Day 1: Explore Old Town and the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre - The heritage buildings and colorful houseboats are a unique sight in this historic neighborhood. The Northern Frontier Visitors Centre will immerse you in the natural beauty of the region. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll to the waterfront and watch the famous Yellowknife sunset.
Day 2: Discover Art and Culture - Start the day with a visit to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, where you'll see exhibits of Inuit and Dene cultures, as well as art and artifacts from the region. Make a pit stop at Bullock's Bistro for fish and chips. In the afternoon, visit the sculpture garden of the Snowking Winter Festival, followed by an evening show at the Northern Arts and Culture Centre.
Day 3: Hike and Wildlife - Embark on a hike of Cameron Falls Trail, which will take you through the wild forest and scenic vistas of the area. Then, visit the Aurora Village for an exciting dog sledding and ice fishing experience. Finish the day at the Aurora Viewing Centre, where you can view the spectacular Northern Lights.
Time and Costs Estimates
Old Town and Northern Frontier Visitors Centre (2-3 hours, Free)
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (1-2 hours, $12)
Bullock's Bistro (1 hour, $20)
Snowking Winter Festival Sculpture Garden (1 hour, $8)
Northern Arts and Culture Centre (2-3 hours, $30)
Cameron Falls Trail (3-4 hours, Free)
Aurora Village (4-5 hours, $150)
Aurora Viewing Centre (2-3 hours, $25)
Total Estimated Costs: $245
Transportation
Yellowknife is a small city, and most attractions are easily accessible by foot or bike. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. For day 3, it is recommended to rent a car or join a tour for easy access to Aurora Village and Cameron Falls Trail. Rental cars can cost around $80-100 per day, and tours can range from $100-200 per person.
Useful Tips
If you have an extra day or two, add a visit to the nearby Wood Buffalo National Park, one of the largest national parks in North America. For a shorter trip, you can skip the Aurora Village experience or the Northern Arts and Culture Centre. If you're visiting in the winter, bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F).
Airports
Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is located within the city, less than 10 minutes away from downtown. It is served by major airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, and provides connections to other Canadian and US cities.