2016 Discover Yellowknife Guide
Transcription
2016 Discover Yellowknife Guide
FRE E! DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE A vibrant city in the heart of the wilderness 2016 VISITORS GUIDE TRAVEL TIPS • MAPS • ACTIVITIES JF Bergeron/NWTT Located in INUVIK, NWT tundranorthtours@gmail.com TUKTOYAKTUK Exclusive Boat Tours TOURS (Boat, Air, Ice Road & Custom Tours) Terry Parker/NWTT Tuktoyaktuk Arctic Circle Herschel Island EXPLORE, INVEST, RECRUIT, WORK CDETNO supports NWT entrepreneurs in attracting francophone investment, hiring bilingual staff and tapping into lucrative French speaking markets. VISITER, INVESTIR, EMBAUCHER, TRAVAILLER TOUR PACKAGES from Yellowknife include flights, accommodation & our Tuk flight or boat tour EQUIPMENT RENTAL Canoes Kayaks Snow Machines BOOK ONLINE OR CALL US TODAY! Aux Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le CDÉTNO est la référence francophone pour les entrepreneurs, investisseurs, employeurs, chercheurs d’emplois et les visiteurs. 1 866 849 9139 www.cdetno.com 4912, 49th Street Yellowknife NT X1A 2NA Avez-vous considéré les Territoires du Nord-Ouest pour votre prochain événement? CONSULTEZ LE GUIDE DU CONFÉRENCIER EN FRANÇAIS tundranorthtours.com 1-800-420-9652 • (867) 678-0510 ABORIGINAL OWNED & OPERATED The City of Yellowknife WELCOMES YOU! Discover Yellowknife is a cooperative effort from our own City staff, the friendly tourism staff at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre and the team at Up Here Publishing. This year we are celebrating food! Yellowknife is a northern, multicultural city located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, which means a wonderful variety of options are available. Treat yourself to bison, muskox, reindeer or char for a northern night out. Enjoy a meal of Korean, Ethiopian and Japanese food while watching the midnight sun or preparing for an evening of aurora viewing. Test out local recipes and buy fresh lake trout, walleye, whitefish, inconnu and Northern Pike directly from Great Slave Lake fishers themselves. You can cook your own shore lunch over a fire pit and grill in one of our Territorial Parks located nearby. During summer and fall, mingle with locals at Somba K’e Civic Plaza, overlooking Frame Lake, at the weekly Farmer’s Market. Depending on the season you will find everything from locally tapped birch syrup and freshly harvested produce to home-cooked Indian and Thai dishes. A growing number of food vendors offering take-out dishes are found throughout the city. If you’re a gardener, you will be surprised at the variety of produce grown in the community gardens located throughout the city. Whether you choose to dine out, buy fresh or enjoy local recipes offered by one of our many tour operators, I’m confident you will be pleasantly surprised by the food variety and experience offered in Yellowknife! Welcome to Our Yellowknife, Mayor Mark Heyck BILL BRADEN 4 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE yellowknife.ca communications@yellowknife.ca Connect with the City of Yellowknife on CONTENTS 8 INTRODUCTION A quick look at our city with some common facts vs. myths, and a bit of local lingo 44 WHAT TO DO YEAR-ROUND How to keep busy in all types of weather, snow or shine 12 GETTING HERE 48 ARTS AND CULTURE 14 WHEN TO COME 52 FREE TO SEE 18 58 WHERE TO STAY By air or by road, we’re easy to get to—and easy to get around Yellowknife: a year at a glance. Here’s what’s happening in 2016 Sure it gets cold up here. But it also gets fun Sample itineraries 18 Dogsledding22 • Ice Fishing 22 • Cross-country skiing 22 • Aurora viewing 23 • Kite skiing 24 • Ice road driving 25 • Snowshoeing25 • Winter festivals 25 • Indoor recreation 26 • Ice skating 26 • Share your experience 28 • • 32 WHAT TO DO: SUMMER Days when the sun never seems to set leave you sleepless in the best way Sample itineraries • On the water • Fish guide • On land • Hiking trails • Guide to bugs • Bushplane guide • Festivals and events • Bear safety guide • Share your experience Take in a concert or try your hand at some Northern crafts Free exhibits, tours, and activities around town From homey bed and breakfasts to first-class hotels WHAT TO DO: WINTER • 64 FOOD & DRINK From high-end northern cuisine to innovative food trucks and classic diner fare 72 WHERE TO SHOP Everything you need in gear, Northern crafts, and gifts 76 FLY-IN LODGES Get out of the city into the exciting wilderness in an endless variety of ways 78 BEFORE YOU LEAVE 32 34 36 38 38 38 40 41 41 42 Key souvenirs to remind you of your time in Yellowknife Insurance Replacement Vehicles We’ll pick you up COVER PHOTO: ANGELA GZOWSKI DID YOU KNOW? 911 does not exist here Instead use these emergency numbers: Police: 867-873-1111 Fire and ambulance: 867-873-2222 THE VOICE OF CANADA’S FAR NORTH 6 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Locally owned and operated for over 40 years! Yellowknife 867-920-2970 867-873-3424 Reservations, Out-of-town and Worldwide Toll-Free 1-800-387-4747 YELLOWKNIFE AIRPORT, 101 Bristol Court Airport Email yk_ncr@live.ca For worldwide service please call 1-800-CAR-RENT /D I 1-800-227-7368 SCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 7 www.nationalcar.ca YELLOWKNIFE: AN INTRODUCTION You’ve just arrived in the capital of the Northwest Territories and one of the most vibrant, diverse communities in Canada’s North. has evolved into a surprisingly cosmopolitan city, home to dozens of nationalities in a population of just under 20,000. camping, fishing, or taking in the tunes at the city’s famous Folk on the Rocks music festival. Winter is the crisp, invigorating season of dogsledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing, and jaw-dropping Northern Lights displays that draw visitors from around the world. Though the Yellowknives and Tłįcho˛ Dene have lived and travelled through the region for thousands of years, Yellowknife was permanently settled 82 years ago, following the discovery of large gold deposits. From its rough-edged beginnings as a frontier mining town, Yellowknife Yellowknife offers many of the urban amenities you’d find in any Canadian centre. At the same time, this is a magical place on the edge of a great wilderness, where the outdoors in all its glory is easily accessible. In summer, the sun stays up for nearly 24 hours− meaning endless days full of Let this guide be your starting point as you explore your new surroundings. We’ve included everything we know—but you’re sure to find surprises all on your own! Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or come visit us in person at City Hall. Welcome to Yellowknife. イエローナイフ: はじめに 貴方は、ノースウェスト準州の 州都であり、カナダ北部の最も活 気に満ちたコミュニティのるつぼ のひとつに到着しました。 イエローナイフ族とデネ族は何千 年もの間、この地域に居住または 移動してきましたが、イエローナ イフが定着したのは80年ほど前、 豊富な金鉱の発見によります。辺 境の鉱山の町として始まり、イエ ローナイフは2万人弱の人口、数 十もの民族からなる国際都市とし て驚くほど発展してきました。 イエローナイフは他のカナダ中 心部で見られるような洗練され た快適な設備もたくさん提供し ています。それと同時に、壮大 な眺めの野外にすぐにアクセス できるという、偉大な大自然の 一端にある不思議な場所です。 夏は、 太陽が24時間近く昇ります-つ まり、キャンプ、フィッシング、ま たは有名な“Folk on the Rocks” という音楽フェスティバルなど、 終わりなく一日中楽しめます。冬 には犬ぞり、スノーモービルやア イスフィッシングの身の引き締ま るような爽快な季節、そして世界 中から観光客を引きつける驚愕 のオーロラが現れます。 欢迎你光临加拿大西北地区首 府黄刀市! 这里是黄刀Dene族 和Tlicho Dene族的祖籍地,但 愿这个坐落于美丽辽阔的亚北极 原野上的城市带给您前所未有 的感受! 歡迎你光臨加拿大西北地區首 府黃刀市!這裡是黃刀Dene族和 TlichoDene族的祖籍地,但愿这个 坐落于美丽辽阔的亚北极原野上 的城市带给您前所未有的感受! ぜひ、この案内書を貴方の新 しい環境を探検するにあたっ てのスタート地点にしてくださ い。私たちの知るすべてを書き 記します。しかし、貴方自身で 驚きを見つけると確信していま す! Facebook、Twitterおよび YouTubeも開設していますの で、そちらもご覧ください。もし くは、シティーホールへお越しく ださい。 ようこそ、イエローナ イフへ。 ノースウェスト準州の州都であり、 イエローナイフデネ族とティへよう こそお越しくださいました。極北地 域の広大な荒野での滞在がより良 いものになることを心よりお祈り申 し上げます。チョーデネ族の発祥 地である、イエローナイフ 1935-1937 A gold find at the west end of Yellowknife Bay spurs a mini gold-rush. Con Mine is developed and a town is settled. 8 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE 1948 Giant Mine, Yellowknife’s other gold mine, begins production. Want to get a feel for the place? Put these on your reading list: If you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, here are a few special items you will need to blend into the Yellowknife landscape. Solomon Gursky Was Here by Mordechai Richler Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay Old Town by Fran Hurcomb WINTER PARKA AND SNOWPANTS: Many local operators include parkas and snowpants in their tour packages. Not planning on taking a guided tour? You can rent gear from My Backyard Tours (mybackyardtours.com) and NARWAL Northern adventures (narwal.ca). It’s best to book your gear rental in advance of your visit. We also recommend that you dress in layers, wear wool socks (not cotton) and, if possible, long underwear. If you can’t find any in your hometown, you can purchase those items here. HAND AND FOOT WARMERS: Recommended for extended outdoors trips. You can purchase these in town. KEEP YOUR CAR WARM: If you’re renting a vehicle, check that your accommodations have a spot to plug it in at night so the battery and engine block stay warm. Give time to warm up your car before you drive. CONTACT LENSES: If you wear glasses, beware: when you’re bundled up and your face is covered in a scarf, your lenses will inevitably fog up. If you want to be able to see where you’re going, contacts are a safe bet. SUNSCREEN/SUNGLASSES/HAT: We don’t blame you for wanting to enjoy every minute of the long sunlit days. Just keep your skin protected while you’re at it! SWIMSUIT/TOWEL: Fresh water is our trademark. With countless lakes to choose form, chances are you will spend most of your summer swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or paddle boarding. AFTERBITE: Mosquitoes. Horse flies. Blackflies. Need we say more? EYEMASK: Yellowknife is south of the Arctic Circle, which means we don’t get 24-hour daylight—but even though the sun does set, it doesn’t get very dark at night for most of the summer. If you’re worried about getting to sleep when it’s still bright out, we suggest using an eyemask. That being said, most accommodations will have dark curtains to keep out the bright light. FACT OR FICTION A quick history FOR CENTURIES, the Weledeh Dene live and travel in the region, fishing in the Yellowknife River in the summer. literature RECOMMENDED GEAR 1967 Yellowknife is declared the capital of the Northwest Territories. 1991 Diamonds are found at Point Lake. Staking rush ensues. 1999 Nunavut breaks away from the NWT. yellowknife.ca 2016 The ideal year to visit/ move to Yellowknife. Seriously. communications@yellowknife.ca SUMMER BUG SPRAY/BUG JACKET: You can purchase bug spray in town. If you plan to head out into the bush, a bug jacket is a good idea—and you can purchase those in town too. Connect with the City of Yellowknife on There are some blurry areas when it comes to what’s true and what’s a myth about Yellowknife: YELLOWKNIFERS LIVE IN IGLOOS: Fiction. However, Yellowknifers build igloos recreationally. Contact NARWAL Adventures (see page 22). IT GETS COLD: Fact. In the winter, it can drop past -30 C (we try not to think about the wind chill), and daylight hours are limited. When the sun is out, it’s bright and brilliant. Rather than hiding from winter, we celebrate the season with festivals and activities (See When to Come, page 14, and What to do: Winter, page 18). And it’s not cold all year long; in July, the average high is 21 C. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF WILDLIFE: Fact. Yellowknife boasts fantastic birding opportunities, especially in spring. To see bison, head down Highway 3, past Behchokò˛ , and you’ll likely run into one or a few. Around town or along the Ingraham Trail, you might spot foxes, ravens, beavers, and eagles, among other animals. WATCH OUT FOR POLAR BEARS: Fiction. Polar bears are, however, a symbol of the Northwest Territories, because they do live near the Arctic Ocean, so you’ll see polar bear insignia in many places. To see one in real life, however, you’ll have to head much farther north. YOU CAN SEE NORTHERN LIGHTS YEAR-ROUND: Fiction. We are known as the world capital for aurora viewing, and rightly so. Most winter, as long as the sky is clear, it’s filled with ribbons of green (in the summer, the sky doesn’t get dark enough to glimpse the lights until August). For auroraviewing tours, see page 23. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 9 Fiction. The city is on the 62nd parallel, which is in the subarctic. And even though Yellowknife is only 400 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, there’s no road to take you there—so you’ll either have to fly north, wait till winter and drive there along the ice road, or in the summer, grab a canoe and take a couple of weeks to paddle there. THE ROCK: The rock in the middle of Old Town, on top of which sits Pilot’s Monument, is a tribute to the bush pilots whose work helped build communities in the North. (Insider’s tip: It’s a Yellowknife tradition to drive around the rock three times honking your horn after your wedding—with a fleet of your guests right behind you.) THE DOWNHILL SKIING IS GREAT: Fiction. If you’re a skier, the best we can offer is some killer cross country skiing across our big lakes and at our ski club’s trails. Mountains are not found in this region of the North. RAGGED ASS ROAD: The woodyard, a historic neighbourhood in even more historic Old Town, features the infamous Ragged Ass Road. In the 1970s, Yellowknifer Lou Rocher joked that it was Ragged Ass Road since it was a bit of a dive of an alley. The City accepted this road name but learned soon enough to weld the sign onto its post; it was a local favourite to steal and put up in your own house. See page 78 on how to get your own Ragged Ass Road sign. DENE NATION: An organization that represents many of the NWT’s indigenous peoples: Denesoline, Tłįcho˛, Deh Gah Got’ine, K’ashot’ine and Dinjii Zhuh (or Gwich’in). “Dene” means “The people” in most of these languages. DETTAH: This is a First Nations settlement on east Yellowknife Bay about 6.5 km out of city limits. In Tłįcho˛ it means “burnt point.” Furniture... and so much more! SOMBA K’E: This is Yellowknife’s name in Tłįcho˛ . It means “where the money is.” It is also the name of the plaza beside City Hall. MAHSI CHO OR MAHSI: “Thank you Come see our four floors of Furniture & Home Décor very much” in Tłįcho˛. FREEZE-UP: The period when the lakes are freezing up, which usually begins in November. To check whether the ice is thick enough to walk on, check yellowknife.ca/en/livinghere/ice-measurement-and-safety.asp 867.873.2004 4610 50th Ave Yellowknife, NT qualityfurniturenwt.com BREAK-UP: The period when the lake ice is thawing. This process usually begins in April. INUKSHUK: Although these are not actually indigenous to Yellowknife and are more commonly found farther north and east, some artists still make small Inuksuit here. These abstract statues, resembling a person, help travellers navigate the land. GREAT SLAVE LAKE: At 28,568 square kilometres, it’s the tenth largest lake in the world, and the deepest body of water in North America. Yellowknife borders the lake’s north arm. “Great” is used to distinguish this lake from the smaller Lesser Slave Lake in Alberta. As for “Slave,” Samuel Hearne, who crossed the lake in 1771, named the lake after the Slavey, a major subgroup of the Dene. T PERATED B &O Y 10 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E COURTESY FARMERS MARKET/ANGELA GZOWSKI Homebaked goods at the summertime Farmers Market BACK BAY: On the north side of the Old Town peninsula is Back Bay, a popular spot for canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, and kayaking. people of mixed descent—part European, part First Nations. The Métis are a separate group from any First Nation or Inuit, with distinct characteristics. ® OR REV YO ’S S Key words and slang to know to get by in the ‘Knife MÉTIS NATION: Comprised of UR LOCAL LINGO YELLOWKNIFE IS IN THE ARCTIC: N’DILO: Drive to the very end of Latham Island in Old Town and you’ll find this Yellowknives Dene community. O Fact. If you want to give it a try, the Dettah Ice Road can be accessed from the main dock in Old Town, or off of School Draw Avenue, and is a roughly 10-kilometre drive one way. Don‘t try using snowmobile tracks as a road; wait for the public announcement that the ice roads have been established. For more information, check dot.gov.nt.ca. OWN ED AN INTRODUCTION THIS IS THE YUKON: This is, unfortunately, one of the absolute most common misconceptions about Yellowknife. If you’re reading this, remember: Yellowknife is in the Northwest Territories, not the Yukon. YOU CAN DRIVE ON THE ICE: UR NEIGHB O R g an e La ke Rd ld A ir p or tR d 250 Old Airport Road Yellowknife NT X1A 3G3 Phone:(867)766-3195 Store hours: 8am-9pm every day! Fresh food, sushi bar, Joe Fresh clothing, pharmacy & hot meals to go. THE LEDGE: This is the Legislative Assembly, an architecturally and culturally unique building for our city, completed in 1993. See page 52 to learn about its free tours. Worth switching supermarkets for.® ®/TM the trademarks and logos displayed are trademarks of Lablaws Inc. All rights reserved. © 2013 Loblaws Inc. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 11 GETTING HERE Remote but do-able BY PLANE You can get here by connecting through Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and Whitehorse via Air Canada, Canadian North, First Air, WestJet and Air North. You can find out everything you need to know about flight arrivals and departures on the Yellowknife airport (YZF) website. For live updates of highway conditions visit dot.gov.nt.ca. BY ROAD Driving yourself to Yellowknife has never been easier, since the construction in 2012 of the technologically innovative Deh Cho Bridge, spanning the Mackenzie River. You can access the Mackenzie Highway (NWT Highway 1) via Alberta’s Highway 35 or British Columbia’s Highway 77 and the YELLOWKNIFE NWT Fort Providence . Hay River Fort Resolution Enterprise Fort Smith BY BUS Frontier Coach Lines, based out of Hay River, NWT, connects the communities of Fort Smith, Fort Providence, Behchokò˛ and Yellowknife along the Mackenzie Highway. For just over $100, it can get you from Hay River to Yellowknife, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except for holidays). 874-2566. Frontiercoachlinesnwtltd.ca, frontiercoach@northwestel.net Small enough to walk everywhere— but here are some more options: RENTING VEHICLES High Level ALBERTA Grande Prairie You can rent cars and trucks at various businesses around the city and at the airport. Major rental firms here include Hertz, Budget Car and Truck, National Car Rental, Royal Rent-a-Car and Yellowknife Motors. Grande Cache Hinton EDMONTON 12 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E TAXI SERVICES Aurora Taxi: 867-873-5050, aurorataxi@live.ca City Cab: 867-873-4444, ykcitycab.ca CITY BUS SERVICES There are three regular routes: Route A – Borden/Downtown Route B – Frame Lake/Northlands Route B – Express (weekdays during the schoolyear only) Route C – Old Town/Niven Buses run from around 7:10 a.m. to 7:25 p.m, Monday to Saturday, all year. There is no transit service on Sundays or statutory holidays. Accessible transit is available 6:40 a.m.-7:10 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Fares range from $2-$3 for single tickets; $50-$75 for monthly passes, and $20-$30 for 11-ride punch passes. For more details, go to Yellowknife. ca/transit GETTING AROUND HERE check out F B.C ROM Liard Highway (NWT Highway 7). When you start to see the region’s distinctive pink granite along the side of the road, you’re getting close! From Edmonton, the route is approximately 1,500 km—about 20 hours of driving. Note that there is no reception along much of the highway. Try and minimize any time spent driving after nightfall: bison frequently wander onto the road and are hard to see. Drive safely! BIKE RENTALS You can rent bikes from Old Town Glassworks, at 3510A McDonald Dr. FREE BIKES During the summer season there are 10 free bicycles available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre, provided by local company Outcrop Communications and their GoMobile program. See “What to do – Summer” for hiking and walking trails FLIP TO PAGE 32. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 13 WHEN TO COME AT A GLANCE: ONE YEAR IN YELLOWKNIFE When is the best time of year to visit? The answer, of course, depends on your interests. Here’s what the city has to offer throughout the year. JANUARY It’s aurora-viewing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing season. New Year’s Eve: Fireworks at Frame Lake start at 8 p.m. on December 31. World Snow Day: On January 17, learn how to build a snow shelter, play a match or two of Ultimate Frisbee, and more. yellowknife.ca/ en/getting-active/special-events.asp FEBRUARY Some Yellowknifers escape to the Caribbean; others escape to the bush for winter camping. The Northern Lights are stunning. City of Yellowknife Heritage Days: Get a taste of the city’s history, February 19-21. MARCH With long, sunny days and aurorafilled nights, it’s the best time of winter to be playing outside. The Snowking Festival: For the entire month of March, you can visit the giant snow castle on frozen Yellowknife Bay. Sip some hot chocolate, take in the art exhibits and concerts, and say hello to the Snowking. snowking.ca 14 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E Long John Jamboree: On the last weekend of March, Yellowknifers celebrate winter with a festival in and around the snow castle on Yellowknife Bay. Family-friendly activities abound. longjohnjamboree.ca Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby: Don’t miss the 150-mile dogsledding competition that starts at the Longjohn Jamboree site. APRIL Days are longer and brighter, and the temperature starts creeping up. The ice is starting to thin and the snow starts to melt. Skies are generally cloudy, marking the off-season for aurora viewing. The NorthwesTel Ski Loppet: You can ski five, 15 or 25 kilometres, choose your own start time, and pause for cookies and other snacks along the way, April 3. skiyellowknife.com/events Ptarmigan Ptheatrics: the annual musical: Catch Yellowknife talent onstage at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre for Monty Python’s Spamalot, April 28-May 7. facebook.com/ptarmiganptheatrics MAY As the ice starts breaking up, it’s not Yellowknife’s prettiest time of year— but for locals, the warming weather is cause for celebration. Yellowknife to Hay River: Want to hop on a bike and pedal 500 kilometres down the Mackenzie The tamarack trees turn yellow. Though the nights grow darker, it’s the off-season for aurora viewing. Community Labour Day BBQ: Free burgers at the Stanton Territorial Hospital parking lot. visityellowknife.com Celebrate Northern culture: Arts workshops for the Canadawide Culture Days, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. culturedays.ca Highway? Sign up for the three-day YK2HR (Yellowknife to Hay River) bike trip and start training. Get to know your Northern authors: The NorthWords Festival, featuring workshops and open-mic events, celebrates Northern and indigenous writers. northwordsnwt.ca. OCTOBER The first snowfall usually comes around Halloween; kids trick-or-treat in their winter coats. The sky is rarely clear, so the aurora is often impossible to see. Yellowknife International Film Festival: Presented by Western Arctic Moving Pictures, featuring films by Northern and international artists, October 28-November 2. naccnt.ca, ykfilmfest.com JUNE Welcome to summer! Celebrate the longest, brightest day of the year on June 21. The Yellowknife Farmers Market: Held every Tuesday from early June to September, 5:15-7:30 p.m. at the Somba K’e Civic Plaza, the farmers market offers fresh, locally-grown produce, homemade foods, and crafts. There’s live music sometimes. facebook.com/ykfarmersmarket The World Shore Lunch Competition: This cook-off pits Yellowknife teams against each other as they whip up mouthwatering dishes with freshly caught Great Slave Lake fish, June 4. visityellowknife.com If you plan to visit in the summer, don’t miss the Folk on the Rocks music festival Try the catch of the day at the iconic Bullocks Bistro PATRICK KANE/UP HERE National Aboriginal Day: June 21 is a statutory holiday in the NWT. Catch the festivities around town, or out at the Yellowknife River. Midnight Golf Classic: Celebrate the long days of summer with a round of golf at on June 17. yellowknifegolf.com HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE Valentine’s Day skate: Bring friends or your sweetheart to the Multiplex—or take your skates to the rink outside of City Hall. The Frostbite 50: The annual cross-country ski race starts and ends at the Yellowknife Ski Club, March 19. ykmultisport.com SEPTEMBER The Beer Barge: In the 1940s, Yellowknifers celebrated the arrival of the barge that brought in supplies from down south. Times have changed, but the celebrations live on—with BBQ and live music. nwtminingheritage.com JULY Take advantage of the outdoor concerts and on-water recreation, and enjoy the long, sun-filled days. Canada Day: Starting with the parade down Franklin Avenue, followed by live entertainment at the Somba K’e Civic Plaza, join the July 1 festivities in downtown Yellowknife. Folk on the Rocks: It’s the biggest music festival of the summer, drawing talent from across the North and the country, July 15-17. folkontherocks.com AUGUST Enjoy a day on the water; stay up late to maybe glimpse the aurora. Old Town Ramble & Ride: A street festival featuring local merchants, artists and musicians around the city’s historic quarter, August long weekend. oldtownyk.ca NWT Pride: Workshops, storytelling, poetry slams, open mics, BBQs, live entertainment, watergun battles and open arms. nwtpride.ca Old Town Pond Sailor’s Regatta: On the last weekend of August, homemade sailing vessels go headto-head in a race on Yellowknife Bay. Most important rule: no electronics. NOVEMBER The parkas emerge. Lakes start to freeze. Keep an eye on the City website for updates on ice thickness, so you know when it’s safe to walk on the ice. Pumpkin lane: After Halloween, residents bring their jack-o-lanterns to the McMahon Frame Lake Trail for display. Stroll down the trail to admire the many designs. Santa Claus Parade: Santa Claus starts at City Hall and parades through Yellowknife’s downtown, usually mid-November. yellowknife.ca/en/ getting-active/special-events.asp DECEMBER The ice is usually thick enough to walk, skate, and ski on. The skies begin to clear, making way for the Northern Lights. Holiday lights: Take a stroll through Somba K’e Civic Plaza and down McMahon Frame Lake Trail for the Christmas lights, early December. yellowknife.ca or visityellowknife.com DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 15 DISCOVER CANADIAN DIAMONDS Experience the A-Z of diamonds! • Billions of years of history • Follow a diamond on its journey from beneath the arctic tundra to the beautiful and brilliant stone you see today NWT DIAMOND CENTRE DISCOVER THE ORIGINS OF DIAMONDS ノースウエスト準州ダイヤモンドセンター ダイヤモンドの起源を探ります • See the tools of the diamond industry and watch real diamond cutters at work! • See real Canadian rough and polished diamonds, mined, cut and polished right here in Yellowknife! Entry is free! 西北地区钻石中心 探索钻石的本源 西北地區鑽石中心 探索鑽石的本源 NWT 다이아몬드 센터 다이아몬드의 기원을 찾아보세요 Visitors Centre ビジターセンター 游客中心 遊客中心 방문자 센터 FIND US HERE! THE NWT DIAMOND CENTRE ここ !ノースウエスト準州ダイヤモンドセンター 我们就在这儿 !西北地区钻石中心 我們就在這兒!西北地區鑽石中心 Courtesy of Diavik Diamond Mine 저희 위치! NWT 다이아몬드 센터 16 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E 5105-49th Street, Yellowknife, NWT | 1.867.920.7108 D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E • C I T Y G U I D E 17 Together, the snowcastle and the aurora light up winter nights WINTER WHAT TO DO: 6 Experience a delicious meal and a refreshing beverage at NWT Brew Co.’s The Woodyard Brewery, a vibrant craft brewery and restaurant located in Yellowknife’s Old Town. 7 Experience local culture and tradition at its finest with a knowledgeable cultural guide. Become introduced to the Dene people and the significance of their land and cultural traditions. Visit a cultural camp and immerse yourself in Dene culture, art and foods. Listen to the beat of the traditional drums and join the excitement of traditional Dene Hand Games. Hanging off the side of the YK Centre on Franklin Avenue, there’s a scrolling screen that displays the time and, most importantly, the temperature. You’ll pass parka’d visitors standing underneath, posing for photos and pointing up gleefully at the screen’s astounding temperatures of -30, -40 or even -50 C. But despite the chill, winter is the season of fun for many Yellowknifers: a time of Northern Lights viewing, dogsledding, snow sports, frozen lakes and longjohns. In this section, you’ll find various ways to enjoy the season and have an unforgettable stay. IF YOU HAVE HRS 1 The Northern Frontier Visitors Centre is the perfect first stop to begin your Yellowknife adventure. The staff provide a wide range of complimentary visitor services, including professional visitor counselling, helpful travel information and literature, interactive displays and exhibits, and even an aurora Information Centre. Take the time to learn about Yellowknife’s many You can learn useful skills at Yellowknife’s winter festivals RILEY VELDHUZEN/NWTT 18 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E 2 Head over to the Legislative Assembly and enjoy a free guided tour. You will learn about the unique features of the Northwest Territories, such as our nonpartisan form of government, as well as the unique artwork and architecture that can be found throughout the building. Free tours are available Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m. 3 Next, stop by the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the art, history, culture and biology of the Spectacular Northwest Territories. This museum is free to enter and hosts a wide assortment of excellent displays, as well as a hidden gem of a restaurant, open only for lunches and attracting a bustling local crowd. 4 Then, head down to Old Town, and explore this vibrant, artistic community nestled along the shores of Yellowknife Bay. Explore heritage sites such as Weaver & Devore and Bullocks Bistro, and capture stunning views of Yellowknife’s iconic IF YOU HAVE houseboats. Once the ice roads are officially open, venture out onto frozen Great Slave Lake for a once-in-alifetime experience traversing over the deepest lake in North America. Warm up with a delicious meal at one of Old Town’s many restaurants and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Yellowknife. JASON SIMPSON/NWTT 24 outdoor activities and cultural experiences so you can enhance your stay. Make sure to grab a free souvenir pin, check out the various displays, get a real-time aurora Forecast, and take a selfie with Snowy the Polar Bear. (Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite!) 5 Yellowknife’s long and cozy winter nights provide endless opportunities for spectacular aurora viewing experiences. Arrange a tour with a qualified aurora tour operator for your best chance of ensuring yourself a successful and memorable experience. The Northern Frontier Visitors Centre can assist in matching you up with an operator who is the right fit for your preferred aurora viewing style. IF YOU HAVE 72 HRS 1 Enjoy a magical winter experience dogsledding across a frozen lake and twisting and turning through picturesque nature trails. Beck’s Kennels and Aurora Village have dedicated and devoted dog teams excited to give you a ride to remember. Channel your inner musher and even experience driving the dog team by yourself! 2 Fresh fish is the finest bounty that Great Slave Lake has to offer, and there’s nothing like the thrill of that nibble and tug on your line. Enjoy an afternoon of ice fishing and experience the unique northern comfort of a heated SnoBear or a vintage Bombardier. 3 Immerse yourself in northern art and culture by visiting the many unique galleries in town. Yellowknife’s Old Town is well known for its quality selection of souvenir prints, sculptures, furs and artwork. Drop by Old Town Glassworks, channel your artsy side and produce your very own personalized handmade recycled glass souvenir. 4 The Dancing Moose Café is the place for a tasty and enjoyable breakfast or lunch experience. Nestled in the heart of Yellowknife’s historic Old Town, the restaurant provides stunning and views of Great Slave Lake. 5 Visit the NWT Diamond Centre where the stories of the territory’s diamond mines—located 300 kilometres north of Yellowknife—are told in this interpretive exhibit, showcasing the fascinating geology of kimberlite deposits, the technology of mining in the subarctic, and the process to turn a rough stone into a beautiful diamond. Visitors may enjoy a complimentary diamond polishing demonstration and may purchase diamonds that have been mined, cut and polished in the NWT. Diamond Polishing demonstrations occur Monday to Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ONE WEEK 1 Drive to Cameron Falls along the Ingraham Trail, about 50 kilometres from Yellowknife. From the trailhead, it’s a 20-minute hike to get to the frozen falls. Note: because of low water levels in the past three years, the falls might be considerably smaller than what you might’ve seen in pictures. 2 Get your exercise and explore the outdoors on skis or snowshoes. You can rent gear from Overlander Sports or NARWAL Adventures. The Yellowknife Ski Club provides groomed trails, but if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to blaze your own trails on the frozen, snow-covered lakes. 3 Learn about the storied history of Old Town by downloading the Old Town Soundwalk app from iTunes or Google Play. The app’s multimedia features help you immerse yourself in Yellowknife’s Old Town. ➽ DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 19 WINTER 4 Frozen Rock Studio is a collection of artists dedicated to cultivating the traditional fine art of Inuit carving. Drop by their studio to browse items available for purchase and watch them at work creating new masterpieces. 5 Made famous by History Television’s Ice Pilots NWT, Buffalo Airways has one of the world’s most unique fleets of antique planes still in operation. Hangar tours are available Monday-Friday by appointment only. 6 There are many stories written here on this northern landscape of Yellowknife. Strong Interpretation is there to interpret those stories with customized and flexible tours for people looking for that authentic Yellowknife experience through hands-on, fun, and enlightening experiences. 7 If you’re here in March, head out to the Snowcastle on Yellowknife Bay for art shows, concerts, family-friendly activities—and meet the Snowking himself. 8 Enjoy a comfortable and informative tour of Yellowknife’s renowned Back Bay in a state-of-theart SnoBear, the perfect way to traverse Yellowknife’s exotic and rugged landscape in style! 9 Snowmobiling is a practical and exhilarating way to experience the Canadian North. Numerous operators provide professionally guided snowmobile tours that access to our region’s most fascinating, picturesque and remote scenery—and getting there is a blast! 10 Glide smoothly across the icy surface of Yellowknife Bay in a high-tech hovercraft! Able to transition smoothly from wet to dry surfaces and operate in all forms of inclement weather, RYLO Express can provide a tour of Yellowknife by land and water or by ice and snow, any time of year. (867-446-7986) 20 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Various operators offer dogsledding tours—and with some, you can learn to drive your own dog team PHOTO BY FRAN HURCOMB DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 21 WINTER DOGSLEDDING For thousands of years, sled dogs were the fastest means of transportation in the North, essential for hunting and travel. Today, dogsled racing is still popular in the North. Here are a few ways you can get a taste of mushing. Also check Fly-in Lodges (page 76); some lodges offer dogsledding experiences. AURORA VILLAGE Aurora-viewing tours include dogsledding during the day and aurora-viewing at night. Also offered: tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, aboriginal crafts lessons and city tours. 867-6690006. auroravillage.com, info@ auroravillage.com AURORA WONDERLAND /BECK’S KENNELS Owned by dogsledding champion Grant Beck, the kennel offers traditional dogsledding tours, drive-your-own dogsled outings and aurora viewing by dogsled. 867873-5603. beckskennels.com, info@ beckskennels.com Find a spot and wait for the trout, pike and walleye to bite. Make sure to pick up your fishing licence at local convenience stores or Canadian Tire. BOB TURNER ENTERPRISES Aboriginal ice fishing demonstrations and hot lunch. B&B services also available. 867-4466502. rturner@theedge.ca BDENE ADVENTURES Cultural and historical tours of Yellowknife, Dettah and N’Dilo, with demonstrations of aboriginal crafts, snowshoeing, ice fishing, traditional hand games, drumming and more. 867-444-0451; 867-445-4520. bdene.com, tours@bdene.com BLUEFISH SERVICES Ice fishing in the comfort of a heated SnoBear. 867-873-4818. bluefishservices.ca GREAT SLAVE ADVENTURES Day trips, ice fishing and aurora viewing. Winter cabin rental. 867-766-2792. greatslavefishing.ca, gsa@theedge.ca GREAT SLAVE LAKE TOURS Ice fishing tours, including commercial fishery demonstrations and the opportunity to catch your own fish from the comfort of heated fishing huts. All you can eat fish dinner/sashimi. Wild tea picking. COURTESY AURORA VILLAGE ICE FISHING AURORA WONDERLAND /BECK’S KENNELS Aboriginal ice fishing demonstrations. 867-873-5603. Beckskennels.com, info@beckskennels.com Catch the Dog Derby during the Long John Jamboree in March NARWAL NORTHERN ADVENTURES Snowmobile to choice ice fishing spots, warm up in a fishing hot with hot chocolate afterwards. Pick up your fishing licence in advance. 867873-6443. narwal.ca YELLOWKNIFE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR Photography-focused auroraviewing tours offered in English and Mandarin. 647-718-6899. facebook. com/aurorachasingphil CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING For groomed cross-country ski trails, visit the Yellowknife Ski Club. If you plan to take your skis or snowshoes out on any of the lakes, make sure the ice is thick enough by checking yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/icemeasurement-and-safety.asp). YELLOWKNIFE SKI CLUB 14 kilometres of groomed trails; a warm chalet for members. 867669-9754. skiyellowknife.com, yk_ski_club@yahoo.com BILL BRADEN BANTING LAKE TENT The Yellowknife Ski Club leases out a 16x14 canvas tent located past Vee Lake, just off the Ingraham Trail. 867-444-8466. skiyellowknife.com/ club-facilities/banting-lake-tent, banting.tent@gmail.com OVERLANDER SPORTS Ski and snowshoe rentals. 867-8732474. overlandersports.com AURORA VIEWING Thanks to its prime spot below the auroral oval, Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to view the aurora. ARCTIC TOURS CANADA Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. 867-4467335. arctictourscanada.ca, info@ arctictourscanada There’s nothing like a bonfire after a day outdoors 22 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Aurora and wildlife viewing. 867875-8077. greatslavelaketours.com. shawnbuckley@northwestel.net ARCTIC TOURS CANADA Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. 867-4467335. arctictourscanada.ca, info@ arctictourscanada THE AURORA BOREALIS EXPERIENCE Photography-focused tours near Prelude Lake. 867-444-0772. theauroraborealisexperience.com, theauroraborealisexperience@ gmail.com AURORA DREAM TOURS Tours offered in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. 867-4443888. auroradreamtours.com, auroradreamtours.yk@gmail.com AURORA NINJA PHOTO TOUR Aurora photography workshops available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. 867-688-8884 or 867-445-6688. ykauroraninja@ gmail.com AURORA VILLAGE Northern Lights viewing centre 30-minute drive outside of Yellowknife. Heated, reclining “Aurora Kotatsu” seats for winter tours. 867-669-0006. Auroravillage. com, info@auroravillage.com AURORA WONDERLAND/BECK’S KENNELS Travel by dogsled to a heated winter cabin to view the aurora. 867-8735603. beckskennels.com, info@ beckskennels.com AURORA YELLOWKNIFE TOURS Aurora viewing packages, with options for doglsedding and ice fishing. 867-444-5456. ayk5102@ gmail.com GREAT SLAVE LAKE TOURS Glimpse the aurora overhead while ice fishing on Great Slave Lake. 867874-3617. greatslavelaketours.com, shawnbuckley@northwestel.net HELLO AURORA Tours offered in English and Korean. 867-445-9088. helloaurora.net, haurora@daum.net DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 23 MY BACKYARD TOURS City tours include an ice road portion. 867-920-4654. Mybackyardtours. com, peterson@ssimicro.com WINTER The edges of Frame Lake are perfect for watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve NORTH STAR ADVENTURES Hour-long tours down the Dettah Ice Road, minimum three people, offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 a.m. 867-446-2900. northstaradventures.ca, info@ northstaradventures.ca SNOWSHOEING AURORA DREAM TOURS Scenic hikes. Tours offered in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. 867444-3888. auroradreamtours.com, auroradreamtours.yk@gmail.com BILL BRADEN MY BACKYARD TOURS Day trips for Northern Lights viewing. 867-920-4654. Mybackyardtours. com, peterson@ssimicro.com NANOOK AURORA TOURS Tours offered in Japanese. 867-4466800. aurora-guide.com, nanook@ aurora-guide.com NARWAL NORTHERN ADVENTURES Head out on snowmobiles to look for aurora; warm up in a wall tent with a woodstove and enjoy a hot traditional meal with bannock. 867873-6443. narwal.ca NORTH STAR ADVENTURES Guided aurora viewing tours by snowmobile with aboriginal guides.867-446-2900 for English and Chinese-speaking guests; 867-446 5374 for Korean-speaking guests. Northstaradventures.ca, info@northstaradventures.ca SEAN’S GUEST HOUSE Aurora tours and accommodation. 867-444-121. seansguesthouse.com SONNY AURORA & SUNSHINE Aurora tours and bed and breakfast accommodation in Yellowknife’s Old Town. Tours offered in Mandarin, Korean and English. 867-4450151. bbcanada.com/sunshine, sonny.0160@gmail.com YELLOWKNIFE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Snowmobile to a wilderness cabin on Great Slave Lake for aurora viewing, and try your hand at dogsledding. 867-4448320. yellowknifeoutdooradventures. com, ykoutadv@yahoo.ca YELLOWKNIFE TOURS Aurora-viewing packages include options such as ice fishing, snowshoeing and dogsledding. Tours offered in English and Chinese. 867873-4600. yellowknifetours.com, aurora@yellowknifetours.com KITE SKIING Over the past decade, kiteskiing has become the latest big adrenaline-fueled sport to take hold in the North. With the open expanse of frozen Great Slave Lake, there’s plenty of space for you to give it a try. AQUILON POWER KITE Learn to kite-ski with two certified instructors. Lessons and excursions can be customized to your needs. 867-445-9758. Aquilonpowerkite. com, info@aquilonpowerkite.com BLUEFISH SERVICES Gear and equipment provided for a kite flying session on Yellowknife Bay. No previous experience necessary. 867-8734818. bluefishservices.com, bluefishservices@ssimicro.com ICE ROAD DRIVING Made famous by the History Channel’s reality show Ice Road Truckers starring Yellowknifer Alex Debogorski, the 600-kilometre Tibbitt-toContwoyto Winter Road was first constructed in 1982 to service mines in the Northwest Territories and what is now Nunavut. The NWT currently has five ice roads connecting communities. Though private vehicles are discouraged on most of the ice roads, you can access the Dettah Ice Road from the main dock in Old Town or off School Draw Avenue. AURORA VILLAGE Solo or guided snowshoeing tours.. 867-669-0006. auroravillage.com, info@auroravillage.com AURORA WONDERLAND /BECK’S KENNELS Snowmobile to an aboriginal camp and strap on a pair of snowshoes for a scenic hike. 867-873-5603. beckskennels.com, info@ beckskennels.com STRONG INTERPRETATION The boreal forest has many stories to tell in the winter. Strap on a set of snowshoes for this unique guided adventure. 867-873-5546, experienceyellowknife.com WINTER FESTIVALS Every March, Yellowknife celebrates winter’s turn to spring with the Snow Castle, Yellowknife’s famous fortress built of snow and ice, and an exceptional venue for concerts, art exhibits, parties and weddings. Construction on the structure begins in November and December, and you’ll start to see it take shape in January. If you head out on the ice, you might meet Anthony Foliot, the Snowking himself, and his crew hard at work. The Snowking Festival From March 1-28, 2016, the Snowcastle will grace the ice of Yellowknife Bay. Head down to Houseboat Bay for a tour, hot chocolate, art shows, concerts and more. The Snowcastle is also a popular venue for parties and weddings. If you’re in town during The Long John Jamboree at the end of March draws Yellowknifers of all ages. ARCTIC EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE Cruise down the ice road in a white limousine. Fits eight comfortably. 867-446-5656. arcticlimo@gmail.com RILEY VELDHUZEN/NWTT 24 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 25 WINTER Step into a heated teepee to warm up; step outside to watch the skies light up the winter, but not in March, pass by Yellowknife Bay anyway; you might see the Snowking and his crew hard at work. snowking.ca 873-2003 480 Range Lake Road The Long John Jamboree Catch the ice carving competition, dogsled races, doggy fashion show, trivia contest, beard-growing contest, “beach” volleyball tournament (yes, you read that correctly), live music, fireworks and more, March 25-27, 2016. longjohnjamboree.ca For a listing of clubs, schedules and passes, visit yellowknife. ca/en/getting-active/sports. asp. For indoor activities to do year-round, visit page 44. SHOOTING PERFORMANCE CENTRE Open October through April, this is the place to shoot targets—and have a good time while you’re at it. Located in Kingpin Bowling Lanes building, on corner of 52nd Avenue and 51st Street. 867-920-4309. yellowknifeshootingclub.ca ICE SKATING Near the end of October, you might catch the brief window when the lakes are frozen, but the snow hasn’t fully set in yet. That’s when the lakes are smooth and ideal for some outdoor skating—but to be safe, always check official sources to make sure the ice is thick enough. After the snow starts falling, covering the lakes, the City clears a skating rink on Frame Lake. COURTESY AURORA VILLAGE INDOOR RECREATION Aurora Tips What are the best ways to see the Northern Lights? Forecast: Although the aurora are unpredictable, the best months to view the aurora are January through March and late August or early September. If you’re here in April/May or October/November, you likely won’t see much—the humidity coming from the breakup and freezeup of the lakes in and around Yellowknife tends to cloud the skies. Once you’re here, check @Auroramax on Twitter, astronomynorth.com, or visit the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre for an aurora forecast. Also look for small lighthouses outside certain Yellowknife businesses, such as Gallery of the Midnight Sun and Sushi North, and note their colours: a green light means the lights are active; red means there’s a Northern Lights storm. View: The trick is to simply get away from street lights. If you’re on foot, you’ll see them better from Frame Lake. If you’ve got wheels, head to the ice road to Dettah and then stop along the side of the road for a magnificent view. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, drive down the Ingraham Trail and turn off at any of the lakes. Don’t pull over on the highway itself, though, and be careful: many a driver has been so caught up in the light show overhead, they’ve accidentally driven into a snowbank. Keep your eyes on the road! Capture: Want to give Northern Lights photography a shot? Be sure to bring a tripod and a spare battery; your batteries will drain quickly in the cold. Set your ISO to at least 800, and leave your aperture open as wide as it can go. If you’re not planning to take your own photos, pick up a print or photo of the aurora from galleries and studios across town (see p. 48). Canada’s number one vehicle rental company. Low everyday rates Weekend specials Short & Long term rentals Economy – Sport Utilities 4x4 –Truck Yellowknife 867.920.9209 Toll Free 1.800.383.9211 Fax 867.920.9201 Hay River 867.874.7777 Toll Free 1.800.661.0716 Fax 867.874.7716 SERVICE YOU DESERVE bnewman@kinglandford.com 26 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 27 SHARE YOUR YELLOWKNIFE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE AND WIN ! #ykfestivals or visit ykfestivals.ca for a chance to WIN A FANTASTIC E OUTDOOR ADVENTUR 28 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE ANGELA GZOWSKI videos Post your stories, photos and ls tiva fes fe about Yellowkni ng on Twitter and Instagram usi CITY OF YELLOWKNIFE DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 29 Open Water CHARTERS A touch of class yellowknife nwt Bringing You Home Since 1984 Fly-out Packages Tours designed • Trophy Fishing out of town • Wildlife for Photography visitors, new Yellowknife Day Tours residents and • City visiting friends • Sightseeing andGallery relatives! • Meet the Artist Check us out at: www.adamdentalclinic.ca PO Box 1118 5209 Franklin Avenue Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N8 Telephone: 873-2775 24Hr Emergency: 873-1250 Fax: 920-2775 Hours: 7:00am-8:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:00pm Sat. 0383-A012_YK1_4c_UH YK GUIDE_1/4 (2.25” x 3 11/16”)_FINAL • Hiking/waterfalls Custom Tours FuHalf & Full-day Tours Fly-out Packages na nd infTours Guide Services orma ti ve Step-on gCustom ui d tours ed b y l oca l ex pe rts! petersonspointlake.com mybackyardtours.com 867.920.4654 mybackyardtours.com 867.920.4654 EXPLORE THE Ten full-time, full-service REALTORS® ~ Working For You ~ SOLD Expect the best. Ph: 867.669.2100 www.cb.yk.com Yellowknife OLD TOWN Soundwalk App Sightseeing, Fishing, Hunting, Survey, Mining Exploration Open Water Charters is a Northern Owned and Operated float plane company that offers a wide variety of affordable air charter service. Let us provide you with the best service the industry has to offer. 867.446.1313 ykopenwatercharters@gmail.com ykopenwatercharters.com Committed to Keeping Your Smiles Beautiful and Healthy Frame Lake Family Dental Call today to make your appointment at Yellowknife Education District No. 1 669-0003 Fax: (867) 669-0103 CANADA’S MOST NORTHERN HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALERSHIP École ÉcoleJ.H. J.H.Sissons Sissons Mildred Hall School Mildred Hall School N.J. N.J.Macpherson MacphersonSchool School Range Lake North School Range Lake North School École William McDonald Middle School École Sir John Franklin High School École Sir John Franklin High School École William McDonald Middle School Educating for Life Ph: (867) 766-5050 Hòt’ałò ˛ò˛ Hoghàgoetò˛ò˛ 5402-50th Ave. Yellowknife Une éducation pour la vie! yk1.nt.ca yk1.nt.ca (867)766-5050 30 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm T-SHIRTS & SOUVENIRS 213 UTSINGI DRIVE, KAM LAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK P (867) 873-8322 WWW.POLARTECH.CA Comprehensive family dental care in a modern, advanced facility walk through Yellowknife’s cultural heart... download the app! Let local residents, musicians, artists, and bush pilots take you in a full sensory adventure into historic Old Town Book an appointment or drop-in Frame Lake Plaza 312C Old Airport Road Yellowknife, NT X1A 3T3 Available on iTunes and Google Playstore. MADE IN YELLOWKNIFE, NWT For Emergency Service after hours call 669-1796 DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 31 SUMMER SUMMER WHAT TO DO: The season may be short, but many Yellowknifers live for the summer. From live music under near-endless sunlight in the city to unlimited adventure opportunities in the wilds, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. IF YOU HAVE 24 HRS 1 Make an early stop at the Northern Frontier Visitors’ Centre, where you can plan your visit. Free GoMobile bikes are available to borrow for the day (first come, first served), and while you’re there, make sure to grab a free souvenir pin, check out the various displays, and take a selfie with Snowy the Polar Bear. (Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite!) 2 Head over to the Legislative Assembly for a free guided tour. You will learn about the unique features of the Northwest Territories, such as our nonpartisan form of government, as well as unique architecture and art. 3 Next, pay a visit to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the art, history, culture and biology of the spectacular Northwest Territories. This free museum hosts a wide assortment of excellent displays, as well as a hidden gem of a restaurant. Open only for lunches, the Museum Café is a favourite among the local lunchtime crowd. 4 Then, head down the hill to Old Town and explore this vibrant, artistic community along the shores of Yellowknife Bay. Check out heritage sites such as Weaver & Devore, Bullocks Bistro or the storied Wildcat Café, which all 32 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE operate out of their 1930s-era buildings. Sample Northern delicacies at the area’s uniquely local dining spots. 5 The endless daylight of summer makes the evening feel more like the afternoon, and many often find that they have energy to match. Hit the dance floor at one of our thriving downtown bars, or check out the live music that plays most nights of the week at many of the city’s pubs. Or, take a look at the event calendar on visityellowknife.com to discover what’s going on during your visit. IF YOU HAVE 72 HRS DAY 1 Stop in at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre for information on which tours are available, as well as other events that might be happening during your visit. Here, you can borrow one of the free GoMobile bikes for the day, use one of the computer terminals and free wifi, and check out the displays. From there, why not enjoy some of our pristine and accessible hiking trails? There are trails available within the city limits as well as outside the city along the Ingraham Trail Highway. Interpretive guided hikes are available through Strong Interpretation, and there are also smartphone apps such as the Old Town Soundwalk or Balado Discovery (both available on iTunes and Google Play), which will immerse you in the rich history of Yellowknife as you explore the city on foot. Finish the day with a relaxing waterfront meal at one of Old Town’s many fine restaurants. DAY 2 Spend a day on the water! Choose from a wide assortment of activities, including world-class sport fishing, powerboat cruises with a shore lunch dinner, canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding. Head down the Ingraham Trail to access numerous smaller lakes that are beloved by local fishermen and watersport enthusiasts alike. Boat rentals are available through Prelude Lake Marina, located at the Prelude Lake campground. If you’ve brought a picnic, fire pits are available at most of the boat launch areas (though you will have to bring your own firewood), but it’s only a short drive back to town if you prefer to dine out. DAY 3 Take the day to sightsee with some of Yellowknife’s free tours. Buffalo Airways, of Ice Pilots NWT fame, offers free guided tours every day with advance notice. Explore their sprawling hangar filled with historical aircraft, including planes that actually participated in the 1944 D-Day landings. Make sure to stop by the NWT Diamond centre between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. for a free diamond polishing demonstration (offered on weekdays only). In the evening, sample the flavours of Yellowknife’s diverse downtown culinary scene—and maybe catch some live music. IF YOU HAVE Fresh, homecooked foods are on offer at the weekly Farmers Market ONE WEEK DAY 1 Start your visit with the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre to plan an itinerary, find out about tour availability as well as community events. While you’re in the area, check out the Legislative Assembly for guided tours, and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, where you can immerse yourself in local art, history and culture. Both the Legislative Assembly and heritage centre include fantastic cafés that are perfect for a lunch or afternoon snack. Take an afternoon trip to the NWT Diamond Centre for a free diamond polishing demonstration between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, and then explore the downtown area’s great variety of dining and entertainment venues. DAY 2 It’s time to get to really know the area. Most of the city is easily accessible on foot, and free GoMobile bikes are available at the Visitors Centre. The McMahon Frame Lake and Niven Lake trails provide a wealth of natural beauty right inside the city, and numerous hiking trails are easily accessible along the Ingraham Trail Highway. For an urban tour, Yellowknife’s eclectic and vibrant Old Town is rich in both heritage sites and artistic venues, including several fantastic galleries. Two smartphone apps (The Old Town Soundwalk and Balado Discovery, both available on iTunes and Google Play) can provide historical commentary, and the Old Town area hosts a good selection of dining options for any time of day. DAY 3-5 Now you can really dive into the great outdoors. Yellowknife’s world-class fishing operators can provide thrilling multi-day expeditions, where BILL BRADEN you’ll reel in some of the world’s biggest freshwater fish. You can also check out some of Yellowknife’s neighbouring communities, such as the quaint hamlet of Dettah, situated just across Yellowknife Bay, where you can learn about the indigenous way of life with an immersive cultural tour provided by B Dene Adventures. Many wilderness lodges are also only a short 15-30 minute flight or boat ride outside the city. DAY 6 Take this day to relax with a leisurely canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboarding ride in Yellowknife Bay, available through various businesses in town. If you prefer something indoors, check out the glass cutting workshops available through Old Town Glassworks, or take a free guided tour of the Buffalo Airways hangar, where you can check out historical planes dating back to the Second World War, and even book a flight-seeing tour. Dinner options abound, with numerous restaurants located throughout the city. DAY 7 By the end of your visit, we hope you’ll have made it to at least one of our summer festivals, whether it’s Aboriginal Day (a statutory holiday celebrated on June 21—visit Somba K’e Civic Plaza or Yellowknife River for festivities), Canada Day, Folk on the Rocks, the bi-annual Float Plane Fly-In, the World Shore Lunch, Old Town Ramble and Ride, or NWT Pride. If you haven’t, not to worry: grab some fresh fish from one of the trucks parked downtown or by the docks in Old Town, and have your own celebration. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 33 SUMMER B DENE ADVENTURES Aboriginal cultural tours, boat tours. 867-444-0451. bdene.com ON THE WATER BLUEFISH SERVICES Guided fishing trips and boat tours. No previous fishing experience necessary. 867- 873-4818, 867-4458553. bluefishservices.ca The city is surrounded by pristine lakes and waterways, with plenty of room for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. Arrange guided fishing expeditions and tours with local operators, or rent your own vessel. NARWAL NORTHERN ADVENTURES Tours, instruction and canoe and kayak rentals at daily, weekly and monthly rates. Tours also include fishing trips and hikes, and on Thursday nights, don’t miss the Floating Dinner Theatre—three hours of live entertainment, traditional dinner, and paddling in Voyageur canoes. 867-873-6443. narwal.ca, outdoors@narwal.ca LONG LAKE BEACH Believe it or not, you can get a fantastic tan up here. Long Lake beach is at the Fred Henne Territorial Park, out by the airport; beach volleyball nets available. RENTALS, FISHING TOUR AND DAY TRIP OPERATORS AURORA VILLAGE SPORT FISHING Explore Prosperous Lake in a traditional 26-foot freighter canoe. 867-669-0006. auroravillage.com. info@auroravillage.com The Old Town Pond Sailor’s Regatta in August is a classic NORTH STAR ADVENTURES An aboriginal-owned business offering fishing tours and more. 867446-2900. Northstaradventures.ca, info@northstaradventures.ca OLD TOWN PADDLE & CO. Rent out stand-up paddleboards, sign up for lessons, or buy your own paddleboard for a fun and easy way to get out on the water. oldtownpaddle.com OMEGA MARINE Inflatable and aluminum boats (and motors) are for rent at this business on the shore of Great Slave Lake. 867-873-3770 or 1-800-873-5104. For Parts & Service Emergencies call 867-444-5378. omegamarine.ca, omegamarine@theedge.ca OVERLANDER SPORTS This downtown sports gear retailer also offers canoe and kayak rentals at daily, weekly and monthly rates. 867873-2474. overlandersports.com, sales@overlandersports.com BILL BRADEN YELLOWKNIFE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Fishing is a big part of the experience here, including trophy fishing and fish fry dinner tours. Also available: birding and photography, as well as bison viewing. 867-444-8320. yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com. ykoutdadv@yahoo.ca YELLOWKNIFE TOURS From mid-August to September, enjoy aurora-viewing tours around town and at nearby Trout Rock Lodge. 867-873-4600. Yellowknifetours. com, aurora@yellowknifetours.com, yellowknifetours@gmail.com The following nearby lakes have boat launches: • Great Slave Lake (at both Old Town & Giant Mine) • Vee Lake/Walsh Lake • Prosperous Lake (at Cassidy Point & Secondary) • Madeline Lake • Pontoon Lake • Prelude Lake • Powder Point (for Prelude East & Hidden Lake) • Reid Lake • Tibbitt Lake LICENCES Visitors and residents between 16 and 65 can purchase NWT fishing licences and find out about catch limits from government offices, lodges, convenience stores, and Canadian Tire. You can also get them online at enr.gov.nt.ca (licences are free for anyone over 65). Canadian visitors can purchase a seasonal licence for $20, or a three-day licence for $15. Non-residents pay $40 for a seasonal licence, $30 for a three-day licence. Be sure to carry your licence at all times while fishing. BILL BRADEN 3 4 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE PRELUDE LAKE MARINA AND RENTALS Rent fishing boats, pontoons and RVs at Prelude Lake Territorial Park, 30 km east of Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail. 867-446-5779. preludelakemarina.com Bring a towel, lie back, and enjoy the music at the main stage of the Folk on the Rocks music festival in July SUMMER Great Slave Lake Lodge Lodges on Great Bear Lake • Plummer’s Tree River Lodge • • ARCTIC LODGES NORTHERN PIKE Let us fly you to our lodges on Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes for World Record Lake Trout and Grayling. Visit our Tree River Lodge in Nunavut for the world’s biggest Arctic Char and world famous service. Esox lucius Pike are greedy and relatively easy to hook. But hold on tight; they’re fighters! Often called jackfish, pike generally run from 2-7 kg (5-15 lbs), and some tip the scales at more than 18 kg (40 lbs). Pike prefer warm, slow-moving, weedy water. You can catch these year-round. CALL TODAY FOR A FISHING ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME 1.800.665.0240 FISH@PLUMMERSLODGES.COM An angler’s paradise Forget the gold mines, the real treasure’s in the water WALLEYE LAKE WHITEFISH LAKE TROUT Coregonus clupeaformis Found in Great Slave Lake’s Yellowknife Bay, as well as at Tartan Rapids outside the city and in lakes along the Ingraham Trail, whitefish average 1 kg (2 lbs). These fish provide a lot of action, but must be hooked gently, as they have fragile mouths. Salvelinus namaycush Lake trout average 4.5 kg (10 lbs), but catches of 18 kg (40 lbs) are common. They grow slowly in our cold waters, taking 12 or more years to mature. The big ones can be found in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. Sander vitreus vitreus Also commonly called pickerel (a misnomer), these are arguably the most prized shorelunch in the area, and what you catch is culinary quality. On average, walleye weigh in at 1-2 kg (2-4 lbs), but people have been known to reel them in at 3 kg (7 lbs). Catch these year-round throughout the Mackenzie River watershed and in the tributaries of Great Slave Lake, as well as other little lakes in the area. INCONNU Stenodus leucichthys Inconnu average from 3-5 kg (7-11 lbs), although it’s not uncommon to reel in 9-14 kg (20-30 lbs), and some reach up to 22 kg (50 lbs). The name is French for “unknown,” but they’re well known in Great Slave Lake and Marion Lake, where they’re often called coney. ARCTIC GRAYLING Thymallus arcticus Grayling are treasured by anglers for their feistiness, which guarantees an exciting battle, but are limited to the open water season. Members of the whitefish family, the pretty little fish with sail-like dorsal fins are found at the mouths of rivers. They average from 0.5 to 1 kg (1-2 lbs) and can reach up to 1.5 kg (3 lbs). 36 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE THE WORLD’S FINEST FISHING PLUMMERSLODGES.COM Home of the Canadian North Midnight Golf Classic June 17-18, 2016 Proud of our 68 years of tradition Visitors Welcome Yellowknife Golf Club is the unique experience every golfer should tick off their golfing bucket list, come enjoy this experience of a life time on North America’s most Northern 18 hole Championship Golf Course. • Fully stocked Pro Shop • Licensed Lounge & Restaurant • Full Length Driving Range • Club, Mat, and Power Cart Rentals www.yellowknifegolf.com progm@yellowknifegolf.com Available • Lessons from CPGA Professionals 867-873-4326 DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 37 SUMMER ON LAND STRONG INTERPRETATION Guided experiences exploring the boreal forest from its animals to plants; leisurely strolls through Yellowknife’s Old Town, and more. 867-873-5546. experienceyellowknife.com, walkyellowknife@gmail.com THE NORTH COUNTRY STABLES On the outskirts of the city, this property has four outdoor paddocks, an outdoor riding arena and riding trails. Private and group lessons for all levels of riding are available. Horse leasing is also offered, with half and quarter leases. Run by the Great Slave Animal Hospital. 867-920-2211, Gsah.ca/en/north_country_stables. html, gsah@ssimicro.com THE OUTDOOR RANGE Head down Highway 3, turn when you see the sign for the sandpits. Bring your own guns. 867-445-4783, yellowknifeshootingclub.ca YELLOWKNIFE GOLF CLUB An 18-hole, par-72 golf course with unique sand fairways and reasonable green fees is just off Highway 3, across from the airport. If you don’t have time for the full 18, whack a few balls on the driving range. 867-8734326, Yellowknifegolf.com, progm@ yellowknifegolf.com TENNIS The city has three outdoor tennis courts at Somba K’e Prk, McNiven Beach and near the Multiplex. 867920-5616. Yellowknifetennis.com, info@yellowknifetennis.com HIKING TRAILS Yellowknife is a hiker’s dream, whether you’re looking for casual afternoon strolls or intense week-long expeditions. There is no shortage of trails within city limits, not to mention an abundance of popular hikes farther up the Ingraham Trail. MCMAHON FRAME LAKE TRAIL This 9 km trail circles Frame Lake in the centre of town, and is popular with walkers, bicyclists, joggers and dog-walkers. An extension of it leads towards the Bristol Monument, Lakeview Cemetery and Jackfish Lake. Insider’s tip: bring plenty of bug spray. NIVEN LAKE TRAIL Running alongside a marshy ecosystem, home to amphibians, waterfowl, muskrats and beavers, this two-kilometre trail is a must for wildlife fans. YELLOWKNIFE SKI CLUB TRAILS A day-use fee of $10 ($25 per family) gives access to multiple routes—from 2 to 10 km—full of scenery and wildlife. BIG HILL LAKE Big Hill Lake is a hidden treasure of the Yellowknife area. Accessible by driving down the Ingraham Trail to Madeline Lake (25 km east), with access and parking available on a rough pull out on the south side of the highway. The 6 km round-trip hiking trail is marked in the summer months only. Please contact Visitors Centre staff for more information on access. PRELUDE LAKE TRAIL The 2.5 km scenic nature trail in Prelude Lake Territorial Campground provides gorgeous views of Prelude Lake, and interpretive signing will explain everything you need to know about the North’s wildlife and vegetation. CAMERON FALLS TRAIL This 2 km round-trip pathway to Cameron Falls on the Cameron River is accessible from the Ingraham Trail, 46 km east of Yellowknife. The falls are a prime day trip destination with many beautiful views of the taiga landscape. Interpretive panels are available to highlight some of the geological features of the area. PROSPECTORS’ TRAIL Accessible from the Fred Henne Park Campground, this four-kilometre trail is full of geological phenomena. Nationally Accredited Instructors Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Tours • Canoe & Kayak Certification Programs • Licensed Outfitter; Northern Guides • First Aid Certification Programs • Bed & Breakfast School Programs, Youth Camps Wilderness Survival • Voyageur Canoe Tours • Igloo Building • Northern Owned & Operated since 1981 • • • • www.narwal.ca outdoors@narwal.ca 867.873.6443 Weather economic climate change. Staying on top of northern finances since 1969. w w w . a v e r y c o o p e r. c o m 4918-50th St. Laurentian Bldg., Box 1620, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P2 T: 867.873.3441 TF: 1.800.661.0787 F: 867.873.2353 THE YELLOWKNIFE GUIDE TO BUGS They may not be poisonous but they can be really annoying. Know what’s what and how to defend yourself. MOSQUITO MOSQUITOES: Newcomers who aren’t accustomed to mosquitoes tend to get swollen welts from HORSEFLY BLACKFLY their bites at first. Not to worry—soon enough your body adapts, and you won’t feel or see a thing. Use bug spray, wear light colours, and avoid using scented products. Bonfires keep them away in the evening. Bug jackets are available at local stores, and if you happen to purchase moccasins made of tanned moosehide, it’s thought the smoky scent of the hide wards off mosquitoes. BLACKFLIES: These small suckers are going to aim for the backs of your ears and neck. Their bites won’t hurt but will bleed—make sure you’re on swatting patrol during their high season, usually in June. HORSEFLIES OR BULLDOGS: These are large and common around lakes. They aren’t deterred by bug spray, so your best defense is baggy clothes, since they will bite through the tight-fitting kind. 38 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Yellowknife’s Camera Experts Lower YK Centre, Yellowknife Phone 867.873.5441 Toll Free 1.877.737.7773 sales@roysav.ca www.roysaudiovideo.ca DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 39 SUMMER You’ll meet local characters at the annual Beer Barge FESTIVALS & EVENTS Spot the difference For complete event listings go to visityellowknife.com/ events. Make sure to share your event photos online with #ykfestivals! Central to our past, present and future, Yellowknife’s bush planes come in many species