Old Town & Houseboats

2-3 hoursOld Town, Yellowknife, NTPhoto spot

About This Attraction

Yellowknife's Old Town is the soul of the city—a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood where history meets artistic expression. Perched on the rocky shores of Yellowknife Bay, this area was the original settlement during the gold rush of the 1930s. Today, Old Town is famous for its colorful houseboats that dot the bay, each one a unique expression of northern creativity and self-reliance. Some have been homes for decades, weathering harsh winters and celebrating midnight sun summers. Stroll through narrow streets lined with historic buildings, many now converted into artist studios, quirky shops, and cozy cafes. The architecture tells the story of frontier life—log cabins sit next to corrugated metal structures, all connected by wooden boardwalks. Old Town is also home to some of Yellowknife's best restaurants and the famous Wildcat Café, one of the oldest restaurants in the Northwest Territories. The area comes alive in summer with outdoor patios and live music, while winter brings a magical stillness broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot.