily cost of visitor accommodations.

Yellowknife Accommodation Levy

Let's get behind a NWT Accommodation Levy!

Over 100,000 visitors travelled to the NWT between October 2016 and September 2017 spending more than $200 million!

To continue to grow tourism in the City of Yellowknife a levy of UP TO 4% will be collected on short-term accommodations.

• Levy Resources

Survey Results Support Levy

Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)

Almost all large cities in Canada have created Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to diversify and strengthen their economies. These lean marketing organizations fill in the gap between the marketing efforts of individual tour operators and hotels and the larger tourism organizations that brand and market a whole province or territory. 

• DMO Resources

Your Questions & Answers

News and updates

On october 28, 2018 the government of nwt passed bill 18..

The City of Yellowknife plans to collect a levy of UP TO 4% on all short term accommodations. These funds will support the creation of a Destination Marketing Organization whose primary function...

What is happening with the levy in October 2018

Bill 18 - An act to amend the Cities, Towns and Villages Act to authorize councils to impose a tax on tourist accommodations. Bill 18 has had its third...

Can the Levy Support a Visitors Centre?

We all have heard about the fate of the NFVA/Visitors Centre and the need for a new building to provide visitor services. We’ve received some questions about whether or not the Levy funds could be...

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Visitors Guide

Take a flip through the City of Yellowknife's 2024 Visitors Guide   for travel tips, maps of Yellowknife , activity suggestions and much more!

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• Yellowknife Tours
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Yellowknife Visitor Centre and Information

In the past year, the Yellowknife visitor information services have changed. The Northern Frontier Visitors Association has dissolved and no longer operates the Northern Frontier Visitor Centre. The City of Yellowknife has since opened a temporary Visitor Centre inside City Hall. To help you find the information you are looking for we have pulled together some of the resources that provide visitor information.

City of Yellowknife Visitor Information Centre

This is the City of Yellowknife operated Visitor Information Centre which recently re-opened in the Centre Square Mall in downtown Yellowknife.

Location: Centre Square Mall, 5014 – 49th Street Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

At this location, you can speak directly with a City of Yellowknife tourism councillor, find brochures for local tour operators and collect your very own City of Yellowknife Pin.

Photo: City of Yellowknife Facebook Page

Northwest Territories Tourism

Northwest Territories Tourism uses the brand name Spectacular NWT and is the Destination Marketing Organization for all of the Northwest Territories. On their website, spectacularnwt.com , you can find local information on Yellowknife operators and request a Northwest Territories Explorer Guide.

Yellowknife Online

Yellowknife Online, ykonline.ca , is a free online website aimed at providing practical and relevant information for visitors and residents. The website is full of content on things to do, places to see and how to access information. If you don’t see the information you are looking for you can contact us and we’d be happy to help.

Downloadable Information

The City of Yellowknife also produces an annual Visitors Guide. The guide provides additional information on local tour operators and businesses.

Find it on their website here .

More Resources

If there are any other websites or online resources for visitor information on Yellowknife, please leave us a comment or send us a message.

About the author

Kyle Thomas

Kyle grew up in Yellowknife and is a local entrepreneur, writer, baker, and Yellowknife Advocate who is addicted to learning as much as he can about the community and sharing it with anyone who'll listen. In 2009 he developed YkOnline.ca. A website all about living, working and thriving in Yellowknife for residents, newcomers, and visitors.

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[…] in terms of restaurants, bars and coffee shops? We have done our best with the help of the Yellowknife Visitor Centre and the Bite me Yellowknife Facebook group to put together a list of what eateries are open, […]

[…] Some maps might be available at the Visitor Centre. […]

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Welcome to the Yellowknife Visitor's Centre!

Yellowknife has an inviting new home for its visitor's centre, located right in the heart of downtown. The centre's grand opening took place in September 2022.

The space highlights aspects of the history of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Yellowknife's mining heritage, including a gold-flecked path directing visitors around the centre. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation also provided guidance on incorporating elements of the northern boreal forest into the centre's design. Hints of nature are evident all around the centre with a moss wall and wood elements.

Once inside, visitors can access the tourism information they need about attractions, events, tours and local services. Tourist amenities include a row of tablets set up for visitors to explore online tourism resources and book trips or adventure experiences provided by tourism operators; pamphlets; an aurora simulator; and a professional non-commercial gallery space that highlights the works of northern and Indigenous artists.

CanNor continued with its support for the tourism industry by stepping up to help fund the visitor centre's design and engineering fees, and part of the required renovation work. Overall, the renovation enhanced visitor experiences and ensured accessibility at the Centre Square Mall location in downtown Yellowknife.

The Yellowknife Visitor Centre is a tourist hub and a starting point for visitors exploring Yellowknife, the North Slave region, and the rest of NWT.

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Yellowknife

Places to go

Northwest Territories

Travel to yellowknife.

As the capital city of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is known to be one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora Borealis and embark on an out-of-the-ordinary northern adventure. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city located under the Aurora Oval, Yellowknife sees the Northern Lights up to 240 nights of the year, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience this spectacular natural phenomenon. The Aurora isn’t the only breathtaking natural show in the NWT: in the summertime, warm nights are lit by the Midnight Sun, and the city comes alive with a variety of celebrations and festivals. During your visit to Yellowknife, you will be mesmerized by the warm northern hospitality, great food, and of course, awe-inspiring natural phenomena that make it a unique destination.

Things to do

Inspiring local experiences

5 daytime activities while you wait for the aurora

What to do in Yellowknife in the winter

11 best things about summer up north

Capturing the magic of the aurora

Itineraries.

Don’t miss the iconic spots and hidden gems. No matter where you go in Yellowknife, there are amazing itinerary ideas for you to explore.

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Yellowknife Travel Guide

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories capital is known as the diamond city above 60 parallel where life is just a bit different.

Table of Contents

Did you know

• The city of Yellowknife is nestled in the great Northwest Territories wilderness. In summer the sun stays up nearly 24 hours, which means long days of exploring this northern city and its surroundings.
• The name Yellowknife originates from a local Dene tribe known as the Yellowknives Dene, who used copper-bladed or yellow knives. In the Tlicho, Yellowknife is known as Somba K’e – “where the money is.
• Yellowknife is the Diamond Capital of Canada.
• Sunrise in Yellowknife on June 21 at 4:03 am and sunset at 10:55 pm.
• In winter it gets cold in Yellowknife. Temperatures can drop to -40 C or lower. The days are short with limited daylight. When the sun does come out it is bright and wonderful.
• Ice roads are real and an important part of the NWT transportation system in winter. If you’re up to the experience, take the Dettah Ice Road from the main dock in Old Town. To be safe, check the signage, and stick to the road.
• Houseboaters live on the lake all year round, whether the lake is frozen or not. The only thing that changes with the season is how they get home.

Getting there

• By Plane – Yellowknife Airport is located five kilometres west of the city along Highway 3. It is the hub of air travel in the Northwest Territories. Several regional and national airlines offer daily and weekly flights.
• By Road – Driving to Yellowknife got much easier after the Deh Cho Bridge was built spanning across the mighty MacKenzie River. You can access the Mackenzie Highway (NWT Highway 1) via Alberta’s Highway 35 or British Columbia’s Highway 77. From there take the Liard Highway (NWT Highway 7). From Edmonton Alberta , the driving distance is approximately 1,500 km which is about 20 hours of driving.

Getting around

You can pretty much walk anywhere or use the city’s bus service . The city and the airport have car rental firms and taxis available.

Or you can rent a bike from Old Town Glassworks, Overlander Sports, or Borealis Bike Tours.

History of Yellowknife

The Yellowknife Dene have lived and travelled in the region for centuries around the Yellowknife River and Yellowknife Bay. Today the Yellownives Dene live throughout the city and in two distinct settlements, Dettah and N’dilo.

Dettah is a small community with a population of 220, located east of the city across Yellowknife Bay, a 15 km drive from the city along the Ingrahm Trail. In winter, a 6 km ice road across Yellowknife Bay makes the drive considerably shorter.

N’dilo is located on the tip of Latham Island just past Old Town and is home to approximately 200 members of the Yellownives Dene First Nation.

Yellowknife was permanently settled after the discovery of large gold deposits in 1934 and became the capital of NWT in 1967. In 1970, Yellowknife was officially declared to be a city.

After 60 years of controlling the economy, the gold era eventually slowed down. As a result, the last mine stopped operation in 2004. Diamonds were discovered north of the city in 1991 and today three diamond gold mines are in operation. The city built on gold is now known as the “Diamond Capital of North America”.

Top things to see in Yellowknife

From the city centre take Franklin Avenue (50th Ave) and drive down the hill to Yellowknife’s Old Town. The first log and frame buildings were erected at this site in the 1930s. The roads are narrow. Look for the parking lot on your right. Along the narrow streets the Quonset huts, converted buses, original settler’s homes, old boats, and tiny shacks look quite unusual in a Canadian capital city.

In Willow Flats, East of Franklin Avenue you find the most unusual housing. Many buildings have signs telling the story about the building.

Wildcat Café

The Wildcat Cafe was built in 1937 and was thriving in the business of bush pilots, prospectors, and other early settlers of the Yellowknife area who came north in search of gold. It became the first ice cream emporium in 1939 but was later abandoned.

The restored heritage building is open to the public as a summer restaurant. Treat yourself to a specialty coffee or a meal.

Pilots Monument

The monument is atop The Rock above the Old Town and celebrates the aviators who helped build the North. Take the short hike up the six-story staircase and enjoy the 360-degree view of the city. From here you can watch floatplanes land and take off amongst the houseboats.

Ragged Ass Road

The short, unpaved residential street in the Old Town, Ragged Ass Road was named by Lou Rocher, who owned property along the road at the time. A season of poor prospecting left Rocher “ragged ass broke” and the street name was born.

The road has been declared one of the most famous streets in Canada. Singer Tom Cochrane’s 1995 album, Ragged Ass Road, includes a song about the road.

Houseboat Alley

The floating community in Yellowknife started in the 1970s when Tim Shandrick parked his home in Yellowknife BAY. Start your walk from Old Town’s public docks to reach the colourful houseboats of Yellowknife Bay.

