A Day in Yellowknife’s Old Town
Looking for the perfect blend of history, culture, and northern charm? Yellowknife’s Old Town is where the city’s wild frontier past meets its vibrant present. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a quirky adventure, Old Town has it all — iconic landmarks, unique shops, and colorful stories that breathe life into every corner.
As you stroll through this area, you’ll step back in time, passing historic log cabins, old wooden shacks whispering tales from the past, colorful floating houseboats, and modern homes. Old Town is a living museum filled with charismatic residents, unique shops, and wonderful restaurants, offering a little something for everyone.
Here are some highlights for your day in Old Town:
Stroll Down Ragged Ass Road
Ragged Ass Road is an iconic street with a fascinating history.
Its name started as a joke by resident Lou Rocher. At the time, the street had been known as "Privy Road" because it was home to a large number of outhouses. When a difficult prospecting season yielded little income, residents felt that they were "ragged ass broke." Inspired by hard times and bathroom humour, the term is now enshrined in Yellowknife’s lexicon. It has been described as one of the most famous streets in Canada. Singer Tom Cochrane named his 1995 album after it, which included a song about the street.
The Woodyard
The Woodyard is a reminder of a bygone era filled with artful shacks, honey buckets (as most shacks do not have running water), and wood piles. The area was first settled in 1937 and was associated with commercial wood cutting and fishing for many years. Today, its rustic and eclectic residences eschew modern day order and luxury, reflecting a simpler and more intimate way of life.
Yvonne Quick Heritage Wharf (locally known as the Government Dock)
From the Government Dock, watch float planes come and go, observe fishers bringing in their daily catch, or take in the sights of houseboats scattered across Yellowknife Bay. If you’re lucky, you can even purchase freshly caught fish directly from the fishers.
Bush Pilots Monument
Prior to 1960, there was no road to Yellowknife ⎯ those seeking work, gold, or adventure often relied on bush pilots for transportation and supplies. Today, Yellowknife is more connected to the south of Canada, however, 14 of Northwest Territories’ 33 communities still do not have road access for all or part of the year. Pilots are as important now to the North as they were back then.
Climb the stairs to the top of Bush Pilots Monument for a panoramic view of Yellowknife Bay. You will find a plaque commemorating more than one hundred years of aviation, honouring the brave pilots of today and yesterday and their crucial role in connecting the North to the rest of Canada.
Houseboat Community on Yellowknife Bay
Bring your camera and capture the charming floating houses on Great Slave Lake. A stroll along the Rotary Park boardwalk through a beautiful marshland, teeming with birds, will bring you to the shore across from the vibrant off-grid houseboats. Home year-round to adventurous Yellowknifers, some houseboats date back to the early 1980s. The houseboat community has since flourished, and while technology such as solar panels has brought some luxuries, residents still navigate challenging logistics, procuring water from the lake, and crossing to their homes during winter freeze-up and spring break-up. Can you find two houseboats alike? Each houseboat is uniquely designed, and locals follow an unwritten rule forbidding neighbors from copying each other’s color palette.
Latham Island
Cross the McMeekan Causeway, built in 1960, to reach Latham Island. This picturesque bridge links Old Town to the island, which is dotted with distinctive homes along Otto Drive. In the early days, enterprising Yellowknifers ferried passengers across the water before the causeway was built. As you wander, imagine what life was like in Yellowknife’s early days as a bustling, newly forming town.
The City of Yellowknife publishes a self-guided tour of Old Town which provides insightful information on the many historic buildings found within the neighbourhoods. You can view the brochure online here.
With its captivating history and natural splendor, a day in Old Town promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're drawn to its historical landmarks, culinary delights, or outdoor adventures, Old Town offers a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Tips!
Call ahead to see which businesses in Old Town are open on Mondays.
Make sure you visit the Snowcastle in the winter! You can watch its construction January and February and enjoy the festival throughout the month of March.