Summertime in the Knife

Almost every YKer that I have met has assured me since the first day I arrived in the metropolis that YK has fantastic summers. The summers are so marvelous that they actually "make up" for the long, cold, dark winters. In the midst of the long, dark winter, these individuals would seem to develop a longing, far away, dreamy state when even thinking of the wonder that is the summertime in YK. Let me be very honest when I say that I didn't believe a word of it, even though numerous people sang the praises of the Northern Summer.

Well, now I am living it and I must admit, Yellowknife in the summer is truly a lovely place. The long days without any darkness are certainly a little wonky when you are not used to it, however I much prefer this to the long, dark winter days. A nice room darkening curtain will do the trick of eliminating the daylight from shining though into your bedroom. Walmart in YK carries a few different styles, so they are available here in town.

Now, I am not naturally a Nature person. I don't enjoy being in wild animal's homes or territories. I wouldn't want them in my home, so I tend to grant them the same respect. One of the most fantastic aspects of the Yellowknife summer is going outdoors and experiencing the awesome hiking trails, day parks, lakes, and other attractions such as Cameron Falls. So I have recently been facing some of my biggest fears (wild animals) and getting out and enjoying all that the North has to offer out of doors. Hubby and I have taken up fishing (heart stoppingly FUN!) and are looking to purchase a canoe right away. While I am constantly phobic that a bear or any other wild animal is going to come wandering out of the forest to where I am hanging out, I am facing my fears and hopefully will come to feel more comfortable amongst wilderness.

There just may be hope for me yet.

Here are some photos from the beautiful lakes around the Yellowknife area.

Prosperous Lake at 11:15 pmProsperous Lake, around 9:30 pm, this was one of the most calm and peaceful places I have been in a very long time. All around us we could hear the calling of birds, the splashing of fish in the lake and a muskrat entertained us swimming all around the wharf where we were fishing.


This little guy was spotted in Frame Lake, just next to the Frame Lake Walking Trail. This trail is accessible at various places around Yellowknife, including by the hospital, Ruth Inch Pool as well as City Hall. It is a satisfying and beautiful hike from the hospital to City Hall and back.

Frame Lake

This is Madeline Lake, located just off the Ingraham Trail. They have picnic tables and little camping stoves if you are looking for a nice place to have a picnic and do some fishing or boating.

I encourage anyone coming to the Yellowknife area to get out and experience the wilds of the North. It is absolutely spectacular as Tourism NWT claims and if I can do it, so can you.