Great Slave Lakeside B&B

Great Slave Lakeside B&B is a self-contained studio suite on the main floor of a family home, right on the shore of Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife's Old Town. It has a private entrance, a large room with a king bed, a queen sofa bed and a living area, a kitchenette and a private bathroom with a claw-foot tub and a separate shower. A west-facing deck and sitting area look over the lake, and the suite is said to give views of the aurora, so on a clear night you may be able to watch the sky without leaving the property. The kitchenette has a bar-sized refrigerator and freezer, induction plates, a toaster oven and a microwave, and guests get self-serve coffee and tea and a continental cold breakfast. Linens, towels and toiletries are provided, free Wi-Fi is included, and laundry facilities are available on request. The hosts are a local family who live on site and offer a welcome package of brochures, so you get local knowledge along with the room. The suite can suit a couple, two or three adults or a family of four.

Location and getting around. Old Town is the oldest part of Yellowknife, with log cabins, houseboats and galleries, and the Bush Pilot's Monument is about a quarter hour on foot. A bistro is a short walk, a brewery and downtown are a short drive, and Ragged Ass Road, the waterfront park, Frame Lake Trail and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre are all a drive of ten minutes or less. The airport is about eleven minutes away by road. Parking is available on site, which helps if you rent a vehicle.

Aurora and wildlife. The setting means you may see ravens, magpies, squirrels and muskrat in the yard, and sometimes marten or fox. Aurora tours commonly collect guests from central hotels, so ask your operator whether this address is covered. Many guests simply watch the sky from the deck on a clear night, then warm up inside.

Practical notes. Check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is at eleven. Pets are not allowed. Because the suite is part of a family home, there is no staffed desk or housekeeping on demand, so arrange your arrival time with the hosts. Plan at least three nights to improve your chances of clear skies.

Who it suits. Couples, families of up to four and travelers who value a private space, a lake view and a personal welcome will enjoy it. Guests who want a restaurant, a gym or a shuttle should look at the larger hotels. A single suite means availability is limited in aurora season, so reserve early, and check the rates when you book.