The 21 Most Exciting Things To Do in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in 2023
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About Yellowknife
Yellowknife is located on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories. It was originally established in 1934 as a hub for the north during the Gold Rush. The Northwest Territories (NWT) has a population of 42,000 of which, 19,500 of those people live in the capital.
Is Yellowknife Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Yellowknife is a very unique city full of vibrant arts and culture from across the north. The city is filled with things to do and see featuring many beautiful landmarks, walking trails, and amenities all year-around. No matter what time of the year you choose to visit Yellowknife, you are guaranteed to leave with some unique memories of some truly extraordinary things.
When Should You Visit Yellowknife?
Yellowknife is accessible all year round but it does have two peak times for tourism depending on what you want to see on your journey here, Winter and Summer.
In the winter, it is one of the world’s best destinations for the Northern Lights (Aurora) viewing which runs from August through mid-April. Winter is also the time for other winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, dogsledding and so much more. You can venture out on your own or find many local guides offering a variety of activities.
In the summer, the wilderness adventure tourists stake their claim which is when activities such as canoeing, camping, and fishing take over the industry. People of all abilities and desires can tap into the wilderness during their visit. There are many licensed tourism operators that offer adventures to a variety of skill sets and many businesses that also offer short-term gear rentals.
In the fall, some tourists find themselves on remote hunting trips across the Northwest Territories to get the biggest game.
My Favorite Things To Do in Yellowknife All Year-Around
- Visit Old-Town
Old Town Yellowknife is such a fun place to visit since it has old stores, some tasty restaurants, float planes, and houseboats. You can wander around this area for a few hours and go shopping at Weaver & Devore which has been in business since 1936, it was the city’s first general store.
While in Old town you can hike to the top of Tin-Can Hill and visit Bush Pilot’s Monument. This is a great spot to see the whole city.
I also recommend a stop at the Wildcat Cafe, Bullocks Bistro, Sundog Trading Post, and the Woodyard while you are in Yellowknife. These are four of the most famous stops for locals and tourists alike as all the menus feature local food. Be sure to grab a marker while in Bullock’s so you can leave your mark like everyone else!
2. Old-Town Glass Works Workshop
Register for an artist workshop during your visit to create a unique piece of art that you take home. One of the best workshops that is available year-round is Old Town Glassworks where you can turn an old bottle into a variety of useful items. If you don’t have time to create your own item, you can stop by their gift shop and buy something one of their artists created.
3. Prince of Whales Northern Heritage Centre
The Prince of Whales Northern Heritage Centre is one of the best museums I have been to. It showcases a variety of displays featuring Northern Culture and Heritage alongside scientific discoveries from the region. There is a whole interactive area where kids can play in a log cabin as well.
4. Visit the Legislative Assembly
The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly houses the Territorial Government. I went on a tour there before and it gives you some cool history of the territory, the creation of the flag, and an up-close tour of the speaker’s mase. Guided tours are available daily from 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, check out their website for more details.
5. Walk or Bike Around
Yellowknife has many all-season trails that can be used for walking and biking all around the city. You can bring your own bike or in the summer you can rent a bike from Old Town Bike Works and in the winter you can rent a fat bike from Overlander Sports.
For a unique experience, you can even go water biking on Great Slave Lake in the summer!
6. Hike to Cameron Falls
Drive along the Ingraham Trail 47 km outside Yellowknife and do the 20-minute hike to see the beautiful Cameron Falls. The trailhead is easy to find with a small parking lot with washrooms at the beginning. The hike to the falls is easy to complete and easy to find and there is even a side trail leading up to the ramparts.
Best things to do in Yellowknife in Summer
7. Folk on The Rocks
One of the most iconic events in the Northwest Territories, Folk on the Rocks draws in locals and tourists alike to a weekend music folk festival unlike any other. It is one of the North’s most spectacular features of its Northern Artistic Talents. The festival has multiple different stages playing simultaneously, food trucks, and local vendors selling products from across Northern Canada.
8. Book a Wilderness Adventure
With one of Canada’s great lakes as its backyard, it is no wonder that Yellowknife is a destination packed with outdoor experiences. There are so many people that can take you fishing, canoeing, camping, and more near the city or the remote wilderness.
There are so many licensed Tourism Operators in Yellowknife to choose from, it is hard to pick the best experience. In 2022 I had an unforgettable adventure to Thaidene Nene National Park as a guide for Jackpine Paddle.
9. Visit Somba K’e Park & Stop by the Farmer’s Market
Somba K’e Park is located in the heart of Yellowknife and overlooks Great Slave Lake. The park has an accessible playground that is a ton of fun for kids to play at too.
All summer they host a weekly farmer’s market on Tuesdays from 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm. This market features a variety of local produce, food, and artwork.
10. Rent A Canoe, Kayak, or SUP
There are several places where you can rent a Canoe, Kayak, or even Stand-Up-Paddlebaord (SUP) and gear for the day to explore the beautiful Back Bay of Great Slave Lake. The cheapest rental rates are with NARWAL Adventures. With summertime in the Northwest Territories being the land of the midnight sun, you can spend your entire evening enjoying the houseboats, rocky cliffs, and interesting islands that cover the area.
11. Play a Round at the Yellowknife Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf under the midnight sun on one of the most unique golf courses in the world. Yellowknife is located on the Canadian Shield which means there is no grass. This makes you feel like you are golfing on the moon! Book your tee time here.
Things to do in Yellowknife in Winter
12. Schedule time for the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful things you can experience in life and they are symbolic of the North for a reason. From August through May, the Aurora is a nightly occurrence in Yellowknife. Sometimes if it is cloudy you cannot see the aurora from the ground but if you move around or wake up a few nights in a row, you are bound to see them.
Various tour operators offer tours from your front door to observe or even chase down the best lights of the evening. One of the most unique places to watch the Aurora from is Aurora Village.
If you want to try and hunt down the Aurora yourself and you have access to a vehicle, you can check out the Aurora Forecast from Astronomy North. This forecast will inform you of the odds of seeing the Aurora on any given night.
13. Visit the Snowking’s Castle
Every March the Snowking welcomes people to the Snowking Winter Festival inside a stunning castle constructed of Ice and Snow. Each winter, a team of volunteers set out on Great Slave Lake to make a unique structure fashioned from what the lake has to offer. One of the highlights is always the ice slides which are fun for the whole family.
Outside the castle is an annual sculpture contest that features teams of locals competing to see who can create the most wicked creature. Check out their website before you visit to purchase tickets to their special events. Daily admission can be purchased at the door with no reservation needed.
14. Go Dog Sledding
A trip to Northern Canada would be incomplete without a ride in a dog sled. Even as someone who grew up in the NWT, my first dog sledding experience was incredible and unforgettable. There are a few companies, such as Beck’s Kennels, that offer these types of tours, both as a rider and sled driver.
15. Go Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing is a unique winter experience that can take a few hours or an entire day depending on how much time you have in the city. If you want, you can rent a heated shack on the lake for a few hours without a guide. Alternatively, for visitors looking for a full-day experience with guides, food, and gear provided, there are a variety of operators that offer ice fishing experiences in the city.
16. Skate on Great Slave Lake
Bring your ice skates and enjoy skating all across Great Slave Lake. Many people skate and play hockey on the ice roads and other rinks built on the lake. If you don’t want to pack your skates you can rent some at Overlander Sports.
17. Go Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing
Yellowknife is a city that thrives on outdoor activity all year round which means winter is another opportunity to explore the outdoors with snowshoes or skis. Bring your own or rent snowshoes and skis at Overlander Sports. You can use Yellowknife Ski Club trails for a small fee.
18. Hike to the Ice Caves
The Back Bay Ice Caves are a local hidden gem that are not true ice caves but unique icicle formations that are stunning to look at and take photos with. They can be accessed by snowmobile or by walking on the Back Back Cemetery footpath off Niven Drive down to Great Slave Lake. You can even book a one-of-a-kind tour by kicksled where two dogs pull you from Yellowknife across the lake!
19. Rent a Fat Bike
Fat Bikes have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as they offer the fun of biking in the winter. For a different way to get around the city check out Fat Bike Rentals while in town.
20. Drive on an Ice Road & Explore the nearby Indigenous Community of N’Dilo
At the end of Old Town Yellowknife is an Indigenous community called Dettah, if you cross the bay on the ice road you will reach the community of N’Dilo. Rich with Indigenous culture and history you can check out these quaint little communities in a few hours.
Things to do in Yellowknife at Night
21. Visit the Black Knight or the Woodyard/NWT Brewing Company
Stop by one of the local pubs for a beer and good conversation. Both the Black Knight and the Woodyard have a great atmosphere, tasty food, and good local beer on tap.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Yellowknife in Summer
Yellowknife is located in the remote wilderness of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is a lively community that is alive all night long in the summer as Northern Canada is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. All summer, we get light from early morning through midnight.