Houseboaters live there year-round, canoeing to the mainland in summer and walking on the ice starting around mid-November.

Legislative Assembly

The glass-domed building on the shore of Frame Lake is anchored to the ground with an indigenous stone. Inside the building are wonderful displays of art sculptures and paintings.

Find out how decisions are made in the Northwest Territories and check out the unique territorial mace . If possible, try to take part in a tour and you won’t regret it.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Opened in 1979 by Prince Charles, the impressive building on the shore of Frame Lake houses artifacts and collections from across the Northwest Territories. It showcases the NWT’s culture and heritage and has various exhibits happening.

The building also houses the NWT archive, a large selection of historical documents mostly accessible to the public. You can easily spend a few hours here.

NWT Diamond Centre

That is why the NWT Diamond Centre was built. There you will find out how diamond mining has impacted the North. Tours are offered and you learn about the different steps that go into diamond mining and refining. You get to watch free diamond polishing demonstrations.

Yellowknife declares itself as the Diamond Capital of North America. The mines are only accessible by air or by driving 400 km on an ice road during winter. They are privately owned and not accessible to the public.

In Yellowknife, there is lots of action all year long. The Snowking Winter Festival is a glittering ice palace, the Folk on the Rocks Music Festival every July happens on the shores of Long Lake every year, the Midnight Sun Fly In is another one, and the list goes on.

Hiking Trails

Be sure to pack your hiking boots. Yellowknife has many beautiful trails suitable for walking, biking, hiking, and jogging. Carry water and bug spray and be prepared to see wildlife, including black bears.

• Frame Lake Trail – The 9 km path loops around Frame Lake and can be accessed from several locations, including City Hall, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, and the Legislative Assembly.
• Prospector’s Trail – This 4 km trail loops around Fred Henne Territorial Park.
• Niven Lake Trai l – The Niven Trail is 2 km long, circles a picturesque lagoon full of wildlife and is one of the best bird-watching areas in the city. The trail can be accessed by taking the sidewalk from the Explorer Hotel to the Chateau Nova.

Inquire at the  Visitor Centre about a trail map.

Northern Lights

Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to view the aurora borealis or northern lights. You have the best chance to see the aurora on cloudless nights from mid-November to the beginning of April.

Several tour operators offer aurora viewing combined with dog sledding and snowmobile excursions.

Yellowknife is warm and breezy in summer, cold in winter, and almost always dry and clear.

The average high in July is 21.3°C with perpetual daylight; March average temperatures are -12.5 °C with 12 hours of light.

Country Food

Wild meat, fish, berries, mushrooms, and birch syrup are some of the northern delicacies.

Caribou is the main source of food for many people in the region. Chefs in Yellowknife offer locally harvested meat and fish as part of their menu choices. You’ll find caribou, muskox, whitefish, and more in many Yellowknife restaurants.

Fruit and vegetables travel a long way to get to Yellowknife. By the time they arrive, they lose some of their freshness. Fresh produce costs double the price of what you pay in the South.

There is no lack of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and other watering holes in Yellowknife whether you want to feast on fresh fish from Great Slave Lake or indulge in international cuisine. The city has a vibrant dining scene filled with multicultural fare.

Summer Camping

Campsite information and reservations at https://www.nwtparks.ca/

Fred Henne Territorial Park

The park is located on the outskirts of town, across from the airport on Long Lake, and is the closest campground to the city. Fred Henne is the most expensive campground in the Northwest Territories. Shower facilities were not available at the time when I was there.

Important Tip! If you arrive on a weekend, make sure to book ahead. Most sites are booked by Yellowknivers all summer long.

The Fred Henne Territorial Park is the start and finish of the scenic, 4 km trek across the colourful ancient rock formations. Interpretive brochures are available to highlight some of the geological features of the area.

Prelude Lake Territorial Park

Prelude Lake Territorial Park is the park I recommend if you don’t mind the 28 km drive from Yellowknife. Along the beautiful Ingraham Trail Route , the park offers full campsite facilities, a small sandy beach, boat rentals, and beautiful hiking trails.

Ride Lake Territorial Park

Drive another 35 km from Prelude on the Ingrahm Trail Route to Ried Lake Provincial Park. This park is an excellent base camp for water sports and exploring the surrounding lake systems. The park offers non-powered campsite facilities and tent pads.

Yellowknife offers a large selection of accommodations from first-class hotels to Airbnb.

• Backcountry Accommodation Guide
• How to Find Cheap Accommodation on Sites like Airbnb

Useful tips

Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before heading for a journey north. The highways take you through isolated areas and service centres are few and far between. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to get to Yellowknife, but I would recommend one.

• Keep your gasoline tank as full as possible.
• Carry a good spare tire and car jack, first aid kit, tow rope, flares axe, knife, matches, and candles.
• Take along windshield fluid if you travel during summer – the amount of bugs make a mess of your windshield. Don’t forget the bug spray.
• Bring along food and water.
• In winter bring extra blankets, warm clothes, and a sleeping bag
• Watch out for wood bison. If you see them on the road, stop and let them pass.
• From Edmonton Alberta, the driving distance is approximately 1,500 km which is about 20 hours of driving. Try not to drive after nightfall. Bison frequently wander across the road and are hard to see. You don’t want to hit 1,500 kg.

NWT Highway Conditions

• For Highway Conditions visit www.gov.nt.ca

Yellowknife Visitor Information

• The Visitor Centre is located at City Hall, 4807-52nd Street, Yellowknife. Website: extraordinaryyk.com/
• Yellowknife Online

More about the North

• Northwest Territories Travel Guide
• 17 Best Towns in NWT to Visit
• 5 Epic Gravel Travel Highways in Canada’s North

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Fort Resolution

Tuktoyaktuk

The Ingraham Trail

Liard Trail

Heritage Route

Waterfalls Route

Wood Buffalo Route

Frontier Trail

Dempster Highway

Road trip planner

Wildlife Viewing Sites

Things to do in the north

How to keep safe on a solo road trip

Things to do

You are here, adventures, any time of the year.

The long days of summer encourage everyone to spend plenty of time out-of-doors. There are festivals featuring music, art and food. Play golf under the midnight sun. Take to the waters of Great Slave Lake on a fishing or sightseeing tour, complete with picnics on the sun warmed rocks surrounding Yellowknife Bay. Closer to town, climb the stairs to the Pilot's Monument, wander the byways of Old Town, the trails of new town or choose the Prospector's Trail at Fred Henne Park.

When winter hits, oh baby! Its cold outside! Don a down parka, some warm boots, a toque and mitts, and you'll hardly notice the temperature! The snow is clean and dry and crunchy under foot. Get out and enjoy it! Soar across a snow-covered lake behind a dog team, our dog mushers are world champions, who'll make you right at home on a dogsled. Drive a snowmobile on a day-long trip through the forest and across lakes to a cozy lodge or camp. Guided tours are available, check the listings under Tours and Packages.

Cross country skiing is popular and Yellowknife's Ski Club is the center of activity. Rent skis and try out our Ski Club trails, the site of international competitions. Or fly out to a lodge for a weekend of skiing - and relaxing in a hot tub under the northern lights.

For a listing of upcoming cultural events in the city, please visit our event calender at http://www.visityellowknife.com/events/

Contact us for all your visitor needs, any time of the year!

Read Visitor Guides Online:

• City of Yellowknife Visitor's Guide
• Northern News Services Northwest Territories Guides
• Things to Do
• Visitor Services
• Disclaimers

2020 Visitor's Guide

View or download the 2020 Extraordinary Yellowknife Visitor's Guide: Travel Tips, Maps, Activities

Yellowknife

Amid the droning bush planes and picturesque houseboats of Yellowknife's Old Town, bordering Great Slave Lake, it's still possible to detect a palpable frontier spirit. It's as if you're standing on the edge of a large, undiscovered and barely comprehensible wilderness – and you are. Draw a line north from Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean and you won't cross a single road.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Acting as NWT's historical and cultural archive, this well-laid-out museum overlooks Frame Lake. Expertly assembled displays address natural history,…

Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife sits on the shores of Great Slave Lake – the 10th largest lake in the world and the deepest in North America. It takes its name from the…

Legislative Assembly

In the impressive, igloo-shaped Legislative Assembly, you can learn about the territory's aboriginal-style government by joining their free hour-long tour…

Many living people are older than Yellowknife but, despite the fact the Old Town only dates from the mid-1930s, its ramshackle streets wedged between Back…

Yellowknife Cultural Crossroads

On a huge boulder by the road there's a striking work of art: a soaring eagle, a whirl of colorful handprints and the skeletal outline of a tipi. In front…

NWT Diamond Centre

A great place to buy your diamond bling, this gallery also provides a good overview of diamond mining in Canada's frigid north. The accompanying video…

Fred Henne Territorial Park

Located opposite the airport off Hwy 3, Fred Henne Territorial Park is popular with campers, and in summer there's chilly swimming at Long Lake Beach.

Bush Pilot's Monument

Perched atop 'The Rock,' a large outcrop in the middle of the Old Town, this simple needle pays homage to the gutsy bush pilots who opened up the NWT a…

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Book popular activities in Yellowknife

30+ Best Things To Do In Yellowknife (Local’s Guide 2024)

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Wondering about the best things to do in Yellowknife? I have the ultimate local’s list of 30+ not to miss activities for you.

Yellowknife has many fun things to do throughout the year. From golfing in the midnight sun, to hikes and paddling in the wilderness, ice castles, dog sledding and world renowned aurora viewing.

If you are planning a trip up north and aren’t sure what to do, our list of top 30+ things to do in Yellowknife will help inspire your northern adventure.

Grab ideas for things to do in Yellowknife in June, July, August and September into the winter months and spring. Like bucket list worthy Aurora Hunting Tours .

Our local’s guide will focus on best Yellowknife activities for all ages. Living up here for the last almost 10 years, we know all the fun activities not to miss in the north.

But first lets talk about the weather, because that’s a very Canadian thing to do.

