Great Slave Lake Excursions: Yellowknife Tours & Activities
Discover the vast beauty and unique experiences of North America's second-largest lake with guided tours and activities from Yellowknife.
Great Slave Lake, a sapphire jewel in Canada's Northwest Territories, offers an unparalleled aquatic playground for adventurers. As the second-largest lake in North America and the deepest in North America, its sheer scale and raw beauty are breathtaking. Yellowknife, situated on its northern shore, serves as the gateway to this immense wilderness, providing access to a diverse range of excursions that showcase the lake's dramatic landscapes, rich indigenous history, and unique wildlife. From the stillness of its frozen winter expanse to the vibrant life of its open-water summer, Great Slave Lake presents a different, yet equally captivating, face throughout the year. Exploring Great Slave Lake through guided tours and activities allows visitors to safely and effectively experience its grandeur. These excursions are curated by local operators, leveraging their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and cultural significance. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of ice fishing on a frozen solid lake, the serenity of a summer boat tour, or the chance to witness the aurora borealis reflected on its glassy surface, there's an adventure waiting. These tours are designed to provide insight, comfort, and unforgettable moments, transforming a simple visit into a profound connection with the Canadian North.
Featured Great Slave Lake Excursions Tours
Discover our top picks for great slave lake excursions in Yellowknife
Welcome To Yellowknife! Explore the beautiful city of Yellowknife! View and click pictures of the beautiful and World famous City of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. You will be given a tour in English and we have Mandarin / Cantonese staff as well. Complete detailed knowledge regarding History, Geography, and Culture will be made available by speech during the tour by our experienced Guide. Our staff will make sure we click plenty of pictures for you to have a lifetime memory. We will pick up and drop off to and from your place of residence in Yellowknife. A Fun-filled, Interesting, In Person, Live, Guided tour. Check out the itinerary to see the list of exciting places you are going to visit in this tour. Yellowknife Vacations welcomes you to join us for a fun-filled Day in the Aurora capital of the world & Diamond Capital of North America - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Please note few locations are only available in winter months such as Frozen Great Slave Lake.
Ice Fishing in Comfort inside warm tent or Cabin. Cabin is usually available between December 20th to March 31st when ice is sufficiently thick. Otherwise warm tents will be available. Guests will experience jig fishing with supervision and participate in a traditional net pull fishing when weather permits. This is the ultimate Ice Fishing Adventure in Yellowknife!
Yellowknife offers travelers a one-of-a-kind northern adventure, combining natural wonders with rich cultural history. Known as one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, the city’s location under the auroral oval and clear night skies create perfect conditions for this unforgettable experience. Outdoor adventures await year-round: hike the scenic Cameron Falls Trail, relax at Fred Henne Territorial Park, or explore the vast beauty of Great Slave Lake, from kayaking and fishing in summer to ice roads and dog sledding in winter. Cultural highlights include exploring the historic Old Town and visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which showcases Indigenous traditions and northern history. With guided tours, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters, Yellowknife is the ultimate destination to experience Canada’s North. Book your tour today for memories that last a lifetime!
Experience a genuine Indigenous ice fishing tour led by Dene guides on Great Slave Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in North America. During this immersive four-hour winter experience, you’ll learn traditional ice fishing methods, including harvesting fish with nets beneath thick Arctic ice, while discovering the cultural importance of these practices. Stay warm in heated fishing huts as you fish through individual ice holes, surrounded by the breathtaking winter scenery of Canada’s North. Your journey concludes at your Indigenous Culture Camp, where you’ll enjoy a hearty meal of freshly caught fish, traditional bannock, and bush tea—creating meaningful connections to Dene culture, land, and traditions.
Fat Biking is the best way to discover the sights, smells and vistas of Yellowknife! Our tours are offered any season, for any reason. These bikes are specifically designed with large 5 inch wide tires, which allow the rider cycle over rough terrain with ease. They also provide greater comfort, safety and traction over rock, sand, snow and ice. This tour is your opportunity to see not only the popular attractions of Old Town but also some of the unique and lesser traveled wild places. Many customers say their fat bike tour was one of their best and most exciting experiences while visiting Yellowknife. After making your booking, please contact us to confirm specific tour details and start time. Please note that our high quality fat bikes are not available for private rental.
