Located on the traditional territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the capital city of Canada's Northwest Territories overlooks the deep waters of Great Slave Lake. Yellowknife is a small, close-knit community that invites visitors to spend seemingly endless summer days exploring the region's natural beauty and bright winter nights chasing the northern lights. Things to do in Yellowknife include kayaking on the lake, snowshoeing through untouched snow, and taking in the music scene at one of the city’s many festivals.
The best time to visit Yellowknife depends on your interests. For hiking, canoeing, or kayaking, visit from May to July, when the temperatures rise and the sun sets for only a few hours a night. For those chasing the Northern Lights, visit between the middle of November and the start of April, when nights are long and clear. Throughout the month of March, the Snowking's Winter Festival livens up the city with music, dancing, and a massive ice castle.
Central Yellowknife is compact enough to walk, but because many of the region’s attractions are fairly spread out, you’ll want to book a guided tour or get a rental car to explore the area. Should you choose to drive in the winter, be careful of snow and ice, especially if you're not used to driving in such conditions. Be slow and cautious, try to minimize your time on the road, and always check weather warnings before setting off on a longer trip.
Beautifully tended and right next to downtown, Somba K'e Park overlooks Frame Lake and its small islands, and you’ll always find plenty of locals enjoying the green space. In the winter, it’s a great spot to cozy up with a thermos of cocoa and hope for the Northern Lights, and in the summertime, it hosts music festivals and farmers markets.
