Yellowknife

Yellowknife can be discovered in many different ways: in summer, hikes lead through boreal forest and across ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield; in winter, the northern lights and dog sledding are among the special experiences. There are also opportunities to explore art, history and local foods. Which of these aspects interests you can also influence when you travel and which vacation rental you choose in Yellowknife.

Hiking trails among rocks and wetlands

Most hiking trails within the city limits cross rocky outcrops and wetlands. Several bridges and boardwalks are also part of these trails. This means a hike here takes you through landscapes quite different from a route that runs exclusively through forest. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the trails offer a chance to see how boreal forest and the rocks of the Canadian Shield meet.

One specific route is the McMahon Frame Lake Trail. On the east side of the lake, closest to the city, it is paved. This makes it a distinct way to get to know the trails around Yellowknife. If hiking is a priority when planning your trip, you can consider this trail as a specific point of reference alongside the other routes.

Winter experiences and seasons

In winter, Yellowknife offers a chance to see world-famous northern lights; dog sledding is also a winter activity. Both experiences give a trip a different focus from summer hikes. Those who want to see the northern lights or go dog sledding are planning around a winter interest, while trails through forest and over rocks make summer another distinct time to visit.

Explore art and history

Old Town Glassworks is a worker-owned studio in central Yellowknife. There, discarded glass is upcycled into functional art inspired by northern wildlife and the nature of Canada. In Old Town, the studio also invites you to create your own piece of art. For anyone interested in crafts and art, it brings together a focus on materials and motifs from northern nature.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre makes its museum collection accessible and helps visitors and researchers view and study it. The collection includes paintings and sculptures as well as clothing, hunting and work tools, and geological samples. These varied objects illustrate the history of the Northwest Territories. The museum thus offers a way to explore the region through objects related to art, everyday life, work and geology.

The Back Bay Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Graveyard, is another historic site in Yellowknife. Recognized as the city's first cemetery, it served residents from 1938 to 1946. The Wildcat Café in Old Town is the oldest restaurant in Yellowknife and one of the city's best-known historic buildings. The two names represent different facets of the city's history: a place with a clearly defined period of historic use and a restaurant known as a historic building.

Local cuisine and community

The NWT Culinary Festival is an annual, four-day celebration of food from the Northwest Territories. It focuses on food grown, gathered, caught and made there. In Yellowknife, the festival brings together local chefs, producers, growers and food lovers. Anyone interested in local cuisine will find an opportunity to explore Yellowknife through its food and the people behind its production.

At the Old Town Ramble & Ride, residents gather in Yellowknife's most historic district over the August long weekend to celebrate the community. The festival and the gathering have different focuses: one celebrates food from the Northwest Territories, while the other brings people together to celebrate in Old Town. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would most like to discover Yellowknife through nature, culture and history, or local food.

Your personal travel interests can help you decide which vacation rental to choose in Yellowknife.

More destination pages

More destination pages: Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Hay River, Camlaren, Fort Liard.

Back to the main travel overview: Fort Smith Region.