You can drive to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories by using a combination of the Mackenzie Highway and the Yellowknife Highway. However, while there’s a paved road to Yellowknife, you’ll still need an adventurous spirit and plenty of stamina for the journey. The city lies 1,495 kilometers away from Edmonton, the closest major city. As well as the significant distances involved, driving to Yellowknife can be challenging, particularly during winter.
Temperatures in the winter hover around -20c, and there are only several hours of daylight. However, driving to Yellowknife during the winter is still possible, provided you have a suitable vehicle and the right equipment. Winter visitors are rewarded with one of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable once they arrive.
Yellowknife is the capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is located in northern Canada, specifically in the subarctic region. Yellowknife is situated on the northern shore of the Great Slave Lake, one of North America’s largest lakes and the deepest lake in Canada.
Yellowknife’s remote location in the Northwest Territories in subarctic Canada means it takes some serious effort to get there. The closest major city is Edmonton in Alberta, which is a hefty 1,495 km away by road. The distances only increase for other Territory and Province capital cities.
Starting Point | Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
Edmonton | Yellowknife | 1,495 km | 16 hours |
Vancouver | Yellowknife | 2,289 km | 26 hours |
Calgary | Yellowknife | 1,761 km | 19 hours |
Winnipeg | Yellowknife | 2,740 km | 29 hours |
Toronto | Yellowknife | 4,733 km | 48 hours |
Despite the remote location, Yellowknife remains a relatively accessible destination. The city’s status as the capital of the Northwest Territories and the close proximity of 3 large mines ensures a steady flow of traffic by both road and air.
While it’s possible to reach Yellowknife by road, it’s typically not an easy or short journey. Yellowknife is situated almost 1500 km away from Edmonton and considerably further from other major Canadian cities. This significant distance and the scarcity of reasonably sized communities along the way means no public transport to the city exists. This means the only way to travel on land is by road and in your vehicle.
Traveling by road requires you to follow the Mackenzie Highway before turning off onto the Yellowknife Highway. While previously, the route required a ferry trip on the Merv Hardie Ferry across the Mackenzie River, the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge in 2012 has allowed for uninterrupted travel. The road to Yellowknife is paved for the entire route, so you can make the journey in a regular 2WD vehicle.
Although Yellowknife is located on the waters of the Great Slave Lake, there is no commercial way to travel there by boat or ferry. The extreme weather conditions during winter mean the lake freezes over, and there’s ice coverage on the lake for around 8 months each year. Therefore, boat traffic is limited to small pleasure craft during the warmer summer months.
Yellowknife is well served by Yellowknife Airport, located within the city limits. It’s a reasonably busy regional domestic airport, catering for over 500,000 passengers annually. The airport offers regular flights to major cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary. Several airlines operate flights from the airport, including Air Canada, Air North, Canadian North, and WestJet. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s typically best to transit via Edmonton, which is an hour’s flight from Yellowknife.
While there’s not much to see in Yellowknife, it’s an excellent destination for various activities and experiences. This is especially true for those interested in outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and witnessing the Northern Lights. The following are the best things to do in Yellowknife.
Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. You can join guided Northern Lights tours or see this breathtaking natural phenomenon on your own. The best times for Aurora viewing are during the winter months when the nights are the longest and the skies are the darkest.
In the summer, Yellowknife offers opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes around Great Slave Lake. There are numerous trails, parks, and viewpoints to enjoy the subarctic wilderness.
Experience the thrill of dog sledding, a traditional mode of transportation in the North. You can take guided tours to learn about dog sledding culture and even have a chance to steer your sled.
During the winter months, you can try your hand at ice fishing on the frozen lakes. Local guides can take you to prime fishing spots and provide the necessary equipment.
Visit places like the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which offers insights into the history and culture of the Northwest Territories. You can learn about Indigenous cultures, early explorers, and the development of Yellowknife.
Enjoy local culture by attending various festivals, events, and workshops. The Snowking Winter Festival is possibly the best known. It is a unique event where an ice palace is built and serves as a venue for various activities and performances.
Watch for wildlife such as moose, caribou, and various bird species in the surrounding areas. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Yellowknife is known for its diamond mining industry. You can take guided tours to learn about the diamond mining process and the significance of this industry in the region.
Given the dramatic difference between seasons, the best time to visit Yellowknife depends on what you’re looking to experience and do. While many would argue the summer months are the best time to visit, there’s plenty of merit in visiting during other seasons. Below, we’ve provided a summary of what to expect by season.
Winter is a popular time to visit Yellowknife, especially if you want to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The clear nights provide excellent conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon. However, remember that winter temperatures can be extremely cold, often considerably below freezing. If you’re planning a winter visit, be prepared for cold weather and ensure you have appropriate clothing to stay warm.
The transition from winter to spring can be a good time to visit if you want to experience milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. The snow and ice start to melt, and you might still have a chance to see the Northern Lights early in the season. It’s a quieter time for tourism, making it a more peaceful visit.
Summer is the warmest and most pleasant time to visit Yellowknife. The weather is milder, and you can enjoy longer days with nearly 24 hours of daylight during the peak of summer. This is a great time for outdoor activities, fishing, hiking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes around Great Slave Lake. Remember that summer is also the busiest tourist season so accommodations might be in higher demand.
Fall is another good time to visit if you want to experience the changing colors of the northern foliage and enjoy cooler temperatures. The Northern Lights become more visible again as the nights get darker. It’s a quieter time for tourism compared to the summer months.
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