"These were by far the most comfy beds with the best pillows of our trip for me!"
Donna from Australia
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"The hotel is in a great location for walking to downtown, old town, and to some hiking trails."
Wetherstone P from Canada
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"The location of the restaurant was also very relaxing with the snow scenery in the background."
Patrick from United States
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Location
The Explorer Hotel is situated in Yellowknife, close to Great Slave Lake, allowing guests to observe the Aurora Borealis directly from their rooms. It provides access to various activities like dog sledding, fishing, and kayaking. The hotel serves as a gateway for exploring the Northwest Territories and its natural wonders.
Rooms
The hotel offers 259 guest rooms with options including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and exclusive Signature Suites. Each room includes amenities such as pillowtop mattresses, microwaves, and flat screen HDTVs. The Aurora Signature Suite also features a kitchenette and a spacious living area with breathtaking views.
Dining
Dining options include Trader's Grill, featuring Northern Canadian dishes like grilled Arctic Char and BBQ Bison Rib. The Best Sunday Brunch in the North is hosted here, offering various breakfast options. The Trapline Lounge serves innovative pub fare next to a warm fireplace, perfect for relaxation.
Business Facilities
The Explorer Hotel boasts 7,500 square feet of meeting space, accommodating a range of events from small meetings to large conferences. Equipped with advanced audiovisual services and dedicated event managers, it ensures a well-organized experience. The facility can host over 500 guests for various events.
Outdoor Adventures
Guests can participate in Arctic activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The hotel is situated near stunning outdoor landscapes for hiking and sightseeing. Various tours are available for those interested in exploring the Northwest Territories.
Highlights
Location: Close to Great Slave Lake .
Rooms: Aurora Signature Suite available .
Dining: Trader's Grill offers local cuisine .
Business: 7,500 Square Feet of Meeting Space .
Outdoor Adventures: Access to various Arctic activities .
“The Explorer Hotel's main draw is its extensive conference space-the largest north of 60-making it a practical choice for business events; plus, the on-site Trader's Grill emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, which I appreciate. Despite some dated aspects and cleanliness issues reported in some rooms, the hotel's access to Yellowknife's outdoor activities makes it potentially worthwhile for adventure seekers. It's a mixed bag, requiring careful consideration.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type
The Explorer Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
345 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
room details
Superior King Room
2 persons
360 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
The Explorer Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities:
Great
8.5/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Canoeing
Skiing
Hiking
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing
Services
Free airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Children's menu
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
Explore engaging dining experiences at The Explorer Hotel, where local flavors and warmth await. Enjoy traditional meals that cater to all ages, and choose between a family-friendly atmosphere or a cozy lounge setting, perfect for evening relaxation after a day of adventure.
Trader's Grill
Local cuisine with vegetarian options
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional setting, ideal for gatherings
Key Offerings
Indulge in hearty breakfasts, cheerful brunches, and satisfying dinners featuring local flavors and vegetarian dishes.
Reservation
Recommended.
Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner; hours may vary.
Trapline
Casual dining with a focus on cocktails
Ambiance
A cozy and traditional lounge perfect for winding down with friends or family
Key Offerings
Enjoy a laid-back evening with a selection of cocktails and light fare, ideal for a casual night out after a day of exploration.
4750 48 Street Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center
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900 ft
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700 ft
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300 ft
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Mark's Restaurant
1000 ft
51st St & 50th Ave
Sushi North
1400 ft
4910 50th Ave 200
Coyote's Bistro on Franklin
1400 ft
4511 50th Ave 2nd Floor
Savannah"s Family Restaurant
1400 ft
4910 Franklin Ave
Explore Yellowknife
Local Activities & Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
8 minutes' walk
Cultural hub showcasing northern history, art, and artifacts, with guided tours offered at certain times.
Northern Images
4 minutes' walk
Art gallery featuring local Indigenous artists, handcrafted jewelry, and northern-themed artwork.
Yellowknife City Hall & Park
6 minutes' walk
A community gathering space with sculptures, green areas, and events. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Somba K'e Park
5 minutes' walk
Urban park with scenic views, walking paths, and picnic spots, ideal for family outings.
Hiking at Niven Lake
12 minutes' walk
Scenic hiking trails around Niven Lake; vibrant wildlife and nature viewing make it a must for adventurers.
Yoga at a local studio
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions offered nearby, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Snowking's Winter Festival
18 minutes' walk
Annual winter festival featuring ice sculptures, music, and family-friendly activities, typically in March.
Guided Northern Lights Tours
5 minutes' drive
Exciting night-time tours for viewing the Aurora Borealis, available from late August to April.
Traders Grill
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with local dishes, famous for its northern-inspired menu and warm ambiance.
Flavour Trader
3 minutes' walk
Offering international cuisine with a cozy atmosphere; perfect for family or business dinners.
The Black Knight Pub
4 minutes' walk
A lively pub known for its craft beers and traditional pub fare, with regular live music events.
Elke's Table
3 minutes' walk
Charming spot featuring seasonal, locally-sourced meals; vegetarian options available but reservations recommended.
Yellowknife Community Arena
5 minutes' drive
Home to local hockey games and events; family-friendly with seasonal activities and public skating.
Down to Earth Gallery
5 minutes' drive
Cultural space hosting local art exhibitions, workshops, and occasional live performances.
The Northern Arts and Cultural Centre
5 minutes' drive
Venue for live performances, films, and community events, showcasing local talent throughout the year.
Explorer Lounge
1 minutes' walk
Chill spot ideal for evening drinks and light bites; often features local musicians on weekends.
Getting around
City Centre
Yellowknife5 min
·
1400 ft
Airports
Yellowknife Airport (YZF)9 min
·
3.5
mi
Rae Lakes, NT (YRA)159 min
·
65.8
mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Japanese, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2006
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
152
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Explorer Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 119 verified reviews
7.9/10
Very good
73%
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
8.3/10
Value for money
7.5/10
Pros
Comfy beds
Friendly staff
Lovely food
Relaxing restaurant
Cons
Data privacy
Sub-par breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 98 reviews
8.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The Explorer Hotel
Is there a possibility to check in during the early morning hours, around 2 or 3 am, without it counting as a two-night stay?
11 July 2024
Check-in starts at 4 pm on your day of arrival. However, if you require early access, the booking will be considered a two-night stay.
Does the hotel provide a shuttle service from the airport for late-night arrivals?
18 August 2024
Yes, there is a complimentary shuttle service available for guests flying with WestJet. Look for the shuttle bus outside the airport.
Can the hotel assist with information and bookings for local aurora tours?
25 August 2024
While direct tour booking services aren't offered, local referrals for aurora tours can be provided upon contacting the hotel.
Are the room rates applicable per individual, or do they change if more than one person stays in a room?
30 September 2024
Standard room rates cover single or double occupancy, and any additional charges are at the discretion of the booking platform used.
Do you accept debit cards for check-in, and is there a damage deposit required?
07 October 2024
Debit cards are accepted for check-in, but an additional security deposit will be required.
Is there a limit to the number of pets allowed in the hotel, and is there an extra fee for their stay?
12 November 2024
The hotel accommodates a maximum of 2 pets, specifically dogs and cats. An additional charge of $20 plus tax per pet per night applies.
What are the cancellation policies for bookings? How far in advance must a reservation be canceled to avoid fees?
15 November 2024
Cancellations must generally be made at least 24 hours prior to arrival for a full refund, unless specified otherwise in group or special rate bookings.
If I have recently completed a 14-day quarantine in another province, will I need to quarantine again upon visiting Yellowknife?
20 December 2024
As quarantine regulations can frequently change, it's recommended to check the Protect NWT website for the latest guidelines.
Are there options available for group bookings or corporate events at the hotel?
05 January 2025
Yes, the hotel offers substantial event space, accommodating both business and leisure groups. Details can be discussed with the hotel's events team.
Can guests expect to see the Aurora Borealis directly from their hotel room?
18 January 2025
Yes, many rooms provide stunning views of the Aurora Borealis, making it a remarkable experience to witness the natural light show from your accommodations.
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