Runs
On the Run In...
ON THE RUN IN… Yellowknife
August 4, 2009By Amanda Fraser
Yellowknife, N.W.T, is a city for runners who like extremes. Harsh temperatures and harsher windchills for the better part of the year are enough to make the faint of heart stay away from Canada’s coldest city. But Yellowknife also has the country’s sunniest summers. With close to 20 hours of daylight in June, July and August, and temperatures in the 20s, you can run under the midnight sun - an unforgettable experience.
Perched on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is literally on the edge of wilderness. You can easily start your run with a jaunt through streets founded during the 1930s gold rush, add some hills and distance by running down a lonely highway surrounded by lake-dotted tundra and forest, and finish it up on 50th Ave., home to the city’s business district and many shops.
Crisp autumn air rolls in a bit early in Yellowknife. In September, the temperature hovers between 5-10 C and it can snow in October. But, as the days get progressively shorter throughout the fall, the chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is greater as they’re most active in late fall and early winter.
Of course, to enjoy running here year-round, your mind, body and wardrobe have to be prepared to deal with the elements. In December, January and February there are about six hours of light, and an average temperature of -29 C. Since sidewalks, roads and trails are packed with snow and ice for about eight months of the year, running shoe grips are essential, as is wind-resistant running gear.
Coffee
Javaroma
5201 50th Avenue
This independently owned coffee shop roasts its own coffee beans and has a healthy selection of sandwiches and sweets. It also has a line of stools in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a great place to daydream and people-watch.
Running Shop
Overlander Sports
4909-50th Street
The Yellowknife Overlander Marathon, held every year in August, starts and finishes here. The shop has an excellent selection of running gear (and also stocks bear bangers, in case you’re trail running) and owners Bill and Sandra Stirling know their customers by name. Bill’s a runner, too.
To Eat
Bullock’s Bistro
3534 Pilot’s Lane
Great food comes at a price, and here the price is poor service. But it’s part of the schtick and if you want salad, home-cut fries and tasty grilled char or battered white fish, Bullock’s is the place to go. The evidence is on the wall, literally: guests from all over the world have provided the décor. Warning: if ordering takeout, be prepared to provide your own dishes.
The Wildcat
3904 Wiley Road
The Wildcat Café first opened in 1937 and was an eatery frequented by prospectors, bush pilots, miners and trappers. Now, delicious Northern food is served in the tiny log cabin. The selection includes warm bannock bread, muskabou stew (contains muskox and caribou), buffalo burgers and grilled Arctic char burgers.
To Drink
The Black Knight
4910-49th Street
The Black Knight is an English-style pub, perfect for a good pint and typical pub fare. Above the BK, as it’s known to regulars, is the Top Knight, which often has live music and hosts special events.
To Stay
The Explorer Hotel
4825 49th Avenue
It’s the largest hotel in the city and is within walking distance to all amenities and museums. Trader’s Grill, the hotel’s restaurant, offers up an extensive Sunday buffet brunch.
Groups
Although there aren’t any formal running groups in Yellowknife, a phone call to one of the city’s fitness centres will find you a group of seasoned Northerners to run with.
The Racquet Club - 867-920-2224
Body Works Training Centre - 867-873-2834
Break-Away Fitness Centre - 867-920-4220
These three running routes offer a good feel of the area:
SHORT
Flying through Old Town
Distance: 5.9 km
This short route will take you into the city’s Old Town. Start at Overlander Sports and turn left onto 50th Ave. Run past Pilot’s Monument onto MacDonald Drive. You’ll see docked floatplanes on your right, and follow the street to Otto Drive. Take the loop up to Wiley Road, until you’re back at 50th, where you’ll run up the hill to where you started.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2964277
MEDIUM
Looping ‘The Loop’
Distance: 9.5 km
“The Loop” is a common middle distance run in Yellowknife. Start at the Explorer Hotel and turn right onto Highway 4. With Jackfish Lake on your left, turn left onto Highway 3 and eventually, left onto Old Airport Road. From there, you’ll continue on until you reach 50th Ave., and finally, the point where you began. In dryer months, switch 50th Ave. up for part of the Frame Lake Trail.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2964280
LONG
Running Way Out and Back
Distance: 18.8 km
It’s a simple out and back route but it will take you far outside city limits so you can see Yellowknife’s unique landscapes and Great Slave Lake. Start at the Explorer Hotel and turn right onto Highway 4. You’ll follow the Ingraham Trail and turn around once you reach the Yellowknife Bridge. While this route might be tricky in the winter, it’s a great mild-weather run.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2964277
Amanda Fraser is freelance writer based in N.S. She lived in Yellowknife for a year.
