Things to Do in Yellowknife in the Winter
Visit the North West Territories (NWT) in the Off Season
Nov 11, 2009
In the summertime, visitors from all over the world flock to Yellowknife, (population 19,000), the capital city of the Northwest Territories. There are less tourists in the wintertime than in the summertime, but those adventurous travellers who go north in the off season will not be disappointed.
How to Get to Yellowknife, Land of the Midnight Sun, in the Winter
It is possible to drive to Yellowknife in the summertime, but in the winter it's probably safer to fly. Both of Canada's largest airlines, Air Canada and Westjet service the Northwest Territory's capital, Yellowknife, as well as First Air and Air North. Flights are daily, direct from Calgary, Edmonton, Whitehorse and Vancouver.
Interesting Facts About Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories
- Yellowknife mines produce 15% of the world's diamonds
- Yellowknife celebrates its 40th birthday in 2010
- Yellowknife is the only city in the NWT
- The Northwest Territories has 11 official languages
- The population of the Northwest Territories is 40,000
- Approximately half of the population is aboriginal
- There are eight regions (including Yellowknife) in the NWT
- Yellowknife is on the shores of Great Slave Lake, 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle
- $318,753 – The average price of a house in Yellowknife (2009) CREA
Highly Recommended Things to Do in Yellowknife in the Winter
- View the Northern Lights
- Drive the ice roads
- Dog sledding (also known as mushing)
- Ice fishing
- Snowmobiling
- Visit the famous Snow King Ice Castle in March during Snowking 2010
- Walk on Yellowknifes' Frozen Frame Lake
- Spend an afternoon in the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
- Visit one of Yellowknife's many galleries featuring stunning northern art
Average Daylight Hours and Temperatures in Winter
People incorrectly assume that the sun never shines in the NWT in the wintertime. Although the days are shorter than in the south, visitors will see daylight to varying degrees depending on the time of year.
- November – 6.3 hours
- December – 6.0 hours
- January – 6.6 hours
- February – 9.3 hours
- March – 10.9 hours
During the winter months it's cold in Yellowknife. The temperatures can dip to as low as minus 40 degrees celsius so it is important to dress for the cold. Before going to Yellowknife, visitors should check with their tour company to see if winter clothes are provided. Many tour companies provide boots and parkas. Yellowknifers advise visitors to dress in layers, bring sun-glasses, mitts, scarves, hats, gloves and really warm winter boots.
Hotels, Tour Companies and Entertainment in Yellowknife
For detailed information on hotels, B&Bs, tour companies, restaurants and entertainment, tourists should contact The Northern Frontier's Business Centre in Yellowknife. In the winter, the Centre is open from 9-5 during the week and 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Visit Yellowknife in the winter months for an unforgettable northern vacation.
Read about visiting Dawson City in the Yukon Territory.
Other Sources:
Government of the Northwest Territories
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