Plan a Culinary Getaway in Yellowknife
Yellowknife might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Canada’s culinary destinations, but spend a weekend here, and you’ll discover a thriving food scene that’s as bold and surprising as the North itself.
On the edge of Great Slave Lake, this small northern city serves up big flavours: freshly caught fish, foraged berries, and creative plates that reflect a blend of Indigenous heritage and global influence. Beyond the menus, what makes dining in Yellowknife special is its sense of community.
Why Yellowknife Is a Foodie Surprise
What makes Yellowknife’s dining scene remarkable is just how diverse it is given the city’s size and location. In a place where every ingredient must travel vast distances, be gathered with care from the land or grown in the short but intense summer season, there’s a big variety in food choice.
Read more about Yellowknife’s culinary chops in our Northern Soul feature Northern Bites
For a city of just over 20,000 people, Yellowknife offers an impressive variety of flavours — but what truly stands out is the warmth that comes with them. Every meal here feels like an invitation to slow down, share stories, and taste what makes this northern capital so unexpectedly delicious.
Where to Eat, Sip, and Explore in Yellowknife
After arriving in Yellowknife, settle into the rhythm of the North with a meal that roots you right to the land. Locals will point you to Bullock’s Bistro, a log cabin tucked inside Old Town, where the fish comes straight from Great Slave Lake. Meals are hearty, messy, and unforgettable — enjoyed in a tiny space with wooden tables and walls carved with decades of diner’s graffiti.
If the weather is nice and you’re visiting in the warmer month, wander around Old Town for some unique shopping and see the harbour where houseboats and floatplanes bob on the water.
If you’re looking for something a touch more refined, Trader’s Grill at the Explorer Hotel offers steaks, fresh fish, and nice views over the city.
Cafés, Markets, and Northern Traditions
Start your day with a coffee and a light breakfast from Birchood Coffee in downtown. Spend some time exploring the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to learn more about the area and its Indigenous cultures.
For lunch, try Zehabesha, a beloved Ethiopian restaurant where rich stews are served over injera bread — a reminder of the global heart beating within this small capital.
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday between June and September, make your way to the Yellowknife Farmers Market in Somba K’e Park in the evening. It’s a true community hub: tables piled with local honey, fish jerky, birch syrup, and berry preserves, all made with the ingenuity that defines northern life. You can try dinner at one of the many trucks throughout the market.
Otherwise, head to The Woodyard Brewhouse, home to NWT Brewing Co., for local craft beer and wood-fired comfort food in a lively atmosphere that’s distinctly Yellowknife.
The next day, take some time to wander and taste what you might have missed. Maybe that’s the rolls and sashimi at Sushi North or the fragrant bowls from Taste of Saigon, both local staples that highlight the city’s international flair.
Before leaving the city, a stop at the Tastes of the North retail store, a unique retail space selling products made, grown, harvested or processed in the Northwest Territories. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of the North home with you — a tangible reminder of the flavours and stories that make this place so unforgettable.