Get ready for an exhilarating journey unlike any other; Yellowknife Snowmobiling Ice Cave Adventure Combo! This thrilling three-hour guided experience invites you to explore breathtaking landscapes Embark on the Yellowknife Snowmobiling Ice Cave Adventure Combo! This three-hour guided experience takes you across the sparkling snows of Great Slave Lake on a snowmobile. Enjoy hotel pickup, a safety briefing, and equipment demonstration before setting out through breathtaking arctic scenery to the Yellowknife Ice Cave. After exploring the cave on snowshoes, race back on your snowmobile, stopping for photos at highlights like the Snow Castle and sled through without stopping on some of Great Slave attractions that includes house boats and small islands on the deepest lake in North America and 9th largest lake in the world. Conclude your adventure with a complimentary hot beverage before returning to your hotel. Experience a thrilling blend of excitement and natural beauty at its best!
Join NWT Charter Services on a 4-hour round-trip wildlife tour along scenic Highway 3 and experience the thrill of searching for North America’s largest free-roaming wood bison herd. Led by a local guide, you’ll journey through the rugged beauty near Great Slave Lake with chances to see bison, moose, foxes, and more in their natural environment. Hear stories of the land and Indigenous culture as we pass through the Tłı̨chǫ community of Edzo, with photo stops along the way. Every tour is a unique adventure—book now and see what the wild North has in store!
Imagine the thrill of ice fishing in Yellowknife, where adventure meets breathtaking natural beauty! This exhilarating experience offers much more than just fishing; it’s an unforgettable nighttime tour set against the backdrop of the majestic Great Slave Lake, 9th largest and the deepest lake in North America. Picture yourself cozying up in warm, heated ice fishing huts while your guide shares insights about safety and fishing techniques. Over the course of four exciting hours, you’ll have the chance to reel in hungry fish while keeping an eye on the sky for the mesmerizing aurora borealis. As you fish, you can sip on complimentary hot beverages and enjoy light snacks, making the atmosphere even more inviting. When those stunning northern lights appear, your guide will ensure you don’t miss a moment. This unique blend of adrenaline and serenity makes ice fishing in Yellowknife an essential adventure for any outdoor enthusiast!. Tour concludes with hotel drop off's.
Why Choose Great Slave Lake Excursions in Yellowknife?
Unrivaled Natural Beauty
Experience the vastness and dramatic scenery of North America's second-largest lake and the deepest lake on the continent.
Aurora Borealis Viewing
Witness the spectacular Northern Lights reflected on the lake's surface during winter excursions.
Unique Arctic Fishing
Try your hand at ice fishing in the winter or sport fishing in the summer for Arctic species.
Indigenous Heritage
Gain insights into the rich cultural history of the Dene people, who have lived by this lake for millennia.
Year-Round Adventures
Enjoy diverse activities, from snowmobiling and ice fishing in winter to boating and wildlife spotting in summer.
Expert Local Guides
Benefit from the in-depth knowledge and experience of local operators who know the lake intimately.
Types of Great Slave Lake Excursions in Yellowknife
Summer Boat Excursions
During the warmer months, boat tours navigate the expansive waters of Great Slave Lake, offering opportunities to explore its islands, bays, and shorelines. These trips often focus on scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, and learning about the lake's geology and history.
Winter Ice Fishing & Snowmobile Tours
When the lake freezes over, a new world of adventure opens up. Tours include drilling through the ice to fish for species like lake trout and whitefish, often combined with snowmobile journeys across the frozen expanse. These excursions provide a true taste of Arctic life.
Aurora Borealis Viewing Tours
Yellowknife is renowned for its aurora displays, and Great Slave Lake offers a unique backdrop. Specialized tours take you to prime viewing spots away from city lights, often on the lake itself (in winter, on the ice), maximizing your chances of witnessing the dancing lights.
Cultural & Historical Tours
These excursions delve into the human history of Great Slave Lake, focusing on the indigenous peoples, particularly the Dene, who have long called this region home. Tours may include visits to historical sites, explanations of traditional practices, and interactions with local culture.
What to Expect on Great Slave Lake Excursions Tours
Duration
Most excursions range from 3 to 5 hours, though some specialized tours, like multi-day fishing trips or extended aurora viewing, may be longer. Shorter, introductory tours are also available.
Weather
Yellowknife experiences extreme temperature variations. Summer can be pleasant, but even then, conditions on the lake can change quickly. Winter temperatures can drop significantly. Always dress in layers appropriate for the season.
Group Size
Group sizes typically vary from small, intimate tours of 4-6 people to larger groups of 10-20. Some private charter options may also be available.
What's Included
Inclusions vary by tour. Common provisions include transportation, guided commentary, fishing equipment (for ice fishing tours), warm beverages, and sometimes snacks. Check specific tour details for precise inclusions.
Meeting Point
Most tours depart from Yellowknife's downtown hotels, the Yellowknife Airport, or a designated meeting point in the city. Clear instructions are usually provided upon booking.
Costs
Prices for Great Slave Lake excursions can range from approximately $45 USD for shorter, introductory experiences to $300+ USD for longer, specialized tours like multi-hour fishing charters or aurora viewing expeditions.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially if visiting during peak aurora season (August to April) or summer holidays. Popular tours fill up quickly.
Dress in warm, waterproof layers, regardless of the season. The weather on the lake can be unpredictable and colder than on shore.
Bring insect repellent for summer months; mosquitos can be present, especially in the evenings.
Don't forget your camera! The scenery is dramatic year-round, and the aurora borealis offers incredible photographic opportunities.
If you're interested in ice fishing, inquire if the tour operator provides insulated ice fishing shelters for comfort.
Understand the daylight hours. In summer, you'll have near 24-hour daylight, while winter days are very short, ideal for aurora viewing.
Consider a boat tour that visits one of the lake's islands for a unique perspective and a chance to stretch your legs.
Be prepared for the cold if booking winter activities. Many operators offer warm parkas, but thermal base layers are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:When is the best time of year to visit Great Slave Lake for tours?
A: The best time depends on what you want to see! Summer (June-August) is ideal for boating, fishing, and enjoying the long daylight hours. Winter (November-April) is perfect for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and aurora borealis viewing.
Q:Are Great Slave Lake tours suitable for families?
A: Many tours are family-friendly, particularly the summer boat excursions and introductory ice fishing trips. Always check the age recommendations for specific tours, as some activities, like long snowmobile rides, might be less suitable for very young children.
Q:What should I wear on a Great Slave Lake tour?
A: Layers are key. For summer, bring light layers, a windbreaker, and sun protection. For winter, pack thermal underwear, fleece layers, a heavy insulated jacket and pants, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Operators often provide specialized gear for cold-weather tours.
Q:Do I need a fishing license for ice fishing tours?
A: Generally, tour operators include fishing licenses in the price of their ice fishing excursions. It's always best to confirm this when booking, but it's a standard inclusion for guided fishing trips.
Q:What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
A: On summer boat tours, keep an eye out for various bird species, including loons and gulls, and you might spot moose along the shorelines or on islands. In winter, wildlife sightings are less common from the lake itself, but you might see tracks in the snow.
Q:What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
A: Tour operators prioritize safety. If conditions are deemed unsafe, tours may be cancelled or rescheduled. You'll typically be offered a refund or the option to rebook for another date.
Q:Can I book a private Great Slave Lake tour?
A: Yes, many operators offer private charter options for boat tours, fishing trips, or aurora viewing. This is a great option for families, groups, or those seeking a more personalized experience.
Q:Is Great Slave Lake safe to be on in winter?
A: Yes, guided tours operate on the lake in winter because the ice is generally very thick and safe. Local guides are experienced and know precisely where it is safe to travel, drill holes, and set up equipment.
Why Visit Yellowknife?
Witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis dance across the vast, dark northern skies.
Experience the unique culture and resilience of the Dene people in the Northwest Territories.
Discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian boreal forest and its pristine lakes.
Learn about Yellowknife's rich gold mining history and its frontier spirit.
Enjoy authentic northern hospitality and cozy nights by the fire.
Connect with nature in a truly wild and unforgettable setting.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Yellowknife experiences a subarctic climate with long, extremely cold winters and short, mild summers. Expect frigid temperatures from November to March, with significant snowfall. Summer, from June to August, brings more moderate temperatures, longer daylight hours, and lush green landscapes, though evenings can still be cool.
Best Months
For prime Northern Lights viewing, visit Yellowknife between August and April, with the darkest and clearest skies often occurring from November to March. Summer months, especially July, are ideal for enjoying the midnight sun and outdoor activities like hiking and boating.
Peak Season
The peak season for aurora viewing is winter, typically from November to March. During this time, expect the coldest temperatures but the highest chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, alongside vibrant winter activities and a festive atmosphere, though accommodations may be busier and pricier.
Off Season
The shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), offer fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. While aurora chances decrease in early fall and spring, these periods provide unique opportunities to see the transition of seasons and enjoy the quiet beauty of the North.
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Plan Your Yellowknife Trip
Transportation Tips
Navigating Yellowknife is relatively straightforward. For exploring the city center and immediate surroundings, walking is a pleasant option, especially during the warmer months. Taxis are available and can be a convenient way to reach destinations like the airport or Old Town. If you plan on venturing further afield, such as to Aurora Village or exploring the extensive park areas, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Public transportation is limited, so planning your routes in advance is key when getting around Yellowknife.
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Where to Stay
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