Territory capital · Canada
Yellowknife
Go for 3 nights in winter for the aurora, or 2 nights in June–August for midnight sun and lake trails. Skip if you want city sights.
Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories, on the North Arm of Great Slave Lake, and the main entry point for the territory. Almost everyone flies in. The trip is built around one thing: aurora in winter (roughly late August to mid-April, with the darkest, clearest nights from November to March) or the long daylight of June and July, when the aurora is not visible at all. The town itself is compact and walkable; the value is in what you book before you arrive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Late Aug–mid-Apr for aurora; Jun–Aug for midnight sun, hiking and lake trips
- avoid Late May–Jul for aurora (too light); Jan–Feb if you cannot handle −25 °C (−13 °F) and belowavoid Late May–Jul for aurora (too light); Jan–Feb if you cannot handle −13 °F (−25 °C) and below
- Airport
- YZF
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yellowknife911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yellowknife, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyYellowknife is small and generally safe to walk by day; downtown has some late-night disorder around bars.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYZF Yellowknife Airport (100 Idaa Road, about 5 km (3.1 mi) from downtown; taxi about 10 min.YZF Yellowknife Airport (100 Idaa Road, about 3.1 mi (5 km) from downtown; taxi about 10 min.
- Getting aroundDowntown and Old Town are walkable in 20–30 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range restaurantC$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or lunch mainC$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- BeerDraught beerC$8–12 (≈ US$6–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)$4.50 flag rate plus about $2 per km.C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre)Free admission
- Budget bedOld Town cabin or lodge room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$130 (≈ US$95) · Mid C$240 (≈ US$180) · High C$400 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YZF Yellowknife Airport (100 Idaa Road, about 5 km (3.1 mi) from downtown; taxi about 10 min. Daily flights from Edmonton (about 2 h) and Calgary (2–2.5 h), plus Vancouver and limited Toronto service.)YZF Yellowknife Airport (100 Idaa Road, about 3.1 mi (5 km) from downtown; taxi about 10 min. Daily flights from Edmonton (about 2 h) and Calgary (2–2.5 h), plus Vancouver and limited Toronto service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−22°C (−7°F)−7°F (−22°C)
Feb
Avoid
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
Mar
not flagged
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
Apr
Best
0°C (33°F)33°F (0°C)
May
Avoid*
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
Jun
Care
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
Jul
Care
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Aug
Best*
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
Sep
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Oct
not flagged
2°C (35°F)35°F (2°C)
Nov
not flagged
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Dec
not flagged
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
Best: Apr, Aug. Mixed: Jun–Jul. Avoid: Jan–Feb, May. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (−29°C (−21°F)−21°F (−29°C) low), wettest Aug (44 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Yellowknife: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−22°C (−7°F)−7°F (−22°C)
−29°C (−21°F)−21°F (−29°C)
15 rd
Feb
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
−27°C (−17°F)−17°F (−27°C)
11 rd
Mar
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
14 rd
Apr
0°C (33°F)33°F (0°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
12 rd
May
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
16 rd
Jun
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
29 rd
Jul
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
40 rd
Aug
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
44 rd
Sep
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (40°F)40°F (4°C)
43 rd
Oct
2°C (35°F)35°F (2°C)
−4°C (26°F)26°F (−4°C)
29 rd
Nov
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
26 rd
Dec
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
−26°C (−14°F)−14°F (−26°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown and Old Town are walkable in 20–30 minutes end to end. Yellowknife Transit runs three routes, roughly every 30–60 minutes, Monday–Saturday about 06:55–19:30; fare $2, free transfers between routes. Taxis charge a $4.50 flag rate plus about $2 per km. Rental cars are at the airport terminal; you need one for the Ingraham Trail, Dettah and most aurora viewpoints, though most winter aurora tours include pickup.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dettah
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive or taxi about 25 min on Highway 4 and the Ingraham Trail, or across the ice road in winter
Small Dene community on the lake; check ice-road status before crossing in winter.
