Yellowknife

Introducing Yellowknife

Arising from the wilds, Yellowknife is a subarctic cosmopolis. In the local Tlicho language, this is Somba K’e (place of money). It’s the territorial capital, a mining hub and back-of-beyond boomtown, and the NWT’s biggest community by far, with nearly 19, 000 residents.

People-wise, it’s a Northern slumgullion – a spicy if sometimes discordant stew of Dene and Métis from across the territory; Inuit and Inuvialuit from further north; grizzled non-Aboriginal pioneers; get-rich-quick newcomers from southern Canada; plus Armenians, Somalis and other more recent immigrants.

The black, cryogenic winters can break your spirit, but in the hyperactive summers Yellowknife becomes the territory’s must-visit community. Not surprisingly, the greatest diversity of shops and restaurants are here. Conveniently, this is also one of the most scenic towns in the NWT, with unbeatable access to wilderness playgrounds. On hot, sunny days, innumerable lakes and rivers beckon, making this urban outpost a bit like paradise.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009