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Exploring Yellowknife’s History, Culture, Art & Wildlife

Yellowknife is located on the traditional lands of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, within Chief Drygeese territory.  From time immemorial the Yellowknives Dene have hunted, fished and foraged for food on the land we now know as Yellowknife. The city of Yellowknife sprung up with the discovery of gold in the 1930s. Yellowknife has four destinations that share our natural and cultural history with visitors, that you don’t want to miss!

NWT Culinary Festival, July 2025

Established by the Territorial Agrifood Association, the festival showcases Yellowknife’s culture, local food, and culinary expertise including chefs, local producers, farmers, and more from across the Territory.

Celebrity chefs and hospitality professionals from across Canada will join local chefs in competitions, skills showcases and more.

Indoor Year-Round Activities

Yellowknife offers the same amenities of a big city, with short commute times to get to them!

If you’re hoping for a kids paradise, check out My World or the indoor playground and climbing wall at the Fieldhouse where they can play to their heart’s content. Have a swim at the new Aquatic Centre or go for a skate at the Multiplex. We have many options for a fun and sporty afternoon for the whole family. 

Culinary Tourism

Our community is bustling with a great local food scene ranging from traditional Indigenous dishes to a diverse international selection that’s sure to leave your mouth watering. 

It’s a surprise to many people to learn that Yellowknifers are able to obtain a substantial amount of vegetables, pantry staples, and fresh meals from local businesses who spend their time year-round thinking about the growing season. 

Crafting and Art

Our residents come from nearly 100 different countries and their customs and cuisine are part of the city’s fabric. 

Whether you’re looking for a gift to bring back for your friends or a personal keepsake to remember your extraordinary trip to Yellowknife, our skilled local artisans have you covered with pieces from across the territory! 

Dog Sledding, Ice Fishing, and Skijoring

There are lots of options of how to fill your time during the Yellowknife winter. Looking to stay in one place for a few hours? Ice fishing is for you! Unpack and nestle into your heated fishing tent for a few hours of angling to catch a northern pike, whitefish or a lake trout and share some stories with your fellow fisherpeople or spend the time reflecting on your journey. Remember, you must obtain a Northwest Territories Fishing Licence to participate. 

Snowmobiling

Yellowknife has a lot of trails and landscape to see this way - you can even see the breathtaking Aurora Borealis on a tour with one of the local operators in town or stay at an Aurora lodge with snowmobile access. You get to experience the fullness of the Northern Landscape by hopping on a snowmobile and taking off. 

Overlander Sports Marathon 2025

  • 1/4 marathon runners/walkers will do one loop (10.55km)
  • 1/2 marathon runners/walkers will do two loops (21.1km)
  • 3/4 marathon runners/walkers will do 3 loops (31.65km)
  • full marathon runners/walkers will do 4 loops (42.2km)

There will be water and food stations on the course and a bathroom at Overlander Sports.

For teams all exchanges/transitions will take place at the start and finish area (Overlander Sports).

Online registration ends the Friday before the event Aug 22nd at 11:59pm . No registration on the day of the event.

Dettah Ice Road Run

This event will start at the ice road entrance near Rotary Park. Hot beverages and snacks will be available at Rotary Park during the event. The “run” will start at 10 a.m. and organizers/volunteers will pack up no later than 1:30 p.m.

As usual please note this is a fun non-competitive event!

When running be sure to: