I didn’t know what to expect from Yellowknife when I booked my Northern Lights adventure in November. I pictured a sleepy northern town like the ones I’d visited in Ontario, but I was so wrong! Tucked deep in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is bursting with Arctic charm, bucket-list experiences, and a surprisingly vibrant local culture. It’s hands-down one of the best places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis, and this Yellowknife travel guide and itinerary will show you exactly how to plan your dream trip. Whether you’re visiting in winter for the lights or soaking up endless sunshine in summer, Yellowknife is sure to impress you!
Quick Facts
- Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
- Best time to visit for Northern Lights: March and September
- Best time to visit for hiking: July/August
- Weather: Expect extreme cold in winter and relatively warm summers!
- Bucket list highlight: Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky
- Closest major airport: Yellowknife Airport (YZF)
Why Yellowknife for the Northern Lights?
When I posted about this trip on social media, someone surprised me by asking if we could see the Northern Lights in Canada! Absolutely you can! Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its location under the Auroral Oval and frequent clear skies. For the spectacular light show, Yellowknife offers:
- Clear skies (low precipitation, flat terrain)
- High aurora activity (located under the Auroral Oval)
- Easy access you don’t need to travel hours into the wilderness
- Small-group or private tours that pick you up right from your hotel
I saw the lights two out of four nights in November – which is one of the worst months to try to see them! So I can only imagine how magnificent they are in March or September – the best months to see them.
Where to Stay in Yellowknife
- The Explorer Hotel: Centrally located, on-site dining, ideal for tours.
- Chateau Nova: Comfortable rooms and walking distance to downtown Yellowknife.
Be sure to book early in case there is a conference in town! They are next door to each other, and it’s an easy walk to Old Town and downtown, where you’ll do most of your exploring in the city.
Yellowknife Travel Guide: What to Do
If you think Yellowknife is just about the aurora, you’ll be shockingly and pleasantly surprised! Here are a few Yellowknife travel guide must-do experiences.
Best Things to Do in Yellowknife Year-Round
- Climb Bush Pilot Monument for panoramic views, browse local shops in Old Town, or grab a coffee at Birchwood Coffee Ko.
- Discover a local artist at Gallery on 47th each month.
- Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: Exhibits on the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories, early explorers, and the region’s aviation history.
- Take a free guided tour of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories to learn about the territory’s unique consensus government system and view local art installations.
- Learn about Yellowknife’s mining industry at the NWT Diamond Centre.
- Visit the Buffalo Airways hangar if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Top Things to Do in Yellowknife in Winter
- View the Northern Lights: Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife
- Walk on a Frozen Lake: In the winter, you can walk (or drive!) on frozen Great Slave Lake.
- Book a Dog Sledding Adventure: A true Northern Canada experience.
- Relax in a Heated Aurora Viewing Lodge: Some northern lights tours take you to warm cabins or teepees with snacks, hot drinks, and even beds to nap between aurora appearances.
- Snowking’s Winter Festival (March): a month-long celebration in a giant castle made of ice!
What to Do in Yellowknife in Summer
I know what you’re thinking: it’s cold up north! Well, in the winter you’re right but summers are incredible! It’s actually not too hot (maybe a week or two of 30C). But the northern territories are filled with sunshine and socializing, festivals and other community gatherings. It rarely rains and every year there are more hours of sunshine than just about anywhere else in Canada.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Rent a paddleboard or kayak and head to Back Bay, or join a guided tour around Yellowknife Bay.
- Hiking Trails: The Frame Lake Trail is a 5.5 km path that loops around the lake. Ranney Hill is more challenging and provides a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
- Cycling: Rent a bicycle to explore the city’s trails!
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Long Lake is a great spot in the summer to hangout by the beach.
- Flightseeing Tours: Get a bird’s-eye view of the region’s stunning landscapes with a floatplane tour over Great Slave Lake.
- Experience the midnight sun.
Summer Festivals and Events
- Beer Barge Festival (late June): Celebrate Yellowknife’s history with live music, food, and the arrival of a beer barge!
- National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21): Cultural demonstrations, traditional foods like bannock and fish fry, and performances that celebrate Indigenous heritage.
- Canada Day (July 1): City-wide celebrations featuring a parade, live music, and activities at the Civic Plaza by Frame Lake.
- Folk on the Rocks (Third Weekend in July): Iconic music festival that showcases local and international artists.
- Old Town Ramble and Ride (August Long Weekend): A free outdoor festival celebrating local art, culture, and music, with workshops, storytelling, and children’s activities.
- Yellowknife Farmers Market: Held every Tuesday from June to September at Somba K’e Civic Plaza, the market features local produce, crafts, and live entertainment.
Yellowknife Travel Guide: Best Restaurants and Cafés
Yellowknife’s food scene is small but mighty. I was pleasantly surprised at the food and restaurants in Yellowknife!
- Bullock’s Bistro An iconic Yellowknife restaurant in a historic log cabin, Bullock’s serves up fresh fish from Great Slave Lake, including Arctic char and whitefish, cooked to order with house-made sauces and bread. It’s a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
- Wildcat Café Operating during the summer months, this heritage log cabin restaurant offers a taste of Yellowknife’s history. It serves hearty dishes that reflect the region’s culinary traditions, like bannock.
- Zehabesha Traditional Ethiopian Restaurant Experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine with dishes like spicy stews and injera bread.
- A Taste of Saigon This Vietnamese restaurant is popular for its pho, stir-fries, and rice dishes.
- The Black Knight Pub A longstanding establishment, The Black Knight offers classic pub fare in a lively atmosphere.
- Mark’s Restaurant in Yellowknife. Located at 5102 50 Avenue, this Chinese restaurant is uniquely situated in a basement-level space, giving it the feel of a “bunker.” It’s known for its extensive menu featuring both Chinese and Western dishes, as well as its popular buffet offerings. The restaurant is accessible from the parking lot of the Scotia Centre building, making it a hidden gem in the downtown area.
What to Pack for Yellowknife in Winter
Winters in northern Canada can be cold, windy and wet! Wearing warm layers is so important! Even with gear rentals available, pack wisely:
- Heavy-duty parka and snow pants (or rent locally)
- Thermal layers, wool socks, mittens, and toque
- Hand/foot warmers
- Camera with a manual setting (or a good phone night mode!)
- Reusable water bottle (the dry air dehydrates fast)
Sample 3-Day Yellowknife Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive, Explore and Aurora Hunt
Arrive in Yellowknife and settle in. It’s just a quick 10-minute drive from the airport to downtown! After check-in, grab lunch at Birchwood Coffee Ko or The Woodyard Brewhouse.
Pro Tip: If you’re around on a Friday, pop into Gallery on 47th for their local artist opening nights (4–8 pm).
Winter visitors: gear up for your first Northern Lights tour tonight. Wear layers! Most tours offer professional photos, but you can easily take nighttime shots on your phones these days!
Summer visitors: swap your snow gear for a sunset paddleboard on Back Bay. The midnight sun here is unreal!
Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife
Day 2: Explore the City Trails
If you’re visiting in the winter, take a walk along the city trails and pop into the Legislative Assembly. You could also try dog sledding, snowshoeing or cross country skiing! In the summer, there are a number of trails in the city you could walk or bike along. Spend some time in Cetana in the afternoon: the sauna is so nice to sit in after a cold winter’s day, or try a float bath!
Day 3: Old Town, Local Shops and Pilot Monument
Explore Old Town and pop into the local shops and galleries. The Pilot Monument is dedicated to bush pilots that lost their lives during the early days of Yellowknife, and has an amazing view of the city and Great Slave Lake. If you haven’t yet, make sure to pop into Bullock’s Bistro for lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Yellowknife
- How many days do you need in Yellowknife?
3 to 4 days is ideal to see the Northern Lights, try local tours, and explore Old Town. - When is the best time to visit Yellowknife for the Northern Lights?
March and September are the top months, but they’re visible from mid-August to April. - Is Yellowknife worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely! Paddleboarding, hiking, local festivals, and the midnight sun make summer unforgettable. - Is Yellowknife safe for solo travelers?
Yes! The locals are so friendly! As always take standard travel precautions. - Can you see the Northern Lights without a tour?
You can, but tours often take you to the best dark-sky spots and provide cozy lodges or teepees.
One reply on “There’s more to this little city than you think: Yellowknife Travel Guide”
such an amazing adventure, love yellowknife!!!