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City guide · Yellowknife
Yellowknife
A gold-mining town on Great Slave Lake: Dene land and the northern lights
Yellowknife lies on the north shore of Great Slave Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories, and is the territory's capital and only city. In winter, visitors come to see the aurora and experience northern life; log cabins in the Old Town, the floatplane docks and Dene culture are sights beyond the northern lights.
History
Los orígenes de la ciudad
The Yellowknife area has long been home to the Yellowknives Dene, after whom the city and nearby lake are named. Gold was found nearby in 1934 and a settlement grew up; from 1936 trade began along today's lakeshore. Yellowknife soon became the economic centre of the Northwest Territories, and in 1967 its capital. As gold output declined in the 1980s, the city gradually changed from a mining town into a government service centre.
- 1934Gold was discovered and a settlement founded
- 1936Trade began along the lakeshore
- 1967Became capital of the Northwest Territories
- 1980sChanged from a mining town into a government service centre
Stories
Historias de la ciudad
Historia · Yellowknife
A capital born from a gold mine
In 1934 gold was discovered on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, where the Yellowknives Dene had lived for generations; prospectors followed and a settlement grew up. Yellowknife soon became the economic centre of the Northwest Territories and became its capital in 1967. Gold production declined in the 1980s and the city turned into a government service centre; today aurora tourism has become its new calling card.
Must see
Lugares imprescindibles
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Before you go
Normas que debe conocer en Yellowknife
Canada: cannabis cannot cross the border
- Learn the different cannabis rules in each province
- Carrying cannabis across the border without Health Canada authorisation
Even if bought legally in Canada, taking it out of the country without authorisation will get you arrested.
Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice
Canada: keep your distance from wildlife in national parks
- Follow park rules
- Take all rubbish and food with you so you don't attract animals
- Approaching wildlife, including marine animals and birds
Keeping a safe distance is a basic park rule.
Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice