Natures North Wildlife Gallery is a taxidermy gallery in Yellowknife that gathers the animals of the Northwest Territories under one roof. Visitors who have seen it describe a wide range of local species, set out in displays that include barren-ground caribou and muskox, and say the owner is happy to explain how the mounts are prepared. For many travellers the gallery fills a gap in a northern trip: you may spend days looking for wildlife and see little more than ravens and the occasional fox, so a close look at a caribou or a muskox is a useful way to understand the animals behind the stories your guides tell. Three ways to visit are offered. The self-guided option lets you move at your own pace, the guided tour adds a host who explains the animals and their habitats, and the tablet tour uses a handheld device to deliver commentary as you walk round. Visits are typically short, from about half an hour to a couple of hours depending on how closely you look. It is a quiet, low-effort stop that suits families, rainy or very cold days and anyone who likes natural history.
What you will see
The gallery is built around species that live in the territory, so expect large mammals such as caribou and muskox alongside smaller animals and birds. It is a museum-style display rather than a zoo, which means no animals are kept on site and you can take as long as you like in front of each case. Children usually enjoy picking out the biggest animals and guessing how large they would be in the wild.
Choosing a tour
The guided tour is the best choice if you want context, because a host can explain behaviour, seasonal movements and how northern people have long relied on these animals. The self-guided ticket is the cheapest and quickest and suits a short stop between other sights. The tablet tour sits in between, with recorded commentary you can follow at your own speed. A longer city tour also stops here, so if you have already booked a city tour, check whether the gallery is included before buying a separate ticket.
Planning
The gallery is a small, indoor stop, so it pairs well with the Northern Heritage Centre, the Legislative Assembly and Old Town on a day when the weather is too cold or too wet to stay outside. Keep it for the middle of the day, before an evening aurora outing, when you want to warm up without losing a half day. Opening patterns can change with the season, so confirm that the gallery is running on the day you plan to go.
Seeing the animals indoors also helps with planning the rest of your trip: knowing what a muskox or a caribou looks like makes it easier to spot one from the highway, and the gallery gives children a vivid reason to keep their eyes open on the drive. If you are travelling with someone who dislikes the idea of taxidermy, the guided tour is the gentlest introduction, because the host frames the displays around natural history and local knowledge rather than novelty.
What to expect
The experience
A small indoor gallery of mounted northern animals, with self-guided, guided and tablet-tour options.
Best time
Any season; it is especially useful on very cold or wet days.
How long
Allow from half an hour to about two hours.
Tips
Choose the guided tour for context, and check whether a city tour you have already booked includes the gallery.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and natural-history fans who want to see the animals of the north up close.
- Families
- A good fit, since children can see caribou and muskox safely indoors.
- Couples
- A relaxed, low-cost stop between meals or museums.
- Pair with
- The Northern Heritage Centre and Old Town.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What is Natures North Wildlife Gallery?+
It is a taxidermy gallery in Yellowknife showing animals that live in the Northwest Territories, including barren-ground caribou and muskox.
What tour options are there?+
A self-guided visit, a guided tour and a tablet tour are all offered, so you can choose between independence and a host.
How long does a visit take?+
Most visits run from about half an hour to two hours, depending on how closely you look and which tour you choose.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, it is an indoor stop with large animals that children tend to enjoy. Ask staff about handling rules before you go.
Is it included in any city tour?+
A longer city tour stops at the gallery, so check what your tour includes before you buy a separate ticket.
