It began in the early 1980s when one or two families built their own houseboats out of old river barges on the waters off of Old Town. This colourful community has grown over the years into a kaleidoscope of brilliant designs representing a one-of-a-kind Northern attraction brimming with frontier spirit.

The houseboats are lived in year-round by Yellowknife residents, who commute by canoe in the summer or walk, ski or drive on the ice in the winter. You can view the wonderful homes via boat tours when the bay is open or stroll over on the ice in winter, but please respect the homeowners’ privacy.