At Yellowknife’s latitude, they get up to 20 hours of daylight during the peak of summer. Be sure to pack your hat, sunglasses, and mosquito supplies before your northern adventure. I recommend packing a mosquito jacket or head net as some years, they come out in force. You can pre-purchase a travel-sizes repellant lotion and decide if you need to purchase more when you arrive.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Yellowknife in Winter
Winter in Yellowknife is dark and cold which requires some pre-trip planning. You should be prepared for cold temperatures as Yellowknife can get below -40 C (-40 F) and can be quite windy. The days are short with just a few hours of daylight, great for spotting the Aurora.
What To Wear In Yellowknife in the Winter
I recommend bringing a merino wool base layer to put under your regular clothes which include a long top, long bottoms, and wool socks. After the base layer is the mid-layer which is the regular clothes that you can wear when you are inside a building. On top is the shell/outer layer that you put on before venturing outside.
Your shell should consist of snow pants, a winter jacket, a winter hat (toque), a neck warmer, mittens, and winter boots. If you are venturing beyond city limits, a headlamp is highly recommended as it gets dark by 5 pm on winter nights.
If you do not own gear or do not want to pack it, you can rent gear upon your arrival from Aurora Village or Arctic Tours. If you book a tour package, clothing gear may or may not be included so inquire before you arrive, you will need all the gear I listed!
Best Places to Stay in Yellowknife
Hotels
There are many hotels available in the city, most of which are within walking distance of the downtown core.
Bed and Breakfasts
There are many Bed and Breakfasts available for rent and they are ideal for families or people who are staying a bit longer.
Air BnB & VRBO
Air BnB is available in Yellowknife and you will see many of the Bead and Breakfasts hosted there alongside apartments and houses. VRBO also has a few listings for Yellowknife but they are not a go-to platform.
Camping – Fred Henne Territorial Park
For the most affordable stay, in the summer you can camp at the Fred Henne Territorial Park which is close to town and a short walk to the beach.
Getting to Yellowknife
Driving to Yellowknife
Route
The nice thing about driving to the Northwest Territories is that it looks beautiful, there is not much traffic, you may see some wildlife and it is hard to get lost. Take Highway 1 north from Grimshaw and head 350km North to the NWT border.
In another 100 km, you will pass through a small community called Enterprise that has a small gas station and is where you can turn if you want to go to Hay River. Continue on Highway 1 for another 100 km until you reach the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 3. At this intersection, turn right onto Highway 3 towards Yellowknife.
Shortly after the turn, you will cross the infamous Dehcho Bridge that spans the Mackenzie River. After the Dehcho bridge, you will come across the Big River Service station just outside Fort Providence, your last chance for fuel and food before Yellowknife. The distance from the turn-off to Yellowknife is 340 km.
Most people gas up in High Level, Alberta, and again in Fort Providence. If your car cannot make it the 414 km from High Level to Fort Providence, keep an eye out for the gas station in Enterprise. Note that it has been open on and off since COVID started so you may need to make the drive into Hay River or pack a Jerry Can.
Cellphone service is limited to communities so have the maps downloaded to your GPS before departure.
Northern Roads
A common question people have is what the road conditions are like in the Northwest Territories. The entire route from Alberta to Yellowknife is paved other than sections under repair.
In the summer, there are no concerns other than wildlife, namely Bison between the Dehcho Bridge and Yellowknife. If you encounter Bison on the road the best thing to do is to drive slowly and around them. If you want to take pictures of wildlife ensure it is safe to pull over to the side of the road and give them plenty of room.
In the winter, the highway is plowed frequently so there is no concern for snow on the road unless there was a very recent snowfall. Most vehicles travel the route without any issues. All-season or snow tires are recommended but four-wheel drive is not required.
Flying to Yellowknife
The three airlines that provide service to Yellowknife are Air Canada, WestJet, and Canadian North. Check out all three airlines for various prices and routes.
There is just one International Airport with one terminal, one baggage claim, and one security entrance so you should not get lost. Cabs are available outside your arrival door and many hotels offer a free shuttle.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Yellowknife?
You should spend a minimum of three days and nights in Yellowknife so you have time to completely immerse yourself in the city. If you have more time to explore then I recommend heading outside Yellowknife. If you are driving to Yellowknife you can easily stop at other communities along the way that have many other things to offer.
Exploring Beyond Yellowknife
Yellowknife is the capital city of the Northwest Territories but there are thirty-three communities speckling the 1 million square kilometers of land. There are thirteen official languages in the NWT which goes to show the cultural diversity of the land. You can head to any community or into the wilderness for a completely different experience than Yellowknife.
Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Yellowknife
If you are planning a trip to Yellowknife in the Summer or Winter, it will not disappoint you. The city is relatively small so there is no time when you will be overwhelmed by huge crowds. With many activities, landscapes, wildlife, and places to eat your trip to Yellowknife will not disappoint.