So you’re coming to Yellowknife for a meeting, conference, or event—welcome! Yellowknife is an inspiring city that sparks creativity and collaboration. And to make the most of your time between sessions and on free evenings, there are plenty of opportunities to make your stay truly unforgettable. Whether you’re filling an evening or extending your trip, here are some of the best ways to experience this incredible Northern destination.
Whether it’s a souvenir, a memory, or some traditional knowledge, there’s plenty you can bring home with you as a memento of your trip. Downtown Yellowknife, you can browse the city’s many boutiques and galleries for traditionally crafted, sustainable, and unique gifts, such as Indigenous carvings, prints, beadwork, moccasins, mittens, and NWT diamonds. Locally sourced goods like birch syrup, and tea blends make perfect take-home treasures. Or if you’re more hands-on, join a workshop at Old Town Glassworks and craft your own glass-etched keepsake. This two-hour experience includes a tour of the studio, a history lesson on this unique business, and the chance to design, stencil, and etch your own custom souvenir.
For those passionate about culture and history, immerse yourself in Yellowknife’s rich past. Explore the city’s deep history with guided city tours. Joining one of Yellowknife’s many city tours is an excellent way to learn about the city’s unique history and culture. With tours of varying lengths, you can easily explore Yellowknife’s highlights at your own pace, fitting the experience into your schedule.
Must-visit stops include the Yellowknife Historical Museum, which showcases the region’s Indigenous, sporting, cultural, geological, and mining history. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is home to artifacts ranging from gold-mining memorabilia to a traditional Dene moose hide boat. The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories is another iconic stop, where you can take a tour of the stately assembly chamber, see an enormous polar bear hide, admire the diamond-tipped territorial mace, and view intricate carvings by Northern artists. For a glimpse of Northern wildlife, visit Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery, where lifelike displays of muskoxen, caribou, and rare “grolar” bears bring the Arctic to life.
Yellowknife offers fantastic opportunities to connect with the rich Indigenous heritage of the NWT through immersive tours. These experiences allow visitors to learn more about the deep-rooted and diverse cultures that have thrived on the land since time immemorial. Whether you’re fishing, paddling, or simply listening to the legends of the Northern Lights, these tours provide a unique chance to learn how Indigenous communities maintain their traditions and relationship with the land.
Food lovers will be delighted by the variety of cuisine in Yellowknife. The dining scene offers everything from international dishes—Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and more—to fresh Northern specialties like Whitefish, Arctic Char, muskox, and buffalo. Whether you’re seeking sushi, vegan-friendly dishes, or gluten-free options, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
If you are visiting in the summer, another great way to sample the culinary delights of the NWT is to check out the Yellowknife Farmers Market, one of the many events Yellowknife holds. The market runs every Tuesday evening at Somba K’e Civic Plaza in front of City Hall from mid-June to mid-September, from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm.
If you’re a golfer, you won’t want to miss the chance to tee off under the Midnight Sun. Play a round at the Yellowknife Golf Club, where the 18-hole course features one of a kind fairways, grassy putting greens, jack pine trees, and bedrock terrain. During summer, take advantage of extended daylight and play well into the twilight hours. For an even greater golfing adventure, consider taking a short flight to Hay River or Fort Smith, where you can explore additional stunning courses surrounded by breathtaking Northern landscapes.
Paddling enthusiasts can explore Great Slave Lake, one of North America’s largest lakes. Rent a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak and experience the pristine beauty of the lake. A scenic paddle around the colourful houseboat community and the bay is an unforgettable way to see Yellowknife from the water.
If boating is more your style, set sail on a Northern adventure. From June through September, explore Great Slave Lake on a sightseeing cruise, dinner tour, or fishing expedition. Guided trips range from two to eight hours and include everything from relaxing lake excursions to trophy Northern Pike fishing, with all necessary gear provided.
For an unforgettable Arctic experience, embark on a dogsledding adventure. Experience the thrill of driving your own dog sled through snowy trails on a 45-minute guided tour. Tour guides can capture photos of you in action, and you’ll have plenty of time for photos with the friendly sled dogs at the end of the ride.
Thrill-seekers can hop on a snowmobile and ride under the Northern Lights. Local outfitters offer snowmobile tours, with options starting at one hour. After a quick training session and safety briefing, set off on an exhilarating ride through the snow-covered landscapes, with a chance to chase the Aurora. Want more winter fun? Rent skates, snowshoes, fat bikes, or cross-country skis and explore the frozen lake rinks and well-groomed trails around Frame Lake, Back Bay, and the Yellowknife Ski Club. Most operators offering winter excursions will even deliver warm and comfortable winter gear directly to your hotel.
One of Yellowknife’s biggest draws is its breathtaking Northern Lights. Its sub-Arctic location, clear skies, and minimal light pollution make for some of the world’s best Aurora Borealis viewing, visible up to 240 nights per year. During the fall and winter Aurora seasons, choose from a variety of guided Northern Lights tours. Professional guides take you to the best viewing spots, help you capture stunning photos of you under the Lights, and explain the science and Indigenous legends behind the Aurora.
These tours, which are typically 4 hours long, include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, warm gear, tripod rentals for capturing your own perfect Aurora shot, snacks, and often even delicious hot chocolate with Canadian maple cookies.
With so much to see and do, why not stay longer? Beyond Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories offers six National Parks, 32 welcoming communities, and a wide variety of accommodations ranging from all-inclusive lodges to hotels and cabins. From the capital city, the many diverse and unique landscapes of the NWT are easily accessible, whether you’re into canoeing, rafting, hiking, or fishing, or prefer the comforts of city life, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you. Make the most of your trip—extend your stay and explore the beauty of the Northwest Territories!
Looking for even more ways to make your experience in Yellowknife unforgettable?! Learn more about breathtaking outdoor experiences. Here are 19 Reasons to See Great Slave Lake.
Intriguing tales from Canada's Northwest Territories
Member2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
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