The capital of the Northwest Territories and the largest town, Yellowknife sits on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake. Plan to see the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (history museum), the Legislative Assembly building, the Arctic Art Gallery (original paintings and prints from northern artists) and the Bush Pilot's Monument (with a nice view of the town and the lake). For an informative overview of the area, stop at the Northern Frontier Regional Visitors Centre, where you can take a simulated bush plane ride.
Take a day to follow the Ingraham Trail, which leads east from Yellowknife. On it you'll find Prelude Lake Park and Reid Lake Park, both popular for canoeing and fishing.
Annual festivals and events scheduled in Yellowknife include the Arctic Winter Games (March), the Annual Canadian Championship Dog Derby (a three-day race on Great Slave Lake—March), Raven Mad Daze (summer solstice celebration), Festival of the Midnight Sun (July), Folk on the Rocks (Inuit and Dene performers and folk artists from southern Canada—July) and the Far North Film Festival (November).