Ingraham Trail (Highway 4) lakes
goDoor to door: 30 min–1.5 h
Drive north from Yellowknife; trailheads and lakes along the way
Best in summer for hikes, paddling and campsites; carry fuel and water.
Fort Providence
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h
Drive Highway 3 south, about 3 h
Long return drive for one day; only with a car and a full tank.
Hay River
overnightDoor to door: About 5 h by road
Fly or drive Highway 3, about 5 h
Too far for a day trip; sleep one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (New Town)
Franklin Avenue (50th Avenue) and 50th Street; hotels, restaurants and the visitors centre. Best for a first trip with no car.
Old Town and Latham Island
Down the hill on Yellowknife Bay; cabins, B&Bs and lake views, 15–25 min walk from downtown.
Airport and Range Lake area
Chain hotels and parking; only worth it if you rent a car or leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$120–180 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$200–320 (≈ US$150–250) excl. bed
- High
- C$350 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 3 nights × C$220 | C$660 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × C$240 | C$1,440 |
| Aurora tour, one night2 × C$160 · check | C$320 |
| Winter clothing rental, per day2 × C$60 · check | C$120 |
| Taxi airport to downtown1 × C$25 · check | C$25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$262 |
| Trip total≈ C$480 per person per day, bed included | C$2,877≈ US$2,500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and aurora tours excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Breakfast or lunch main | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner main, mid-range restaurant | C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Draught beer | C$8–12 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Transit fare | C$2 (≈ US$2), free transfers |
| Taxi, 5 km$4.50 flag rate plus about $2 per km. | C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15) |
| Museum entry (Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre) | Free admission |
| Nature's North Wildlife Gallery | C$20–25 (≈ US$15–19) adult (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter cold is the main risk: −25 °C (−13 °F) and below is normal from December to February. Frostbite happens on exposed skin in minutes. Rent or buy a parka, boots and mitts; do not rely on a city coat.Winter cold is the main risk: −13 °F (−25 °C) and below is normal from December to February. Frostbite happens on exposed skin in minutes. Rent or buy a parka, boots and mitts; do not rely on a city coat.
- Aurora is never guaranteed. Book 3 nights minimum so one cloudy night does not end the trip.
- Summer is short and buggy: bring repellent for trails and lake shores in June and July.
- Aurora tours sell out for the December–March peak and around New Year; book weeks ahead.
- Some winter roads and ice roads are seasonal and can close; check conditions before driving out of town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
YellowknifeYellowknife
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Yellowknife; the US consulate-general is in Calgary and most embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi YZF airport → downtown: about C$25 (≈ US$19), 10 min (check)
- Transit fare: C$2 (≈ US$2), free transfers between routes
- Aurora tour, one night: C$120–250 (≈ US$90–190) per person (check)
Say or show
- Thank you / Mahsi cho — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Winter: keep a phone charged and warm, and tell someone your route before driving outside town.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yellowknife. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Late Aug–mid-Apr for aurora; Jun–Aug for midnight sun, hiking and lake trips · avoid Late May–Jul for aurora (too light); Jan–Feb if you cannot handle −25 °C and below · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YZF: taxi and shuttle options, late arrivals, winter gear pickup.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown Franklin Avenue, Old Town and Latham Island, Frame Lake and the legislative area, Range Lake.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Legislative Building, Pilots Monument, Ragged Ass Road) and eat pages with last orders.
- Aurora-night fixtures: cloud-cover fallback, tour pickup points, and a no-tour self-drive option with a checked viewpoint list.
Sources
- officialCity of Yellowknife
- officialYellowknife Visitors Centre (Extraordinary YK)
- officialYellowknife Airport (Government of Northwest Territories)
- officialYellowknife Transit
- officialPrince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
- officialNorthwest Territories Legislative Assembly — visitors
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yellowknife, revision 5308270 (CC BY-SA 4.0)