Your First Visit to Yellowknife, NWT: A Complete Travel Guide
Welcome to Yellowknife, the vibrant capital of the Northwest Territories (NWT). Nestled on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, this tight-knit city of ~20,000 people is famed for crystal-clear skies, Indigenous culture, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re here to chase the Aurora Borealis, explore on-land trails under the midnight sun, or immerse yourself in Dene traditions, this guide will help you plan the perfect Yellowknife getaway.
Getting Here: Flights & Road Routes
By Air
Yellowknife is served year-round by daily flights from major Canadian hubs:
- Edmonton (YEG) → YZF
- Calgary (YYC) → YZF
- Vancouver (YVR) → YZF
Most airlines offer one-stop service; book early in winter (December–March) for best fares.
By Road
For the adventurous, driving north via Edmonton → High Level → Enterprise → Deh Cho Bridge → Yellowknife is scenic, especially in autumn when forests blaze with color. Winter driving (December–March) can be extreme (-40 °C), so ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and carry emergency supplies.
Where to Stay: Yellowknife Accommodations
Yellowknife offers lodging to suit every taste and budget:
- Hotels & Inns
- Explorer Hotel (downtown landmark)
- Chateau Nova Yellowknife (uptown comfort)
- Best Western Gold Range (central location)
- Bed & Breakfasts & Lodges
- Aurora Village Lodge (rustic cabins)
- Greenwood Inn B&B (homey rooms close to the lake)
- Unique Stays
- Ice Road Cabins (seasonal winter retreats)
- Eco-Pods at B. Dene Camp (combine with a Camp Rental)
Where to Eat: Yellowknife’s Culinary Scene
From local fish and bannock to global flavors, Yellowknife’s restaurants deliver:
Downtown
- Bluebell Eatery (brunch & local fare)
- Taste of Saigon (authentic Vietnamese)
- The Mantle (modern Canadian cuisine)
- NWT Diamond Centre Café (quick bites)
Old Town
- Bullock’s Bistro (fresh Great Slave Lake fish)
- Flamecraft Grill N Chill (cocktails & comfort food)
Uptown
- Copper House (fine dining with lake views)
- Fatburger & Subway (casual chains)
- Shoppers Drug Mart & Independent Grocers (groceries & essentials)
Pro Tip: Sample bannock and local smoked fish on your Dene Cultural Tour.
Must-See Attractions & Scenic Viewpoints
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
With over 240 clear nights annually, Yellowknife is the world’s premier Aurora destination. Book your Aurora Viewing Tour for a truly immersive experience.
- Pilot’s Monument
Climb the stairs above Old Town for panoramic views of Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake—especially magical at sunset.
- Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
Discover Northwest Territories’ history, art, and culture through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Cameron Falls / Hidden Lake Trail
A 4 km summer hike leading to breathtaking falls and quiet forest paths (not recommended in winter).
- Somba K’e Park
A waterfront park beside City Hall—ideal for picnics, summertime festivals, and evening strolls.
Outdoor Adventures: Year-Round Activities
Winter (Dec–Apr)
- Dog sledding — Mush your own team across snow-covered tundra.
- Snowmobiling — Guided tours on snowy trails; gear available via Vehicle Rentals.
- Ice fishing — Drill a hole in the ice and try your luck at catching lake trout.
Summer (May–Aug)
- Midnight Sun sightseeing — Hours of daylight for boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.
- Canoeing & Fishing — Explore Great Slave Lake’s shores; gear can be rented.
- Bird watching — Spot migratory species in Rotary Park and nearby wetlands.
Cultural Experiences with B. Dene Adventures
Deepen your visit with Indigenous-led programming:
- Aurora Viewing Tours
- Dene Cultural Tours
- Yellowknife City Tour
- Traditional Drumming
- Camp Rentals
- Wildlife Monitoring
Each experience is led by Yellowknives Dene hosts, offering authentic storytelling, land-based traditions, and modern safety.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
- Best Time to Visit:
- Aurora: December–April
- Midnight Sun: May–July
- What to Pack: Layered clothing, winter boots (for cold months), sunscreen (for summer), binoculars, and a good camera.
- Mobile & Connectivity: Cell service is generally reliable in town but limited on remote excursions—consider leasing a satellite phone via our Equipment Rentals.
- Respect the Land: Always follow Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife—our Wildlife Monitoring teams can advise on safe practices.
Ready to Explore Yellowknife?
Let B. Dene Adventures be your guide to the North’s wonders. From authentic cultural tours to fully equipped camps, we offer seamless, year-round services that showcase the best of Yellowknife and the NWT.
📞 Book Now: (867) XXX-XXXX
📧 Email:
🌐 Visit: www.bdene.com
Embark on your unforgettable Yellowknife journey today!