Table of Contents

Weather in Yellowknife, NT

January and February are our coldest months in the city of Yellowknife, so it rarely snows much, unless it warms up above -20°C. Average temps usually run in the -20°C to -30°C. But we do get colder snaps where windchill can get into the -40’s or -50’s Celcius. So you will need to bundle up well if your visiting Yellowknife in winter.

March i s still cold averaging -9°C to -20°C or even colder, depending on the year. It’s also Ice Castle Season.

True Spring doesn’t arrive until end of May when most of the snow is gone, and the ice is melting off the lake. In April & May the weather is variable. It can be sunny and above zero one day, then snowing and -15°C or colder the next. Temps can run from -15°C to highs of 15°C on average.

June weather averages 14°C. It’s a time when the lakes begin to have open waters, people are planting their gardens and the days are some of the longest of the year. It’s also a good time to go camping and beat the bugs.

July to mid August is summer time in Yellowknife, with temperatures averaging 17°C, but can reach highs of 28°C+. Perfect for northern outdoor adventures. Mid August on, is when the aurora really starts being visible again.

The weather in September is cool, averaging highs of 10°C (50.7°F), and lows of 4°C (39.2°F). Northerners are pulling out their wool socks and sweaters and contemplating the approaching long winter season. It’s also a popular time for aurora Tours , so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance as vacancy is low this time of year.

October weather averages highs of 4°C to -2°C. It usually snows by Hallowe’en.

November and December are our mild winter months. There will be snow, and you can expect average temperatures of -7°C to -24°C.

I gratefully acknowledge that the Yellowknife land on which we gather are treaty lands and the home to many Indigenous Peoples, including the Akaitcho Dene, Tłı̨chǫ and Métis.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN YELLOWKNIFE

1. aurora viewing in yellowknife.

Yellowknife is one of the best places to see the Aurora in North America. 

One of the best times for viewing the northern lights in Yellowknife is from end of August to early October.

The nights are getting longer, however there is still a lot of day time left this time of year. Plus no snow. You’ll have to stay up later than the dead of winter, to watch these ribbons of lights dance across the sky.

Visiting in September is well worth it for the warmer weather (unless you are looking for a true northern winter experience).

To avoid light pollution, head outside the city lights. 

Overcast nights and rain can happen. It is recommended to spend at least 3 nights to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis. You’ll need clear skies to see them.

Popular tours include:

• Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List – Cozy up in a rustic cabin on this private experience for a midnight snack of bannock and fish chowder, and listen to stories shared by your local host. Enjoy the Northern Lights under the stars.
• Aurora Hunting Tours – Drive to the best Aurora viewing spots to escape the lights of the city.

👉 Check out all our local tips for How to view the Aurora in Yellowknife .

2. Take a Yellowknife Bucket List Tour

This super fun Yellowknife Bucket List City Tour can be adjusted to your groups interests and of course your must-do Yellowknife Bucket List activities.

Your local guide will give you stories, and info on the NWT’s history and culture, while showing you all the best sites. Visit like a local.

It’s a perfect way to get an introduction to our culturally rich area, before going off and exploring on your own.

3. Visit Bristol Monument

Bristol Monument sits at the entrance to Yellowknife, a reminder of the north’s aviation history. This Bristol Freighter was the first wheeled plane to land at the North Pole in 1967.

The monument can be accessed through Frame Lake Trail or off Old Airport road, from the same parking lot as the Welcome to Yellowknife sign.

4. Go Snowmobiling

Northern Canada, where the lakes are frozen 5 – 6 months a year, snowmobiling is a favorite winter time activity.

Grab a snowmobiling tour, where you do the driving if you come without your own. Experience true northern winter sport, while exploring Great Slave Lake, or beyond.

5. Walk Historic Yellowknife Old Town

“Old Town” dates back to the 1930’s, when gold seekers headed north and created a settlement here. Amble this historic area in a self-guided or guided walking tour. Pamphlets available from the Tourist Centre in City Hall.

Old Town’s residential area sits alongside Great Slave Lake, and some of Yellowknife’s oldest businesses.

From funky cabins & fish shacks , to mansions, iconic restaurants ( Bullocks, Wild Cat Cafe & Fishy People ), float planes and art galleries , there is something to see around every corner.

6. Climb the Bush Pilot’s Monument

Bush Pilots Monument is an ode to bush pilots and their contribution to the north.

“The Rock” in Old Town over looks Great Slave Lake, Back Bay and downtown Yellowknife.

Watch the sun rise or set over the lake, from the best view in town. See float planes lifting off for destinations unknown while colourful houseboats and Joliffe Island hover in the distance.

7. Go Dog sledding in Yellowknife

Dog sleds were once the transportation of choice and survival for Inuit northern communities.

Today dog sledding in Yellowknife is a popular activity to try for visitors.

Speed across the frozen landscape led by a dog team, listening to the panting of sled dogs and the runners scraping across the snow and ice.

There are a few places to go dog sledding in Yellowknife including Beck’s Kennel, Aurora Village, Enodah Kennel and Sun Dog Adventures. Many offer drive your own, and guided tours.

8. Grab a Coffee

Our two favourite places to grab a coffee in Yellowknife are Birchwood Coffee Kǫ̀ and Barren Ground Coffee Roasters – now both own by Barren Ground.

Birchwood is a great place to grab a muffin or breakfast sandwich with your coffee, to sit awhile.

Barren Ground we recommend for grabbing a great expresso drink to go, along with a brownie or pastry and a bag of your favourite locally roasted beans. They only have counter seating so it gets crowded quickly.

9. Hike Frame Lake Trail

The Frame Lake Trail is a fairly easy 4 km hike you can access right from downtown Yellowknife . It tops our list of things to do in Yellowknife, and we hike this trail multiple times a year. Sometimes we do only small sections of it, sometimes the full trail.

Frame Lake trail passes city hall, the Legislative Assembly , and the new Stanton Hospital.

• The trail from City Hall to Stanton Hospital is fully paved , and you will often see Yellowknifers commuting by bike or walking into the the city centre.
• The west side of the trail is a more rugged nature trail through jack-pine forests, and over rocky outcrops, connecting into Bristol Monument, and Lakeview Cemetary. Be sure to wear good soled shoes, and bring bug spray.

Where: Downtown Yellowknife – Access by city hall or off the parking lot by the Legislative Assembly.

Difficulty: Easy paved path from City Hall to Stanton Hospital. Easy to Moderate nature trail on west side of lake. Family and dog friendly.

Seasons: All season path. Note: Trail isn’t cleared in winter so use with caution.

10. Walk Niven Lake Trail, Yellowknife

Niven Lake Trail is an easy 2 km loop on well packed gravel, around a marshy lagoon. This path is one of the better places in town for birdwatching and seeing the occasional muskrat.

The Yellowknife Ski Club and Back Bay Cemetary are also accessible through trails connecting off of the Niven Lake Trail.

The fall colours really stand out here in the city. Our family likes to explore and take pictures in Niven Lake each year as the leaves start to change.

Where: Access points by Explorer Hotel & Nova Hotel, or off 49th Ave, Niven Drive or Haener Drive.

Difficulty: Easy. Family and Stroller friendly. Dog Friendly

Season: All Season. This is a well travelled path all year round. In winter there is a walking / cross-country skiing oval cleared on the lake.

LOCAL TIP: Take the offshoot trails that head towards the lake for better lake views and benches to sit on

11. Roam the Prospector’s Trail, Yellowknife

There be gold here! Or at least there was. Gold was discovered out here in 1935, which started off the Yellowknife gold rush, and as a gold mining community.

The Prospector’s Trail is a well marked interpretive trail through boreal forest, where you can learn some of the history of miners, alongside identifying rocks of the Canadian Shield. Grab a leaflet in the campground to learn more.

Prospector’s Trail starts in Fred Henne Park and is a 4km loop . The walk is mostly along dirt paths and rock, with minimal hills. There are pretty views of the city, lake and surrounding countryside.

Be sure to bring rubber soled shoes and bug spray. It can be muddy along the path in September, and there are enough mosquitos to carry you away this close to the lake. Ok that’s an exaggeration (mostly), but bug dope is a must.

Where: Trail Head starts in Fred Henne Territorial Park in Yellowknife.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate nature trail. Family and dog friendly.

Season: All season. Note: Trail isn’t cleared in winter so use with caution.

LOCAL TIP: Stop at the Fred Henne Gatehouse. They have info and maps of the trail. It costs $15 for a day pass to enter the park with your vehicle. You can also park for free above the day use / boat launch area off the Yellowknife Highway, across from the airport. Hiking in to the trailhead from there will add another 15 minutes each way.

👉 Check out all the Yellowknife things to do in Winter

12. Experience Cameron River Falls

Cameron River Falls Trail  is an all season, well marked 2 km hike (roundtrip, within Hidden Lake Territorial Park. The terrain is rocky and uneven, and you will be walking up and down fairly steep hills, so good shoes are a must.

Guided hikes to Cameron Falls are available year round if you are interested in learning about the history, and geology of the area.

Your efforts will be well rewarded with a stunning view of the 15 metre falls as they tumble down the Cameron River. Don’t stop at the lookout!

Keep heading up the trail, and over the footbridge to a prime picnic spot beside the river.

September, heading into Fall is a particularly pretty time to visit Cameron Falls. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the changing scenery.

For the more adventourous, you can continue your hike upstream 8-9km to the Cameron River Ramparts . While the trail is not well developed, the route and river is fairly easy to follow.

Cameron River Falls area also provides access into the Lower Cameron River Canoe Route, one of the Ingraham Trail Canoe Routes.

Where: 47 km east of Yellowknife, along the Ingraham Trail.

Difficulty: Moderate. Family Friendly (if prepared for rugged terrain and an up & down hike) & Dog Friendly

LOCAL TIP: Cameron River Ramparts is a great alternative if you want an easy, short (15-20 minute) hike to some beautiful small falls. Check out our full walk through of Cameron Falls Trail Hike & the Ramparts here. To get there, drive 5-10 minutes further along the Ingraham Trail. Keep an eye out for the sign and parking lot on the left side.

13. Hike Prelude Lake Trail

Prelude Lake is a scenic, family and kid friendly interpretive trail.

