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Stays in Yellowknife
Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories and the largest city in the Canadian North. Located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, it serves as a gateway to the Arctic and is known for its access to the aurora borealis, which can be seen from late August to mid-April. The city's…
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About Yellowknife
The city is situated on the Canadian Shield, with numerous lakes and outcrops of rock. The downtown area is compact and walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and shops concentrated along Franklin Avenue and 50th Street. The Old Town, on a peninsula jutting into Great Slave Lake, retains a frontier character with wooden buildings, houseboats, and the iconic Wildcat Cafe. Visitors can explore the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, learn about Indigenous cultures at the Yellowknives Dene First Nation offices, or take a boat tour on Great Slave Lake. In winter, activities include dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, while summer offers hiking, camping, and fishing under the midnight sun.
Where to stay in Yellowknife
Downtown Yellowknife. The central business district offers the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, and shops, and is within walking distance of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the legislative assembly.
Old Town. This historic area on the lakefront has a distinctive character with wooden buildings, houseboats, and art galleries, and is home to a few smaller hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.
Range Lake. A residential and commercial area north of downtown, with several hotels and easy access to the highway and the airport.
Getting there and around
Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is served by daily flights from Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities. The airport is about 5 km from downtown, and taxis and rental cars are available. Driving to Yellowknife is possible via the Mackenzie Highway and Highway 3, but it is a long journey from southern Canada. Within the city, public transit buses operate on several routes, and taxis are readily available. Many downtown attractions are within walking distance, but a car is useful for exploring areas like the Old Town and nearby lakes.
When to go
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For the aurora borealis, the season runs from late August to mid-April, with clear, dark nights. Winter (November to March) offers snow-based activities but can be extremely cold. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, with long daylight hours and warmer temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Spring and autumn are shorter and can be unpredictable.
Questions, answered
When can I see the northern lights in Yellowknife?
The aurora borealis is visible from late August to mid-April, with the best viewing conditions on clear, dark nights. Many tour operators offer aurora-viewing excursions.
What is the best way to get around Yellowknife?
Downtown is walkable, but taxis and rental cars are useful for reaching the Old Town and other areas. Public transit buses also serve the city.
What activities are available in Yellowknife?
In winter, you can go dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. In summer, hiking, fishing, and boat tours on Great Slave Lake are popular.
Is Yellowknife a good place to see Indigenous culture?
Yes, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and local Indigenous organizations offer insights into the cultures of the Dene and Métis peoples.
How cold does it get in Yellowknife in winter?
Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, often reaching -20°C or lower. Visitors should pack warm clothing and be prepared for extreme cold.
What is the midnight sun?
In summer, Yellowknife experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight around the summer solstice in June, known as the midnight sun.