Yellowknife: A Thrill-Seeker’s Dream

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Talking about heading further North in the midst of winter when most are flocking South (or wishing they were) might make you think we’ve lost it, but true adventure-seekers know that the cold season offers unique thrills and experiences. Yellowknife calls itself “the North’s capital of cool,” and they don’t just mean the weather. The biggest little city is probably one of the few places that has skyscrapers, an ice palace, houseboats, log cabins, homes shaped like teepees and mansions.   For the culture aficionados, Yellowknife is a culturally-rich city, with eleven official languages and home to the First Nations’ Dene tribe.

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Explore Like the Pioneers

If there is one thing that the North offers, it’s space to explore the great outdoors, so why not strap on some snowshoes and go on a tour around the outskirts of Yellowknife. Expect beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and amazing trails. But don’t forget to bundle up accordingly. With temperatures averaging between -16 degrees and -26, you’ll want to bring all your Winter gear with you. To avoid pulling a muscle before even stepping off the plane, bring your SWISSGEAR Empire Collection Upright Luggage. This luggage has 360-degree multi-directional lightweight spinner wheels to help you easily maneuver through the airport and hotel lobbies. With its expandable interior, you’ll be able to fit even the bulkiest snow gear. Plus, the two front large-access zippered pockets will come in handy to allow your clothes to dry after enjoying your winter extravaganzas. Feeling hungry after all that snowshoeing? Hop on down to Bullocks Bistro’s and dig into their famous fish and chips, which will satisfy even the biggest appetites!

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Check the Northern Lights Off Your Bucket List

We all dream of seeing the aurora borealis, and Yellowknife is situated along the auroral oval, which makes it one of the top destinations to witness the Northern Lights. Embark on an adventure at the Aurora Village, where you will be able to admire the Northern lights in all their glory. As your Instagram posts of them could go viral, don’t forget to pack your camera and laptop computer to download the thousands of photos that you will want to take during your stay. To protect your equipment, bring your SWISSGEAR 1456 17-Inch Computer and Tablet Backpack. This backpack has all the features you need: lightweight, spacious, comfort-padded with loads of compartments to organize your gear.

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An Adrenaline Lover’s Paradise

 

You would definitely be missing out if you didn’t try dog-sledding since it was once the top mode of transportation during the winter months. Beyond the thrill of leading a pack of huskies through the snow-filled landscapes, this is a true cultural experience. If you are lucky enough to visit during the end of March, make sure to check out the Yellowknife Dog Derby which welcomes mushers from all over the world, and is one of the year’s biggest sporting events in the area. If you are an avid fisherman, ice fishing on the Great Slave Lake, one of Canada’s largest body of waters, is a must, since it is home to a variety of large fish, including the Arctic Grayling. Pack all of the day’s essentials in your SWISSGEAR 0361 Mini Sling Bag, which will come in handy with its large main compartment and many pockets. Plus, you can easily place it on your torso to make finding your personal items more quickly in the cold Northern air. Don’t forget to fit in one of our country’s favorite end-of-day traditions: a nice cold beer to celebrate your day’s successes. Within the historic Old Town is located Canada’s northernmost brewery, the NWT Brewing Company. You can then finish your evening at the Wildcat Café to enjoy some food while witnessing the beautiful sunsets along the shores of the Great Slave Lake. For an even better view, go to Yellowknife’s most popular lookout, Pilot’s Monument, also situated in the Old Town, which offers an incredible view of the city and the lake.

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Marvel at Nature’s Wonders

About an hour’s drive away from the city you’ll find the Hidden Lake Territorial Park, where you can hike a trail that leads you to Cameron Falls. From high rocks to wooden bridges, this hike definitely has a lot to offer to those looking for a little challenge. Since the wintery conditions could make it a little more interesting, bring some sturdy hiking boots with you. The ultimate prize? Picnicking near the Cameron Falls, so pack your lunch in your SWISSGEAR 1835 fully-insulated lunchbox to admire the majestic beauty of the frozen falls while enjoying your meal. This lunchbox has a large main compartment and a zippered front compartment which gives you enough room to carry all your daily essentials. And with a clip-on shoulder strap, it makes it easy to carry. On your way back to your hotel, stop for a cup of coffee at the Gourmet Cup Beverage Station to warm yourself up after a great day spent outdoors.

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Getting to Know the Local Culture

Although nothing beats outdoor adventures, enjoying the art scene of a city will really give you a real view of the local life and culture. First, head on to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, as it is both an architectural marvel and the home to permanent and temporary exhibits of artists from the region. You can then swing by City Hall to admire Elon Muskox, the horticultural sculpture of a muskox that was named after Tesla’s CEO and is considered one of the city’s mascots. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Thorton’s Wine & Tapas Room before catching one of the Northern Arts & Cultural Centre’s plays.

Jampacked with ways to really enjoy the Northern way of living, Yellowknife is the destination to take advantage of all that winter has to offer. Thrill-seekers will all agree: nothing beats facing the cold head on to truly appreciate its beauty!