This 2.5 km loop will teach you all about the local flora and fauna as you roam over sand and bedrock, and through muskeg areas. There are also many lake view points along the way.

This path is a fun thing to do with your kids. My daughter has been hiking this trail since she was 5 years old, with no problem. She loves scrambling over the rocks, and looking for special treasures to being home.

Access to the trailhead is outside the gatehouse of Prelude Lake Campground, which means parking is free. Bonus!

Where: Located 30 km along the Ingraham Trail from Yellowknife (Take Prelude Lake Campground road)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Family & Dog friendly.

14. Golfing At Midnight in Yellowknife

For an unforgettable experience, visit Yellowknife for the summer solstice and tee off at midnight for the Midnight Sun Golf Tournament.

The Yellowknife Golf Course features 18 holes, meandering around sand fairways, Jackpines, and sandy putting greens to the calls of ravens.

The Yellowknife Golf Club has weekly theme nights, tournaments, and youth programs.

15. Biking (Fat Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Rentals & Tours)

Mountain biking, bike tours, fat bikes, rentals and more. Biking is a possibility in and around Yellowknife.

You can take guided fat bike tours in winter , or just rent them and try them out on your own.

Whether you want to head out on the road along the Ingraham Trail, mountain bike over granite rock on the Prelude Lake Trail, or take a spin at the Sand Pit, there is something for all skill and adventure levels.

Fat Bikes are a thing here in Yellowknife, especially in winter. With 7 months of winter, northerners have to come up with ways to stay active and sane over the cold months.

LOCAL TIP: The Yellowknife Mountain Bike Club uses Trailforks for mapping out the local bike routes.

16. Fish on Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife is the jumping off point for fly-in fishing lodges, day trips with a guide or DIY fishing adventures. Head on down to Old Town and cast a line off the Dock.

​In winter ice fishing is a cool and unique experience to try at least once in your life. 

Great Slave Lake is well known for its abundance of monster sized lake trout and northern pike. Other fish species around Yellowknife include Pickerel, Lake Whitefish and Arctic Grayling.

Be sure to buy your sport fishing license and follow the NWT fishing regulations.

17. Take a Float Plane Tour

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a bush pilot or to fly in a float plane? Now is your chance.

Whether you choose a flight seeing tour over the area, or head out to a secluded lake or lodge for fishing, taking a float plane is a cool thing to do in Yellowknife, Canada. Air Tindi and Ahmic Air offer a variety of options.

Soaring above the vast northern wilderness will open your eyes to the beauty of our landscape as you float over houseboats, bays and island filled lakes.

18. Paddle Yellowknife’s Back Bay

Rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) and head on out for a paddle on Back Bay.

You can launch right into Great Slave Lake from Narwhal Adventures , get your SUP adventure on with Old Town Paddle Co , or take a Yellowknife Bay Tour with Jackpine Paddle leaving at noon.

19. Go Camping in Yellowknife (and nearby)

Summer time is prime time for camping in the north. However, camping in Yellowknife , and close by is possible May until early September.

There are generally fewer bugs at the beginning and end of the season. It can also be cool, so pack warm clothes and appropriate gear. Local campgrounds are usually open until Sept 15th.

There are 3 main drive-in campgrounds close to Yellowknife. They are:

• Fred Henne – Sits on Long Lake, right on the edge of Yellowknife. With a popular Summer beach. Sites include75 Powered, 40 non-powered, 6 tent pads.
• Prelude Lake Campground – Only a 30 minute drive from YK, it has a boat launch, playground, hiking trails, sandy beach and day use area. Popular with boaters. There’s 75 powered, 40 non-powered, 6 tent pad sites.
• Reid Lake Campground – Is a 60 minute drive from YK on the Ingraham Trail. Here you’ll find a quieter campground, with small sandy beach area, boat launch. It includes 74 non-powered sites (includes 11 tent pads)

Cell Phone coverage is pretty reliable up to Prelude Lake Campground, but less so about 20km past there.

LOCAL TIP: Book your campsite early, especially for weekends, as these campgrounds are popular destinations and fill up fast. Booking typically opens up beginning of May, and you’ll want to get in there as soon as it opens up.

20. Visit Yellowknife Farmer’s Market

Head on down to Somba K’e Park (beside city hall) Tuesday’s from 5:15pm – 7:15pm for the Yellowknife Farmer’s Market .

Over 30 vendors offer local food, crafts and music. It’s a chance to socialize with “Knifers” and eat a delicious dinner overlooking Frame Lake.

Held from June to September each year, the market supports local food and ecological sustainability. The market promotes waste reduction and composting, and requires all disposable items used by vendors to be compostable.

We love our small farmer’s market. I hope you do too.

21. Visit the Snow Castle

If you are here in March, you must check check out the Snowking WInter Festival and the Ice Castle.  

Each year volunteers spend thousands of hours creating this amazing structure on Great Slave Lake. 

Expect everything from live musical performances, & kid friendly plays, to art exhibits, fashion shows, snow sculpture contests, ice slides and more. Something for the kid in all of us. 

You can  take a virtual tour of last years snow castle  here.

It’s also close to the Dettah Ice Road, so take a drive on the frozen lake while you’re there. 

Visiting the ice castle is one of the most fun & unique things to do in Yellowknife, Canada.

22. Take a Canoe Trip from Yellowknife, NT

Canoe trips are another fun activity, if you’d like to camp off the RV route or want to experience one of the many lakes the Yellowknife area has to offer. For a day or a week, we have something to match your experience level and time frame.

The following are popular canoe routes:

Day trips for paddlers with experience:

• Hidden Lake – suitable for 1, 2 or 3 days
• Lower Cameron River – 1 day trip from Reid Lake to Powder Point

Longer canoe trips (2- 5 days):

• Tibbett Lake Loop – easy 2 day trip which starts and finishes at the end of the Ingraham Trail.
• Powder Point to Cassidy Point – 2 to 3 day basic paddling trip. A caution, there is the possibility of high winds and waves due to paddling the large Prelude and Prosperous Lakes.
• Pensive Lakes – 4 -5 day trip for advanced paddlers from Tibett Lake to Cameron Rapids
• Upper Cameron River – Challenging 2 day trip from Tibett Lake to Reid Lake campground. Be prepared for rapids (or to portage).
• Jennejohn – 5 day excursion through the wilderness from Reid Lake through to Dettah on Great Slave Lake. This route is for canoeists who are experienced in traveling by map, compass and GPS. Wind can be dangerous on Jennejohn, Reid and Great Slave Lake.

23. Swim in Long Lake

Swim at Long Lake (if you are brave). There’s still ice usually in May and part of June.

Long Lake is a favourite local swimming and boating spot, right off Fred Henne Campground.

Expect a boat launch area, sandy beach and playground, with plenty of room for the kids to roam. It gets very busy on weekends and holidays.

WHAT TO DO IN YELLOWKNIFE, INDOOR ACTIVITIES

So now that you’ve exhausted the many Yellowknife outdoor activities available, let’s move to indoor Yellowknife attractions.

If you are visiting in early Spring, or in September, Yellowknife can have rainy, overcast days, so it’s a good idea to have some indoor attractions in your back pocket.

Not to mention our winter is cold. So you’ll need some places to warm up in on occasion.

24. Visit Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is our museum and archive. It is where you can go to learn about the culture and history of the Northwest Territories.

Exhibits range from landscape dioramas that show the strong connection northerners have with animals and the land, to exhibits that showcase the history, language and culture of the Indigenous people’s whose land we live and play on, and more.

Check out the current exhibits online .

My seven year old loves the kids area complete with a teepee and canoe to hang out in. We like to spend our afternoons here on cool days in winter and rainy days in the Spring / Fall.

Where: 4750 48th Street – downtown Yellowknife on the shores of Frame Lake

Hours: Open Tues to Sun 10am-5pm. Admission by donation.

25. Tour the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly

Learn all about the Northwest Territories consensus government, and the traditional values of the people of the NWT, while touring the Legislative Building.

Designed to reflect the natural surroundings and highlight the openess of consensus government, this architectural beauty sits along the shore of Frame Lake.

Where: 4517 48th Street, along Frame Lake in downtown Yellowknife

Hours : Free Guided tours available at the following schedule:

September 1 to May 31 

English: Monday to Friday – 10:30 am

French: Tuesday & Thursday – 1:30 pm

June 1 to August 31

English: Monday to Friday – 10:30 am, 2:00 pm 

26. Explore the NWT Diamond Centre

Yellowknife, is considered the “Diamond Capital” of Canada. Just as gold mining declined around Yellowknife, diamonds were discovered north of the city.

At the NWT Diamond Centre enjoy an exhibition and short video on diamond exploration, mining and manufacturing in the north. Followed by a diamond cutting and polishing demonstration..

If you believe diamonds are a girl’s (or a person’s) best friend, you can also end your day by purchasing quality loose diamonds or jewellry from their shop.

Where : 5105 49 St, downtown Yellowknife

Hours: Tues to Sat 10am to 5:30pm Call 867-669-6203. Free admission.

27. Tour Buffalo Airways

Buffalo Airways , a long-time northern business has been operating WWII aircraft since 1970. Most noteably their DC-3 planes. You may also recognize them as home to “Buffalo Joe” and the iconic tv show “Ice Pilots”.

The hangar tours showcase their fleet and are available during the week by appointment. Merchandise from their tv show can also be purchased in their gift shop.

Where: 108 Berry Street, Yellowknife, NT

Hours: Hangar Tours are by appointment only. No tours on Mondays. Call 867-765-6023 to book. Free.

28. Take a Workshop at Old Town Glassworks

Old Town Glassworks is a workers cooperative creating beautiful glassware, out of recycled materialsm rescued from the shores of Great Slave Lake. Each piece has designs from northern artists etched into the glass.

They offer a shop featuring many glass designs; glasses, lamps, magnets and more, perfect for last minute gifts.

Or for a unique souvenir, consider taking one of their 2 hour workshops, where you can stencil and etch your own piece of glassware to take home.

