Frame Lake Trail - Image 1
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Frame Lake Trail

4.7
·3 reviews·Yellowknife, Canada

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late September - Early October

Peak fall colors

CrowdLow
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Frame Lake Trail - Image 1

Frame Lake Trail

Best Time

Late September - Early October

Peak fall colors

CrowdLow

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.

4.7
(3 reviews)

"Enjoy incredible nature with rocky paths and well-marked trails on this beautiful lake loop."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 3 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boreal Forest Scenery

Boreal Forest Scenery

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

Instagram
Fall Foliage Spectacle

Fall Foliage Spectacle

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

Instagram
Lake Loop Views

Lake Loop Views

Enjoy a scenic loop around Frame Lake, offering diverse perspectives of the water and surrounding nature.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Fall Colors

Experience the brief but stunning Fall colors on the Frame Lake Trail. This short season offers a unique perspective of the boreal forest against the Canadian Shield landscape. Plan your visit for late September to early October for the most vibrant foliage.

Trail Variety and Accessibility

The Frame Lake Trail offers a mix of paved paths and rocky, natural terrain. While well-marked, some sections can be uneven. Consider sturdy footwear for the rocky parts, especially if you plan to complete the full loop. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late September - Early October
Why
Peak fall colors
Crowd
Low
When
June
Why
Midnight sun & pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of my favourite trails in Yellowknife is Frame Lake Trail. It loops around the city and looks beautiful during the very brief Fall season in the North. 📍Denendeh, Chief Drygeese Territory #yellowknife #nature #fyp #framelake #foryoupage #naturelover #nwt #lake
travel_adventurehers
0 likes • 3K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Mix of paved and rocky paths; good shoes are a must for comfort. Reddit

📸 Capture the Fall Colors

Visit in early fall for stunning, vibrant foliage. Instagram

Got out for a hike around Frame Lake today. It’s a beautiful trail — Canadian Shield, boreal forest, and a good reminder of how lucky we are to live in a country with this kind of landscape. 🇨🇦 Grateful for the time to take it all in. Thank you to the people of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories for being so welcoming. 🌲🪨☀️ #FrameLake #Yellowknife #NorthernNature #ExploreNWT #mbpoli
mike.t.moyes
38 likes • 826 views
The Great Ptarmi Hunt is tomorrow morning at 9 am! Sunday April 20th. On the Frame Lake Trail from the pool to the Legislative Assembly! Good luck everyone and please just take one!
signedyk
57 likes • 1.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Complete the Loop

The full trail offers diverse scenery and is well-marked. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Midnight Sun

June offers extended daylight for longer exploration. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Capture the Fall Colors

Visit in early fall for stunning, vibrant foliage. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Complete the Loop

The full trail offers diverse scenery and is well-marked. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Midnight Sun

June offers extended daylight for longer exploration. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3 reviews)

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

Beautiful fall colors
Scenic lake views
Well-marked paths

What People Dislike

Rocky terrain can be uneven

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to several access points around Frame Lake. There are parking areas available, making it convenient for those arriving by car. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

No advance booking is required for Frame Lake Trail as it is a public outdoor space. You can visit anytime. Instagram

No permits are required for general hiking on the Frame Lake Trail. It's a public recreational area. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A hike of about two to three hours is recommended to see the incredible nature along the full loop. Reddit

You'll encounter a mix of paved trails and natural, rocky paths. The trail is extremely well-marked throughout. Reddit

Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's advisable to use facilities before starting your hike or be prepared for natural conditions. Instagram

The paved sections of the trail are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, the rocky and uneven parts may pose challenges. Reddit

While specific wildlife sightings vary, you might encounter local birds and small mammals common to the boreal forest ecosystem. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Look for scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding boreal forest. The changing seasons, especially fall, offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the City of Yellowknife for current drone usage policies before flying. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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