Yellowknife: Snowmobile Adventure with Heated Gear & Ice Cave

Summary

Snowmobile through Yellowknife’s wild trails with heated gear and local guides

You’ll gear up in serious winter clothing before riding your own snowmobile across frozen lakes and forest trails near Yellowknife, always led by a local guide who knows every turn. There’s time for photos (and laughs), plus an option for a longer ride to an ice cave starting mid-January. Expect cold cheeks, warm hands — and memories that stick around long after you thaw out.

What’s the experience like?

I was already fumbling with my helmet straps when Li, our guide, grinned and handed me an extra pair of gloves — “You’ll thank me later.” The air inside the staging hut was thick with the smell of wool and that sharp cold you only get in the North. There was this low hum of nervous chatter as we pulled on layer after layer; I couldn’t help laughing at myself in the mirror, looking like a marshmallow in Canada Goose. Someone’s kid kept asking if we’d see wolves. I just wanted to keep my fingers warm.

The first few seconds out on the Skidoo were honestly a blur — I remember the crunch under the treads and how my breath fogged up my visor, even though they’d warned us about glasses. Li led us single file onto the trail, pointing out animal tracks (fox? maybe rabbit?) and once stopping so we could take photos. The snow was so white it almost hurt to look at, but there was this weird comfort in how quiet everything got when we cut the engines for a minute. You hear your own heartbeat out there. I didn’t expect to feel so small — or so awake.

We zigzagged over a frozen lake, wind biting at any skin I’d missed covering up (ears are tricky). At one point Li laughed when I tried to say “ice cave” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. If you’re on the longer day trip to the ice cave from Yellowknife, you get more time riding and that extra jolt of speed across open stretches. Either way, it’s about 12km total but feels like you’ve gone further somehow. There’s no walking really; just throttle and steer and hope your hands stay warm enough to snap a photo or two.

I still think about that moment when we stopped in a patch of trees, all of us silent except for someone’s muffled “wow.” It wasn’t dramatic or anything — just real cold air, powdery snow falling off branches, Li quietly checking everyone was okay before we headed back toward town. Not sure I’ll ever look at winter quite the same way again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided snowmobile adventure in Yellowknife

• Attend 15-minute indoor orientation
• Get fitted with heated helmets and winter clothing
• Ride Skidoo-Sports-Ace-600 snowmobiles
• Snowmobile 12km through frozen lakes and forest trails
• Take photos and videos during the tour
• Return to staging area and end tour

Top questions

How long is the Yellowknife snowmobile tour?

The total tour time is about 2 hours including transportation; outdoor riding is 50-60 minutes.

Is winter clothing provided for the snowmobile adventure?

Yes, heated helmets and winter gear are available for rental before heading out.

Do I need prior experience to join this snowmobile tour?

No experience is needed; there’s an indoor orientation before riding begins.

Is there an ice cave visit included?

The ice cave visit is included on tours starting January 16th as part of a longer route.

Are children allowed on this Yellowknife snowmobile tour?

The tour is suitable for young kids through seniors; check specific age requirements when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transportation is included as part of your booking.

Are there washrooms at the staging area?

No washroom facility is available on site; plan accordingly before arrival.

Can I wear glasses under the helmet?

Contact lenses are recommended because eyeglasses may fog up inside heated helmets.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Yellowknife, all necessary winter gear like heated helmets and insulated clothing available for rental, a full orientation indoors before heading out on your Skidoo-Sports-Ace-600 snowmobile with a local guide leading every step — plus stops for photos along roughly 12km of snowy trails or even an ice cave visit if you choose that option.