Hiking Yellowknife
About Hiking Yellowknife
Hiking Yellowknife is dedicated to providing high-quality guided hikes in the Yellowknife area.
We offer:
✔Customizable small-group hikes tailored to skill levels and
interests.
✔Expert knowledge of the local environment and history
✔A strong focus on safety, with GPS tracking, SPOT devices, and
first aid-trained guides
✔A unique experience for business travelers, tourists, and locals
alike
While Hiking Yellowknife competes with larger adventure companies and self-guided tourism, its strength lies in our personal touch, deep-rooted knowledge, and ability to create tailored experiences for those seeking a genuine Northern adventure.
If you are looking to experience the beauty of Yellowknife’s wilderness with a knowledgeable and experienced guide, Hiking Yellowknife offers an experience like no other.
Rick Walbourne, Guide/Owner
Rick is an experienced hiker and environmental scientist based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Originally from Newfoundland, Rick has spent the past 20 years exploring the North, developing an intimate knowledge of the region’s landscapes, ecosystems, and history.
With a background in environmental science and resource management, Rick brings a unique perspective to guided hikes, blending adventure with insights into the region’s fisheries, wildlife, forestry, and industrial history. His expertise makes him an excellent guide for families, adventure tourists and business travelers looking to connect with the North on a deeper level.
Rick founded Hiking Yellowknife to share his love for hiking and the outdoors with visitors and locals alike. His guided hikes are small, personalized, and customizable, offering an authentic Northern experience at competitive pricing. Whether leading business professionals on an off-the-beaten-path excursion, introducing families to the scenic trails around Yellowknife, or guiding adventure seekers into the wilderness, Rick ensures a safe, informative, and memorable journey.
Route Options
Potential route options shown as examples, custom routes available upon request up to 15km in length, custom/larger group sizes also available upon request
Prospector's Trail
Explore the rugged beauty of Prospector’s Trail, a 4.4 km loop winding through the rocky terrain outside Yellowknife. This 1.5- to 2-hour hike offers a glimpse into the region’s geological history, with stunning views of the boreal landscape shaped by ancient forces.
🔹When: Evenings or Weekends - pending availability
🔹Total Cost:
• $75 for one person
• $125 for two people
• $150 for groups of 3–6 (max)
🔹Difficulty: Moderate – involves uneven terrain and
smooth rock surfaces; hiking footwear required
🔹Meeting Point: Long Lake parking lot near Fred Henne Territorial
Park
Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking for an immersive northern experience!
Frame Lake to Bristol Monument Hike return️
A scenic hike through Yellowknife’s beautiful trails, leading to an iconic piece of aviation history! This 2.5–3 hour guided hike follows the Frame Lake Trail to the Bristol Monument, where a Bristol Type 170 Freighter stands as a tribute to the North’s pioneering aviation past.
🛩 This historic aircraft, once flown by Max Ward’s Wardair, made history in 1967 as the first wheel-equipped plane to land at the North Pole. Retired in 1968, it now stands as a rare aviation relic.
🔹When: Saturday or Sunday (AM or PM) - pending availability
🔹Total Cost:
• $125 for one person
• $200 for two people
• $250 for groups of 3–6 (max)
• Optional Extended Route: +$25 per person (adds 45 minutes, adds ~2km to complete Frame Lake trail)
🔹Distance: 7.5 km return (extended route options can include completing Frame Lake trail and/or adding Prospectors)
🔹Difficulty: Moderate – involves uneven terrain and smooth rock surfaces; hiking footwear required
🔹Meeting Point: City Hall
🌲Optional: Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables near the monument!
A perfect mix of hiking, history, and adventure—ideal for visitors and locals alike! 🚶♂️✨
Hike and a Pint
Experience Yellowknife’s best trails and a well-earned pint! This 3-4 hour guided hike takes you on a scenic 7-8 km loop, starting at City Hall and looping west around Frame Lake, continuing to Niven Lake, and winding through Old Town to the iconic Pilot’s Monument for breathtaking views. The adventure ends at NWT Brewing, where you can relax with a refreshing post-hike beer—included in the tour!
Hiking Yellowknife customers also get 10% off any food purchases!!
🔹When: Saturdays, 10 AM – 130PM
🔹Total Cost:
• $250 for two people
• $350 for groups of 3-6 (max)
🔹Difficulty: Moderate – involves uneven terrain; hiking
boots required
🔹Meeting Point: City Hall
Note that this hike ends at the Brew Pub which is 1.6km from the start point via road.
A perfect mix of hiking, history, and local brews—ideal for visitors and locals alike!🍺🥾
Nature Talk
Join a memorable local tour led by a lifelong Yellowknife resident and passionate plant ecologist who brings the northern landscape to life with expert insight and hometown warmth. During this 1.5-2 hr walk, you’ll learn about the hardy plant species that thrive in this subarctic environment. Accompanying the group is Rubus, the friendly Yellow Lab named after the genus of northern berries, who delights in snacking on ripe berries along the way when they’re in season.
🔹When: Availability Upon Request
🔹Total Cost:
• $150 for one person
• $200 for two people
• $250 for groups of 3–6 (max)
🔹Difficulty: Moderate – involves uneven terrain; hiking boots required
🔹Meeting Point: Tin Can Hill
Ideal for nature and plant enthusiasts who also enjoy a moderate stroll!
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the terrain?
The majority of Hiking Yellowknife's routes are a combination of maintained city trails, including stairs, and uneven bedrock and rocky terrain. Suitable footwear is required, such as hiking boots. Sandals or similar footwear would not be appropriate. A moderate level of fitness is required.
What should I bring?
A backpack is strongly recommended to carry water and extra layers of clothes, hat, sunscreen, etc. Depending on the length of the route, snacks or a packed lunch would also be recommended.
Are there bugs?!?
Depending on the time of year, there may be some mosquitoes, black flies, or other insects and bug spray. Ticks are not currently an issue in the NWT. Please see link below for real-time bug report for the area.