Top things to see and do in Yellowknife
If you’re a real culture vulture, you’ll love Yellowknife. A hub of music, art and food festivals, Yellowknife is known for its rich history and bright summer nights. You can even play golf at midnight at certain times of the year! When winter hits, the fun continues as locals and visitors enjoy the clean, dry snow, which is perfect for skiing and sledding. On winter nights, stay up late and watch the night sky light up with spectacular auroral displays.
AURORA BOREALIS
ICE PILOTS
Home of Buffalo Airways and Ice Pilots! The TV show's “Buffalo Joe” McBryan and his son Mikey, the real life stars of Ice Pilots NWT, portrays frontier culture, the harsh northern weather, unpredictable equipment failures and the drama of being a northern bush pilot in vivid and captivating scenes. Visit the giftshop to buy a bit of show memorabilia, or book in to take an air tour!
NORTHERN FRONTIER VISITORS CENTRE
The Northern Frontier Visitors Centre is a great tourism resource for the region. There are exhibits on display, a great selection of information pamphlets, souvenirs to buy, and friendly staff to ask about Yellowknife attractions.
PRINCE OF WALES NORTHERN HERITAGE CENTRE
This cultural centre features information on the history and culture of the traditional and non-Aboriginal peoples of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Tours are available. Gift shop and café on site. Open daily, year-round.
DRIVE AN ICE ROAD
ARCTIC DIAMONDS
Diamonds from the Canadian Arctic are mined from deep in the frozen rock. Although Divak’s actual mines are located more than 300 km north of Yellowknife, guests to the Visitors Centre can enjoy demonstrations of diamond polishing and cutting. You can view diamonds found locally and even purchase one as a special souvenir of the NWT.
GALLERY OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
The Gallery of the Midnight Sun sells a wide range of northern and Aboriginal arts and crafts, with a focus on Inuit soapstone carvings. NWT diamonds and demonstrations of diamond polishing are also available here.
ARCTIC ADVENTURES
Visitors see muskox, polar bears, arctic foxes, birds and archeological sites. Travel across land and water by foot, sea kayak, raft, mountain bike and ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Climb mountains, fish lakes, and hike through canyons, across tundra and around waterfalls. Take an arctic wilderness adventure of a lifetime
MIDNIGHT SUN FLOAT PLANE FLY-IN
Yellowknife is famous as home base for adventurous bush pilots. In mid-July more than 40 types of planes from all around the world fly in and dock in Old Town for a weekend of BBQs, demonstrations, and a celebration of the indomitable bush pilot spirit.