Here’s a quick guide to the most iconic workhorses of the city’s skies and their identifying characteristics. DC-3 JUNE: Aboriginal Day/Summer Solstice Most major events are hosted in the Somba K’e Civic Plaza, but a variety of live music performances, workshops and children’s activities are also spread throughout the city at locations in Old Town, Fred Henne Park and Yellowknife River. Physical characteristics: Full, tapered belly resembling a fish; low wings that angle toward a central, three-pronged tail; plumage variable, but Northern species often have a green mask. Sound: Single persistent howl. Population: 607 (produced 1936-42, 1950). Related planes: None. It’s been said that the only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3. Notable fact: Starred in the History Channel’s Ice Pilots NWT. Beer Barge On the shores of Back Bay, the NWT Mining Heritage Society reenacts the arrival of Yellowknife’s seasonal supply barge back in the 1940s. nwtminingheritage.com DeHavilland Twin Otter Physical characteristics: 9.2m long; box-shaped body and blunt, pug-like nose; once described as “a big ol’ pelican” —slow, cumbersome, but carries its weight in fish. Sound: Loud snarl punctuated with piston-like bangs and pings. Population: 1,657 (produced 1947-1967). Related planes: Norseman, Turbo Beaver. Notable fact: The Beaver is named after Canada’s national animal, but the first Canadian-designed DeHavilland was named after another noble ambassador: the Chipmunk. Cessna 185 Physical characteristics: 7.9m long; feline nose, slender tail; agile, lithe, maneuvers well, highly responsive; can fly on floats, wheels, floats with wheels, and skis. Sound: On take-off, it emits a ping followed by an uninterrupted, soundbarrier-breaking screech. Population: More than 4,400 (produced 1961-1985). Related planes: Found Bush Hawk. Notable fact: Founder Clyde Cessna tested all his prototypes and once leapt from an inverted plane mid-flight. Piper Cub Pilatus Porter Physical characteristics: 6.8m long; highly recognizable by its eager, snub nose and open, friendly face, the Cub’s low-hanging belly and stocky legs lend it a slow, sturdy air. Sound: The butterfly of bush planes, the Cub flies nearly silently. Population: 19,888 (produced 1938-1947). Related planes: Super Cub. Notable fact: The Cub is the most popular training plane. Physical characteristics: 11m long; boxshaped snout, wiry legs and square wingtips; unattractive but spry. Sound: Noisy growl, similar to the Beaver. Population: 562 (produced 1959-present). Related planes: Helio Courier, Helio Stallion. Notable fact: The Pilatus holds the world record for highest landing by a fixed-wing aircraft: In 1960, it touched down on a 5,750-metre mountain peak in Nepal – but then crashed on its way out. 4 0 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE World Shore Lunch Championship The North’s top chefs and foodies face off at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. Who can prepare the tastiest fish dinner? A panel of judges—and crowds of hungry Yellowknifers—will decide. visityellowknife.com/event/ world-shore-lunch-championship JUNE-AUGUST: Farmers Market Local merchants gather in Somba K’e Civic Plaza to sell homegrown produce and homemade treats ranging from ice cream to full-on Indian buffets. You can also pick up crafts from local vendors. 867-4459603. yellowknifefarmersmarket.ca JULY: Canada Day Parade Grab a flag and get ready to catch some candy from the floats travelling Franklin Avenue on July 1. Afterwards, head to the Somba K’e Civic Plaza for live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Folk on the Rocks The summer’s social and musical highlight, this family-friendly festival attracts audiences and talent from around the world to its multiple stages on the shores of Long Lake. 867-920-7806. Folkontherocks.com, exec_director@folkontherocks.com AUGUST: Old Town Ramble and Ride Held in Yellowknife’s most historic neighbourhood, the Ramble and Ride offers up intriguing walking tours, arts and crafts workshops, musical performances, local crafts and children’s activities. oldtownyk.com NWT Pride The volunteer-run organization hosts a weekend-long event featuring music and workshops. nwtpride.com SPORTS LEAGUES Want to join a team and kick or throw a ball around? Here are some leagues you might want to check out: Volleyball: nwtvolleyball.ca Softball: yellowknifeslopitch.com Fastball: ykfastball.ca Soccer: nwtkicks.ca/leagues/ yellowknife-adult-soccer-league Ultimate Frisbee: facebook.com/ yellowknifeultimateclub Basketball: ykba.com Tennis: yellowknifetennis.com B-B-B-BEARS?! How to stay safe in bear country. ILLUSTRATIONS BY TONIA COWAN DeHavilland Beaver Physical characteristics: 15.8m long; sleek, pointed nose and full, bottomheavy breast; long, blunt-tipped wings set toward the centre of the back; plumage variable, but notable species include the Kenn Borek (red back and white underbelly) and the Canadian Forces (solid red with a large blue dot under the wing). Sound: Quiet growl, intermittent low whooshes when propellers reverse direction mid-flight. Population: 844 (produced 1965-1988, 2008-present). Related planes: The single-engine Otter. Notable fact: In 2001, when Antarctica’s resident doctor needed a medevac from her -60C winter outpost, the Twin Otter was the only plane rescuers trusted to perform the mission. BILL BRADEN Stay alert as you walk. Whether travelling with a companion (recommended) or alone, whistle or sing as you walk. Wildlife will hear you coming and likely go the other direction. If going outside of the city, carry deterrents such as bear spray, bear bangers, and/or an air horn, and become familiar with their safe usage beforehand. If you run into a black bear, stay calm. Raise your arms to make yourself appear big, talk firmly to the bear and back away slowly. If it approaches, use your deterrents. If camping, store food far from your tent, in odour- and bear-proof containers. FOR MORE TIPS VISIT: Env.gov.yk.ca/publications-maps/documents/ howyoucanstaysafe.pdf DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 41 SHARE YOUR YELLOWKNIFE FESTIVAL AND WIN ! videos Post your stories, photos and ls tiva fes fe kni low about Yel ng on Twitter and Instagram usi #ykfestivals or visit ykfestivals.ca for a chance to WIN A FANTASTIC SUMMER FISHING ADVENTURE 42 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE PHOTO: KYLE THOMAS/FOLK ON THE ROCKS EXPERIENCE DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE CITY OF YELLOWKNIFE 43 YEAR ROUND WHAT TO DO: SPORTS FACILITIES When the mercury dips below -40 C, go inside. If you’re fearing sun stroke, go inside too. Here are a few ways to stay active under a roof. RUTH INCH MEMORIAL POOL Check online program for swim times and descriptions. 6002 Franklin Avenue. 867-920-5683, yellowknife.ca YELLOWKNIFE CURLING CLUB Family-friendly curling facility. Open daily. 6008 Franklin Avenue. 867-8734805, yellowknifecurling.com YELLOWKNIFE CLIMBING CLUB Family-friendly indoor bouldering gym. Birthday rentals. 113 Kam Lake Road, ykclimbingclub@gmail.com THE MULTIPLEX A multi-purpose facility at the intersection of Kam Lake Road, Franklin Avenue and Old Airport Road. It includes two arenas, a gymnastics club facility and more. yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/ Multiplex.asp THE YELLOWKNIFE FIELDHOUSE A bright, beautiful, modern facility that includes two indoor multi-sport fields, a preschool playground, and an indoor track. It’s located right beside the Multiplex. 45 Kam Lake Road. 867-669-3457. FITNESS CLUBS Whether you’re into sun salutations or CrossFit, here’s where you’ll find it. ARCTIC JIU JITSU Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs for adults and for children. 4920 54th Avenue (shares its space with Just Fitness—see below). 867-445-1687, Arcticbjj.com BREAKAWAY FITNESS Weight and cardio rooms, personal trainers and group fitness class. Shares a building with Sarah’s Hot and Ready, which offers gourmet lunches on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (see page 64). 5003-48th Street, 867-920-4220, breakawayfitness.ca “What’s satisfyingly unique here, is [in sports] you get to rub shoulders with people from every sector of the population.” HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE PAUL GARD YELLOWKNIFER & SOFTBALL CANADA HALL 4 4 C I TOF Y GFAMER UIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE COLLECTIVE SOUL SPACE Yoga classes and workshops for adults and for teens. 491050th Street, 867-445-5888, collectivesoulspace.org Paddleboard rentals and lessons are available at Old Town Paddle & Co. COURTESY OLD TOWN PADDLE JUST FITNESS Intense training programs include bootcamps, MMA, CrossFit, and more. Also home to Arctic Jiu Jitsu (see above). 4920-54th Street. 867873-BFIT, justfitnessyk.com INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT Movies, billiards, and bowling TAIGA YOGA AND THERAPY CENTRE Yoga classes, workshops, and massage therapy. 4916-49th Street. 867-766-2881, taigayoga.com AFTER 8 BILLIARD ROOM Well-known for its pool tables and tournaments, After 8 hosts state-ofthe-art karaoke nights. 5001 Forrest Dr. 867-669-9983. RACQUET CLUB Squash courts, fitness classes, personal training, weight and cardio rooms and an in-house massage therapist. Hours vary seasonally. 4002-49th Avenue. 867-920-2224, ykracquetclub.com CAPITOL THEATRE Yellowknife’s only movie theatre and arcade are good for family outings or date nights. 4920 52nd Street. 867-873-2302, movies.yk.com. KINGPIN BOWLING CENTRE This family and league bowling joint comes with an attached lounge, pool tables and large-screen TV. It’s known by some as the city’s best kept secret for a fun night out. 5125-52nd Ave. 867-920-2695. SAM’S MONKEY TREE PUB The pool tables pair especially well with Wing Nights on Wednesdays. 483 Range Lake Rd. 867-920-4914, Samsmonkeytree.com check out ARCTIC COMBAT FITNESS & MMA MMA, Judo, Muay-Thai and more. 160 Enterprise Drive. 867-445-2164, afcmma.ca For art shows and cultural activities SEE P48. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 45 Daily, weekly, monthly rentals. Compact & midsized cars, SUVs and trucks. Please call 867.766.5000 (Across from the Expolorer Hotel) • Inuit & Dene sculpture and fine crafts • northern apparel and outerwear • northern gifts and souvenirs • infants & children's wear • Canadian Diamonds • Dawn Oman art and merchandise 5005 Bryson Drive Yellowknife, NT X1A 2A3 gallerymidnightsun@theedge.ca Phone (867) 873-8064 Fax (867) 873-8065 galleryofthemidnightsun.com Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 6:00, Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada Showcasing NWT culture and heritage CityCab Open Daily 10:30am - 5:00pm - Open until 9pm on Thursdays Visit the Museum Café Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm 1993 Ltd. 873-4444 CityCab 23 Download our mobile app from Google Play or the App Store. 1993 Ltd. 873-4444 www.pwnhc.ca | 867.873.7551 Glass gifts & Workshops Handmade from recycled glass with Handmade from recycled glass with original northern designs original northern designs (867) 669-7654 oldtownglassworks.com (867) 669-7654 3510 McDonald Drive, Old Town oldtownglassworks.com 3510 McDonald Drive, Old Town 4 6 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE since 1988-- Proudly Serving SINCE 1988 PROUDLY SERVING The North THE NORTH The fights you need to get there: - Sightseeing Flights - Medevac, - Wildlife Surveys, - Cargo Services, - Tourism Support, - Scheduled Flights, - Remote Camp Support. 1 888-545-6794 www.airtindi.com DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 47 ASSOCIATION FRANCOCULTURELLE DE YELLOWKNIFE Cultural shows and resources for francophone newcomers. 867-873-3292, afcy.info NORTHERN ARTS & CULTURAL CENTRE (NACC) Yellowknife’s premier performance venue. Box office hours: Tues-Fri 11-6; Sat 12-6. 4701 52nd Avenue, 867-766-6101, naccnt.ca the kids’ play area is popular. 4750 48th Street. 867-873-7551, pwnhc.ca WESTERN ARCTIC MOVING PICTURES (WAMP) Nonprofit producing and showcasing films and digital media. Coordinates the annual Yellowknife International Film Festival (YKIFF) in the fall. 4916 49th Street. 867-766-2586, wamp.ca YELLOWKNIFE ARTIST RUN COMMUNITY CENTRE (ARCC) A non-profit organization facilitating the presentation of Yellowknife and NWT artwork. ykarcc.com Where Northern art shines AURORA EMPORIUM ART GALLERY Local arts and crafts. 867-688-0111, auroraemporium.ca, auroraemporiumartgallery@gmail.com DOWN TO EARTH GALLERY Art workshops and pieces by local artists. 5007 Bryson Drive. 867-920-0711, facebook.com/ downtoearthgallery Visit OUR NEW WEBSITE www.northernimages.ca northern art by northern artists FIREWEED STUDIO Locally made pottery. Open JuneSept, Saturdays 11-4, and during the Farmers Market (see above). 867920-4573, ykguild.wordpress.com, yellowknifeguild@gmail.com Yellowknife 867 873 5944 FROZEN ROCK STUDIO Locally made carvings. 49A Avenue and 41st Street. 867-446-2853. “Its people. Its youth. Knowing that we’re all in the same boat together, pushing each other to get out there.” GODSON YELLOWKNIFE HIP HOP ARTIST, ON HOW HIS SURROUNDINGS INSPIRE HIS MUSIC HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE OLD TOWN GLASSWORKS Turn recycled bottles into works of art. Retail hours: Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat-Sun 12-5. Workshop hours available on website. 3510 McDonald Drive. 867669-7654, oldtownglassworks.com YELLOWKNIFE GUILD OF ARTS AND CRAFTS (“THE GUILD”) Workshops in clay, fibre arts, stained glass and jewellery-making. 113 Kam Lake Road. 867-920-4573, ykguild. wordpress.com PRINCE OF WALES NORTHERN HERITAGE CENTRE (PWNHC) The museum exhibits NWT art, history and culture year-round, and YELLOWKNIFE FARMERS MARKET Browse locally-made crafts at Somba K’e Civic Plaza, outside City Hall, very Tuesday starting at 5:15 p.m. from 4 8 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE GALLERIES Jaco Ishulutak, Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Fisherman 2011 ARTLESS COLLECTIVE Produces films in the North by Northerners. 42-B Otto Drive. 867873-3735, artlesscollective.com Canada’s leading retailers of Inuit arts and crafts for 40 years. Yellowknife is known for its rich and diverse arts scene. Dive in! northern images ARTS& CULTURE early June to mid September. yellowknifefarmersmarket.ca We carry a wide selection of unique GALLERY OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN Inuit and Dene art. 5005 Bryson Drive. 867-873-8064, galleryofthemidnightsun.com northern Arts, Crafts, Carvings, Shirts NORTHERN IMAGES Prints, photos, carvings, and more. Mon-Fri 10-6. Sat 12-6. 4801 Franklin Avenue. 867-873-5944. northernimages.ca, websales@ arctic.coop 8-4905 48th St. Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S3 Tel: 867.873.9696 Fax: 867.873.8973 northernsouvenirs@gmail.com VISUAL EFFECTS Custom framing, plus Northern art for sale. 4905 48th Street . 867-873-3536, visual-effects.ca, info@visual-effects.ca MOTHER EARTH ROCKS Homemade carvings of stone and bone, plus beads from carving dust. 3608 Franklin Avenue. 867 446-1643, motherearthrocks.wetpaint.com, ldhudson@ssimicro.com and much more. Northern Souvenirs & Gifts Located right downtown Open Year-Round Summer Hours: Mon-Fri AB 9am-8pm Winter Hours: • Mile 180 of the Mackenzie Highway # 35 (Midway between Edmonton, & Yellowknife, NWT) Sat/Sun/Hol 10am-8pm Tues-Sat 9am-4pm • All Services Available Visit our Web Site: www.highlevel.ca All Services Available in High Level, Alberta Visitor Information • Giftshop • Outdoor Picnic Area • Large Parking Area • Museum Admission by donation • Feature display “Northern Trading Post” over 1600 food & medicine containers in a General Store Setting. P. 780-926-4811 • F. 780-926-2814 • hlmuseum@highlevel.ca • Human History featuring First People to live in this area, Farming & Trapping/Fur Trade in the region, including a photo display. • Special events thoroughout the year.include Chirstmas Open House, Art Shows, Craft Sale, Childrens’ Progamming. • Summer Farmers Market • GIF TSHOP • MUSEUM • PICNIC AREA • L ARGE PARKING AREA VISITOR INFORMATION www.highlevel.ca 10803—96 St. Physical . 10511—103 St. (mailing) . High Level, AB, Canada T0H 1Z0 Phone: 780-926-4811 Fax: 780-926-2814 Email: hlmuseum@highlevel.caD I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E • CIT Y GUIDE 49 308 Old Airport Road | (867) 669-8888 www.super8yellowknife.com Quality Rescued & Refurbished Bicycles RENTALS, REPAIRS, SALES, & WORKSHOPS 312 Old Airport Road • Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 3T3 Phone: 867.765.0605 • Fax: 867.765.0606 • Email: yel@thebrick.com www.thebrick.com Open 7 Days a Week We want to move you. Corporate Relocations | Office Relocations Packing | International Relocations Scheduled Freight Service Local & Long Distance Moving Storage: Palletized – Heated 3510 McDonald Drive, Yellowknife, NT, Canada 867.669.7654 oldtownbikeworks@ssimicro.com GREAT SLAVE DENTAL CLINIC Something to YOUR NORTHERN RELOCATION SPECIALIST www.matco.ca 50 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE 120 Enterprise Drive, Yellowknife NT Ph: (867) 873-3333 Fax: (867) 873-4998 smile about for a lifetime. 5014-48th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 2P9 Tel: 867.873.2450 Fax: 867.873.5032 9090 EMERGENCY: 867.444.3635 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 51 FREE TO SEE By car, bike or on foot, here are a few essential stops. and pick up some brochures. City Hall summer hours: Monday-Friday, 8-4:30. Winter hours: MondayFriday, 8:30-5. 807 - 52nd Street. 