The name "Yellowknife" stems from the aboriginal Dene tribe who originally inhabited the area. These people were also known as the Yellowknife Indians because they manufactured tools from copper deposits they found near the Arctic Coast. When the first Europeans came to the area of Great Slave Lake, the foreign diseases they brought with them wiped out most of the Yellowknife Indians. The Yellowknife settlement, however, would only come into existence more than a century later when gold was found in the area, with commercial activity in the waterfront area starting as late as 1936.
By the time the gold rush subsided, Yellowknife had become an important economic hub for the area and in 1967 was dubbed the capital of the Northwest Territories. Today, the city is home to around 20,000 inhabitants of whom a significant number speak five of the 11 official languages of the Northwest Territories, namely Dene Suline, Dogrib, South and North Slavey, French, and English. As such, the culture of Yellowknife presents a colorful mix of ancient aboriginal traditions and the modern world.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Yellowknife, NT?
Yellowknife has a subarctic climate, which involves extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations that range from an average low of around 20 degrees in January to an average high of around 70 degrees in July. According to a study that was conducted in 2014, Yellowknife is the city in Canada that has the coldest winter and longest snow-falling season; however, the same study showed that the city also boasts the sunniest spring and summer of any Canadian city, averaging 1,034 hours from June through August.
The winters in Yellowknife are cold and long, stretching over five to eight consecutive months of the year. In fact, the only months that feature average highs above 64 degrees are June, July, and August when the average high ranges from around 67 to 73 degrees. These are the months during which you should visit the area if you want to make use of the many walking trails in the area; sail, fish, or water-ski on Great Slave Lake; sunbathe and swim at Long Lake; or take a boat tour around the city.
There are also many festivals and events happening during the summer months. For instance, on June 21, which is the longest day of the year — that is, the sun never sets — the city hosts a street carnival during which the locals pay tribute to the indigenous peoples of the area. If you're into golf, you can also participate in a midnight sun golf tournament.
As the summer months are the most popular with tourists, you can expect to pay higher rates during this period, and you may also need to book well in advance to secure suitable accommodations. If you're aiming to visit Yellowknife when accommodation prices are more affordable, you can either look at March to May, when the average high ranges from 13 degrees in March to 54 degrees in May, or the autumn months, when you can expect an average high of around 55 degrees in September down to 17 degrees in November.
If you want to visit Yellowknife specifically to view the aurora borealis, plan your trip between late November and mid-April when the nights are long and clear. Just be sure to bring a thick jacket, as you'll be visiting Yellowknife when it is at its coldest. On the plus side, though, rates are low during this period of the year, so you are bound to strike a good deal.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Yellowknife, NT:
Yellowknife, NT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Yellowknife, NT. Browse these charts to calculate the cheapest months to book in Yellowknife during the year.
What Are the Top Hotels in Yellowknife, NT?
If you're looking for something a bit more upmarket, take a look at The Explorer Hotel, which is a premier full-service hotel that is also conveniently located in downtown Yellowknife. The Explorer offers attractive and smoke-free rooms that feature HDTV, a microwave, free Wi-Fi, and premium bedding. Guests can also opt for a select king suite that boasts a fireplace and comfortable lounge area or a select aurora suite that adds a kitchenette as well as a state-of-the-art telescope with which to view the northern lights.
The hotel also features a fine in-house restaurant, the Trader's Grill, where guests can enjoy elevated Northern Canadian cuisine, such as Arctic Tar, which are premium steaks that have been aged for at least 28 days. Other amenities include a modern fitness center and a complimentary shuttle service from and to the airport.
Are There Budget Hotels in Yellowknife, NT?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.50
A good option to consider if you're looking for budget accommodations in Yellowknife is the Northern Lites Motel. This chain generally offers clean and comfortable accommodations at affordable prices, and this is no different in Yellowknife. The motel is owned by a local Dene and his extended family, who are friendly and helpful according to reviews.
Guests can choose from rooms that offer a variety of beds, and some also feature a kitchenette and a living room. Convenient amenities include cable TV, free Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee, and a 24-hour reception help desk. Pets are also allowed with prior approval. The motel is conveniently located in the central downtown area, so you'll be within walking distance from a variety of restaurants and shops as well as a movie theater.
You can also consider Quality Inn & Suites Yellowknife. This hotel is centrally located and offers clean, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and satellite programming at very affordable rates. You also get a complimentary breakfast and free airport transport for the price.