Yellowknife: Exploring the Great Slave Lake

 

Yellowknife: Exploring the Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, stands as an isolated mining town that was established upon a foundation of gold and now thrives on the riches of diamonds. It exists as a bastion of human settlement amidst an expansive, austere terrain characterized by rock, tundra, and water. Notably, the colossal Great Slave Lake sprawls along its shores. The city beckons visitors with the allure of its untamed wilderness and captivates them with the spirit of its inhabitants, who skillfully carve their own enjoyment from this untamed land.

Ideal Time to Visit: The summer in the Northwest Territories unfurls briefly, yet charmingly. A pivotal event of this season is Folk on the Rocks, an open-air music festival hosted on Long Lake in mid-July. Yellowknife's unique location blesses it with magnificent displays of the northern lights, particularly dazzling around the equinoxes of fall and spring. Come March, the city bursts with winter festivities. The Long John Jamboree spans a long weekend, featuring ice fishing, helicopter rides, crafts, and children's activities. Additionally, the Snowking Festival spans a month and is set within a genuine snow castle atop the frozen expanse of the Great Slave Lake. This festival includes theatrical performances, musical showcases, story slams, and film screenings.

Navigating the Locale: The heart of downtown Yellowknife is compact and pedestrian-friendly, but to explore the outer reaches, a rental car becomes advantageous. Venturing even farther may necessitate a floatplane.

Lodging Options: The Explorer Hotel, centrally located in downtown Yellowknife, is the preferred accommodation. Alternatively, if you're inclined to explore Old Town, Brent Reaney, publisher of the local magazine EDGE YK, proposes an alternative: "Bayside Bed and Breakfast is tastefully appointed and renowned for its delectable eggs Benedict," Reaney suggests. "Its rare waterfront placement is as captivating in the summer as it is during winter." For an experience on the Great Slave Lake, consider the Plummer family's legacy—their fly-in fishing lodges have been a fixture since their pioneering arrival in 1938.

Dining and Imbibing: Yellowknife boasts a cluster of culinary and libation options, predominantly nestled in the downtown area. According to Reaney, "Enjoy a pint at the Black Knight (lovingly known as BK to the locals) and savor a dish of pan-fried pickerel at Bullock's Bistro. During the summer, it's advisable to visit Bullock's early (even before five) to secure a seat within the cozy log cabin."

Pre-Trip Media: The city's allure has drawn television producers aplenty, with series like Ice Road Truckers, Ice Pilots NWT, and the fictional drama Arctic Air choosing to film here. According to Reaney, "Among the reality shows based in Yellowknife, Ice Pilots NWT is perhaps the most faithful portrayal of the northern climate and the community's experiences."