
Frame Lake Trail
A scenic loop trail around Frame Lake in Yellowknife, offering diverse terrain and stunning boreal forest views, especially vibrant in fall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors

Frame Lake Trail
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic loop trail around Frame Lake in Yellowknife, offering diverse terrain and stunning boreal forest views, especially vibrant in fall.
"Enjoy incredible nature with rocky paths and well-marked trails on this beautiful lake loop."

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Mix of paved and rocky paths; good shoes are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Visit in early fall for stunning, vibrant foliage.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 3 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boreal Forest Scenery
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Shield and boreal forest. A true northern landscape experience.

Fall Foliage Spectacle
Witness the vibrant, albeit brief, autumn colors painting the landscape. A photographer's dream.

Lake Loop Views
Enjoy a scenic loop around Frame Lake, offering diverse perspectives of the water and surrounding nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Fall Colors
Trail Variety and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Mix of paved and rocky paths; good shoes are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Visit in early fall for stunning, vibrant foliage.
🚶♀️ Complete the Loop
The full trail offers diverse scenery and is well-marked.
☀️ Enjoy the Midnight Sun
June offers extended daylight for longer exploration.
Just booked 4 days in Yellowknife in June on a complete whim
Always wanted to see the 'midnight sun' and airfares were suddenly not insane, so we booked. (I've done the Yukon in January, so wanted the exact-opposite northern experience sunlight-wise.) We aren't there on the solstice, just before. Please tell me your 3 favourite…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Mix of paved and rocky paths; good shoes are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Visit in early fall for stunning, vibrant foliage.
🚶♀️ Complete the Loop
The full trail offers diverse scenery and is well-marked.
☀️ Enjoy the Midnight Sun
June offers extended daylight for longer exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Frame Lake Trail for its stunning natural beauty, especially the vibrant fall colors and diverse scenery. The mix of paved and rocky paths, coupled with clear markings, makes it accessible for many. Some note the rocky sections require sturdy footwear, but overall, it's a highly recommended experience for enjoying Yellowknife's outdoors.
"I highly recommend a hike of about two to three hours. You’ll get to see some incredible nature. Along the way, you’ll come across rocky paths, but just follow the trail markers."
Joy
"This was an interesting walk. I enjoyed the full trip around the lake. Half was paved trail the other path and rock but extremely well marked!"
Lisa Brown
"Amei"
marcos dhione marcos dhione costa da Silva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Frame Lake Trail is easily accessible from various points within Yellowknife. Many visitors start near the city center, with access points often found near parks or public facilities. Parking is generally available at common starting points.
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, Yellowknife has a bus system that can get you close to the general vicinity of Frame Lake. Check local transit schedules for routes serving areas near the lake.
Yes, you can drive to several access points around Frame Lake. There are parking areas available, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
The trail is generally well-marked with trail markers, especially the paved sections. For the rocky parts, keeping an eye on the markers ensures you stay on the correct path.
Frame Lake is located very close to downtown Yellowknife, making it a convenient natural escape for residents and visitors alike. You can often walk to trail access points from downtown hotels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Frame Lake Trail is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. It's free to access and enjoy the natural beauty.
Frame Lake Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment, especially outside of the summer months.
No advance booking is required for Frame Lake Trail as it is a public outdoor space. You can visit anytime.
No permits are required for general hiking on the Frame Lake Trail. It's a public recreational area.
Yes, Frame Lake Trail is accessible in winter, though conditions can vary. It may be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but always check local conditions for safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A hike of about two to three hours is recommended to see the incredible nature along the full loop.
You'll encounter a mix of paved trails and natural, rocky paths. The trail is extremely well-marked throughout.
Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's advisable to use facilities before starting your hike or be prepared for natural conditions.
The paved sections of the trail are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, the rocky and uneven parts may pose challenges.
While specific wildlife sightings vary, you might encounter local birds and small mammals common to the boreal forest ecosystem.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding boreal forest. The changing seasons, especially fall, offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon light often provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. During summer, the midnight sun can offer unique twilight photo opportunities.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the City of Yellowknife for current drone usage policies before flying.
A versatile lens, like a wide-angle for landscapes and a telephoto for potential wildlife, is useful. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing fall colors.
Yes, the Great Ptarmigan Hunt takes place on the Frame Lake Trail, offering a unique cultural event to photograph. Be respectful of participants and follow any event guidelines.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit