
Jolliffe Island
Jolliffe Island offers stunning Great Slave Lake views and a unique winter ice walk experience. Explore its crisscrossing trails for a natural escape ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safe ice conditions

Jolliffe Island
Best Time
Safe ice conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jolliffe Island offers stunning Great Slave Lake views and a unique winter ice walk experience. Explore its crisscrossing trails for a natural escape near Yellowknife.
"Great spot for a quick hike with great views of Great Slave Lake and the city."

๐ถโโ๏ธ Ice Safety First!
Only walk on the ice when it's confirmed safe. Check local reports and never go alone. :ice_skate:
๐บ๏ธ Trail Map Recommended
Trails can be confusing. Download an offline map or use GPS to avoid getting lost. :iphone:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 ยท 2 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Great Slave Lake Views
Island perimeter
Panoramic vistas of the vast Great Slave Lake and Yellowknife city skyline. Breathtaking scenery awaits.

Crisscrossing Trails
Throughout the island
Explore a network of diverse hiking paths offering varied terrain and exploration opportunities.

Winter Ice Walk
Frozen Great Slave Lake
Experience the unique thrill of walking across the frozen lake to reach the island. A memorable adventure!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Trail Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ถโโ๏ธ Ice Safety First!
Only walk on the ice when it's confirmed safe. Check local reports and never go alone. :ice_skate:
๐บ๏ธ Trail Map Recommended
Trails can be confusing. Download an offline map or use GPS to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
๐ธ Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning shots of the lake and city. Golden hour is magical! :camerawithflash:
๐ Wear Sturdy Footwear
Even on ice, good grip is essential. Waterproof boots are ideal for winter visits. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ถโโ๏ธ Ice Safety First!
Only walk on the ice when it's confirmed safe. Check local reports and never go alone. :ice_skate:
๐บ๏ธ Trail Map Recommended
Trails can be confusing. Download an offline map or use GPS to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
๐ธ Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning shots of the lake and city. Golden hour is magical! :camerawithflash:
๐ Wear Sturdy Footwear
Even on ice, good grip is essential. Waterproof boots are ideal for winter visits. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jolliffe Island for its stunning views of Great Slave Lake and the Yellowknife skyline, especially during the unique winter ice walk. The network of trails offers exploration, though some find them confusing. It's a natural escape appreciated for its scenic beauty and adventurous access.
"Great spot for a quick hike. Lots of trails criss cross the island. Great views of Great Slave Lake and the city."
Randy Straker
"We reached there on ice by our foot."
Henry Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Jolliffe Island is typically accessed by walking across the frozen Great Slave Lake during winter. Ensure the ice is safe and thick enough before attempting to walk. Always check local ice condition reports for Yellowknife.
During the summer months, Jolliffe Island is usually only accessible by boat. There are no bridges or regular ferry services, so you would need to arrange private boat transport.
The primary and most popular method is walking directly on the frozen Great Slave Lake. This offers a unique experience and is often the most straightforward way to reach the island when conditions permit.
While not as common as other Yellowknife attractions, some local tour operators might offer winter excursions that include Jolliffe Island, especially for ice fishing or photography tours. It's worth inquiring with Yellowknife tourism providers.
Safety is paramount. Always verify ice thickness and stability with local authorities or experienced residents. Avoid traveling alone, and inform someone of your plans. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Jolliffe Island. It is a natural area accessible to the public.
Jolliffe Island does not have set opening or closing hours as it is an undeveloped natural island. Access is dependent on natural conditions, such as the freezing of Great Slave Lake in winter.
There is no entrance fee to access Jolliffe Island. It's a public space for recreation and enjoying nature.
The best time for easy access is during the winter months when Great Slave Lake is frozen solid, allowing you to walk to the island. Summer access requires a boat.
Generally, no permits are required for casual day visits to Jolliffe Island. However, if you plan any specific activities like camping or large group events, it's advisable to check with local authorities.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
Jolliffe Island is ideal for hiking, enjoying scenic views of Great Slave Lake and Yellowknife, photography, and simply experiencing the natural environment. In winter, it's a unique destination for an ice walk.
Yes, there are numerous trails that crisscross the island, offering various routes for exploration. However, they can be somewhat unmarked and confusing, so a map or GPS is recommended.
You can expect beautiful natural landscapes with views of Great Slave Lake, the Yellowknife skyline, and boreal forest terrain. The frozen lake in winter provides a unique, stark beauty.
Families can enjoy Jolliffe Island, especially during winter for the novelty of walking on ice. However, caution is advised due to the natural terrain and ice conditions. Ensure children are supervised.
Jolliffe Island is a natural, undeveloped island. There are no facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas, or shelters. Visitors should come prepared.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
The best photo opportunities include panoramic views of Great Slave Lake, the Yellowknife city skyline, and the unique winter landscape when the lake is frozen. The crisscrossing trails also offer interesting compositions.
Early morning and late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. Winter sunsets can be spectacular over the frozen lake.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for cityscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter for the lake.
Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of the lake. In winter, focus on the textures of the ice and snow. Consider long exposures to smooth out the water or ice.
While Jolliffe Island is primarily known for its landscapes, you might spot local birds or small mammals. Always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing wildlife.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit