Just 1 km (0.5 mile) north of downtown, the Old Town is situated on an island and a rocky peninsula on Great Slave Lake. By 1947 Yellowknife had outgrown itself, and the New Town rose from the sandy plain southward. An unusual community thrives here on Yellowknife Bay, many living on makeshift houseboats. Also interesting is the variety of older architecture that can be seen from a stroll around this now residential area. Shops and accomodations are found farther south in the New Town. A good vantage point from which to survey the area is the Bush Pilot’s Monument (a blue Bristol airplane) at the north end of Franklin Avenue.

The oldest restaurant in Yellowknife, this institution is open only during the summer. A true frontier stop, the sagging log cabin is set under the hill of the Old Town and has been refurbished in 1930s style. Its atmospheric interior is reminiscent of the pioneer days. Rather showing its age, this establishment is the most photographed building in Yellowknife. It is also the most popular eating place – top dishes include hearty stew and fish.

This local museum’s displays feature typically northern artifacts such as a mooseskin boat, as well as items illustrating the history of flying in the north. Changing exhibits explain life in the subarctic and Beaufort Delta regions.

Built in 1993, this headquarters of local government has a tall domed roof. Signifying equal rights for all ethnic groups, the government chamber is the only round one of its kind in the country, with a large oval table to give all delegates equal responsibility, in the manner practiced by aboriginals. Decorated with paintings and Inuit art, the chamber is graced with a large polar bear rug. The official public government rooms can be toured when the council is not in session.