867-920-5600, yellowknife.ca CITY HALL & SOMBA K’E CIVIC PLAZA In summer, the Somba K’e Civic Plaza is a prime picnic spot. Visit the Tuesday afternoon farmers market, plus the odd performance. In the winter, it’s magically lit up with lights galore. Check out the lobby display THE NORTHERN FRONTIER VISITORS CENTRE Your culture and information onestop shop. Start your day here and get all the resources you need to map out your visit, whether you have a few hours, a day, or a week. And if you want a pair of wheels, the centre 18 FREE THINGS TO DO IN YELLOWKNIFE “ In those days, Old Town was still all shacks and dog teams tied to pieces of bombardiers and people sitting around having fires, and people just heading out in the bush. It was so exciting. It totally inspired me.” FRAN HURCOMB LONG-TIME OLD TOWN PHOTOGRAPHER offers free bikes to rent, courtesy of Outcrop Communications. Summer hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30; Sat-Sun 10-5. Winter hours: Monday-Friday, 9-5; weekends and holidays 10-5. 1-877-8814262. visityellowknife.com, info@ visityellowknife.com THE NWT LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Perched on the banks of Frame Lake, the “Ledge,” as it’s fondly known, is where decisions are made in the NWT. Tours are highly recommended—they’re offered Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m., while self-guided audio tours are available during opening hours. To book tours for large groups, call 1-800-661-0784, or 867-669-2230. Ledge hours: Monday-Friday 10:305. assembly.gov.nt.ca THE PRINCE OF WALES NORTHERN HERITAGE CENTRE At the museum, tour the latest art and history exhibits. Check the calendar for events, lectures, and conferences, and on the last Sunday of every month at 3 p.m., drop by the Museum Café for a free classical music concert, brought to you by the Classics On Stage Yellowknife (COSY). Museum Hours: Daily, 10:30-5. 867-873-7551. pwnhc.ca. NWT DIAMOND CENTRE Discover how diamonds are mined in the NWT. Free diamond polishing demonstrations are offered Monday to Friday, 2:30-3:30. 5105 49th Street, 867-920 7108. MCMAHON FRAME LAKE TRAIL One of the few walking trails maintained year-round, Frame Lake offers spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. After that, check out Tin Can Hill, near the old Con Mine site, for a short walk. HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE 52 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE OLD TOWN For the architecture or history buff, check out Yellowknife’s historic lakefront district, Old Town. The On a clear night, the Northern Lights put on a spectacular show—for free JAMES MACKENZIE/NWTT Wildcat Café and Weaver & Devore are two of the City’s founding businesses. Yellowknife’s first bank still stands, a little log cabin on Otto Drive. You’ll also glimpse the work of the city’s most famous architect, Gino Pin, who designed the futuristic townhouses on McDonald Drive as well as the “Eraser House” on Latham Island—its slanted shape mirrors the contours of the region’s many mine headframes. THE WOODYARD AND RAGGED ASS ROAD At the base of School Draw Avenue, near Old Town, are Willow Flats, Peace River Flats and the Woodyard, Yellowknife’s original neighbourhoods. In Willow Flats you’ll find Ragged Ass Road, one of the most famous streets in town, named by a local prospector. Stroll through the three neighbourhoods and spot some of Yellowknife’s original plywood shanties and shacks, where the town’s first miners and prospectors settled in the 1930s. Many are still inhabited by off-the-grid locals. PILOT’S MONUMENT Overlooking Old Town and Latham Island, this monument pays tribute to the North’s early bush pilots. From here, watch floatplanes land on Great Slave Lake; it’s got the best view of the city year-round. HOUSEBOATS From atop Pilot’s Monument, or from the dock off Franklin Avenue in Old Town, you’ll get a great view of the houseboats of Yellowknife Bay. Our distinctive, floating community got its start in the 1970s, when local character Tim Shandrick parked his home in Yellowknife Bay. Today, owners live year-round, canoeing to the mainland in summer and walking on the ice starting around mid-November. INGRAHAM TRAIL If you’ve got a car (or if you’re an experienced cyclist and you’ve got access to a good road bike), spend Tip: Want an insider’s tour of the city’s best neighbourhoods? Download the Old Town and New Town walking guides at yellowknife.ca. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 53 BUFFALO AIRWAYS Call ahead to book a spot on a tour of the Northern airline’s iconic fleet made famous on the National Geographic Television show, Ice Pilots NWT. Call 867-873-6112 and ask for the AirWear store to book your spot; tours are offered at noon, Monday-Saturday. Available yearround. buffaloair.com BRISTOL MONUMENT In homage to the North’s aviation history, the Bristol freighter, once operated by Wardair, now overlooks Highway 3 near Yellowknife Airport. In 1967, it became the first plane to land at the North Pole, and three years later, it was donated to the city as a monument. It has stood in this spot ever since. Tip: Check out Google Street View for a virtual tour of the city. In Fort Providence, overlooking the Mackenzie River SWIMMING On a warm summer’s day, pick any lake along the Ingraham Trail and dive in (but try to avoid boat launches). Or bring your towel and a volleyball to Fred Henne Beach—or if you’ve got a dog, take it to the “Doggy Docks” on the other side of the parking lot. Don’t worry, the water’s safe for humans too. SKIING From December to early April, bring your skis, or rent them at Overlander Sports, and head out on any of our numerous lakes and trails; favourite spots are Yellowknife Bay and Vee Lake. Tip: you’ll find lots of snowmobile tracks along the trails, and these are safe to follow. Visit yellowknife.ca for directions and conditions. OUTDOOR MINING HERITAGE MUSEUM Visit the site of Giant Mine’s “A” shaft near the Great Slave Cruising Club’s public boat launch. Here, you can find ore cars and train tracks, loading machinery, old photos from the mine’s heyday and more. Pack some snacks and enjoy them at the nearby picnic tables. YELLOWKNIFE DUMP No joke—for many Yellowknifers, this spot off Highway 4 is one of the city’s quirkiest attractions. Oldtimers and newcomers alike head here to salvage furniture, household items and more. TOBOGGANING In the winter, the City maintains three slip-sliding snow hills at 51st Avenue, Bristol Pit and Parker Park. Choose from several hikes along the Ingraham Trail and enjoy the view NORTHERN INTERIORS Custom Blinds, Shades, Drapery, Bedding, Fabrics and Hardware (867) 920-2289 drapes@ssimicro.com www.northerninteriors.ca 35 Modern Rooms - Kitchenette Units Available - Restaurant Conference Facilities - Licensed Lounge - ATM Satellite TV - Wireless Internet - Arts & Craft Shop 24 hour On-Site Gas Bar Phone: (867) 699-3511 Fax: (867) 699-4300 snowshoe@ssimicro.com snowshoeinn.ca When You’re Serious About Staying Warm! FULL SERVICE BOOK STORE Canada Goose, Resolute and Snow Mantra Parkas Toll Free 1-800-944-6029 Phone: (867)920-2220 Fax: (867)873-6105 4923-49th St. NWT info@yellowknifebooks.com www.yellowknifebooks.com Year-Round Tours! FREE TO SEE an afternoon driving down the Ingraham Trail. Scenic and dotted with day-use areas, it’s ideal for a picnic on a sunny day. (See enclosed map on page 40 for directions). Weaver & Devore Trading Ltd. 3601 Weaver Drive, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2J5 Phone (867) 873-2219 Fax (867) 873-9020 www.weaverdevore.ca Aurora - Wildlife - Fishing Sashimi & Fish Dinner 1, 2 and 4 hour tours GreatSlaveLakeTours.com 867.875.8077 Shawn Buckley Great Slave Lake Tours NWT Kilt& Castle 8 Nahanni Drive 867.873.3688 50/50 Mini Mall 867.873.3818 icywind8b@yahoo.ca Mail orders welcome. Aurora Wonderland & Beck’s Kennels Beckskennels.com 867-873-5603 Check out our cozy Irish pub Great food and great service Open every day 11am until 2am HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE 5 4 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE 867-766-5458 5019-49th Street Various Cabin Locations World-class Dog Sled Tours DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 55 Give it some PAO! Cash. That’s your reward. SERVICE CENTRE LP Yellowknife Co-op Members Receive a Rebate of 9¢/litre on fuel 3.25¢/litre on home heating oil and propane Fort Providence HOME COOKING & TAKE OUT Western and Chinese Cuisine 867.873.3309 • 867.920.7878 Delivery - Take Out - Eat In Lower Level, Scotia Centre 5102 50th Ave., Yellowknife, NT Join Today! Membership costs $1! Glen Abernethy MLA Great Slave glen_abernethy@gov.nt.ca 867.767.9143 (EXT 12186) or 1.800.661.0784 mla-greatslave.ca 867-873-5770 www.ykcoop.com Yellowknife Catholic Schools • Corporate rates available • Kitchenettes/fireplace suites • Air conditioned rooms • Free wireless internet • Mini fridges /microwaves in every room • Located between Old Town and downtown • Continental breakfast Call Toll Free: 877.873.8511 Reserve online at: www.arnicainn.ca 56 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE Celebrating over 60 years of Excellent Programming Where Learning Lights the Spirit Où l’apprentissage reflète l’esprit Yedàı Nez T’à Hoghàgoet Our district provides a strong, moral, ethical environment for our students. We encourage a loving, Christian perspective which supports Catholic principles and thought. Students from all religious backgrounds are respected … and welcomed! 5124-49th Street Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P4 Phone: 766-7400 www.ycs.nt.ca Men’s & Ladies’ fur accessories & beautiful handmade jewelry Mon-Sat 12:30-5:30 pm 3602 Franklin Ave, in Old Town 867.873.6748 justfurs@yahoo.ca Naomi Bourque Jewelry justfursyellowknife.com naomibourque.com DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 57 WHERE TO STAY ANDERSON THOMSON TOWER This apartment-style hotel offers suites with kitchens in a secure downtown building with a fitness centre, ensuite office workspaces and wireless high-speed internet. 5300-49 St. 867-873-5701, polardevelopments.com, hotelsuites@polardevelopments.com ARNICA INN Forty-two rooms at the bottom of the scenic hill between Old Town and downtown, with kitchenettes and A/C available. Now houses popular Twin Pine Diner. 4115 Franklin Ave. 867873-8511. 1-877-873-8511, arnicainn.com, arnicainn@ssimicro.com CAPITAL SUITES Furnished studios, 1– 2-bedroom and family suites at this downtown facility, which also offers high-speed wireless internet, airport shuttle service, a fitness room and a business centre. 100-5603 Franklin Ave. 867-669-6400. 1-877-6699444, capitalsuites.ca, ykfrontdesk@capitalsuites.ca COAST FRASER TOWER Fully equipped kitchens, balconies, 24-hour front desk service, three meeting rooms and complimentary breakfast are available at this central spot. 5303 52nd St. 867-873-8700, 1-800-663-1144, coasthotels.com DAYS INN AND SUITES Large, comfortable rooms in the heart of downtown, with select suites offering kitchenettes, queen-sized beds and Jacuzzis. 4401-50th Ave. 867-873-9700. 1-877-839-1236, daysinnyellowknife.com, gm@daysinnYellowknife.com DISCOVERY INN Close to the city’s business and government centres, this hotel is also close to shopping facilities and restaurants. 4701 Franklin Ave. 867-873-4151, discoveryinn.ca discoveryinn@theedge.ca THE EXPLORER HOTEL Overlooking the city yet close to all major features, the 187-room Explorer is one of Yellowknife’s best-known hotels, featuring stateof-the-art conference facilities and an upscale restaurant. 4825-49 St. 867-873-3531. 1-800-661-0892, explorerhotel.ca, res2@explorerhotel.ca City of Yellowknife Visitor Guide Size: 1/2 page Horizontal ANDERSON THOMSON TOWER 5300 – 49th Street Apartments & Hotel Suites to welcome you in Yellowknife 1 & 2 Free HS Bedrooms Internet* -‐ -‐ Panoramic Energized views Parking -‐ -‐ Indoor Fitness storage** Center -‐ -‐ Secure Sundeck & building Balconies *Hotel only * *Apartment only Wherever you decide to stay in town, you’ll be able to take in Yellowknife’s natural beauty, its history, and its thriving arts scene (867) 873-‐5701 DAVE BROSHA 58 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE hotelsuites@polardevelopments.com apartments@polardevelopments.com -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ Developers, Owners & Operators DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 59 WHERE TO STAY From Pilot’s Monument in Old Town, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings BILL BRADEN LUCY’S PLACE Rent rooms or the full three-bedroom condo in Yellowknife’s uptown, with access to a kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer. Complimentary reading material, board games, barbecue access and bikes included. 19 Butler Road. 867-446-5053, ykrentals.com/accommodations, lucysplace@northwestel.net NORTHERN LITES MOTEL Twenty rooms with microwaves and fridges. 5115-50th St. 867-8736023, yellowknifehotel.com QUALITY INN & SUITES A longstanding, recently renovated hotel in the heart of downtown Yellowknife, close to shopping, dining and City Hall. 5010-49th St. 867-873-2601,1-800-661-0580, 6 0 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE SUPER 8 MOTEL Located in Frame Lake South, this petfriendly hotel is close to our famous Tim Hortons plus Stanton Hospital and the airport. 308 Old Airport Rd. 867-669-8888, 1-800-800-8000, super8.com, gsm@super8.com WATERMARK TOWER Offering downtown, apartmentstyle hotel suites with kitchens, the Watermark also has a fitness centre, ensuite office workspaces, wireless high-speed internet and balconies. 4503-52nd Ave. 867-873-5701, polardevelopments.com, hotelsuites@polardevelopments.com washer and dryer. Located near the airport, with public transport, shops, restaurants and the hospital nearby. 8 Glick Court. 867-8732498. arcticchalet.ca, admin@ arctichalet.ca ARDEN AVENUE B&B Located uptown, there are three queen-sized rooms, one with ensuite kitchen, plus a living and dining area and workout room, as well as a continental breakfast. 120 Arden Ave. 867-446-5656, ardenbnb.ca, arden@theedge.ca AURORA YELLOWKNIFE JENNY’S Single, twin and double rooms available in this downtown home includes a spacious back deck with a barbecue. Free parking available. 5102 52nd Street. 867-765-5465, yellowknifebnb.com, ayk5102@gmail.com INSTANT WIN CASH CHOOSE YOUR PRIZES! Your source for local news, sports, events and more! IT’S EASY IT’S FREE BAYSIDE www.baysidenorth.com B&B BED & BREAKFASTS ARCTIC CHALET B&B Spacious, luxurious rooms with private decks, private entrance and guest BBQ, WiFi, cable TV, en-suite IT’S FUN IT’S LOCAL Š NOVA COURT All 54 rooms are equipped with internet and satellite TV at this uptown location. Most suites include washer and dryer. Monthly and corporate rates available. 476 Range Lake Rd. 873-6686, 1-866-570-6682. yellowknifeinn.com, frontdesk@yellowknifeinn.com Open for Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday – Sunday 8am to 4pm Located in historic Old Town on Great Slave Lake 867.669.8844 john@baysidenorth.com 3505 McDonald Drive P: (867) 669-8842 dancingmoosecafe.ca DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 61 WHERE TO STAY BAYSIDE BED & BREAKFAST In iconic Old Town, on the shore of Great Slave Lake, this charming spot features a popular café, a wraparound deck and impressive view of the lake. Four rooms and a cabin, WiFi and guest lounge. 3505 McDonald Dr. 867- 669-8844, baysidenorth.com, info@baysidenorth.com BIRCHES BED & BREAKFAST A comfortable home within walking distance of downtown, restaurants, art galleries and walking trails. 4 Rycon Dr., 867-873-2913, bbcanada.com/12945.html, birchesbandb@northwestel.net BLUE RAVEN BED & BREAKFAST Atop Old Town’s Latham Island, overlooking Great Slave Lake, offers a crackling fireplace in winter, and a spacious deck in summer. Full breakfast. 37 Otto Dr. 867-873-6328, tmacfoto@me.com EMBLETON HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST Four private luxury studio suites— with kitchenettes, bathrooms, massage tubs, computers, TV, internet, phones, self-service breakfast, fire places, skylights— and three, lockable private B&B bedrooms with shared kitchen, living room, bathroom, phone, TV and internet. 5203-52 St. 867-873-2892, 1-888-909-5203, embletonhouse. com, ehouse@theedge.ca ISLAND HAVEN GUEST HOUSE Quiet, lakefront property in Old Town with four rooms, bay window views of Great Slave Lake. Deck for aurora viewing. 34 Morrison Drive. 867-446-6091, islandhaven@ guysyne.com NARWAL BED & BREAKFAST This scenic Old Town location on Great Slave Lake is within walking distance of downtown. It has a kitchenette with self-serve continental breakfast, lounge area with TV, DVDs and videos, highspeed wireless internet access—and discounted canoe & kayak rentals. There’s even dinner theatre offered. It is owned and operated by a longterm Northern family with traditional knowledge. 4702 Anderson Thomson Blvd. 867-873-6443, narwal.ca, outdoors@narwal.ca OLD TOWN LOG CABINS Log cabins for rent in Old Town. 3806 Bretzlaff Drive. 867-873-6959, 867-445-4727. Find Your New Home Today! SUNSHINE BED AND BREAKFAST Newly-renovated, located down in scenic and historic Latham Island. 8 Lessard Drive. 867-445-0151. WILLOW RIDGE RETREAT Off-the-grid guesthouse on Ingraham Trail, powered by sun and wind energy. Easy access to kayaking, canoeing, skiing, dogsledding and more. Prelude West. 867-920-2019, willowridgeretreat.ca YELLOWKNIFE BAY FLOATING BED & BREAKFAST Want to live like a houseboater? Here’s your chance. Hot running water, full-size bathroom, washing machine, fully functional kitchen and internet access. Houseboat Bay, Great Slave Lake. 867-444-8464 or 867-445-6363, ykbayfloatingbnb.com Now renting bachelor, 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments & townhomes Many suites include: In-suite laundry • Dishwasher • Balconies • In-suite storage Professionally managed by onsite staff Make your next home with us! Contact us today 867-920-2909 NorthviewREIT.com Downtown Yellowknife as seen from Old Town at night ...has the right vehicle for the right price. NEW DODGE / CHRYSLER UNITS CARS – VANS – JEEPS – 4×4 TRUCKS MINE READY TRUCKS CALL 867-766-3838 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION OR CALL 1-800-263-0600 OR VISIT WWW.HERTZ.CA DAVE BROSHA 62 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 63 FOOD& DRINK spot, which also has baked goods and sandwiches. Lower level of the YK Centre Mall, 3-4802-50 Ave. 867873-8782, gourmetcupyellowknife.ca CAFES & LUNCHES Lighter fare, great for a midday meal MUSEUM CAFÉ Café fare (we recommend the catch of the day) with a Northern touch, served up in an attractive, sunlit room on the second level of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Open for lunch Mon-Fri. 4750-48 St. 867-873-7570, pwnhc.ca/about/cafe BUBBLE TEA NORTH Bubble tea is the main item, of course, but this little spot also offers frozen yogurt, snow ice and fresh fruit smoothies. 