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Yellowknife

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Landmark
—°13
Yellowknife (Canada)

Weather…

Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, is a unique urban center perched on the Precambrian Shield at the edge of the Great Slave Lake. Established in 1934 following the discovery of gold in the region, the city served as a focal point for prospectors and miners for decades, with the Giant and Con mines defining its early industrial landscape. The city’s name honors the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the traditional land users of the area long before European arrival. In 1967, it became the territorial capital, shifting its focus toward administration and government services. The late 20th century brought a new era of prosperity with the discovery of diamonds, leading to the opening of major mines like Diavik, which solidified Yellowknife's status as a global diamond hub. Beyond its industrial roots, the city is world-renowned for aurora borealis tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe to witness the Northern Lights in one of the most reliable viewing locations on Earth. The community is characterized by a blend of pioneering spirit and modern innovation, where colorful houseboats in the bay sit alongside state-of-the-art research facilities and a thriving arts scene that celebrates northern indigenous heritage and the rugged beauty of the subarctic wilderness.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-29-26-18-661518157-4-20-27
Rain mm211420194455625647292519

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, can be visited year-round. The city sits on Great Slave Lake and is a base for northern lights tours.
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Typical hours
Museums and the visitor centre are typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Northern lights tours run in winter months, usually in the evenings.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the city and on Great Slave Lake. For aurora shots, you need a camera with manual mode and a sturdy tripod.
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Time needed
Allow at least three to four days to explore the city and see the northern lights. Extra days enable trips to Nahanni National Park.
Combine with
Combine Yellowknife with a boat ride on Great Slave Lake or a visit to Nahanni National Park. A trip to Wood Buffalo National Park is also possible.
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Getting there
Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is served by several Canadian cities. A rental car or joining organized tours is advisable locally.
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Insider tip
Book a northern lights tour with experienced guides who know the best spots. Dress in layers as temperatures drop sharply at night.

History & landmarks

Modern/Mining Era

1934

Geography

Elevation
206 m
Coordinates
62.45400, -114.37180

Facts

  • Founded in 1934 during the gold mining boom
  • Became territorial capital in 1967
  • Located on the shore of Great Slave Lake
  • Known as the Diamond Capital of North America
  • Home to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
  • Famous for world-class aurora borealis viewing

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Yellowknife (13)

Cinnamon Island Scenic Viewpoint🌿 nature

A scenic viewpoint on Cinnamon Island in Yellowknife.

Back Bay Scenic Viewpoint🌿 nature

A viewpoint on Back Bay in Yellowknife.

Sculpture Park📍 landmark

A sculpture park in Yellowknife.

yellowknife cultural crossroads🏺 historical

A monument in Yellowknife representing cultural crossroads.

Folk on the Rocks site🎭 culture

The site of the annual Folk on the Rocks music festival in Yellowknife.

NACC Theatre🎭 culture

A theatre venue in Yellowknife.

🕒 Tu-Fr 11:00-18:00; Sa 12:00-18:00

Fred Henne Territorial Park🌿 nature

A territorial park on the shores of Frame Lake in Yellowknife.

Yellowknife Historical Museum🏛 museum

A museum showcasing the history of Yellowknife.

🕒 Tu-Sa 10:30-17:30

Gallery on 47th Street🏛 museum

An art gallery located on 47th Street in Yellowknife.

🕒 Mo-We 10:00-15:00; Fr 16:00-20:00; Sa 11:00-15:00🆓

waterfront amphitheatre🎭 culture

An outdoor amphitheatre along the waterfront in Yellowknife.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre🏛 museum

A museum and archives that preserve the culture of the Northwest Territories.

🕒 Tu,We,Fr-Su 11:00-17:00; Th 10:00-20:30🆓

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Yellowknife known as the Aurora Capital of the World?
Because of its flat terrain and clear skies, it features optimal viewing conditions.
What is Old Town?
The historic part of town with colorful shacks, houseboats, and the famous Wildcat Cafe.
How cold does it get in winter?
Temperatures can drop below -30°C; warm layered clothing is essential.
Can you drive on the ice roads?
Yes, in winter, ice roads connect the city to remote communities over frozen lakes.
What is the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre?
A museum that showcases the culture and history of the peoples of the Northwest Territories.
Yellowknife: where is it located?
Yellowknife is located in Canada.
Yellowknife: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cinnamon Island Scenic Viewpoint, Bristol Monument, Back Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
Yellowknife: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Yellowknife: why is it worth visiting?
Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, is a unique urban center perched on the Precambrian Shield at the edge of the Great Slave Lake.
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