Hotels in Yellowknife
Yellowknife has a mix of modern hotels, cozy lodges, and northern-style stays. Whether you’re here for the aurora, a work trip, or an outdoor adventure, you’ll find accommodation that fits your needs.
Featured Hotels In Yellowknife
Other Hotels and Accommodations in Yellowknife
Plan Your Stay in Yellowknife
Best Time to Visit
Winter (Aurora Season)
December – March
– Long nights = best chance to see northern lights from your hotel or tour.
– Hotels fill up fast:book 2–3 months ahead for December–March.
– Many hotels offer aurora wake-up calls.
Summer (Midnight Sun)
June – August
– Long daylight hours make for late sunsets and glowing golden hours over lake views.
– Great time for lodges and cabins outside downtown.
– More availability in hotels compared to winter peak season.
Shoulder Seasons
April – May, September – November
– April (Spring): late aurora season with cheaper rates.
– September (Fall): aurora returns, fewer bugs, mild weather.
– More flexible pricing on hotels and B&Bs.
How to Get Here
Yellowknife is the gateway to Canada’s North, and while most visitors arrive by plane, it’s also accessible by road if you’re up for the adventure.
By Air
Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is the main hub for the Northwest Territories. It has direct year-round flights from southern Canada and connects to smaller northern communities. Most hotels are just 10–15 minutes from the airport, with shuttles available at larger properties.
- Direct flights: Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa
- Airport shuttles: offered by Explorer Hotel, Chateau Nova, Super 8
- Seasonal/charter flights: connect to remote communities
By Road
Driving to Yellowknife is a long but memorable trip through northern wilderness. The Mackenzie Highway links the city to Alberta, with a paved route all the way.
- Direct flights: Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa
- Highway 1 → Highway 3 leads straight into Yellowknife
- Services are limited. Plan fuel stops and overnight stays in advance
By Bus & Shuttle
There are no major long-distance bus routes into Yellowknife. However, some regional shuttle and tour companies run services from nearby communities. Once you arrive, hotels can help coordinate local pickups during aurora season.
Getting Around Town
Yellowknife is compact, with most hotels, shops, and restaurants concentrated in the downtown core. Many travelers find they can explore on foot, but having a vehicle makes it easier to reach aurora viewing spots and lakes outside the city.
Downtown
The central area is walkable, with hotels like Explorer and Chateau Nova right by restaurants, cafés, and shops.
- Walking-friendly: perfect for short stays
- Old Town: a 15–20 minute walk from downtown or quick taxi ride from downtown hotels
Car Rentals
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to chase aurora outside city lights or drive the scenic Ingraham Trail.
- Car rentals: available at Yellowknife Airport
- Book early: rentals sell out fast during aurora season
- Best for exploring trails, lakes, and ice roads
Taxis & Ride Services
Traditional taxis are readily available, with hotel front desks happy to call one for you.
- No Uber or Lyft in Yellowknife
- Phone dispatch or hotel-arranged pickups
Public Transit
Yellowknife Transit operates a small bus network with set routes and schedules. While designed mainly for residents, Yellowknife public transit for visitors can be a handy option if you’re staying for more than a few days.
- Routes cover downtown, Frame Lake, and residential areas
- Limited evening and weekend service. Check Yellowknife Transit schedules before riding
- Affordable fares, cash payment required
Pro tip: If you’re only in Yellowknife for a short aurora trip, taxis or hotel shuttles are often more convenient than relying on buses.
Hotel Shuttles
Many Yellowknife hotels offer complimentary or low-cost airport shuttles, making arrivals and departures simple. Larger properties like the Explorer Hotel, Chateau Nova, and Super 8 typically have scheduled runs that align with major flight times. Smaller inns and B&Bs may arrange pickup on request.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling during peak aurora season, reserve your hotel shuttle early. Flights arrive full and shuttles can book up quickly.