5115–48th St. 867766-2012, bubbleteanorth.com THE FAT FOX Quick, healthy lunches, sit-down or take-out, with a bit of curry or Mediterannean flair. Also serves a proper English cream tea. Expected to open early 2016. 5008 50th St. thefatfox.ca THE DANCING MOOSE CAFÉ Attached to Old Town’s Bayside BnB on the shore of Great Slave, the Moose serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to a mix of locals and visitors. 3505 McDonald Drive. 867-669-8842. JAVAROMA GOURMET COFFEE A popular coffee and meeting spot with sandwiches, bagels and panini, as well as fresh baked muffins and pastries. Wi-Fi access. Two locations: 5201 Franklin Ave, 867-669-0725, and at the Yellowknife Airport, 867445-2269, javaroma.ca GOURMET CUP A large selection of coffees are available in this bright basement If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss the Farmers’ Market on Tuesday nights from June to September COURTESY FARMERS MARKET/ANGELA GZOWSKI 6 4 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE THE LENNY BURGER If you’re not feeling up to munching on the iconic burger, there’s also fish and chips, bison sausages, and bison bratwurst. 4919 48th St. 867446-6300. SARAH’S HOT AND READY Healthy, inventive lunchtime fare is on the menu Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Choose from a selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and homemade desserts. 5003-48 St. 867-445-7634, facebook.com/ sarahshotandready “I’m also a marriage commissioner. I do weddings wherever they TWIN PINE DINER BURGER PALACE AND SANDWICH EMPORIUM Protein-filled lunches, brunches and early weekday dinners. The menu changes regularly, but burgers are a specialty. Located at the Arnica Inn on Franklin Ave. 867-873-4806. @Twinpinediner on Twitter want. If you wanted to get married at the museum, I’ll be there. If you wanted to get married at Prelude Lake, I’ll be there. Have gavel, will travel.” TONY WHITFORD PAST COMMISSIONER FINE DINING This city may be small, but we’ve got great chefs of all ranges BULLOCKS BISTRO This heritage building-housed eatery is known for serving up the catch of the day from Great Slave Lake, seasonal game (muskox, elk and buffalo), and a down-home, salty Old Town attitude. 3534 Weaver Dr. 867-873-3474. CASUAL FARE Grab a pint with your meal for the full experience. THE BLACK KNIGHT This Scottish pub offers hearty pub fare, daily specials (Greek Knight, Wings Knight, etc.) and a large selection of beer on tap. Upstairs, the Top Knight frequently hosts special events and music performances. 4910-49th St. 867-920-4041, blackknightpub.com BOSTON PIZZA Casual chain dining with pizza, pasta, salads and ribs in a room full of big-screen TVs. The family dining area, separate from the bar, is a haven for local parents after a long day. 5102-48th St. 867-920-2000, bostonpizza.com THE CELLAR BAR & GRILL A live-music venue serving steaks, quesadillas, seafood dishes and more. Its Wingless Wednesdays, featuring baby back ribs with a variety of sauces, are a hit. 491050th Ave. 867-920-7819. COYOTE’S BAR & GRILL Alberta beef and table-side flambéed desserts are the highlights of this family-friendly uptown steakhouse, which also offers a Friday lunch buffet and Sunday brunch. 484 Range Lake Rd. 867-873-8818, ykcoyotes.com DIAMANTE RESTAURANT Chef-driven, seasonal Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair is on the menu at this uptown spot. There’s an impressive wine list and live piano on weekends. Delivery. 483 Range Lake Rd. 867-920-2971, diamanterestaurant.com HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE ELKS CLUB The Elks Lodge’s dining room is open to the public for weekday lunch (mains, soup and salad combos, burgers and specials) and Saturday breakfast. 491949th St. 867-873-4563, ykelks.com GOLD RANGE BISTRO Western and Chinese dishes are served up in this classic diner-styled eatery, which is popular with locals for its hearty breakfasts and sassy servers. 5010-50th St. 867-873-4567. HOT SHOTS PUB & GRUB The name says it all for this strip mall establishment, which delivers pub fare along with occasional specials. 4 Stanton Plaza Mall. 867-669-7529. THE KILT AND CASTLE An Irish pub with prime rib dinners on Sundays. 5019- 49th St. 867-7665458, facebook.com/kiltandcastle L’ATITUDES RESTAURANT This Yellowknife Inn-associated restaurant serves up a variety of sidewalk café-style items (pastas, sandwiches, fish & chips and daily specials) along with all-day breakfast. Centre Square, 4905 Franklin Ave. 867-873-2601. THE RED APPLE This family-style restaurant offers a Western and Chinese menu. The lunch buffet is popular. 4701 Franklin Ave. 867-766-3388. SAM’S MONKEY TREE PUB Steak, ribs, pasta and a range of other options—including a selection of poutine, hot lunch specials and more. 483 Range Lake Rd. 867-9204914, samsmonkeytree.com TWIST Come for the food, stay for the patio. 5915-50th St., 2nd floor. 867-873-3753. THE WOODYARD This new Old Town brewpub offers craft beers and pub menu items—the beef dip is a favourite—plus vegan and gluten free options. Keep an eye out for updates on its local brews. 3905-50th Ave. 867-873-2337, nwtbrewingco.com. NORTH OF 60 STEAKHOUSE They offer everything you’d expect from a family-oriented steakhouse, and serve brunch, too. 312 E Old Airport Rd. 867-669-7001. THE LODGE AT AURORA VILLAGE With buffalo steaks and whitefish on the menu, the Lodge is reserved only for those who book tours at Aurora Village, located 20 minutes out of town at Cassidy Point. 867-6690006, auroravillage.com THORNTON’S TAPAS BAR Small plates and a big wine list are the major draws of this downtown spot, which holds regular events like their “Wine Down Wednesdays,” when all wines and bubbly are half-price, and a popular family-style Sunday Brunch. 5125-52nd Ave. 867-669-9463. TRADER’S GRILL STEAKHOUSE The Explorer Hotel’s main dining room offers steaks plus sophisticated takes on muskox, Arctic char and other Northern delights. Known for its highend Sunday brunch buffet. 4825-49th Ave. 867-873-3531, explorerhotel.ca DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 65 FOOD & DRINK WILDCAT CAFÉ Yellowknife’s oldest restaurant, this recently restored heritage building is open during summer season only, offering a simplified, Northerncentric menu. Shoot for a seat on the patio. 3904 Wiley Rd. 867-873-4004 INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Yellowknife gets more and more multicultural every year. What better way to learn about each other than through food! EPIC GRILL Housed in the Legislative Assembly, this breakfast and lunchtime spot offers Filipino cuisine. 4517-48th St. 867-688-1878. ELKE’S TABLE ON 47TH German and Mediterranean cuisine— think Schnitzel and moussaka on the menu. Expected to open early 2016. 4911-47th St. K&M CONCESSION STAND Turkish coffee and borek—a fetaand-parsley pastry—are on offer at this concession stand serving the Yellowknife Fieldhouse, along with more traditional concession fare. 45 Kam Lake Rd. 867-669-3457. KOREA HOUSE Downtown Korean barbecue, with sitdown, take-out and delivery options. The bibimbap is a local favourite. 5103 50th Street. 867-669-0188. MAIN STREET DONAIR & FALAFEL Wraps and Lebanese cuisine served up at the front of Centre Square Mall. We recommend the garlic and sweet sauce on your wrap. Take-out and sit-down. 4905 Franklin Ave. 867-766-3354. MAIN STREET PIZZA & DELI Stone cut pizza, East Indian dishes, soup, sandwiches, donair and shawarma. 5012 53rd Street. 867766-3354. MARK’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Long-running Chinese-Canadian eatery in the basement of the Scotia Centre, with a popular lunch buffet. Sit-down, take-out or delivery. Liquor is served. 5102 Franklin Ave. 867920-7878. THE RED APPLE This family-style restaurant offers a Western and Chinese menu. Open Sundays. 4701 Franklin Ave. 867-766-3388. SUSHI CAFÉ A wide range of Japanese food that goes beyond sushi to include traditional Japanese appetizers, teppanyaki and more. Sit-down, take-out or delivery. 5309 Franklin Ave. 867-920-0776. SUSHI NORTH The all-Japanese kitchen also offers sandwiches in the summer, and—on Saturdays only—okonomiyaki (Japanese seafood pizza). Take-out or sit-down. 200 – 4910 Franklin Ave. 867-669-0001, sushinorth.ca A TASTE OF SAIGON This popular central location for Pho, stir-fries and rice dishes is a favourite for the downtown office crowd at lunch, and packs in families for dinner. Take-out or sit-down. 4913-50th St. 867-873-9777, atasteofsaigon.ca Lunch: 11am Monday-Friday Dinner: 5pm Monday-Saturday Weekend piano performers. Casual-family friendly atmosphere. Homemade pasta. Delivery available. VIETNAMESE NOODLE HOUSE Vietnamese food in a log cabin. Their menu includes plenty of non-noodle selections including stir-fries and rice plates. Take-out or sit-down. 4609 Franklin Ave. 867-873-3399. 867-920-2971 diamanterestaurant.com ZEHABESHA This downtown spot offers Ethiopian food (including traditional injera flatbread with vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings), along with some Western items. Take-out, delivery and sit-down. 5004-51st Ave. 867-873-6400. NIGHTLIFE Party with Yellowknifers, week nights and weekends alike. AFTER 8 PUB Well known for its pool tables and tournaments, After 8 hosts state-ofthe-art karaoke nights. 5001 Forrest Drive. 867-669-9983, facebook.com/ after8pub 6 6 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE PATRICK KANE/UP HERE Several restaurants around town serve up Northern flavours—and hospitality THE BLACK KNIGHT PUB Live music performances light up weekends, both on the main stage and upstairs at the Top Knight at this downtown Scottish bar. 4910-49th St. 867-920-4041, blackknightpub.com Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday Best Saturday brunch in town Weekend dj. Wednesday wings. Free burgers Thursday. Plus nightly specials. 867-920-4914 samsmonkeytree.com 483 Range Lake Road FOOD & DRINK BOSTON PIZZA A separate sports bar sits beside this popular family restaurant, with daily drink specials and televisions playing the biggest games. 5102-48th St. 867-920-2000, bostonpizza.com THE CELLAR Local bands and singer-songwriters take the cozy corner stage next to the fireplace on weekends—and sometimes during the week. 4910 50th Ave. 867-920-7819, dale@thecellarbarandgrill.ca COYOTE’S The lounge section of this uptown steakhouse offers popcorn, pool and everything for the late-nighter. 484 Range Lake Rd. 867-873-8818, ykcoyotes.com HOT SHOTS PUB & GRUB This strip mall dart bar delivers pub fare along with occasional specials. 4 Stanton Plaza Mall. 867-669-7529. KINGPIN BOWLING CENTRE This family and league bowling joint comes with an attached lounge, pool tables and large-screen TV. It’s known by some as the city’s best kept secret for a fun night out. 5125-52nd Ave. 867-920-2695. THE RAVEN’S PUB This Top 40 dance club right next door to the Gold Range brings in a young, fun-loving, late night crowd— and it’s normally the last place to close. 5030-50th St. 867-669-9755. TWIST The 2nd-floor patio is one of its biggest draws, and their mojitos are highly recommended. 4915-50th St., 2nd floor. 867-873-3753. FAST FOOD When time is tight and familiarity is a priority, the city is home to all the usual suspects. A&W Centre Square Mall. 4905-50th Ave. Take-out and sit-down. 867-6697071, aw.ca YK’s Premier Steakhouse, serving only the best Alberta Sterling Silver Beef. SERVING A WIDE VARIETY OF DELICIOUS NORTHERN CUISINE IN A FRIENDLY AND RELAXED ENVIRONMENT. Buffalo Burgers, Fresh Local Whitefish, Arctic Char, Bison Rib-eye, Pickerel, and more! Located at 484 Range Lake Road DOMINO’S PIZZA 10 Stanton Plaza. 867- 920-2020. Take-out and delivery. dominos.ca MCDONALD’S Two locations: 202 Old Airport Rd. 867-873-9555; Wal Mart, 313 Old Airport Rd. Take-out and sit-down. 867-873-9556, mcdonalds.ca THE GOLD RANGE Yellowknife’s oldest and most authentic bar offers frontieratmosphere, colourful characters and live music from local legends, Welders Daughter, Tuesday to Saturday. A must for a true Yellowknife experience. 5010-50th St. 867-873-4441. HARLEY’S HARDROCK SALOON Nightly exotic dancing with a crowd that mixes old and young. 5018 Franklin Ave. 867-873-6789, harleyshardrocksaloon.com 6 8 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE Food trucks offer variety in Yellowknife’s summer food scene favoured by a 20s/30s crowd— particularly on Wednesday wing nights. The patio is a draw in the summer sun, while pool tables and a dance-floor keep them busy all night. 483 Range Lake Rd. 867-920-4914, samsmonkeytree.com THE TRAPLINE LOUNGE This cozy, upscale lounge at the Explorer Hotel offers fireside charm to both visitors and locals. 4825-49th Ave. 867-873-3531, explorerhotel. ca/trapline-lounge PIZZA HUT 312 Old Airport Rd., across from Wal-Mart. Take-out and delivery. 867-669-6700, pizzahut.ca QUIZNOS SUBS Two locations: 349 Old Airport Rd., across from Wal-Mart and in the Yellowknife Airport. Take-out and sitdown. 867-920-7827, quiznos.ca (beside the Shell Gas Bar) Sushi Café Open Monday - Saturday Party trays & cooked options available Takeout & delivery/ Fully licenced Why cook when you can Finger Finge Cook?r C oo Order over 100 menu items online! Ordering for a large group? No problem, ask us about our catering menu. For home, office, or sporting events. SUBWAY Two locations: 5103 50th St. 867920-2727; Stanton Plaza, Old Airport Rd. 867-920-2700. Take-out and sit-down. subway.ca TIM HORTONS 309 Old Airport Rd. Take-out and sitdown. 867-873-4999, timhortons.ca 10 $ BRUNO’S PIZZA Pizza-by-the-slice at the counter, as well as whole pies available for pickup and delivery. Late hours make this a long-time favourite for the post-bar scene. 5124-53rd St. 867-920-2130. SAM’S MONKEY TREE PUB Drinks are the priority at this spot HOME OF THE STEAK & EGGS (867) 920-2000 5102-48th Street Yellowknife, NT Find our location online at: Call for store hours 867.920.0776 • 5309 Franklin Ave. Registered trademark of Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license. © Boston Pizza International Inc. 2010. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 69 FOOD & DRINK CURBSIDE CUISINE Food truck season usually runs from late May to midSeptember, when the balmy weather lends itself most to dining al fresco in Somba K’e Civic Plaza. MURRAY’S CURBSIDE TREATS & EATS The big red food truck on Franklin Avenue (and sometimes at Fred Henne Beach) is best known for its bannock balls, but you’ll also like the Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and lemonade. STARVIN MARVIN BISTRO A little taste of Russia in Kam Lake, Yellowknife’s industrial district. Try their classic borscht, or the Starvin Marvin roll, a rice paper wrap packed with hamburger, rice and veggies. WISEGUY FOODS Chef Robin Wasicuna’s inventive twist on burgers (accompanied by garnishes such as kimchi or homemade peanut butter), parked outside the Northern Frontier Visitor Centre. ONE OF A THAI Their summer food truck serves up popular home-style Thai cuisine, including favourites like pad thai and a variety of daily specials influenced by owner Sousanh Chanthalangsy’s mother’s cooking. SAFFRON Authentic Indian cuisine is taking the city by storm. Their vegetarian samosas and butter chicken are highlights. GASTOWN GRILL On your way in our out of town, you’ll see a silver trailer in Gastown’s parking lot, serving old-fashioned, comforting and hearty meals. THE FRESH SQUEEZE Healthy and wholesome juices, smoothies and wraps (with plenty of vegan options). Helps you avoid the afternoon sleepies. GROCERY STORES The city is well served with those major grocery stores—YK Direct Charge Co-op (321 Old Airport Rd., 867-873-5770, ykcoop.com) and Your Independent Grocer (two locations: downtown, 14-4910 50th Ave., 867-669-9100; uptown, 250 Old Airport Rd., 867-7663195, yourindependentgrocer.ca). BUCKLEY’S FISH There are actually three Buckleys offering freshly caught freshwater fish. Call Roger (867-447-1958), Barry (867-874-3007), or Shawn (867-875-8077). GREAT SLAVE FISH PRODUCTS Pick up freshly caught fillets, whole fish and smoked fish from this truck, usually parked on 50th Avenue, or from their floating warehouse on Yellowknife Bay. 867-873-9896. KIM’S CONFECTIONARY This unassuming convenience store across from Northern United Place on Franklin is actually a hidden treasure chest full of Asian condiments, ingredients and frozen specialties. 5309-50th St. 867-873-5100. EATING IN We live in a place where our food surrounds us, so we are a home-cooked kind of town. Here are the options for everything else we need that we can’t find in the wild: LULUZ MARKET A gourmet grocery store, Luluz is home to an extensive deli section featuring European cheeses and meats, and fresh breads. It also offers organic, gluten-free and other specialty ingredients, and prepared meals. 480 Range Lake Rd. 867873-2003. The competition heats up at the World Shore Lunch Competition NORTHERN FANCY MEATS An independent butcher, NFM offers a fresh, wide-ranging collection of cuts and prepared meats, along with seafood and wide range of deli specialties. You’ll get hooked on the beef jerky! 314 Woolgar Ave. 867-873-8767. HANNAH EDEN/UP HERE 70 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE PRE-ORDER AT SUSHINORTH.CA WEAVER AND DEVORE The front of this YK staple serves as a mini-grocery store for Old Towners and residents of N’Dilo. 3601 Weaver Dr. 867-873-2219. Healthy, Tasty, Fresh, Quick Toll Free: 1-888-802-3486 Phone: 867-920-4977 Fax: 867-873-9225 www.yellowknifeliquorstore.com FOLLOW YOUR NOSE DOWN THE STAIRS FOR COFFEE AND SO MUCH MORE. Specializing in Corporate Orders. YK Centre, Lower Level (down the hall from Roy’s Audiotronic) 3-4802 50th Ave. Ph: 873-8782 “Your Health - Our Priority” Ian Wasserman - BSP, Pharmacist/Owner • • • • • • • Professional Services Accu-Pak Bubble Packaging FREE Prescription Delivery Health & Wellness Events Medication Reviews Diabetes Products & Services On-Going Blood Pressure Monitoring STORE HOURS Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Sundays and Holidays: Closed 314 Old Airport Road - Steps away from Frame Lake Community Health Clinic Ph: (867) 920-7775 • email: ms0336@store.medicineshoppe.ca • Check us out of Facebook DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 71 WHERE TO SHOP From raven paintings, to teapots, to booties for your furry friend, we’ve got you covered. ARTS AND CRAFTS Tasteful gifts and keepsakes ARCTIC JEWELLERS Gold jewelry, Canadian diamonds. Centre Square Mall, 26-5014 49 St. 867-669-8884. arcticjewellers.com, arcticjewellers@gmail.com INKIT LTD. Graphic design, cut vinyl, embroidery, custom T-shirts, and flags. Mon-Fri 8:30a.m.-5p.m. 512448th St. 867-873-5094. Inkit.ca LULUZ MARKET High-end kitchenware and hard-tofind ingredients. Stay for a Panini and coffee. Mon-Thur 10-6, Fri 10-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5. 867-873-2003. 480 Range Lake Rd. facebook.com/ luluzmarket NORTHERN CRAFTS Your stop for beads, hides and hand-made crafts. Mon-Sat 10 -6p.m. Downstairs YK Centre Mall. 4190-50 Ave. NORTHERN SOUVENIRS A wide range of souvenirs. Mon-Sat 10 -6p.m. (Sun 12-5 p.m. in summer) 4905-48 Street. 867-873-9696, northernsouvenirs@gmail.com NORTHERN TRANSITION Custom parkas and Northern arts and crafts. Centre Square Mall. 5014 49th Street. 867-873-9908. northerntransition.com 72 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE OLD TOWN GLASSWORKS Locally-made and recycled glassware. Two-hour stenciling workshops available at $40 per person. Mon-Tue 10a.m.-6p.m., Wed-Fri 10a.m.8p.m., Sat-Sun 12p.m.-5p.m. 3510 McDonald Drive. 867-669-7654, oldtownglassworks.com LAKE AWRY CAP & CREST Apparel and souvenirs bearing the “Ragged Ass Road” logo, plus other gear. YK Centre. 4190-50 Ave. 867873-6999, lakeawry.com, lakeawry@raggedassroad.ca SIGNED Home of the iconic, stuffed Ptarmi the Ptarmigan—plus signs, digital printing and cut vinyl. Mon-Thur 9-5:30, Fri 9 -5, 5024 51st Street (Upstairs). 867-920-0770, signedyk. com, janet@signedyk.com THE QUILTED RAVEN Quilting patterns and supplies. Mon-Fri 10 -5:30p.m., Sat 10-5, 5003 53rd Street. 867-920-0303. thequiltedraven.com CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES Get a winter parka and you’ll fit right in BIJOU BOUTIQUE The perfect store for gift shopping has teapots, candles, and more. Mon-Fri 10-6. Sat 10-5. 50/50 Mini Mall, 5004 50th Avenue. 867-7662456. BUFFALO AIRWEAR Coats, hoodies and other souvenirs from the storied Buffalo Airways. Call in advance for a tour of the hangar. Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat 12-4, 108 Berry St. 867-765-6023, airwear.bigcartel.com www.thequiltedraven.com ALL THE SUPPLIES A QUILTER NEEDS ERASMUS APPAREL T-shirts, hoodies and other clothing with original Yellowknife designs. Don’t leave town without one! Mon-Sat 10-6. 4602-50 Ave. 867444-0307, erasmusapparel.com We have over 2000 bolts of fabric including: Northcott, Princess Myra, Island Batiks and Kaffe Fassett.We also carry a large selection of notions, books, kits, and more! FOR WOMEN ONLY One-of-a-kind women’s clothing and accessories. Mon-Fri 9:30-6. Sat 10-5. Scotia Centre (106-5102 50th Avenue). 867-873-9613. We have a large selection of works by local artists – Janet Pacey Patterns, Canadian North Patterns, caribou notions by Roger Bisson, and various types of quilts by Yellowknife quilters. FOR MEN ONLY Men’s clothing and accessories— mostly fancy. Mon-Fri 9:30a.m6p.m. Sat 10a.m-5p.m. Lower Level YK Centre Mall #22, 4802 50th ave. 867-873-5940, formenonlyyk.com HARLEY’S SOUVENIR AND SHIRT SHACK Clothing and accessories, plus a tattoo parlour, by the legendary Harley’s HardRock Saloon. 5018 51 St. 867-873-8731. HOURS OF OPERATION Mon. – Fri. 10am – 5:30pm Sat. 10am – 5pm Closed on Holiday weekends 5005-53rd Street, Yellowknife, NT (downtown, behind the Adam Dental Clinic) 867.920.0303 ICEBLINK High-end clothing and accessories for women, plus yoga apparel. Mon-Fri 10-6 and Sat 10-5. 50/50 Mini Mall, 5004 50th Avenue. 867-873-3033, facebook.com/ iceblinkyellowknife JUST FURS LTD. Men’s and ladies’ hats, headbands, sheared beaver accessories, mitts, scarves, slippers, jewellery, made from Northern furs. Mon-Sat 12:30-5:30. 3602 Franklin Avenue (Old Town). Also available at the airport giftshop. 867-873-6748. justfursyellowknife.com VINTAGE & VOGUE Eclectic clothing and accessories in this deluxe consignment store. Tue-Fri 10-6. Sat 10-5, 5012-50th Ave. 867-873-8483. Arctic Jewellers Aurora Advance Aurora Sensations Bootlegger Diamond Nails Rogel’s Barber Shop Northern Transitions Ogre’s Lair Game Shop Reddi Mart SLR Consulting Canada Ltd. The Source Yellowknife Tours Ltd. Yellowknife Public Library 669-8884 873-2503 873-4600 766-4758 766-2457 873-4166 873-9908 444-8526 873-9844 765-5695 920-4814 873-4600 920-5642 5022-49th Street Fax 873-9835 For leasing inquiries contact: Carol-Ann Colpitts 306-337-1900 ccolpitts@mccor.ca 867-873-9802 DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 73 WHERE TO SHOP SPORTS AND RECREATION Paddle, kick and swing OVERLANDER SPORTS Outdoor gear, canoe and kayak rentals in the summer, cross-country ski rentals in the winter. Mon-Fri 9:30a.m- 6p.m. Sat 9:30a.m.-5p.m. 4909 50th Street. 867-873-2474, overlandersports.com FURNITURE Get comfortable QUALITY FURNITURE A Yellowknife standard for furniture and home décor. Mon-Sat 9a.m6p.m. 4610 50th Avenue. 867-8732004, qualityfurniturenwt.com SECOND HAND SWAP SHOP Accepts, trades and sells gently used furniture. Mon-Sat 9a.m-6p.m. 46 Street and 50th Avenue. 867-8736435, qualityfurniturenwt.com ROY’S AUDIO VIDEO UNLIMITED Need a new phone charger? Or big screen TV? Mon-Sat 10a.m-6p.m. 10-4802 50th Ave. 867-873-5441, roysaudiovideo.ca, sales@roysav.ca DRUGSTORES Feeling ill? Here’s your fix. THE MEDICINE SHOPPE Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-2. 314 Old Airport Rd. 867-920-7775, medicineshoppe.ca SHOPPERS DRUG MART Mon-Fri 8a.m.-10p.m. Sat-Sun 9a.m.-10p.m. 4911 49th Street. 867-873-4055; 1-800-746-7737, shoppersdrugmart.ca SUTHERLAND’S DRUGS LTD. Pharmacy, health supplements, gift items, magazines—and, sometimes, a resident rescue dog patrols the aisles. Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-5. 50th Street and 50th Avenue. 867-8734555, sutherlandsdrugs.ca HARDWARE For the builders and fixers TRUE VALUE HARDWARE Tools, paint, and equipment. MonThur 8:30-5:30, Fri 8:30-5, Sat 10-5, 5024 51st Street. 867-765-5675, truhardware.ca REITMANS Mon-Sat 10a.m.-9p.m. Sun 10a.m.6p.m. #100 - 314 Old Airport Road. 867-669-9400, reitmans.com MARK’S WORK WEARHOUSE Mon-Fri 9a.m.-9p.m. Sat 9a.m.-6p.m. Sun 10a.m.-6p.m. 307 Airport Road. 867-669-9267, marks.com THE SOURCE Mon-Fri 9:30a.m.-8p.m. Sat 9:30a.m.-6p.m. Sun 12.-5p.m. Centre Square Mall. 5022-49th St. 867-920-4814, thesource.ca 4916 49TH ST | (867) 766-2881 | TAIGAYOGA.COM 50/50 MINI MALL | 5004 50TH AVE | 873-3033 BOOTLEGGER Mon-Thur 9:30a.m.-6p.m. Fri 9:308p.m. Sat 9:30a.m.-6p.m. Sun 12.5p.m. Centre Square Mall. 5022-49th St. 867-766-4759, bootlegger.com (867) 873-9613 Scotia Centre Downtown Yellowknife soft clothing and lovely things BIG-BOX Surprise! We’ve got these, too WALMART Everyday 7a.m.-10p.m., 313 Old Airport Rd. 867-873-4545, walmart.ca CANADIAN TIRE Mon-Sat 8a.m.-9p.m. Sun 9a.m.6p.m. 328 Old Airport Road. 867-873-2403, canadiantire.ca HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE Mon-Fri 8a.m.-6p.m. Sat 8:30a.m-5:30p.m. Sun 10a.m.-5p.m. 332-334 Old Airport Road. 867-669-9945, homehardware.ca STAPLES Mon-Fri 9a.m.-9p.m. Sat 9a.m.6p.m. Sun 11a.m.-5p.m. 314 Old Airport Rd #130. 867-766-6220, staples.ca NORTHERN ESSENTIALS @forwomenonlyyk Some more local favourites ARCTIC FARMER Greenhouse for gardeners and lawncare enthusiasts, plus a store with gifts, clothing and more. 106 Drybones Dr., 867-8732369, carine@arcticfarmer.com, arcticfarmer.com BOREALIS KENNELS & PET SPECIALTIES Pet food, toys, accessories and coats and booties for the cold. 8 Nahanni Drive (867-873-3688) and the 50/50 Mini Mall (867-873-3818). borealiskennels@theedge.ca THE BRICK Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun, noon-5 p.m. 312 Old Airport Road. 867-7650605, thebrick.com WEAVER AND DEVORE Yellowknife’s oldest general store, with everything from outdoor camping, hunting, fishing equipment, to clothing suited to the subarctic climate. Mon-Sat 9-6. 3601 Weaver Drive. 867-873-2219, weaverdevore.ca WAREHOUSE ONE Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 11-6 p.m. 104314 Old Airport Road. 867-766-3450, warehouseone.com YELLOWKNIFE BOOK CELLAR Your best source of literature from —and about—the North. 4921 49th Street. 867-920-2220. forwomenonly@theedge.ca F O R M A L H E A D TO E CA S UA L E V W E ’ G O T YO U C O V E R E D Your Complete Outdoor & Travel Outfitters Lower Level YK Centre Mall Yellowknife, NT T/F 867.8735940 867-873-2474 Fax: 867-920-4079 4909 50th St., Yellowknife, NT www.overlandersports.com @formenonlyyk @formenonlyyk WWW.FORMENONLYYK.COM @formenonlyyk 74 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 75 FLY-IN LODGES Outdoor wilderness adventures are just a bushplane ride away. For tour packages, view below: ADVENTURE NORTHWEST Big game hunting. 780-247-0247. adventurenw.com, kyler@adventurenw.com AHMIC AIR Flightseeing tours and charters. 867-920-4400. ahmicair.com, info@ahmicair.com AIR TINDI Flightseeing tours and charters. 1-888-545-6794, 867-669-8200, airtindi.com ARCTIC SAFARIS Guided trophy hunting; fishing; photography. 867-873-3212. AYLMER LAKE LODGE Lake trout and Arctic grayling fishing. 780-536-7290, aylmerlakelodge. com, aylmerlakelodge@gmail.com BLACHFORD LAKE LODGE & CONFERENCE RESORT Access to Blachford, Magrum and Grace lakes, trout and pickerel fishing, summer and winter. 867873-3303, blachfordlakelodge.com, info@blachfordlakelodge.com ENODAH WILDERNESS TRAVEL/ TROUT ROCK LODGE Summer: fishing, duck hunting. Winter: ice fishing, snowmobiling, aurora viewing. Meeting and conference facilities and a licensed lounge. 867-873-4334, 867-6697980. 867-444-9591 enodah.com, info@enodah.com FRONTIER FISHING LODGE Guided fishing. 1-877-465-6843. frontierfishinglodge.com info@frontierfishinglodge.com 76 C I T Y G U I D E • D I S C O V E R O U R Y E L L O W K N I F E THE GREAT CANADIAN ADVENTURE COMPANY Ice road tours and dogsledding, fishing lodge packages. 1-888-285-1676, adventures.com, info@adventures.com GREAT SLAVE LAKE SAFARIS Overnight trips to the East Arm. 1-867-445-3625, greatslavelakesafaris.com, jd.greatslavelakesafaris@gmail.com HEARNE LAKE LODGE Guided fishing tours and more. 1-866-729-7453, hearnelakelodge. com, info@gofishingcanada.com LAC LA MARTRE ADVENTURES Three-day and week-long fishing trips. 1-877-335-8855, 1-810-334-9381, nwtfishing.com LYNX TUNDRA LODGE Self-guided fishing and canoeing. 1-867-872-5272, 780-464-7537, lynxtundralodge.com NAMUSHKA LODGE Summer: fishing, cabin rentals; day fishing trips. Winter: snowmobiling, ice fishing, aurora viewing. 867-920-2495, namushkalodge.com, namushka@yk.com NONACHO LAKE FISHING CAMP Trophy fishing. 1-888-652-8247, 1-587-991-2281, nonacho.com, info@nonacho.com NORTH STAR ADVENTURES Fishing and sightseeing packages. 1-867-446-2900, 1-867-446-5374, northstaradventures.ca, info@northstaradventures.ca OPEN WATER CHARTERS Flightseeing tours and charters. 1-867-446-1313, ykopenwatercharters.com, ykopenwatercharters@gmail.com PETERSON’S POINT LAKE LODGE Trophy trout, Arctic photography workshops. 1-867-920-4654, petersonspointlake.com, peterson@ssimicro.com PLUMMER’S ARCTIC LODGES Three, four and seven-day fishing packages. 204-774-5775, toll-free 1-800-665-0240, plummerslodges. com, fish@plummerslodges.com SANDY POINT LODGE Fishing, hiking, golfing, berrypicking. 1-867-874-2303, spl.yk.com, dcooke@arcan.nt.ca 867.444.0451 bdene.com tours@bdene.com SUMMIT AIR Flightseeing tours and charters. 1-866-709-7717, 867-873-4464, flysummitair.com, info@flysummitair.com TALTSON LAKE LODGE Family-friendly guided fishing. 1-888-649-5566, taltsonlakelodge.ca TROPHY LODGE Fishing lodge on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. 1-867873-5420. trophylodgenwt.ca, trophylodgenwt@gmail.com WATTA LAKE LODGE Guided fishing. 867-873-5330, wattalake.com, fishing@wattalake.com YELLOW DOG LODGE, INC. Sport fishing, canoeing, hiking, aurora viewing. 403-668-9936, yellowdoglodge.ca, gord@yellowdoglodge.ca YELLOWKNIFE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Winter: aurora viewing; snowmobiling; city tours. Summer: fishing; wildlife viewing; floatplane tours; Nahanni River excursions; dinner cruises. 867-873-5800, yellowknifeoutdooradventures.com, ykoutadv@yahoo.ca Aurora Viewing Unique Cultural Tours Cabin & Camp Rental Dene History Traditional Drumming Education & Corporate Events YOUR DENE CONNECTION IN YELLOWKNIFE ALL YEAR ROUND One Land... Many Voices Guided Tours Schedule: June 1 to August 31 Monday to Friday 10:30 am, 1:30 & 3:30 pm and Sundays 1:30 pm September 1 to May 31 Monday to Friday 10:30 am Self-guided Audio Tours: Weekdays 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Weekends 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Audio tours of the Legislative Assembly are available in the Official Languages of the Northwest Territories, as well as Japanese. For more information, visit www.assembly.gov.nt.ca or call 867-669-2230 or toll free 1-800-661-0784. DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE • CIT Y GUIDE 77 BEFORE YOU LEAVE Grab a souvenir—and we’re not just talking snowglobes. Here are a few mementos you can’t leave the North without. Make sure to catch a photo with the infamous thermometer downtown BILL BRADEN PICTURES The temperature display: This one’s a classic. If you’re in Yellowknife in the winter, head to the YK Centre downtown—you can’t miss the digital thermometer outside—and catch a photo of you with that big giant thermometer behind you, proudly displaying the day’s temperature. You’ll find yourself hoping for -40 C. The Yellowknife Sign: Forget the Hollywood sign; ours is surrounded by our signature rocky outcrop near the airport, and it’s got the city’s iconic yellow knife on it to boot. Houseboat Bay: The 360-degree view from Pilot’s Monument is iconic to Yellowknifers and visitors alike. 78 CIT Y GUIDE • DISCOVER OUR YELLOWKNIFE fttitifttiftti Ntift 20 - Affft 6 ftftftfttiftftftftftftti Aftft 12-ftcft 6 North of 60 certificate: Also found at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. For a small fee, you can get your name printed on a certificate stating you were North of 60. This is especially popular for our overseas guests. 4807 49th Street #4. 867873-4262, visityellowknife.com ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft Just Furs barrette: Drop by the picturesque fur shop in Old Town and look for the fur rosette-shaped hair pins that will forever remind you of the North. 3602 Franklin Avenue. 867873-6748, justfursyellowknife.com Old Town Glassworks: Choose from an array of northern stencils and sandblast your own glass souvenir of the North. 3510 McDonald Drive. 867669-7654, oldtownglassworks.com SOUVENIRS NWT diamond: Want to spend big? It’s pretty remarkable to have that little certification card knowing the diamond in your ring came from Canada’s North. Find out more at the NWT Diamond Centre. 5105 49th Street. 867-920-7108 Ptarmi: Yellowknifer Janet Pacey is famous for her Ptarmis, cute ptarmigan replicas in all forms. You can get them all around town, or on her site at janetpacey.com Aftfttiftft-fftitifttitift fttiftftft Yellowknife pin: These are given free at the Northern Frontier Visitor s Centre. All you have to do is ask. Selfie with the Snowking: Find the man with the ice-covered beard and ask to take a picture with him. You’ve just met YK royalty. Ragged Ass Road sign: Instead of stealing the sign from the street post like people used to, buy one from Lake Awry Cap & Crest Ltd at the YK Centre. 4910 50th Avenue. 867-8736999, lakeawry.com Aurora Village ftftti fttiftfttitift fttiftft tifftiftftfttift titi ftftti titiftftft Aftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft Aftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff ftftft.ftftfttiftftfttiftftftftti.ctift 867-669-0006 titifti@ftftfttiftftfttiftftftftti.ctift Dining Corporate meetings Parties Wedding Receptions Group events and more! The Lodge at Aurora Village By reservation only. Transportation is available. ftftti titiftftti fttifttiftftfttititititititititi ftftft.ftftfttiftftfttiftftftftti.ctift 867-445-9634 cfttiffftitiftftti@ftftfttiftftfttiftftftftti.ctift We fly from Edmonton to Yellowknife 10 times a week with easy connections to and from just about anywhere. That means there’s nothing holding you back from taking the plunge and coming on up to Yellowknife. You can also double dip by collecting Aurora Rewards points and Aeroplan® Miles. Visit canadiannorth.com, call 1.800.661.1505, or speak to your local travel agent. Aeroplan® is a registered trademark of Aimia Canada Inc. CANADIANNORTH.COM