Yellowknife Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis and the Midnight Sun in Canada's Northwest Territories, where urban amenities meet untamed wilderness on the shores of Great Slave Lake.
Yellowknife is a place where the subarctic wilderness shakes hands with urban life. Perched on the Canadian Shield on the north shore of the deepest lake in North America, this city is a frontier outpost that has evolved into a cosmopolitan capital. It is a land of extremes, where winter temperatures plunge deep below freezing and summer days stretch on for 20 hours, bathing the landscape in a surreal, golden twilight.
Here, the pioneering spirit is palpable. From the ragtag charm of the houseboats bobbing in the bay to the shimmering glass of the diamond centres, Yellowknife is a city of contrasts. Whether you are here to witness the celestial dance of the Aurora Borealis or to cast a line into the pristine waters of Great Slave Lake, the capital of the Northwest Territories offers an adventure that feels truly off the map.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Spirit of the North
Yellowknife’s history is a rugged tapestry woven with threads of gold mining, indigenous Dene culture, and aviation heroism. Founded on the gold rush of the 1930s, the city has shifted its focus to diamonds, earning it the nickname “Diamond Capital of North America.” However, the soul of the city remains in its connection to the land and the sky.
Culturally, the city is a meeting place. You will hear the Weledeh dialect of the Tłı̨chǫ people, English, and French all spoken here. The legacy of the bush pilots who opened up the north is celebrated everywhere, most notably at the monument that towers over Old Town. This is not a polished tourist trap; it is a living, breathing northern community where nature dictates the rhythm of life.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Aurora Hunting
Chase the Northern Lights by vehicle or settle into a heated teepee at a viewing village for one of the world's most reliable light shows.
Explore Old Town
Walk the wooden boardwalks of this historic district, featuring log cabins, local artisans, and the famous Bush Pilot's Monument.
Dog Sledding
Mush your own team of huskies or ride in the basket through the snowy boreal forest trails surrounding the city.
Fish Fry at Bullock's
Eat freshly caught Great Slave Lake fish at this legendary, graffiti-covered bistro that defines Yellowknife's culinary soul.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Bush Pilot’s Monument - Located in the heart of Old Town, this monument sits atop “The Rock.” It requires climbing several flights of winding stairs, but the 360-degree view of the city, the houseboats, and Great Slave Lake is the best photo opportunity in town. Free access.
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - Situated 1 km from downtown on the shore of Frame Lake, this museum is the province’s archive and heritage headquarters. It features immersive dioramas of northern wildlife and intricate indigenous beadwork. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
Cameron Falls - Located 47 km east of the city along the Ingraham Trail, this is a must-do hiking destination. The trail is well-marked and takes about 20 minutes to hike in. Seeing the river freeze into a crystal cascade in winter or roar in summer is unforgettable. Park pass required ($10 CAD/day).
Bristol Monument - As you enter the city near the airport, you will see a massive Bristol Freighter plane on a pedestal. It is a tribute to the cargo planes that supplied the north. It serves as a great welcome landmark and a quick history lesson on aviation logistics.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Yellowknife usually involves a flight connecting through Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver into YZF Airport. Once you arrive, renting a car is highly recommended. While the downtown core is walkable, the best sights, like the aurora viewing spots, hiking trails, and Old Town, are spread out. Taxis are available but can add up quickly if used as a primary mode of transport.
When packing, function must triumph over fashion. In winter, you need parka-grade outerwear, insulated boots rated for -30°C, and thermal layers. In summer, the weather is pleasant, but you should bring a sleep mask; the Midnight Sun can wreak havoc on your circadian rhythm if you are not prepared to block out the light at bedtime.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Aurora Season (Nov-Apr) & Summer (Jun-Aug)
Pros
- World-class Northern Lights viewing in winter
- Endless daylight for outdoor activities in summer
- Major festivals occur during these times
- Full tour operator availability
Cons
- Accommodation prices are highest
- Winter requires expensive specialized clothing
- Summer brings mosquitoes and black flies
- Popular tours sell out months in advance
Shoulder Season: Autumn (Late Aug - Sep)
Pros
- Double Aurora season (lights reflect on the water)
- Beautiful fall foliage
- Fewer crowds than mid-winter
- Temperatures are crisp but not freezing
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable and rainy
- Some summer operators close by mid-September
- Days get shorter rapidly
Off-Peak: The Freeze-Up (Oct-Nov) & Break-Up (May)
Pros
- Lowest hotel rates
- A quiet, authentic local atmosphere
- Unique photography of ice formation/melting
Cons
- Cloud cover often blocks the Aurora
- Lake activities are dangerous or impossible
- Many restaurants and tours close for maintenance
- Visually grey and muddy
Yellowknife is a destination that demands you embrace the elements. Whether you are watching the green ribbons of the aurora dance over a frozen lake or eating fresh fish on a sun-drenched patio at midnight, the memories you make here will be etched in the unique light of the North.
