Yellowknife is the capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It lies on the north shore of Great Slave Lake.
Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories is known to be ‘Aurora capital of the world’. This statement is backed by science with the location of Yellowknife being situated directly underneath the Aurora oval, ensuring the highest percentage of seeing the lights. There are two aurora seasons in Yellowknife, including summer/spring August, September and October and winter December to March.
The Northwest Territories specializes in unique journeys of mind, body and spirit, all year round. We invite you to share this spectacular world and all of its wonders. The world’s greatest fish stories begin here in lakes that are among the planet’s biggest and cleanest. Paddling, rafting and cruising provide an up-close look at this epic land. Dozens of eager dog teams are waiting to whisk you over ice roads and along bush trails. And while in the Northwest Territories meet Northern people and learn firsthand about Indigenous cultures, uniquely vibrant in this Northern world.
Who goes to Yellowknife
Adventure travellers will find an abundance of exciting opportunities to explore here. Couples can enjoy the romance of snuggling up at the fireplace and families will enjoy the activities to keep even the most challenging children happy. Yellowknife is a place that has something for everyone.
How to get to Yellowknife
As the gateway to the North, there are a number of options for getting into Yellowknife both from Southern Canada as well as communities throughout the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
Direct flights on Air Canada will take you from Australia to Vancouver, then it is a two-hour flight from Vancouver to Yellowknife.
Driving from Edmonton, it’s a 19 hour drive north along the Frontier Trail, MacKenzie Highway and Yellowknife Highway through 1500 kilometers of forest and wilderness, where you may catch glimpses of bears, bison and other wildlife. For up-to-date information on road conditions, visit GNWT Transportation.
Frontier Coachlines NWT offers coach service from Hay River to Fort Smith, Fort Providence, Behchoko and Yellowknife.
Top things to do in Yellowknife
With its modern amenities and small-town feel, Yellowknife has a number of interesting attractions, including the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, numerous walking trails, and the northern lights (aurora borealis).
The city hosts a number of events, including the Frostbite 45 ski, the Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby, and the SnowKing Winter Festival, which involves the construction of a snow castle on Great Slave Lake, where daily festivities include live music and children’s programs. And every summer since 1980, Yellowknife has held Folk on the Rocks, an outdoor music festival featuring local, national and international musicians.
THINGS TO DO
PLACES TO STAY
Signature Fly In-Fly Out Lodges
1) Blachford Lake Lodge and Wilderness Resort – https://blachfordlakelodge.com/
2) Lac La Martre Lodge – https://nwtfishing.com/the-northern-lights/
3) Yellow Dog Lodge – https://yellowdoglodge.ca/
4) Peterson’s Point Lodge – https://petersonspointlake.com/package/arctic-aurora-experience/
5) Trout Rock Lodge – https://www.enodah.com/Aurora
6) Frontier Lodge – https://www.frontierfishinglodge.com/auroras/
Signature viewing stations in Yellowknife
1) Aurora Village – https://auroravillage.com/
2) Intimate Aurora Bucketlist Tours Cabin – www.bucketlisttour.com
3) Aurora Island Lodge – https://yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com/aurora-island-lodge/
4) Indigenous Aurora Teepee Tour – https://northstaradventures.ca/package/aurora-teepee-camp/
5) 7th Aurora Lodge – they only have FB https://www.facebook.com/7th-Aurora-Lodge-Yellowknife-103011908193316/
The best time to travel to Yellowknife
There are two Aurora seasons. The first is late Summer early Fall (Autumn) which occurs from mid August to early October and Winter running from late December to early April. During the two Aurora seasons there is approx. 98% percent chance of seeing the Aurora, which is higher than anywhere else in the world. The reason for Yellowknife being known as the ‘Aurora capital of the world’ is due to the townships specific location situated underneath the Aurora oval.
The long days of summer encourage everyone to spend plenty of time out-of-doors. There are festivals featuring music, art and food. Play golf under the midnight sun. Take to the waters of Great Slave Lake on a fishing or sightseeing tour, complete with picnics on the sun warmed rocks surrounding Yellowknife Bay.
When winter hits, it is cold outside! Don a down parka, some warm boots, a toque and mitts, and you’ll hardly notice the temperature. The snow is clean and dry and crunchy under foot. Get out and enjoy it. Soar across a snow-covered lake behind a dog team, our dog mushers are world champions, who’ll make you right at home on a dogsled. Drive a snowmobile on a day-long trip through the forest and across lakes to a cozy lodge or camp.
How to book Yellowknife
Travel agents can book Yellowknife through their preferred wholesaler, DMC or OTA that has Canada product. Alternatively, booking direct with the ground operators and hotels is also acceptable and easy to do.
How to learn more about Yellowknife
Travel agents can contact in-market rep Lizzie Doyle on lizzie@pr-marketing.com.au for more information. Additionally, there is the Northwest Territories featuring Yellowknife Manual, packed with information on the destination, accommodation offerings and more. You can download your free copy HERE
Borders are closed and anticipated to open late 2021, therefore it’s best now to plan for a winter 2021 aurora not summer for 2021, but summer 2022 is more likely.
For more, visit the tourism board website https://spectacularnwt.com/ or the trade site https://traveltrade.spectacularnwt.com/