Where: 3510 MacDonald Drive, Old Town

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12 – 5:30pm and Saturday 12-4:30pm. Closed Sunday & Monday

29. See a Show at Northern Arts & Cultral Centre (NACC)

Take in a show at the Northern Arts & Cultural Centre.

There goal is to encourage the development of the performing arts from all cultural traditions, and is an outlet for local & travelling musicals, plays, musicians and more.

30. Grab a Beer at the Brew Pub

The Woodyard is a favourite hangout for locally brewed beer, fried chicken sandwiches, and patio in the summer.

They even have family dining Saturdays from 12 to 7pm.

Sip local, award winning craft beer from the NWT Brewing Company, at the Woodyard (aka “The Brewpub”).

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN YELLOWKNIFE, CANADA

Once you’ve had your fill of touring and outdoor adventuring it may be time to find some other things to do in Yellowknife, Canada. Such as nourishment for body and soul, tasty snacks and activities.

• Buy an actual book from The Book Cellar, for a relaxing evening read.
• Eat lunch at the historic  Wildcat Cafe. 
• Let your tastebuds dance with the most delicious traditional Ethiopian food at Zehabesha (Mahiberawi combo platter on injera is our fav)
• Visit one of the many city playgrounds ( Somba K’e, Forest Park, Josephine Walcer Park )
• Head out for the best pizza in town at the Copperhouse Eatery & Lounge
• Listen to Cabin Radio , for the most up to date local news, stories, music and more.
• Stop for delicious fish meal straight from Great Slave Lake, at Bullock’s Bistro.

Final Thoughts: What To Do in Yellowknife, Canada

For a town of only 20,000 people, there are a surprising amount of things you won’t want to miss during your visit to Yellowknife.

Whether you travel north in summer for the warmer weather or during the winter for the ice and snow, Yellowknife has many family, kid and adult friendly activities to offer, for all levels of adventure seekers.

Related family friendly destinations

• Planning a family trip to Niagara Falls
• Cool camping gift ideas for kids
• 3 Day itinerary in Victoria, BC
• Lovely seaside town of Parksville, BC or the garden city of Victoria, BC on the west coast of Canada.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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What a great article packed with so much info. The northern lights is def in on my bucket list of things to check out:)

The Northern Lights are magical and worth being on a bucket list. Yellowknife is one of the best places to see them.

• Pingback: How to View the Aurora in Yellowknife - The Ultimate Guide | Packed for Life

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The Tina Lifestyle

Travel and Lifestyle

Canada , Travel , Travel Destinations · November 15, 2022

20 Things to Do in Yellowknife Canada

Yellowknife locals are known for their friendliness, and they know how to make visitors feel welcome. Built on the shore of the Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is perfect for vacationers who love all the activities the great outdoors offer, but there are plenty of indoor activities to keep busy with if the weather gets too harsh. There’s never a shortage of fun to be had in this unique city.

With a population just over 20,000, Yellowknife is the capital and only official city in Canada’s rugged Northwest Territories. The city started as a mining town in the 1930s and has maintained its frontier-like qualities in many ways.

This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website.

I moved to Yellowknife in 2018 for a new job and I absolutely love the lifestyle up here. I’ve been able to slow down and experience the outdoors like never before in my life. I’m so excited to share with you all the fun things you can do in Yellowknife.

You might be wondering if the TV Series Gold Rush was filmed in this part of Canada’s North, but in fact, it was mostly filmed in the region of Dawson City in the Yukon.

Table of Contents

20 Things to Do in Yellowknife

Yellowknife is the perfect winter adventure destination for cold-weather fun. From December to March, temperatures range on average from -10F to -2F degrees, guaranteeing a frozen playground for the usual frosty outdoor activities as well as some unique ones.

If you’d rather be basking in subzero temps faster, Yellowknife’s regional airport serves flights from Calgary , Edmonton, and Vancouver. You can fly in from the Alberta cities in less than 3 hours, and from Vancouver in 7 hours.

The list that follows has been separated into “indoor” and “outdoor” activities, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for depending on your mood or the temperature.

Indoor Activities to do Yellowknife

If you don’t want to step foot outside, it’s still possible to keep yourself entertained. Below are a handful of some favorite indoor spots to check out while visiting Yellowknife.

Gallery of the Midnight Sun

For over 30 years now, Gallery of the Midnight Sun has served as Yellowknife’s premier fine arts gallery and crafts shop. Located in Old Town Yellowknife, this trading post carries all things from the North:

• Arts and crafts
• Souvenirs and gifts

The shop features items from local artists from across the North and gives workshops and demonstrations by appointment. Take your time browsing their extensive collection, or ask one of the helpful staff members to help you pick out the perfect gift.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre , located near downtown on the shores of Frame Lake, is a museum celebrating the Northwest Territories’ heritage and culture. The exhibitions center around the natural and cultural history of the area, from its Innuit peoples to the founding of Yellowknife. There is also photography and artwork by local artists.

The museum is free of charge and features a cafe and occasional events. It’s definitely worth stopping by; plan for two to three hours if you want to see everything.

Legislative Assembly Building

The Legislative Assembly Building is the heart of the territory’s government, where all the important decisions are made. It’s a pretty interesting place to visit. They offer guided tours where you can learn more about the Northwest Territory’s consensus government.

Some of the many things the building has to offer:

• Stunning architecture built with local materials
• Impressive great hall with a view of downtown
• Local flora and fauna outside
• Artwork and artifacts

Outdoor Activities to do Yellowknife

It’d be a shame to visit a city like Yellowknife, that’s smack dab in the middle of the boundless rolling beauty that is the Northwest Territories, without taking the chance to explore nature’s glory all around you. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a nice view, we’ve got you covered.

You’ve come all this way to a beautiful frozen wonderland. It’s time to discover what makes Yellowknife extra special. From festivals to dog sledding to the Northern Lights, Yellowknife offers some truly unparalleled opportunities for the winter visitor.

Aurora Borealis also known as Northern Lights

Early December through mid-April, with clear, cold 18-hour nights, offers you an excellent chance to be mesmerized by the majestic beauty of the dancing lights. 

Time your trip right, and you can enjoy the NAKA (meaning Northern Lights) Festival. Held during March, NAKA is Yellowknife’s newest festival, a showcase of all that’s great about the city. 

Dog Sledding

A not-to-miss event is the annual 150-mile season finale of the Canadian Championship Dog Derby , happening over three days in late March. It’s an unforgettable moment when the gun sounds, and dozens of sled teams pulled by yowling dogs take off across the lake. 

To try dog sledding, check out Becks Kennels .

Snowking Festival

Yellowknife’s annual Snowking Winter Festival is a sight to behold: a month of art and cultural events all held inside an enormous castle built of snow and ice. The winter Snow King festival is a perfect example of something you’re not likely to find outside of Yellowknife, so take advantage of the opportunity to experience it if visit Yellowknife in the month of march. 

The festival has something for kids and adults of all ages:

• Film festival
• Live theatre
• Art exhibitions

This is just a small sample of everything offered in this winter wonderland, perched on Yellowknife Bay. The festive atmosphere, combined with the unusual location, make this festival an experience you won’t soon forget.

Long John Jamboree

Another winter event held on Yellowknife Bay, the Long John Jamboree , is a winter festival complete with:

• Ice carving
• Artists’ market
• Dog Sled races
• Carnival rides
• Ice skating rink

Naturally, there are plenty of food vendors as well.

Crystal Grottos

Across Back Bay at Jackfish Draw Cliffs, view surreal ice formations and caves by exploring a grotto of ice .

Skijoring and Kite Skiing

This is similar to cross-country, but the skier is pulled by dogs or by kites. You’ll find all the information you need such as how and where to skijor in Yellowknife here .

Bush Pilot’s Monument in Old Town

Bush Pilot’s Monument is a stone memorial to all the brave pilots (many of whom lost their lives) who made it possible to expand into the great Northwest. The simple monument is at the top of “The Rock” above Old Town and can be reached by a zigzagging staircase.

Because it’s so high up, it offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding wilderness, so it’s definitely worth the climb.

Explore the Great Slave Lake

The Great Slave Lake is one of the largest lakes in the world and the deepest in North America. This lake has a history all its own, not to mention breathtaking scenery. From fishing to boat tours , there’s plenty to do.

Outdoor lovers, history buffs, and adventurists will all find something to do on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

Aurora Village

Because Yellowknife is so far north, daylight ranges from five hours in the winter to 20 hours during the summer months, which can take some adjusting to. The stunning Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, can be seen in fall and winter months, though, arguably making up for the cold temperature.

Aurora Village offers visitors year-round guided tours and activities as well as an unbeatable way to view aurora borealis. Activities include:

• Aurora borealis viewing packages
• Dog sledding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice fishing
• Wildlife experience

Just about half an hour drive from Yellowknife, you’ll find a teepee village designed with sustainability and convenience in mind, the teepees, dining hall, and outdoor restrooms are all heated, providing visitors a chance to thaw out in between activities. They’ve thought of everything, even offering rented winter wear.

The best way to take advantage of Yellowknife’s beauty is, of course, to explore it on foot. A couple of favorite hikes in Yellowknife are:

• Frame Lake Trail: Frame Lake Trail circles the perimeter of Frame Lake, which you can loop around in about 45 minutes. It will have you walk by City Hall, the legislative assembly and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The trail is paved in some places and is appropriate for children. It’s perfect for those who want to see a bit of wildlife without straying away from the city.

• Cameron Falls Trail: Cameron Falls is a moderate hike just under 50 km outside of Yellowknife. The trail only takes about 15 minutes to complete but ends at a spectacular waterfall that makes the trip more than worth it.

Catching the sunrise and the sunset

What I love most about Yellowknife is the extra daylight that you get for a few months of the year.

On the official start to summer and the longest day of the year, the sunrise is around 3:39 am, and the sunset that day will be around 11:38 pm. That’s 20 hours of daylight.⠀

Of course, you don’t get all this daylight without getting a lot of darkness during the winter months. What’s really neat about that time of year is that you get to witness the sunrise and the sunset every day.

