The Explorer Hotel is the hotel most aurora visitors picture when they imagine a Yellowknife stay. It stands at 4825 49 Avenue in the downtown core and offers the widest range of services of the five: a full restaurant, a lounge, a conference centre and a concierge. Its own website promotes aurora viewing, dog sledding and fishing among the activities guests can arrange, and describes two fireside venues, Trader's Grill for Northern Canadian cuisine and the Trapline Lounge for cocktails. The booking page for the hotel shows free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour gym and business centre, laundry and dry cleaning, luggage storage and free self parking. Rooms include a microwave, a refrigerator and a television, and a buffet breakfast is available for an additional charge.
Location and getting around
Downtown Yellowknife is compact, with the Northern Heritage Centre, the Legislative Assembly and Frame Lake trails within a short drive and the airport a few minutes away. The hotel runs a free round-trip airport shuttle at scheduled times between early morning and late night, according to its booking page, so confirm times for your flight. Old Town is a short drive or taxi ride, and aurora tours commonly collect guests from downtown hotels, so you rarely need a car.
The rooms and the building
The hotel is a larger property than most in town, with a conference centre, so it can be busy when groups are in. Rooms are practical rather than flashy, with refrigerators and microwaves that are handy for early starts. Ask for a room away from the lobby and the lounge if you plan to sleep after a long aurora night, since late returns are normal.
Who it suits
First-time aurora visitors who want a full-service base, couples, and families who value a restaurant on site. What is good to know: the breakfast buffet is an add-on that runs about eighteen to thirty-two Canadian dollars per person, according to the booking page, free parking is on site, and pets are welcome according to the hotel's website, so confirm any fees. Ask whether your aurora tour collects from the hotel, because many operators offer downtown pickup.
Why stay here
- ✓Traders Grill restaurant
- ✓Trapline Lounge
- ✓Free airport shuttle at set times
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Concierge and luggage storage
- ✓Pet-friendly rooms
Good questions
Is there an airport shuttle?+
The booking page shows a free round-trip shuttle at scheduled times between early morning and late night. Confirm the times for your flight.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for an additional charge, so it is not included in every rate. Check your rate for details.
Is parking free?+
Yes, self parking is free on site, including accessible spaces.
