City in Northwest Territories, Canada
Yellowknife
A small northern capital on Great Slave Lake and one of the most reliable places in the world to see the aurora. Expensive, extremely cold in winter, and practical only with tours or a rental car.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,160–4,560Comfortable, one person · C$4,500–6,500Details
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, SepWarmest: Jul, 21°CDetails
- Air quality25 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · PollutedDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMunicipal tap water from the Yellowknife River is treated and safe; it is the default in homes and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$70–140Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYellowknife TransitWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips, small vendors and some tours.Details
Where to stay in Yellowknife
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town | Houseboats, bush-pilot history, cafés and Great Slave Lake views |
| Downtown (Franklin Avenue) | Hotels, restaurants, shops and tour pickups |
| Frame Lake | Quiet residential area with trails and the museum |
Apps that work in Yellowknife
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SkipTheDishes | Long established in town; limited restaurant list |
| DoorDash | Available, smaller choice than in southern cities |
| Uber Eats | Launched after 2023; fewer restaurants |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: No Uber or Lyft. Phone a local taxi or ask the hotel to book; in winter, order a car early when temperatures fall.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips, small vendors and some tours.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Yellowknife solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.