Canada · Region
Yellowknife
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, a small city of log cabins and houseboats perched on the rocky shores of Great Slave Lake. It is best known as one of the world's most reliable places to see the Aurora Borealis, thanks to clear subarctic skies and long winter nights far from city light pollution.
Top-rated things to do in Yellowknife
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Where to stay in Yellowknife
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Plan your trip to Yellowknife
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Frequently asked questions about Yellowknife
How do I get to Yellowknife?
Most travellers fly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF), the territory's main air hub, with direct connections from cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver; there is no passenger rail service to Yellowknife. The airport sits only a few minutes from downtown, so onward transport is a short taxi or hotel shuttle ride rather than a long transfer.
How many days should I spend in Yellowknife?
Plan on ~2 to 4 days to cover the city's lakeside walking trails, old town and museums by day, with at least two nights set aside for aurora viewing excursions.
What is Yellowknife known for?
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, a small city of log cabins and houseboats perched on the rocky shores of Great Slave Lake. It is best known as one of the world's most reliable places to see the Aurora Borealis, thanks to clear subarctic skies and long winter nights far from city light pollution.