12 Best Things To Do In Yellowknife, Canada - Updated 2024

Pala
Pala 
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Yellowknife is the biggest community and the capital of the Northwest Territories in Canada. What is Yellowknife known for? Well, Yellowknife is regarded as North America’s Aurora Capital. The city is located in Canada’s scenic and remote parts, making it ideal for those who want to go off-the-grid. If you’re looking for accommodations, then don’t worry, because Yellowknife has some of the top Airbnbs and hotels in the Northwest Territories. It is a beautiful blend of contemporary features along with some of nature’s great wonders. Here are the best things to do in Yellowknife, Canada for your ease of travel.

1. Prince Of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (from USD 61.0)

The center houses the archives and the museum of the NWT, Canada. In other words, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre manages the archival materials and objects that are a reflection of the history and culture of the NWT. It offers professional archives, services for cultural resource management and a museum to its partner organizations.

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Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

2. Northern Frontier Visitors Center

Northern Frontier Visitors Centre in Yellowknife Downtown
Source: Photo by Flickr user GoToVan used under CC BY 2.0

This unique visitors center is open all seven days of the week and on most holidays. It should ideally be your first stop when you reach Yellowknife. Northern Frontier Visitors Center is centrally located and enjoys close proximity to various Yellowknife tourist attractions and good accommodations. The staff at the center is known to be welcoming and cordial. They are always prepared to answer your queries on the locality and the city.

Northern Frontier Visitors Center

Address: 4807 49 St, NT X1A 3T5 Yellowknife, Canada

Website: Northern Frontier Visitors Center

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3. Cameron Falls Trail

One of the best activities in Yellowknife is hiking through this highly popular trail located in Northwest Territories, Canada. It attracts visitors throughout the year. Cameron Falls Trail leads to a wonderful suspension bridge and a picturesque waterfall that is definitely a great treat for the sore eyes. The trail is quite a popular path for sightseeing, picnicking, and hiking. The entire trail covers a distance of 1.2 kilometers (0.74 miles) and offers an experience of moderate adventure.

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Cameron Falls Hiking Tour from Yellowknife

Duration: 4 hours

5 reviews

4. Old Town

Yellowknife Old Town
Source: Photo by Flickr user GoToVan used under CC BY 2.0

The historic Old Town of Yellowknife still features glimpses of the excitement that prevailed during the “dirty thirties.” It was an era when miners constructed wooden shacks, pitched tents. Other interesting sights include Latham Island and Peace River Flats. You can see beautifully preserved old log buildings and shacks that are hidden among the more modern buildings.

In order to get a complete feel of the vintage atmosphere here, you can take a leisurely walk along the Ragged Ass Road. The shoreline of the Old Town features tours, fish outfitters and a number of eateries. Visitors can also take a ride in one of the numerous float planes that will take them on fishing trips.

Old Town

Address: Yellowknife, NWT, Canada

Website: Old Town

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5. Frame Lake Trail

Rock beside Frame Lake
Source: Photo by Flickr user Anson Chappell used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The trail covers a distance of 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) in the form of a loop near the shores of the famous Frame Lake right in the heart of the city. Frame Lake Trail is the most preferred walking trail of Yellowknife and boasts a lot of interesting things. The loop’s eastern half has a sedate paved urban path.

It leads the visitors to the famous territorial legislative assembly, Prince of Wales Museum and City Hall. On the other hand, its western half offers a taste of the swampland, rocky outcrops and local wildlife of the Northern backcountry. The wildlife includes coyotes, foxes, muskrats, and waterfowl.

Frame Lake Trail

Address: Yellowknife, NWT, Canada

Website: Frame Lake Trail

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6. The Legislative Assembly Building

Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories @ Yellowknife
Source: Photo by Flickr user Hideyuki KAMON used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As mentioned in the beginning, Yellowknife, Canada houses the Legislative Assembly of the NWT. The city has the distinction of being the Northwest Territories’ set of the government. It was way back in November 1993 when the opening of the Legislative Assembly took place.

This building was specifically designed so that it can be a reflection of the landscape of NWT. The design also highlights the government’s openness and census style of ruling. The Legislative Assembly features the Great Hall that is open for 362 days every year for the visiting public. Visitors have a choice of opting for an audio tour or going for a guided tour that has won awards for its excellence.

