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Home Attraction Bristol Freighter
Bristol Freight plane a piece of aviation history in Yellowknife NWT Bristol Freighter Bristol Freighter

Bristol Freighter

Communities

N'Dilo Yellowknife Yellowknife and the Ingraham Trail

Attractions Type

Landmark Walking Trail

Perched on a pillar near the Yellowknife airport, the blue Bristol Freighter greets visitors, reminding them of the region’s vital aviation history.

The former Wardair freighter last flew in the 1960s and was owned by Max Ward, famed northern aviation pioneer. Bush planes such as this one fed the development of Yellowknife and other communities in the North, bringing in people and supplies and connecting the outside world before there were any roads.

This particular plane is a Bristol Type 170 and was retired from active service early in 1968 after making history on May 6, 1967, when piloted by Captain Don Braun it was the first wheel equipped aircraft to land at the North Pole.

After it was decommissioned in 1968, it was donated to the City of Yellowknife and is now one of approximately 10 Bristol aircraft that exist for display in the world.

Located at Bristol Monument the “Welcome to Yellowknife” sign is landmark at the entry to the city and a favorite spot for photos. A short path with stairs leads to the Bristol Air Freighter, which also features a picnic area. To the east of the freighter, you’ll find a 2.5-kilometer hiking trail that winds through the boreal forest and connects to the Frame Lake trail system.