The sunsets and sunrises are something else here. They last longer, they are more colourful, and they take a lot more space in the sky. It’s one of my favourite parts of living in Yellowknife.⠀

Where to stay in Yellowknife

There are two hotels that I would recommend in Yellowknife. The first one is The Explorer Hotel , and the second one is the Chateau Nova Hotel . They are both located in downtown Yellowknife, a great location. If you chose the Explorer hotel, try to get a room on the side overlooking Great Slave Lake. You’ll be in for a treat.

Where to eat in Yellowknife

We have lots of favourite places in the city for takeout of to treat ourselves to dinner in town. The NWT Brewing Company is a favourite amongst locals. They brew their own beer and offer a great menu and atmosphere. For the best sushi, check out Such Cafe . For some wood-fire pizza, check out the Copperhouse , and for fabulous authentic Ethiopian food, you’ll want to go to Zehabesha restaurant . And finally, for a unique experience, a must-go-to place during your stay is Bullocks Bistro .

Final Thoughts on Visiting Yellowknife, Northwest Territories 

We hope you use this list as a guide when you decide to explore the raw beauty of Yellowknife for yourself and experience all that this unique city has to offer. A lot is waiting for you up North!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is yellowknife canada known for.

Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, about 500 miles north of Edmonton. The city gets its name from the Yellowknife tribe of indigenous people who have lived in the area for centuries. European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, and Yellowknife quickly became an important trading post for furs and minerals. Today, Yellowknife is a modern city with a population of just over 20,000 people. However, it still retains its small-town charm. It is a great place to see the northern lights and enjoy the long summer days. Yellowknife is also home to some of Canada’s best-preserved national parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax in a beautiful setting, Yellowknife has something to offer everyone.

Is Yellowknife Worth Visiting?

Yellowknife is definitely worth visiting! This small city in the Northwest Territories is situated on Great Slave Lake and is known for its unique landscape and northern lights. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the summer months, and cross-country skiing and dog sledding in the winter. Yellowknife is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of tourist attractions such as the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Somba K’e Park. With its beautiful scenery and variety of activities, Yellowknife is definitely a city worth visiting!

Is Yellowknife a Good Place to Live?

There is no doubt that Yellowknife is a great place to live. The city has a lot to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant culture and community. And, of course, the Aurora Borealis is an incredible sight that can be seen from Yellowknife on clear nights. Overall, there are many reasons why Yellowknife would be a great place to call home.

How Cold Does Yellowknife Get?

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is no stranger to cold weather. Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife experiences an average of 327 days with temperatures below freezing each year. Although Yellowknife is one of the coldest cities in Canada, it is also one of the sunniest cities in the country, with an average of 2,157 hours of sunlight per year. Yellowknife is also home to Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. This natural light show can be seen from September to April and is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting the city.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Yellowknife?

The length of your stay will depend on what kinds of activities you want to do and whether you are visiting in the summer or winter. However, we recommend that you spend at least three days in Yellowknife so that you can experience all that this amazing city has to offer. Depending on when you visit, there are a variety of activities to enjoy. In the summer, you can explore the great outdoors, go fishing or hiking, or take a scenic boat tour. In the winter, you can try your hand at dog sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to do in Yellowknife. 

If you’re primarily interested in seeing the aurora borealis, then you’ll need to plan your trip around the aurora season. The best time to see the northern lights is typically from late August to early April. 

What Is Yellowknife Most Known For?

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Yellowknife is the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Indeed, this natural phenomenon is one of the main reasons why tourists flock to the city each year. However, there is more to Yellowknife than just the Northern Lights. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries and museums to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and camping in one of the many nearby parks and wilderness areas. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking natural wonder or a vibrant cultural experience, you’ll find it in Yellowknife.

Can You See Northern Lights in Yellowknife?

One of the best places to see Northern Lights is in Yellowknife, Canada. Situated near the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife offers clear skies and dark nights, both of which are ideal for aurora watching. In addition, there are a number of tour operators in Yellowknife that offer aurora-viewing excursions. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to add witnessing the Northern Lights to your bucket list.

What Is the Best Month to See Northern Lights in Yellowknife?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife is typically between August and September. During this time of year, the nights are long enough to provide plenty of darkness for optimal viewing conditions, but the weather is not as cold as it is in winter. Late August and early September are typically the best months to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance is impossible to predict with 100% accuracy. Even if you visit Yellowknife during the ideal time of year, there is no guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights. However, your chances of seeing them are significantly higher the darker and clearer the sky. 

Can You See the Northern Lights Every Night in Yellowknife?

Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, due to its location and clear night skies. However, the Lights are not visible every night. Solar activity varies, and even when there is high activity, clouds can block the view. The best time to see the Lights is typically between September and April, when there is less daylight and more darkness. During peak activity, the Lights can often be seen multiple nights in a row. However, there is no guarantee that they will be visible on any given night. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon, patience and flexibility are key.

Can You Fly From Whitehorse to Yellowknife?

Yes, you can fly from Whitehorse to Yellowknife. However, there are no direct flights at the time of writing this, so you will need to check with the airlines for flight options. Air Canada, West Jet and Canadian North are you best bets for flight options from Whitehorse to Yellowknife. If you’re looking to travel between these two great cities, be sure to check out the flight options with the airlines first.

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About Yellowknife Tours

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Yellowknife is the premium location to view Aurora Borealis, also known as Northern Lights.

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Autumn is for outdoor actvities and thus our September lodges are great options. Winter hotel packages include exciting activities such as City Tour & Nature's North Wildlife Gallery, and Dog Sledding!

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🎉 We Ranks No. 1 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that Yellowknife Tours Ltd. has once again won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024! 🏆 A huge thank you to all our amazing guests for your incredible feedback and support. Your smiles and stories are what drive our passion for excellence and help us create unforgettable Yellowknife memories, especially under the magical aurora. We’d love to see more of your beautiful smiles! 😊 Share your experiences with us on Tripadvisor or Google, and help others discover the wonders you’ve enjoyed here. For more information about our upcoming packages and activities, visit our website: www.yellowknifetours.com. Let’s create more memories together! 🌟 Yellowknife Tours 黃刀旅遊 再次榮獲2024年TripAdvisor的Travellers’ Choice Awards！ 🏆 感謝所有來自我們精彩客人的支持和反饋。正是你們的期待和熱情驅使我們的導遊們努力為你帶來歡樂！相信在上天的眷顧下，它也有變魔法般爲你帶來神奇的極光，創造難忘的加拿大黃刀回憶。 為了看到更多更多的迷人笑容，我們誠邀你在TripAdvisor或Google上分享你的經歷，幫助更多人體驗跟你一樣在這裡享受過的奇妙之旅。🌌✨ 欲了解我們即將推出的旅行團和活動，歡迎到我們的網站：www.yellowknifetours.com 了解更多！ #TravelersChoice2024 #Aurora #NorthernLights #ShareYourSmile #Yellowknife #Canada #NorthwestTerritories @tripadvisor @tripadvisorexperiences @ouryellowknife @spectacularnwt @canada

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Testimonial

“Thank you very much for your kindness while we were in Yellowknife. We really had a good time there. We never forget the beautiful Northern lights, dog sledding, kind people etc. We have a lot of wonderful memories and hope to see you again”

Yoriko from Japan

Once in a life time……lucky and amazed Twice….fulfilled and praised Third time ?! Crazy but blessed. Stole some time and went there last weekend for two nights. Another taste, another mood, dark blue starry night. The daytime dogsled race was a bonus!  

Stephen from Vancouver

看到如此有水準的北極光下影到的大自然和人之間的和諧，告誡我們要更加愛護保護大自然。大自然偉大，而你能無私地將自己的熱情和攝影技術與過客分享，這樣的精神也是傑出偉大的！通過你的指導，在場的拍友個個學會了極光下影人的技巧，你亦師亦友、人人沒齿難忘！今我收到這些極光照片不僅快樂幸福，其留念價值則無可估量。再次向你說聲，謝謝……”  

Verda, very glad to know you and your family and thanks for your help in Yellowknife, NWT. We have a pleasant tour in NWT by your help. Actually, we learned a lot from you. If you plan to be in Vancouver someday, please let me know and I really like to be your friend in the future.

Libert from Vancouver

Verda, Angela & Law, Really have to say many thanks to you guys, all the arrangements and warmest hospitality, which made every one of us feel like home. Every day’s programme was full of excitement. Law is really a professional tourist guide, that’s why we called him a life directory of Yellowknife. Verda, you made me so warm when I first touched ground of Yellowknife. Once again thanks for the Law family, hope to see you soon in Vancouver or again in Yellowknife.

Wu from Vancouver

婷婷：謝謝你們一家親切、熱情、盡責的服務，令我們有賓至如歸的感覺，這幾天辛苦晒了！我們對你一家的服務態度非常滿意，希望在不久會再次到黄刀市找你們幫忙。希望你們的生意蒸蒸日上，成為全世界最出名觀賞北極光的旅行社。

Lucia Wang & NG from Hong Kong

Yellowknife Travel Guide

Yellowknife is a unique small town in Canada’s far north, where the northern lights dance across the sky in vivid shades of blue, green, pink and yellow. If you’re planning a Yellowknife tour, read on for everything you need to know before visiting Yellowknife. From when to go to Yellowknife to what to do in Yellowknife, I have you covered!

Yellowknife Climate and Best Time to Visit Yellowknife

The short answer: Yellowknife is an all year round destination. Yahoo!

The slightly longer answer:  Okay, it’s a tad more complex than, given that Yellowknife hits -30C (-22F) or colder in winter and the northern lights aren’t visible year round. There’s two main factors to consider in deciding the best time to visit Yellowknife: activities and weather.

Activities: First, what activities do you want to do in Yellowknife ? If seeing the northern lights is at the top of your list, travel to Yellowknife during the northern lights season (deets below). Want to combine the northern lights with winter activities like dog sledding and driving the Dettah Ice Road? Visit Yellowknife in winter. If you aren’t interested in the northern lights and want an outdoors lake and hiking holiday, visit Yellowknife in summer.

