Yellowknife

The capital and largest city of the Northwest Territories, famous worldwide for spectacular Northern Lights displays visible from September to March. It serves as the primary hub for Arctic exploration and offers excellent restaurants, museums, and outdoor activities centered around its position on the Canadian Shield.

Things to do

• Northern Lights Viewing — Watch the aurora borealis dance across the night sky from September to March, with the highest frequency of displays occurring between December and February.
• Yellowknife Old Town Walking Tour — Explore the historic waterfront district with colorful heritage buildings, local shops, and galleries overlooking Yellowknife Bay.
• Dettah Ice Road Drive — Drive across the frozen lake to the traditional Dene settlement of Dettah, accessible only in winter via an ice road that showcases Arctic travel traditions.
• Northwest Territories Museum of Nature — Discover Arctic wildlife, Indigenous history, and geological exhibits that explain the region's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage.
• Snowmobiling Excursions — Rent a snowmobile to explore the surrounding tundra and boreal forest landscape during winter months for an authentic Arctic adventure.
• Fishing on Great Slave Lake — Catch northern pike and lake trout through holes in the ice during winter, or from boats during the brief summer season on Canada's second-largest lake.
• Ragged Ass Road Photography — Visit one of Canada's most photographed street signs for a quirky memento and enjoy views of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — A delicate, salmon-like fish native to northern waters, often prepared grilled or smoked at local restaurants as a signature Yellowknife dish.
• Bison Steak — Lean and flavorful meat from Canadian bison, served at upscale establishments like The Wildcat Café as a hearty Arctic specialty.
• Musk Ox Qiviut Dishes — Locally raised musk ox meat appears on menus as a unique protein source, sometimes featured in stews or as premium burgers.
• Pickerel (Walleye) Fish and Chips — Fresh freshwater pickerel sourced from Great Slave Lake, battered and fried, representing a beloved local comfort food.
• Pemmican — A traditional Indigenous food made from dried meat, fat, and berries, still available at local markets as a portable Arctic snack with deep cultural roots.
• Caribou Stew — A warming dish made with local caribou meat, vegetables, and traditional spices, reflecting the Dene and Inuvialuit culinary heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan Activities Around Daylight Hours — Winter brings only a few hours of daylight while summer offers nearly 24 hours of light, so schedule indoor activities and meals accordingly.
• Respect Indigenous Heritage — Yellowknife sits on traditional Dene and Inuvialuit lands; seek out Indigenous-owned businesses, museums, and cultural experiences to honor and support these communities.
• Dress Extremely Warmly in Winter — Temperatures drop to -30°C or lower with wind chill; proper Arctic clothing including insulated parkas, thick boots, and layered clothing is essential for outdoor safety.
• Book Aurora Tours Well in Advance — Northern Lights viewings are in high demand during peak season, so reserve accommodations and guided tours months ahead to secure your preferred dates.