Things To Do

Winter Activities

Ooh, baby, its cold outside! Don a down parka (visitors can rent them!) some warm boots, a toque and mitts, and you'll hardly notice the temperature! The snow is clean and dry and crunchy under foot. Get out and enjoy it!

Soar across a snow-covered lake behind a dog team. Our dog mushers are world champions, who'll make you right at home on a dogsled. Try driving a team of racing dogs yourself. Relive the days before roads and aircraft, when supplies were delivered by dogteam. Tours usually start in mid-November, depending on the temperature and depth of snow. The Yellowknife Dogtrotters Association runs races through the winter. Check our Events listings for times and places.

Getting ready for breakfast - J Hipfner

Getting ready for breakfast
J Hipfner

Drive a snowmobile on a day-long trip through the forest and across lakes to a cozy lodge or camp. Guided tours are available, check the listings under Tours and Packages.

Cross country skiing is popular and Yellowknife's Ski Club is the center of activity. Rent skis and try out our Ski Club trails, the site of international competitions. Or fly out to a lodge for a weekend of skiing - and relaxing in a hot tub under the northern lights.

10 cool things to do in Winter

Stroll by the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre and count the camouflaged 'white' ptarmigan in the bushes.
In Old Town, take pictures of the houseboats frozen into the lake.
Climb to the Pilot's monument to watch the Northern Lights.
Visit the Snow King's Ice Castle.
Keep warm indoors and learn how to make your own DreamCatcher.
Go for a winter picnic/hot dog roast on the Ingraham Trail.
Build your own snow fort or igloo.
Walk across Frame Lake in Yellowknife (Dec-Feb).
Join in Caribou Carnival activities on the snow stage. (March)
Rent a car or truck and drive to Dettah on the ice road (15-20 minutes).

Climate Normals in Celsius
Month	High	Low	Norm
Nov	-10.8	-18.9	-14.8
Dec	-20.1	-28.2	-24.1
Jan	-23.9	-32.2	-27.9
Feb	-19.7	-29.4	-24.5
March	-12.5	-24.6	-18.5

Daily Average Hours of Sunlight

      6.3 hrs - November
      6.0 hrs - December
      6.6 hrs - January
      9.3 hrs - February
    10.9 hrs - March

Dressing for winter

All the stories you’ve heard about the north’s long, cold winters are true. Stepping outside to -40C isn’t uncommon in January and February, and yes, we do have our fair share of snow and blizzards.

Strangely, though, those stories often omit all the great winter activities that go hand in hand with our frigid temperatures. Yellowknife takes on a completely different character, filled with plenty of winter activities for the warmly dressed. Locals get out and enjoy them, and if you remember to bring these winter essentials you’ll be having fun in the cold in no time!

Don’t forget to bring...

Jacket good to -40C (Gore-tex jackets work well, but nothing compares to a traditional down filled parka)
Warm winter boots rated to -40C
Snow pants – insulated, or at least windproof
Mitts (gloves are OK, but mitts are much warmer.) Wear your gloves inside your mitts.
Scarf or neck warmer
Warm socks
Sweaters
Long underwear
Sunglasses (when the sun shines, the reflection from the snow can be blinding)

The best advice is to dress in layers. When you layer your clothing, it is possible to take off a layer when you start to over-heat, and add it when you become cool.

Some tour companies rent winter clothing, be sure to browse our Service Directory for businesses that can help.

Look for these winter activities, too

Aurora Viewing ~ The Northern Lights

Ice Fishing
Just because its winter, don’t put away your fishing rod. Ice fishing is a great way to spend some time on a winter’s day. You’ll want some help drilling through two or three feet of ice, however, so call one of our fishing outfitters for assistance.

Cross-country Skiing
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, rent some cross-country skis and head out into the Northern Frontier wilderness. Lakes dot the Northern Frontier Country, and make perfect locations for a day of skiing. If your looking for a little more structure in you're trail experience, be sure to try out the Yellowknife Ski Club trails.

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing through the majestic landscape of the north makes for a beautiful leisurely hike. Whether you rent a pair of shoeshoes and explore on your own or join a guided tour, snowshoeing is a great way to view the north’s beautiful scenery.

Cultural Events & Activities
The North has unique and distinct Aboriginal Cultures and lifestyles. Learn how to make a Dream Catcher, play northern games, build a winter fire, or sit back and take in a traditional drum dance.

Hunting
Some of the best hunting in the world can be found in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat, moose, and muskox are popular with local and visiting hunters. Other animals that may be hunted include wolverine, grizzly bears, black bears, hares, porcupine, ptarmigan and wolves. Non-resident hunters, and people who have lived in the NWT for less than two years, require an outfitter to hunt big game.

Hunting season for woodland caribou, Dall sheep, and mountain goat - mid July to late October, and for moose - September to late October. For information, contact one of our hunting outfitters.