Sleepless summer solstice in Yellowknife

Entirely disorienting but eternally rewarding. You will love spending the longest day of the year in Canada's most northern city. This area is a bastion for outdoor activities like fishing and water skiing in the longest summer days in the world.

There are multiple direct flights departing from BC and Alberta to the Northwest Territories. Upon arrival rent a car and drive to the main settlement. If you are staying a few days it is worth finding accommodation in the centre of the historic old town near the Bush Pilots Monument. The area is walkable and most hotels are close by the brewing company which stays open until the very early hours of the morning in summer.

During your time in Yellowknife be sure to keep an eye on your watch. It never gets dark so we found ourselves going to bed at around 4am each night then waking up a little tired until the first coffee at the Wildcat Cafe. This historic log cabin building is the oldest restaurant in town opening in 1937.

Our group arranged a half-day floatplane tour of the Great Slave Lake (deepest in North America) through Air Tindi and really enjoyed the experience. Taking off from the water your pilot will take a scenic route past old shipwrecks and over remote settlements. There are excellent opportunities for fishing but we opted to land on the abandoned Etthen Island and spend time exploring and gazing a the impressive cliffs. There are a lot of insects so remember to bring repellent!

Taking afternoon tea down to the Yellowknife River territorial day park was very relaxing and we were excited to see a Beaver here swimming in the water. The following day we hiked the short trail to Cameron Falls which was one of my favourite waterfalls in Canada. It was marvellous seeing thousands of litres of water pouring into the ravine. The trail is easily marked and there are areas to safely swim above the falls so bring your bathers.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into this newly formed territory and the local First Nations culture which heavily influences the city today. Heading back to the airport we stopped at a local gastropub Copperhouse for a mean Sunday roast.