The Legislative Assembly Building

Address: X1A 2L9 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Website: The Legislative Assembly Building

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7. Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Northern Arts and Cultural Centre 01
Source: Photo by Flickr user Alan Sim used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This tourist attraction is situated in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. Northern Arts And Cultural Centre is NWT’s sole center for performing arts. The center has a capacity of 313 seats and was inaugurated in May 1984. Northern Arts And Cultural Centre was created by the then residents of Yellowknife with support from a newspaper called The Globe and Mail. The construction of this center also got funds from individual, foundation, business and government contributions from all over Canada.

Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Address: 5399 49 St, NT X1A Yellowknife, Canada

Website: Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

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8. Northern Images

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It promotes and supports northern artists along with their products. Northern Images market crafts and arts in galleries that are situated in both Yellowknife and Churchill. The galleries have an excellent collection of books, prints, traditional handmade crafts, apparel, ornaments, and sculptures.

Northern Images

Address: 4801 Franklin Ave, NT X1A 2N7 Yellowknife, Canada

Website: Northern Images

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9. Bush Pilot's Monument

Stairway to heaven? Yes! To top of Bush Pilots Monument!
Source: Photo by Flickr user sf-dvs used under CC BY 2.0

It is the most popular monument rising above Yellowknife’s famous Old Town. Bush Pilot’s Monument boasts an exceptional view of Black Bay and the city’s northern reaches. Since the monument is situated on a height, you can access it using a winding staircase to reach the top. The monument has been dedicated to engineers and bush pilots who lost their lives while flying over the skies of NWT.

Bush Pilot's Monument

Address: 3511, 3513 Ingraham Dr, NT X1A 2E8 Yellowknife, Canada

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10. Snowking's Winter Festival

Snowking's Winter Festival
Source: Needpix

Canada is most certainly known for its cold weather and snow, which is why a lot of tourists like to visit during winter. Here at Snowking’s Winter Festival, you will get to experience entertainment like no other. In a castle-like structure made of ice, you will be able to witness several performances such as children’s plays, band concerts, and film festivals. There are even art exhibits for the creatives who want to see some inspiring, and artistic works made by talented local artists.

Snowking's Winter Festival

Address: 3815 Bretzlaff Dr, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1Z4, Canada

Website: Snowking’s Winter Festival

Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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11. Down to Earth Gallery

Down to Earth Gallery, Yellowknife, NT
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Case used under CC BY-SA 3.0

In the mood for some original and creative artwork? Down to Earth Gallery proudly features beautiful masterpieces made by local artists. Spend your day viewing lovely paintings that will surely pique your interest. They do not only display paintings though; inside the gallery, you will see other local crafts such as uniquely designed jewelry - perfect for when you are looking for something to give as a gift. They even have art kits you can take home to enjoy during your own do-it-yourself art session.

Down to Earth Gallery

Address: 5007 Bryson Dr, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2A3, Canada

Website: Down to Earth Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun and Mon)

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12. Aurora Village (from USD 74.0)

Do not miss visiting this premier site for Aurora viewing in Yellowknife, Canada. Aurora Village is situated at a distance of half an hour from the city of Yellowknife. The village has been specifically designed to offer a great Aurora experience to the visitors. Even though North is known for its extreme temperature, visitors can have a great time here in maximum comfort.

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Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

Duration: 4 hours

167 reviews

Have fun galore in Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife always has something for everyone - from adventurers and enthusiasts that are fond of trailing, to visitors who are fond of art and music. It also offers amazing Airbnb houseboats and other vacation rentals. Make sure to drop by the top places to visit in Yellowknife, and don’t forget to buy some souvenirs - there are plenty of places to check some out if you don’t know what to buy in Yellowknife.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Yellowknife, Canada


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Yellowknife?

    Aurora Village, Cameron Falls Trail, Old Town, and Snowking’s Winter Festival are just some of the top attractions in Yellowknife. If you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss any of these.

  • What are the best outdoor activities in Yellowknife?

    Some of the best outdoor activities in Yellowknife include catching the stunning northern lights in Aurora Village, hiking along Cameron Falls Trail, strolling around Old Town Yellowknife, and attending Snowking’s Winter Festival on Bretzlaff Drive.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Yellowknife with kids and family?

    When in Yellowknife with the family, kids and parents alike should take time to enjoy some of the most spectacular and picturesque natural sceneries in the city. The most popular things to do in Yellowknife for visiting families include watching the lights at Aurora Village, exploring Old Town, and going on a city sightseeing tour.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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