- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Yellowknife
Yellowknife, founded in the 1930s gold rush, retains its frontier character. Old Town's log cabins and colorful houseboats line Great Slave Lake. The Bush Pilot's Monument overlooks the water, while the winter Dettah Ice Road links communities-landmarks noted in every Yellowknife travel guide.
Exploring the vast Great Slave Lake, North America's deepest, offers the best reasons to visit Yellowknife, alongside its sprawling boreal forest trails. Evenings bring the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, visible from local viewing spots like Prelude Lake.
For unique culinary experiences, what is Yellowknife famous for often includes fresh Northern Pike and Arctic Char. Local eateries frequently source these directly from Great Slave Lake. Try Indigenous-inspired dishes featuring bison or caribou for a true taste of the North.
- YellowknifeCanada
- YellowknifeCanada
- YellowknifeCanada
- YellowknifeCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, spring blooms, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooling down, fall colors, fewer tourists
- Wintercold, snow activities, Northern Lights viewings
- #WarmClothing
- #ThermalLayers
- #ComfortableFootwear
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #Camera
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 7+ for side trips & activities
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #PrinceOfWalesNorthernHeritageCentre
- #OldTown
- #IceRoads
- #YellowknifeBay
- #CivicCentre
- #FrameLake
- #NorthernLights
- Explore the Snowking's Winter Festival
- Visit local art galleries
- See the Northern Lights
- Boat tour on Great Slave Lake
- Hike at the Prelude Lake Territorial Park
Things to do in Yellowknife
Discover
Venture through Yellowknife attractions, from the historic Old Town and Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to the scenic views of Frame Lake. Natural beauty surrounds you, making yellowknife perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Experience
Experience thrilling activities, from hiking picturesque trails to attending local cultural events and festivals. Participate in Yellowknife tours and events that showcase the vibrant arts scene and unique local traditions.
Prince of Wales Heritage Centre
Cultural museum showcasing local history and art.
Old Town
Historic district with colorful wooden buildings.
Frame Lake
Scenic lake perfect for walking and outdoor activities.
Yellowknife Bay
Popular spot for kayaking and scenic views.
Aurora Viewing Tours
Guided experiences to see the Northern Lights.
Folk on the Rocks Festival
Annual music festival celebrating local and national talent.
Great Slave Lake
Vast lake offering fishing and outdoor exploration.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Yellowknife, fly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF) from major Canadian cities. For Yellowknife airport to city center transport, taxis cost ~$20-25, or book a Yellowknife shuttle bus with your hotel to easily reach your destination.
Getting Around
Yellowknife's downtown is walkable. For public transport in Yellowknife, a city bus operates fixed routes; check schedules as service is infrequent. For exploring beyond the city, like aurora viewing, car rental in Yellowknife offers flexibility.
Local Essentials
When driving in Yellowknife during winter, use caution; roads are often icy. Rent a 4WD vehicle with winter tires. Always plug in your vehicle when parked below 0°C to ensure starting. Local tip: dress in layers, even for short walks.
Where to Stay in Yellowknife
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Yellowknife's culinary scene with favorites like bison stew, Arctic char, and frybread. The local culture embraces late dinners and cozy café meet-ups, making it a hub for trying traditional food in Yellowknife.
Enjoy
Taste the local cuisine in Yellowknife at Bullock's Bistro for seafood and hearty dishes. The Black Knight Pub attracts locals for drinks and live music. Book ahead for the best experience. Check Javaroma for coffee in a relaxed setting.
Bullock's Bistro
Renowned for fresh fish and bison stew, mid-range prices.
Zehabesha Traditional Ethiopian Food
Experience authentic Ethiopian dishes.
The Woodyard Brewhouse & Eatery
Canadian comfort food with a nostalgic vibe.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Celebrate Yellowknife's heritage with events like the Long John Jamboree in February, featuring ice fishing and dog sled races, reflecting its frontier spirit. Explore these Yellowknife cultural activities.
Enjoy
Experience modern Yellowknife with events like Folk on the Rocks in July, a must-see music festival showcasing Indigenous and Canadian artists. These Yellowknife tours and events offer diverse entertainment, from live bands to artisan markets.
Long John Jamboree
Winter festival with ice fishing, dog sled races. February.
Folk on the Rocks
Major music festival in July. Indigenous & Canadian artists.
Yellowknife International Film Festival
Showcases diverse films. October. Explore new cinema.
NWT Tourism Conference
Industry event focused on Northern travel. April.
Christmas Lights Contest
Neighborhood decorating competition. December.
Northern lights like nothing I've ever seen
The aurora here is on another level. Standing out near Frame Lake on a clear night, the whole sky just explodes with color. It's hard to put into words. The town is small but has everything you need and locals are genuinely helpful.
Winter up here is wild in the best way
Came for the ice road experience and it did not disappoint. Driving across frozen Great Slave Lake felt surreal. The cold is serious but you get used to it fast. Locals dress smart and are happy to give tips. Yellowknife has this raw, rugged feel that's hard to find anywhere else.
Dog sledding was an absolute highlight
Never tried dog sledding before and this place is perfect for it. The trails outside town are beautiful and the dogs are so energetic and fun. Old Town area is worth a wander too - quirky little buildings and great views over the lake. Food options are decent for a city this size.
Incredible place for aurora photography
Flew all the way from Seoul specifically to photograph the northern lights and Yellowknife delivered big time. Multiple clear nights during my stay. The lack of light pollution outside the city center makes a huge difference. Wildcat Café is a must for a warming meal after a cold night out.
So much more than just cold weather
People kept telling me it would just be freezing and boring. Totally wrong. The frozen lake, the snowmobile tours, the northern lights - it was all genuinely exciting. The community feels tight-knit and welcoming. Bush pilots monument is cool to stop by too.
A proper bucket list destination
Came in late December hoping for the aurora and got it three nights in a row. Old Town Yellowknife has real character - colourful houses, floatplanes on the lake, friendly locals. The Arctic energy here is unlike anything in southern Canada. Well worth the journey.