Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, is located on the shores of the Great Slave Lake (the ninth-largest lake in the world) and is home to aproximately 16,541 people. Yellowknife lies about 512 kilometers (318 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, but there are more than 35 weekly flights (which take about 95 minutes) from Yellowknife to Edmonton, Alberta. The adventurous travelers can take the 1,518-kilometer (943-mile) drive down the Mackenzie highway to Edmonton.

Though its area was home to the Native Dene people for more than 2,000 years, Yellowknife itself is a settlement built on gold. A gold rush in the 1930s resulted in the first permanent settlement of the area, and two active mines burrow beneath the city's streets. Lately, however, the "girl's best friend" has taken over: Yellowknife is now the Diamond Capital of North America. The Ekati mine, North America's first diamond mine, opened on Oct 14 98 12:59AM and has already produced more than one million carats! It's not surprising that in the Native Dogrib language, the word for Yellowknife is "Somba k'e," which means "money place."

The combination of far north and rugged terrain makes Yellowknife renowned for outdoor wonders, particularly the midnight sun and the northern lights (aurora borealis). Each winter, as the nights get longer, the sky dances with brilliant shades of green, red, and mauve, and you can enjoy the show from the best (populated) place in the world to see it.

And the combination also makes for outstanding recreational opportunities. The fishing is superb: northern pike and trout are seemingly everywhere. Some of the trout in Great Slave Lake weigh more than 27 kilograms (60 pounds)! Walleye, jackfish, and arctic grayling are also in abundant supply. Birdwatchers won't be disappointed either, as the surrounding woodlands host up to 184 different species including the bald eagle. Four-legged mammals have recognized the benefits of Yellowknife, as well. Local wildlife includes bison, foxes, hares, black bears, beaver, muskrat, and otters. Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that the Yellowknife Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole, par 72 golf course. Open since 1948, it hosts the world famous Midnight Classic Golf Tournament.

Though it may surprise some, you can have fun inside the city, too! The Northern Arts & Cultural Centre is the focal point for Yellowknife's artistic community, which works in tandem with the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre. Through the presentation of exhibits, interactive tours, and performances, the two centers aim to nurture and promote the arts in the Northwest Territories.

And to combine nature and wild (citified) fun, you can't miss Raven Mad Daze (which is the same night as the previously mentioned Midnight Classic Golf Tournament). This city-wide street party takes place on June 21, the longest day of the year, when the locals enjoy 24-hour sun, and go "Raven Mad" in an atmosphere that includes live bands, dancing, street sales, children's games, and enormous amounts of food.

Yellowknife has an employment rate higher than the national average and the highest weekly wages in Canada. If this isn't good enough, housing prices are reasonable, with a detached single family dwelling (which, no, is not an igloo) averaging at C$149,628.

Yes, yes, you say, that's all very nice, but it's so cold up there! So it is in the winter, with January temperatures ranging from -24F (-32C) to a high of -6F (-24 C). But you acclimatize, and the short summers, with 24-hour daylight, have average temperatures in the low 20s C (68F and higher), with occasional highs above 30C (86F). And yes, you can have flower and vegetable gardens!

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