Weather: Secondly, as with most of Canada, the climate plays a big factor in travel planning. Can you tolerate the extreme cold (like, potentially below -30C / -22F)?! If not, then Yellowknife in winter may not be the place for you. That said, keep an open mind. I was a total hater on anything below 20 degrees celsius (yes, POSITIVE 20 degrees), but absolutely loved experiencing Canada in the winter time! Life is all about new experiences after all.

I’m somewhat obsessed with travel planning and the weather, so let’s break that down in a bit more detail.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Yellowknife  

Northern Canada is one of the BEST places in the world to see the northern lights, and Yellowknife has a fairly long aurora season. Unfortunately for sun worshipers, that season does not coincide with summer. (Such as it is in the far north.)

The best time to visit Yellowknife to view the aurora borealis is from August to April. May, June and July have very long daylight hours, making it difficult to spot the lights.

Within August to April, there’s debate about which month is best from a purely northern lights perspective. Many locals say that the dark depths of winter to early spring (January, February and March) are the best time to see the northern lights, as the nights are long and dark. Others vouch for September for good aurora viewing chances and warmer days. Late October to mid December can have increased cloud cover that impacts the visibility of the lights.

Yellowknife in Winter

Visit Yellowknife during winter if you want to combine excellent northern lights viewing opportunities with winter activities like dog-sledding and snow-mobiling. While March is technically spring, I’m gonna lump March into the winter category for Yellowknife, since March will still be as freezing as heck and covered in snow.

Winter days are short, nights are long, and the weather is pretty much always below freezing (ouch!). Temperatures average around -20C (-4F) in December, January and February, and warm up slightly in March. There’s only 5-6 hours daylight in January, which quickly increases to 10+ hours in March. (Just in case this feels all Negative Nelly, winter is super pretty!)

We visited Yellowknife in January, on a weekend when temperatures were hovering between -20 to -40 celsius. We chose January because we wanted to have the best chances to see the northern lights, experience the extreme winter (and extreme it was!) and partake in winter activities (dog sledding I’m looking at you). And cos our travel schedule was filling up fast and we had a free weekend!

However, my pick for the best month to visit Yellowknife would be March. In March, you’ll benefit from the peak northern lights season, winter activities (yup, there will still be snow!), slightly warmer days than winter proper, longer daylight hours and the Yellowknife snow festival.

What to Wear in Winter in Yellowknife

If you visit Yellowknife during winter, you will need some serious winter clothing for any outdoor activities. I’m talking a warm thermal or base layer (top and bottom), insulated snow pants, a warm jumper, a heavy parka, snow boots, warm socks, a thick scarf and beanie and insulated gloves.

If you don’t own these items and aren’t willing to fork out a massive investment, you can hire winter gear. Our snow gear was stuck who-knows-where in quite possibly the world’s slowest airfreight on our move from Singapore to Canada, so we hired outerwear and accessories from Backyard Tours clothing rental . They’ll set you up with some serious winter gear, so you only need to bring thermal layers and regular winter clothes. My Backyard Tours’ winter clothing hire was reasonably priced, very wam and very good quality (including a fancy Canada Goose parka!).

Yellowknife in Spring or Fall

If you want to see the northern lights without freezing your lil’ butt off and aren’t too fussed on whether you have decent snow, visit in mid-spring (April) or during fall (September to November). Note: See ‘winter’ section above for March, which is an awesome time to visit Yellowknife!

Spring and autumn temperatures are still pretty chilly (it is the far north after all!) and can fall well into the negatives at the winter sides of the seasons. Make sure you check the climate averages and latest weather forecast and pack appropriately.

Yellowknife in Summer

Visit Yellowknife in summer if you’re not fussed about seeing the northern lights (you cray cray person) and want a classic Canadian lake holiday. During summer, highs average around 20C (68F) with lows of around 10 degrees. Not exactly tropical, but definitely summer by Canadian standards.

Yellowknife’s summer is fairly short and temperatures drop off sharply come autumn. Yellowknife summer days are unbelievably long, up to 20 hours. A local colleague said that the sun never really sets in Yellowknife mid-summer, and instead skirts along the horizon. This means that you can enjoy the great outdoors and lake activities 24/7 in Yellowknife summer! (Too bad if you wanna get some shut-eye.)

If you want the chance to see the aurora during Yellowknife’s summer, try visiting in late August.

How to Get to Yellowknife and Transportation

Alternative Yellowknife transportation

Okay, now that we’ve covered the longest ‘when to visit’ in the history of the universe (told ya’ love the weather!), let’s move on to some other essentials.

Getting to Yellowknife

Yellowknife is in Northwest Territories in the far north of Canada, only 400km(ish) south of the Arctic Circle. Don’t let that put you off though! Yellowknife may only be a town of 20,000, but it’s served by a pretty reasonable airport. There are regular direct flights to Yellowknife from Edmonton and Calgary (approx. 2 hours), and occasional or seasonal direct flights from some other Canada destinations.

Yellowknife is a heck of a long way from anywhere, but if you’re up for an adventurous and loooooong road trip (like 15ish hours from Edmonton) then go for it.

Getting Around Yellowknife

Yellowknife is pretty small and easy to get around. Taxis are readily available at the airport and around town, and many tours include pick up from your accommodation.

The two main Yellowknife areas for hotels, restaurants and (non-outdoorsy) activities are the Old Town and Downtown. These two areas are only around 1km apart, so you can easily take the wai-wai express (that’s Kiwi for walking) most places.

Where to Stay in Yellowknife

Yellowknife Old Town

The Old Town is my pick for where to stay in Yellowknife. The Old Town has a lot of character and is a tourist attraction in it’s own right, with the Bush Pilot Monument lookout, lake views, cute galleries and great places to eat.

There are mainly B&Bs in the Old Town. I stayed at Bayside Bed & Breakfast  (photo above) which was perfect. Bayside B&B is slap bang on the Great Slave Lake for epic views, has basic but comfy rooms mainly with private bathrooms, and serves an excellent breakfast at the Dancing Moose Cafe.

Downtown Yellowknife

If you want hotel style accommodation, stay in Downtown Yellowknife. Downtown Yellowknife isn’t as quaint as the Old Town, but is convenient for tours, museums and a range of shops and restaurants.

My Downtown Yellowknife hotel pick would have been either The Explorer Hotel or Chateau Nova Yellowknife .

For the Harry Hardcore adventurers, there’s some awesome looking fly-in lodges outside of Yellowknife. I’m not a fisher at all and was tempted to stay at Trout Rock Lodge  which has an ice fishing focus or at  Blachford Lake Lodge for its remote location and natural beauty. These lodges will be my pick if I’m lucky enough to return to Yellowknife in summer!

How Long to Spend in Yellowknife

If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, most local tour Operators recommend staying in Yellowknife for at least a few nights to maximise your chances of an incredible aurora viewing.

If you stay for three nights during peak aurora season, you’ll have pretty good chances of seeing the lights. However, there’s no guarantees. We stayed in Yellowknife for 3 nights in January, and unseasonable cloud cover and blowing snow meant that we only saw glimpses of the lights on one night. (All the more reason for a return trip I say!)

If you’re in Yellowknife to hunt the aurora after dark, there’s also more than enough activities in Yellowknife to keep you busy during daylight hours. During winter, for us, three full days was about the right balance between having time to fit in all the activities and the extreme cold preventing you from being outdoors for long periods of time.

During summer, the answer may well be how long is a piece of string. If you want to explore Yellowknife, chill out on the lake and do some hiking, you could easily spend one week in Yellowknife.

Best Things to Do in Yellowknife + Yellowknife Tours

Yellowknife Activities

Strangely, all my Canadian colleagues asked why I was visiting Yellowknife, as they don’t see it as a tourist destination. Did I have friends up there they asked? Ummm, have ya heard of those pretty lights in the sky I say?! Or dog-sledding, ice-roads, a cool Old Town and interesting museums? Not that I can judge, having barely seen any of my native NZ compared to the rest of the world.

Anyhoo, the Japanese tourists and I seemed to be the only ones in the know, as there is oh so much to do in Yellowknife. Most tourists are of course drawn to Yellowknife for the northern lights, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the far north. However, I’m willing to go out on a limb here and say that Yellowknife is awesome even without the aurora!

In winter, Yellowknife turns into a veritable winter wonderland. For someone who had been in the snow only once before moving to Canada in winter (crazy right?!), I marveled at the beautiful snow, giggled in glee as I sped through the forest on the back of my dog sled, and secretly panicked on the inside as I lay down on the Dettah Ice Road.

In summer, Yellowknife is all about the massive Great Slave Lake, boating, fishing and hiking. At any time of the year, you can explore the Old Town and visit Yellowknife’s interesting museums.

Read more: It’s impossible to sum up Yellowknife’s attractions in a couple of paragraphs. Check out my dedicated post on the 10 best things to do in Yellowknife !

Yellowknife Tours

There’s some great local tour operators in Yellowknife. In fact, the highlights of my Yellowknife trip were our Yellowknife Tour with My Backyard Tours , dog-sledding with Enodah Kennels organised through Yellowknife Tours , and our northern lights tour with Sean Norman . I would 100% recommend these tour operators, and hope to return for some of the summer activities on offer.

Best Yellowknife Restaurants

Canada’s small towns tend to pack quite a punch when it comes to eating out, and are over-represented by pubs and breweries. Yellowknife is no exception. This is a pretty good thing, as I’m a massive fan of gastro-pubs, especially to spend a lazy afternoon hiding from the cold! In fact, we spent all three of our afternoons in Yellowknife in the pub … don’t judge me.

NWT Brewing Company – The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery

I visited the NWT Brewing Company / The Woodyard three times during my three days in Yellowknife. Yup, it’s a clear favorite!

The NWT Brewing Company is on the main road in Old Town south. Here, you’ll find the most northerly brewery in Canada, along with a pretty classic modern trendy pub, with a range of local craft beer, other drinks and delish pub grub.

I’m not usually one for souvenirs and have very few momentos of my travels, so was stoked to pick up some cool merchandise at NWT Brewing Co. Choose from a range of caps, t-shirts and tops, or take home a growler and beer glass set. (Growler = vessel to transport beer. Also known as a ‘flagon’ in NZ, at least in the 80s when I grew up and accompanied my dad to the booze shop for a flagon refill.)

