Yellowknife: Aurora Borealis & more
I am sort of skipping over the wonderful time I had with family in Whitecourt (and will have again before onward travels). This entry will be all about Yellowknife and the Aurora Borealis.
First though I must mention that the roads in from Alberta where quite empty except for individual and herds of buffalo! And the roads themselves took a turn for the worst over the last 100 km into Yellowknife when they choose to more closely resemble a roller coaster (contractor laid hot tarmack over the permafrost with a resulting free roller coaster ride).
Yellowknife is the capital of the Canadian North West Territories and is home to around 20,000 people out of a territory wide population of 41,000. Supposedly they are the highest per capita city as well. Originally a gold hotspot - that industry no longer factors - they are today North America's Diamond Capital. And a quaint village it is with friendly people, great lakes, wonderful public parks and trails, and interesting geography. More towards the end of this entry.
But on to the highlight of what brings many to the city: the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). My first night was clouded out so I did not get to go, but I had perfectly clear skies for night 2, and interesting lights on a cloudy night 3. Joe Buffalo Child from North Star Adventures runs private excursions for up to 7 guests and takes us to locations outside the city lights to take in the aurora. And along the way he offers knowledgeable insight and commentary. Joe is "full blood" and has lived in the territory all his life.
Take a look at my pictures (you can click on the links in the slideshow to access the photos online):
Yellowknife for me was in 3 parts: old town, new town, and the lake trails. All easily explored on foot. only problem being the midges that got to be really annoying (and I am told I got off real lucky as there were so FEW of them!). We are above the 60 degree of latitude and I was here in September but the temperature only ranged from a low of 12 C to a high of 20 C. Amazing. I loved walking around old town: Ragged Ass Road, Bollocks Cafe, Pilots Monument, views out to the many houseboats and other boats sailing of Great Slave Lake, and popping into the many galleries and studios. I also loved the 10 km walk on the granite rocks and boardwalks surrounding Frame Lake which is right in the centre of the city. So a collage of photos for you to view:
First though I must mention that the roads in from Alberta where quite empty except for individual and herds of buffalo! And the roads themselves took a turn for the worst over the last 100 km into Yellowknife when they choose to more closely resemble a roller coaster (contractor laid hot tarmack over the permafrost with a resulting free roller coaster ride).
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| Buffalo from car window |
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| Another click of Buffalo on the road |
Yellowknife is the capital of the Canadian North West Territories and is home to around 20,000 people out of a territory wide population of 41,000. Supposedly they are the highest per capita city as well. Originally a gold hotspot - that industry no longer factors - they are today North America's Diamond Capital. And a quaint village it is with friendly people, great lakes, wonderful public parks and trails, and interesting geography. More towards the end of this entry.
But on to the highlight of what brings many to the city: the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). My first night was clouded out so I did not get to go, but I had perfectly clear skies for night 2, and interesting lights on a cloudy night 3. Joe Buffalo Child from North Star Adventures runs private excursions for up to 7 guests and takes us to locations outside the city lights to take in the aurora. And along the way he offers knowledgeable insight and commentary. Joe is "full blood" and has lived in the territory all his life.
Take a look at my pictures (you can click on the links in the slideshow to access the photos online):
Yellowknife for me was in 3 parts: old town, new town, and the lake trails. All easily explored on foot. only problem being the midges that got to be really annoying (and I am told I got off real lucky as there were so FEW of them!). We are above the 60 degree of latitude and I was here in September but the temperature only ranged from a low of 12 C to a high of 20 C. Amazing. I loved walking around old town: Ragged Ass Road, Bollocks Cafe, Pilots Monument, views out to the many houseboats and other boats sailing of Great Slave Lake, and popping into the many galleries and studios. I also loved the 10 km walk on the granite rocks and boardwalks surrounding Frame Lake which is right in the centre of the city. So a collage of photos for you to view:
