Yellowknife
Overview
Closer to the Arctic Circle than any other Canadian city, Yellowknife is a booming town that is proud of its past and excited by what the future holds. Not to mention, it is also the Diamond Capital of North America
The first inhabitants of Yellowknife called the region Somba K'e (the place where the money is). This vibrant city has since attracted a diverse, young population with a thirst for wilderness adventures, lively nightlife and memorable arctic travel experiences.
Yellowknife's location on the north arm of Great Slave Lake also makes it a prime fishing destination. In fact, the next time you say you caught a fish this big, you won't be embellishing. Great Slave Lake is the ninth-largest lake in the world and home to some of the biggest northern pike, lake trout, Arctic grayling and whitefish. There are also many fantastic spots for canoeing and kayaking, both on Great Slave Lake and on the countless smaller lakes found in the region.
When spending time outdoors, stay on the lookout for wood bison, caribou, red foxes, hares, beavers, muskrat, black bears and a colourful mix of migrating birds. These impressive Arctic creatures will amaze you. Just be sure to keep a respectful distance – ask a local guide for specific instructions if you’re heading out to the wilderness.
But there’s much more to Yellowknife than first meets the eye. English might be the most commonly spoken language here but it’s the First Nations community who serve as its cultural anchor. The Dene aboriginals brought numerous languages to the region (the city has 11 official languages in total) as well as their art forms. In Yellowknife, you’ll find many unique carvings, sculptures and jewelry available at shops, boutiques and galleries, with proceeds going to these talented native artisans.
In Yellowknife, you’ll also catch unique events like Folk on the Rocks, a two-day summer folk music festival, and the Summer Solstice Festival, which boasts street sales, live bands, boat parties and a midnight golf tournament.
And don’t forget to gaze upward when the sun is down. From Yellowknife, you’ll get an incredible view of the astronomical phenomenon known as the aurora borealis or Northern Lights. Auroral tourism is big business here in the great white north. Each year, visitors from around the world come to see this natural show in the sky – all looking for a glimpse of the unique lights and colours that even artists are hard-pressed to recreate.
So next summer, when everyone’s showing off the same old photos from their summer vacation, wow them with pictures of the greatest light show on earth, close-ups of bison and time-lapses of the more than 20 hours of sunlight in a single day. Watch as their mouths open in awe. Then tell them you visited the Canadian Arctic.
Yellowknife is a fantastic destination for:
- outdoor adventure
Airport served by: YZF
Destination basics
Climate
It may come as a surprise to you that Yellowknife experiences less than 300 mm or 12 inches of precipitation annually. In fact, despite its subarctic climate, the city has a frost-free farming season of around 100 days per year. Bordered by Great Slave Lake as well as mountain ranges to the west, Yellowknife has milder weather than one might think. Fall and winter temperatures are well below 0 C, but average temperatures typically do not fall below -30 C. Spring weather generally makes its first appearance here in May, with warmer temperatures continuing into September. The average summer temperature is around 19 C.
It probably goes without saying but visitors to Yellowknife will want to bring warm clothing as well as a warm winter coat, boots, mitts, scarf and hat. Even those visiting in the summer months will want to bring a jacket and sweater for the cool evenings.
District guide
Old Town
The birthplace of Yellowknife, Old Town is alive with a distinct frontier charm. Historic structures line the waterfront, and the neighborhood houses several notable attractions. Willow Flats transports visitors back to the 1930s with its original buildings and must-see Ragged Ass Road. For some of the nicest views of Old Town and Great Slave Lake, head to the Bush Pilot’s Monument, where a moderate staircase yields to spectacular panoramas.
More recent additions to Old Town have only added to its appeal. Upscale restaurants can be found alongside heritage-listed cafes, modern residences stand in sharp contrast to venerable structures, and local shops upkeep a healthy dose of commercial activity. Favorite among visitors to Old Town are also the art galleries found there, which celebrate traditional artists and styles.
New Town
New Town is the downtown neighborhood in Yellowknife. It was established in 1945 after gold miners felt the need to expand their waterfront enterprise. Some of the earliest businesses in Yellowknife still exist in New Town, including Sutherland’s Drug Store and the Yellowknife Post Office, which was named a local heritage site in 2006. New Town is also full of government buildings, restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, and shops. While you won’t find as many attractions here, you’ll get a sense of local life by exploring the neighborhood.
Latham Island
Latham Island is connected to Old Town by a causeway. Scenic lookouts are scattered about the island, offering picturesque views of Yellowknife Bay. Stop by the Otto, Harriet Lane, or Tililo Tili Point Lookouts for some of the greatest vistas around. There are several bed and breakfasts on Latham Island, making it possible to visit as a day trip or an overnight.
Entertainment
Yellowknife is city of contrasts where icy winters melt into sun-soaked summers and indigenous history mingles with contemporary culture. It offers entertainment for every taste.
Museums & Galleries
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre stores cultural and historical archives for the Northwest Territories. Visitors are invited to explore displays relating to the land, people, and past that have made Yellowknife what it is today. In the past, temporary exhibits have featured everything from wildlife dioramas and ice age fossils to aboriginal artifacts and textile crafts. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre also offers a play area for kids, as well as an onsite museum cafe.
There are two notable galleries in Old Town: the Down to Earth Gallery and Gallery of the Midnight Sun. If you’re looking to browse traditional art in an artist-run shop, head to the Down to Earth Gallery. You’ll find a variety of works including prints, jewelry, furs, books, beadwork, carving, and more. While the Gallery of the Midnight Sun similarly celebrates local art, it also houses goods like apparel, giftware, and souvenirs. Whether you come to admire fine art from the Northern Territories, pick up souvenir crafts for loved ones back home, or attend a diamond polishing demonstration, you’ll appreciate the Gallery of the Midnight Sun.
Outdoor Activities
Yellowknife is a boon for outdoor enthusiasts. Several trails in the area provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Multiple trails, including the Cameron Falls Trail and Frontier Trail, either begin or end in the Fred Henne Territorial Park, making it a hub for nature walkers. Birdwatchers may opt for the Niven Lake Trail, which circles a modest lagoon that attracts incredible wildlife. The trail stretches two kilometers (1.2 miles) and weaves through various exciting terrains. Other favorites include the Range Lake, Frame Lake, Tin Can Hill, Ranney Hill, Big Hill Lake, and Cameron Falls, and Ingraham Trails.
Fishing is a popular pastime in Yellowknife. A number of the preferred fishing spots in the city can be found off the Ingraham Trail. Stop on the Yellowknife River bridge for an al fresco lunch and the chance to catch pike and lake trout. Launch a boat off Pontoon Lake, keeping an eye out for ducks and terns. If you’re looking to make a day trip out of your fishing adventure, try Prelude Lake for practically guaranteed pike catches. Located approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Yellowknife along the Ingraham Trail, Prelude Lake also has amenities like a campground.
From mid-August to late-September and mid-November to mid-April, something magical happens in Yellowknife. The northern lights, which technically appear year round, take over the sky with electric green and red hues. The best views lie just outside the city, and there are several tours dedicated to sharing this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Sports
When the city snows over, Yellowknife becomes a great destination for winter sports. Skiing and cross-country skiing are chief among them. For the best in ski trails, check out the Yellowknife Ski Club, which not only offers trails but also races, social events, and more. Also popular among visiting recreation sports fans is the Yellowknife Golf Club, which offers scenic 9-hole and 18-hole courses, as well as putting greens and a pro shop.
Food and beverage
Old Town
A number of cherished eateries are located in Old Town. Surrounding the Bush Pilot’s Monument are two notable establishments: Wildcat Cafe and Bullock’s Bistro. Housed in a refurbished log cabin, Wildcat Cafe serves up generous portions of local flavors. Chow down on a bison burger while overlooking Yellowknife Bay at this landmark eatery. Bullock's Bistro also offers traditional fare, specializing in fresh fish like Arctic char and pike. Get it deep-fried, grilled, pan-fried, or slathered in sauce. You’ll love your meal as much as the bohemian ambiance.
New Town
The metropolitan side of the city, New Town houses most of the restaurants and bars in Yellowknife alongside numerous fast food options. International cuisines include Ethiopian delights at Zehabesha and Japanese delicacies at Sushi North. Those interested can also find Vietnamese, French, Thai, South American, Chinese, and more. Among the most popular bars in New Town is The Black Knight, a late night joint with an impressive scotch selection. If you’re in the mood to dance after grabbing a drink, head upstairs to the adjoining nightclub: Top Knight.
Fun facts
Yellowknife
Territory: Northwest Territories
Country: Canada
Yellowknife by the Numbers
Population: 19,234
Elevation: 206 meters / 676 feet
Average Annual Precipitation: 28 centimeters / 11 inches
Average Annual Snowfall: 157 centimeters / 62 inches
Average January Temperature: -26°C / -14°F
Average July Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
Quick Facts
Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz, AC
Time Zone: UTC-7; Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Country Dialing Code: 1
Area Code: 867
Did You Know
Yellowknife sees more summer sun than any other city in Canada, averaging 1,030 hours annually.
Yellowknife is the only city in the Northwest Territories. It is surrounded by towns and villages with significantly smaller populations.
Orientation
Yellowknife sits on the north shore of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. It is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,060 miles) north of Edmonton.
Historical background
At the turn of the next century, prospector E.A. Blakeney found gold in the bay while en route to the Yukon. The discovery was largely dismissed amidst the excitement of the Klondike Gold Rush, but the event marked a trend of prospecting in Yellowknife that would continue throughout the 20th century. Uranium and silver were unearthed in the area in the early 1930s, reigniting the possibility of finding natural resources in the area between the Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes. By the mid-1930s, gold had been discovered near several water bodies, leading to a small influx of prospectors and the first significant development in Yellowknife.
Mining quickly became the predominant industry in Yellowknife, which housed five mines by 1942, as well as businesses like the Canadian Bank of Commerce and Sutherland’s Drug Store. Eventually, the steady increase in activity resulted in the expansion of the townsite, creating what are today Old Town and New Town. This bustling success led to Yellowstone being made a municipality in 1953 and the capital of the Northwest Territories in 1967.
No longer known for its gold deposits, Yellowknife has earned two new and equally dazzling reputations. In the time since 1991, when diamonds were first discovered in the region, it has come to be known as the “Diamond Capital of North America.” Yellowknife is also widely considered one of the best places in the world to witness the exquisite northern lights, giving visitors plenty of reason to visit.
Recommended tours
Old Town
Start your tour of Old Town at Willow Flats, an area known for housing some of the oldest buildings in Yellowknife, well-preserved relics of its pioneer days. One example of these historic treasures is News of the North, which was built in 1945 as a newspaper office and now houses a lumber yard company started in 1946. Also found in Willow Flats is the Cultural Crossroads Exhibit, a celebration of Metis, Dene, Inuvialuit, English, and French artists. The site is comprised of a sculpture and brightly decorated rock face. For more art in Old Town, stop by Gallery of the Midnight Sun.
Next, head to Ragged Ass Road, whose name derives from a joke told years ago. In 1970, a resident of what was then called “Privy Road” created the nickname, a phrase that meant dirt poor. The signage has since been changed to officially read Ragged Ass Road, and in 1995, Tom Cochrane borrowed the name for an album title. Walking through, you’ll find several shacks alongside numerous refurbished homes. There’s also a structure known as Quaint and Comfy, which exemplifies 1940s architecture.
The Rock is a prominent natural landmark in Old Town. It also bears historical significance as the commercial hub in Yellowknife pre-1945. Atop the outcrop stands the Bush Pilot’s Monument, which is an attraction in its own right. Climb to the top of The Rock and look out over the city in the shadow a tower honoring early pilots in the Northwest Territories. Once you've taken in the peaceful landscape, head to the heritage-listed Wildcat Cafe for lunch. There are so many sites in Old Town, you can easily spend a day exploring every nook and cranny. But no matter how much time you spend there, you’ll get a feel for the old days of Yellowknife.
New Town
Get your bearings at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. You can learn about diamond mining, local history, and native wildlife through informative displays or ask a friendly staff member for tips about the town. You’ll also find information on the spectacular aurora borealis here. After, make sure to check out Sutherland’s Drug Store on Main Street and the nearby Yellowknife Post office, two of the first buildings in New Town.
East of the drug store and post office is the Gold Range Hotel, which has been in operation since 1958 and cherished as a watering hole ever since. For another dose of history, stop by the Mildred Hall School Grounds, which showcases log cabins from 1937 that once served as school houses. You’ll find the site on Main Street. Other attractions in New Town include the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and NWT Diamond Centre.
Fred Henne Territorial Park
A scenic Canadian Protected Area, Fred Henne Territorial Park is a gem on Long Lake. Hike into the park on the Frontier or Cameron Falls Trail or come for a leisurely afternoon of canoeing, picnicking, and enjoying the Long Lake beach. Camping at the Fred Henne Territorial Park campground provides excellent opportunity to fully explore the area. Whether you stay overnight or not, take time walk the Prospector’s Trail, which stretches four kilometers (2.5 miles). If you need a snack while touring the area, you can find several local eateries within walking distance.
Guided Tours
North Star Adventures (+1 867 446 2900/ http://northstaradventures.ca/)
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures (+1 867 444 8320/ http://yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com/)
Points of interest in Yellowknife
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ˆTotal price one-way per guest. See terms and conditions. *Prices are per guest, based on double occupancy and are limited; may not reflect real-time pricing or availability. See terms and conditions.
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: George Fischer and NWT Tourism
Credit: Dave Brosha and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: George Fischer and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: Terry Parker and NWT Tourism
Credit: NWT Tourism
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