The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife

3.5 star property
Enjoy the free airport shuttle at this eco-certified Yellowknife hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife

Lobby
Creator video - submitted by Anuroop Sahu
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Lobby
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Bar
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
4825 49 Avenue, Yellowknife, NT, X1A2R3
  • Place, Yellowknife Veterans Memorial
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Ragged Ass Rd
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Yellowknife, NT (YZF)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(18 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(25 reviews)
  • 420 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Yellowknife

In Yellowknife .At this hotel, you'll be steps from Northern Frontier Visitors Center and Yellowknife Veterans Memorial. Frame Lake Trail and Northern Arts and Cultural Centre are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Yellowknife Veterans Memorial - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Northern Frontier Visitors Center - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Frame Lake Trail - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Ragged Ass Rd - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Yellowknife, NT (YZF) - 5 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bluebell Eatery - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Boston Pizza - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Javaroma - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Mike Marks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Quarry Restaurant - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife

Enjoy the free airport shuttle at this eco-certified Yellowknife hotel
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A 24-hour business center and 9 meeting rooms are available.

A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 7200 square feet (669 square meters) and includes a conference center. A 24-hour fitness center, a vending machine, and multilingual staff are also featured at the eco-certified The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife. A roundtrip airport shuttle is free at scheduled times. Self parking is free.

This Yellowknife hotel is smoke free.

  • 259 guestrooms or units
  • 8 levels
  • 7200 sq ft of conference space
  • 669 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1976
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife offers 259 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 46-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CAD 50.0 per day.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately CAD 18.00 to 32.00 per person
  • Pet fee: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: CAD 50.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Explorer Hotel
Explorer Hotel Yellowknife
Explorer Yellowknife
Hotel Explorer
The Explorer Yellowknife
The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife Hotel
The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife Yellowknife
The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife Hotel Yellowknife

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife to the airport?

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife is 3.2 mi (5-min drive) away from the Yellowknife, NT (YZF) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife?

As of Sep 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife on Oct 18, 2025 start from $204.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife have an airport shuttle?

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife offers a free airport shuttle, available from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM at scheduled times.

Does The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of between CAD 18.00 and 32.00 per person. It's available on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 AM. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife have a pool?

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife does not have a pool.

Does The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife have a restaurant?

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife is home to Traders Grill, which features brunch.

Does The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife to downtown Yellowknife?

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife is 0.2 mi away from Yellowknife.

Reviews

The Explorer Hotel Yellowknife Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 286 out of 606 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 220 out of 606 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 54 out of 606 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 28 out of 606 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 606 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They need more staff at the check in.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jeff

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Annette

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location. Rooms are a good size. Need a key in elevator which is good for security
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

JOSHUA

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa, Nakusp

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great hotel to stay at for easy access to Yellowknife downtown. Easy walking to restaurants, shops, and the Prince of Wales Centre. Perfect proximity to Frame Lake and Niven Lake walking trails as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kelsey, Hay River

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Already described my issues
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kelsey, Hay River

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The A/C wasn’t working, I expressed this to the front desk, the next night, same issue, room was almost 25 degrees. Then as I was checking out I told them no one fixed it, no one offered to switch the room, and they said I would recieve a call, no call. The bathrooms were not cleaned well. I usually have no issues at this hotel but this stay was not good. I also ate at the restaurant, the customer service was good but the food was not cooked well and I was a little surprised when I wasn’t offered a discount after having to send it back.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karén

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is very good located. The staff is very friendly. The fact of having an airport shuttle is another plus.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in. Clean room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Expedia had failed to reserve 2 rooms, but at the check in we were above to book another room at about $400 less for the 3 nights than Expedia would have charged.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

lori

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great spot in Yellowknife. Rooms are clean with good beds. Both the restaurant and bar serve good food and friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Horst, Hay River

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Cheaper rates booking directly with hotel!!

Stay was satisfactory. Restaurant closes at 1:30-5pm daily and Lounge doesn’t open until 4. Bed was older and pillows very small and firm for a kingsize bed. However, will book directly with hotel in the future as they are cheaper than Hotels.com
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay. Would stay again. Close to everything and great eating options on site. We particularly enjoyed the Trapper Lounge.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anuroop, CHICAGO

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at The Explorer Hotel. We had an early checkout and had activities planned after checkout and the team graciously accepted our request to help us store luggage. They also offer free to and from airport shuttle which was super helpful considering this was our first time at Yellowknife.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel in town. Good restaurant, tasty bison.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

cyrus

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was clean and comfertable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Errol

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property that is within close proximity (10 mins drive) of the airport with a free airport shuttle. The hotel caters to several of the northern lights tour operators. The hotel rooms are spacious which is great for storing all your extra winter gear. The breakfast options are great and so is the staff service throughout the hotel. There is also a gym with fairly new equipment, meeting rooms and conference rooms. The hotel also offers luggage storage, which can be quite convenient depending on your arrival/departure time. Guests can easily walk from the hotel to nearby stores if you need any groceries/pharmacy supplies. Similarly the Northern Heritage Centre (a museum) is within walking distance to the hotel. Our bathroom was a little dated, but comfortable enough for short trips. All in all, this is a good, reliable hotel with excellent service and I would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service and facilities.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024