Bullocks Bistro

Bullocks Bistro is a bit of a local institution in the Old Town. On the outside it’s a small log cabin, on the inside the walls and ceilings are covered with graffiti from visitors. Local colleagues warned me that I might get yelled and/or sworn at (all part of the charm!), but all I encountered were friendly staff.

Bullocks does excellent seafood, if rather pricey, and serves alcohol. Defo worth a visit if you’re happy to fork out $30 for fish + chips.

Dancing Moose Cafe

Dancing Moose Cafe is a cosy cafe on the Great Slave Lake (Old Town) which serves tasty breakfast and lunch.

Happily for me, Dancing Moose Cafe was located in our Bed & Breakfast and breakie was included as part of the rate. Try the omelettes or porridge if you need to warm up!

Traders Grill, Explorer Hotel

Traders Grill at the Explorer Hotel in Downtown Yellowknife is a great option for hiding from the frigid cold for a few drinks and a pub style meal. We camped out at Traders Grill on some comfy leather loungers in front of a cosy fireplace for a couple of hours before our pick up for the Aurora Village.

Wildcat Cafe

Wildcat Cafe is another Yellowknife Old Town institution which came highly recommended by locals. Unfortunately for us, Wildcat Cafe is seasonal, and was closed for the winter when we visited. Yet another reason to return for a Yellowknife summer vacation!

Bonus Yellowknife Tips

The first thing we did when we landed in Yellowknife was jump onto the Aurora Max website. The website has the aurora forecast for the next few days, along with a live ‘aurora cam’ to check out the current northern lights conditions from the warmth of your car or room. You can also watch a high-speed replay of the previous night’s activity (or inactivity as it may be), which can make for some pretty incredible viewing!

Prepare for Late Nights

Now, the young bucks out there who are used to nights of partying can just skip right on past this to the next tip. Those on the wrong side of 30 (me!) who prefer to be in bed before midnight (me again! …actually 10pm in my case) be warned.

The northern lights can appear any time it’s dark, but peak hours are usually either side of midnight. If you’re out on an aurora viewing tour, expect to return to your hotel around 1am to 3am. Best to schedule any day-time activities for late morning or the afternoon!

We watched the aurora max replay from the night before we arrived, and peak activity was around 3am when the sky burst alight. When we saw an (admittedly weak) aurora, it was around 10-11pm. Other locals said that if you’re lucky you may see the aurora from the plane from 5pm in winter. We were not lucky.

Friendly Locals

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who know Canadians, but Yellowknife locals are super-duper friendly. My husband struck up a conversation with some locals at the pub as he was interested in the cribbage game they were playing. A few conversations later, at the end of the night, they INSISTED that we took their unique cribbage board home. Great momento of our trip, and a reminder of the kind people out there!

Keen to visit Yellowknife? Read my guide on the best things to do in Yellowknife during your Yellowknife tour!

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Thank you for great information Planning our trip to Yellowknife NWT Excited , cant wait Would be nice if you could include routes when traveling by vehicle.

Would you recommend it with a 2yr old? Coming from Montreal, so we are used to Canadian winters!

I think Yellowknife would be great with kids, provided they are used to the cold and have the right clothing if you are travelling in winter (which you would coming from Montreal!). A 2yr old might not be into all the attractions, but I’m sure they’d enjoy enough for you to all have a good time.

Thank you so much for the information. Planning a trip for our 20th anniversary in March 2022 and Blachford Lake Lodge is the destination. We’re from Louisiana, so we’ve never experienced weather like that. But, somehow oddly, looking forward to it.. Although the temperature the last few days has been -60F…not sure we’re ready for that eventuality.

That’s so exciting! I hear you about the weather – I had barely been in snow in my entire life before moving to Canada in the middle of winter and was somewhat terrified. I ended up absolutely loving it though, lots of beautiful blue sky crisp (but freezing!) days, and proper winter gear made all the difference. Happy planning!

Great review! Thank you! Would you recommend staying in Yellowknife or at Blatchford in March for the Northern Lights?

Either would be great! Blachford is a destination in itself and an ideal place for aurora viewing as you can see the lights direct from the lodge due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Since Yellowknife has town lights, you’d typically do a tour or drive to a more remote location to see the lights. Pick Blachford if you’d love a lodge holiday in a remote location where you do activities at the lodge and have great chances of seeing the lights without travelling. Pick Yellowknife if you’d prefer to do other sightseeing around Yellowknife (e.g. dogsledding) and don’t mind a short drive to see the lights. Best of both worlds? Do a few nights at each!

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Yellowknife Visitors Centre

Communities, attractions type.

If you are planning a trip to Yellowknife, here is where you’ll find the information you need to choose a place to stay and arrange a tour, a fishing trip, or an Aurora viewing package. Our new Visitor Centre can give you information on many of Yellowknife’s activities, attractions and fine stores. Located at: Centre Square Mall, 5014 – 50th Street .

Phone: (867) 920- TOUR (8687)

Email: [email protected]

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Yellowknife

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Peaceful Adventures in Yellowknife, Canada

Attractions

Cities and Towns

• Guided tours
• General information
• When to Visit
• Where to Stay

Attractions near Yellowknife

Canada's Northwest Territories is a vast and beautiful territory where you can enjoy all four seasons. From summer to winter, it has an incredible landscape for any adventurer. One of the popular areas in the Northwest Territories is Yellowknife, Canada. If you're looking for a peaceful adventure with stunning views, this article will help prepare you for your visit to Yellowknife!

Tours in Yellowknife

Yellowknife Ice Road Adventure

Yellowknife Snowshoeing Excursion on Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

World class fishing from a fly-in lodge

Motor Boat Cruise on the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories

Where is yellowknife.

Yellowknife is a small city located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, about 400km south of the Arctic Circle and on the west side of Yellowknife Bay. It is the only city in Canada's Northwest Territories.

How to Get to and Around Yellowknife

There are many ways to get to Yellowknife, but the most common is by plane. Yellowknife has its own airport that is the busiest airport in the Northwest Territories, with daily flights from Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. Driving is another option as it has its own highway that connects to Canada's main highways. Once in Yellowknife, you can easily get around by car or bus as they have a reliable public transportation service.

General information about Yellowknife

• Area – 136.22 sq km (52.59 sq mi)
• Population – 19,569
• Location - Northwest Territories , Canada
• Incorporated - 1970
• Best time to visit - Year-round
• Top attractions – Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Site, Bush Pilots Monument, Yellowknife River Territorial Park Day Use Area, Old Town.

Brief History of Yellowknife

Yellowknife is considered to have been founded in 1934 after gold was discovered at its present-day waterfront area. After this, Yellowknife quickly became the center of economic activity in Canada's Northwest Territories, thus causing it to expand. As gold production began to wane, Yellowknife became a town focused on providing government services and an enjoyable tourist experience.

What to Do in Yellowknife

There are many activities to do in Yellowknife, depending on the season.

Go Dog Sledding

If you're visiting during winter, why not try dog sledding? You can book a tour with some of the local outfitters and go out for an hour or two into the frozen tundra!

Go on a Northern Lights Tour

In the winter, you should also do a northern lights tour ! It's one of the best ways to see Yellowknife in its full beauty. At times, the northern lights can be seen as early as August, but during the winter, they are much more likely to appear.

Take a Tour of Great Slave Lake

Another great way to enjoy Yellowknife is by taking a tour of its namesake—Great Slave Lake! You'll have incredible views of the rocky landscape and will learn about local history from your captain.

Yellowknife is full of fishing opportunities! You can either fish on your own or book a tour . Either way, you'll have some great views while enjoying this peaceful activity!

Folk on the Rocks

Every year in July, Yellowknife hosts Folk on the Rocks—a three-day music festival! You can enjoy local and international musicians while exploring various art booths.

Geocaching is all about finding caches through GPS coordinates—it's popular with both locals and visitors to Canada. During summer, you can do this at various locations around Yellowknife while winter offers up a more challenging experience.

Visit the Wildcat Cafe

Want to try out something delicious? Visit the Wildcat Cafe—Yellowknife's premier gourmet burger restaurant! As one reviewer said, "If you only eat one burger in your life, make it a Wildcat burger".

Regardless of when you visit, Yellowknife has something to offer for everyone. Come and see the beauty of Canada's Northwest Territories !

When to Visit Yellowknife

Depending on the season, Yellowknife has a different atmosphere. If you're visiting during summer, it is incredibly lively—filled with festivals and activities going on all over town! In winter, however? It's much more quiet and peaceful to enjoy the frozen landscape. Just make sure to bring a jacket!

Where to Stay in Yellowknife

There are many options for where to stay in Yellowknife.

Lakeview Hotel

When visiting during winter, you should definitely book a room at the Lakeview Hotel! It's centrally located, right next to one of Yellowknife's main attractions—Frame Lake. Plus it has great views out over Great Slave Lake and is within walking distance of downtown.

The Explorer Hotel

If you're visiting during summer, the Yellowknife Inn is a great choice! It's also centrally located and offers free breakfast to its guests. Plus it has an on-site restaurant where you can get delicious food even if you don't feel like heading out into town for dinner.

Chateau Nova Yellowknife

If you're looking for luxury, book a room at Chateau Nova Yellowknife. It's conveniently located right near the airport and has great views of the city! Plus it's pet-friendly if you plan on bringing along your furry friend while exploring this northern town!

Of course, if you want to go with something a little more unique there are plenty of bed and breakfasts in the Yellowknife area. They offer cozy accommodations while still giving you access to all that this northern town has to offer!

No matter where you decide to stay in Yellowknife, rest assured you're in for a treat. This charming town has so much to offer and is the perfect place to enjoy your next holiday!

• Great Slave Lake
• Wood Buffalo National Park

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All About Yellowknife

• Yellowknife is a World famous destination for Northern Lights.
• It also has rich History, Culture & Mining Industry.
• Yellowknife Diamond Capital of North America.

Travellers Information

• Year round Flight Connectivity and All season Road to Yellowknife ?
• Which Essential items you should bring on your trip to Yellowknife ?
• How to Dress for the Weather in Yellowknife ?