Sample Itineraries
The Winter Aurora Chaser
A classic winter itinerary focused on the Northern Lights, ice roads, and winter sports.
Day 1: Arrival and First Lights
- Morning: Arrive at YZF airport and pick up your rental car, costing approximately $100 CAD per day. Check into your hotel and grab a warm lunch at The Woodyard Brewhouse for about $25 CAD per person.
- Afternoon: Visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to understand the region’s history, which is free to enter and takes about 2 hours. Drive 2 km to the Legislative Assembly for a self-guided tour of the unique circular chamber.
- Evening: Embark on your first Aurora viewing tour, which usually starts around 9:00 PM and costs roughly $130 CAD per person. Sip hot chocolate in a heated teepee while waiting for the lights to dance overhead.
Day 2: Ice Roads and Old Town
- Morning: Drive your rental car onto the frozen Great Slave Lake via the Dettah Ice Road, a 6 km drive on 1.5 meters of solid ice. Stop for photos at the colourful Houseboats frozen into the bay.
- Afternoon: Head to Old Town and climb the stairs to Bush Pilot’s Monument for the best view in the city. Have a late lunch at Bullock’s Bistro, budgeting around $40 CAD per person for their famous fish and chips.
- Evening: Try a different style of Aurora viewing by booking a ‘hunting’ tour that chases clear skies by van, costing about $120 CAD per person. These tours often venture 30-50 km out of town away from light pollution.
Day 3: Dogs and Culture
- Morning: Experience a traditional dog sled ride through the boreal forest, which costs approximately $150 CAD per person for a 1-hour excursion. Many operators are located just 15 minutes drive from downtown.
- Afternoon: Visit the Gallery of the Midnight Sun in Old Town to shop for authentic northern souvenirs like moccasins and Inuit art. Grab a coffee and a pastry at the Dancing Moose Cafe nearby.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Trader’s Grill in the Explorer Hotel, expecting to pay $60-80 CAD per person. Keep an eye out the window, as you might catch one last glimpse of the Aurora before your flight the next morning.
Summer Midnight Sun Explorer
Experience the endless days of the North with hiking, boating, and history.
Day 1: City Sights and endless Light
- Morning: Start with a walk around the Somba K’e Civic Plaza and visit the City Hall to get your jagged North of 60 certificate. Grab a quick breakfast at a downtown cafe for under $15 CAD.
- Afternoon: Walk the 5 km Frame Lake Trail which loops around the lake in the centre of town. Stop for lunch at Zehabesha for incredible Ethiopian platters costing about $25 CAD each.
- Evening: Take advantage of the 24-hour daylight with a late evening kayak rental on Yellowknife Bay. Finish with drinks on the patio at NWT Brewing Company, enjoying the sun at 10:00 PM.
Day 2: The Ingraham Trail
- Morning: Rent a car and drive 47 km east on the Ingraham Trail to Cameron Falls. The hike is about 20 minutes one way and offers stunning views of the waterfall.
- Afternoon: On the drive back, stop at Prelude Lake Territorial Park for a picnic lunch on the sandy beach. If you enjoy fishing, you can rent a boat here for approximately $100 CAD per hour.
- Evening: Return to Old Town for dinner at the historic Wildcat Cafe, budgeting $35 CAD per person for a bison burger. Walk off the meal by strolling down Ragged Ass Road to photograph the famous street sign.
Day 3: Art and History
- Morning: Visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to see the exhibits on bush planes and mining history. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene at Old Town Glassworks, where you can even take a workshop to make your own recycled glass souvenir for $60 CAD. Walk across the causeway to Latham Island to see the upscale homes and views back toward the city.
- Evening: For your final night, take a boat tour of the houseboat community, learning about the off-grid lifestyle of the residents. End your trip with a fine dining experience at the Copperhouse, costing roughly $70 CAD per person.
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