Business Details
Your Arctic Adventure Starts Here | The Explorer Hotel
Since 1960, The Explorer Hotel has been Yellowknife's premier destination for travelers seeking comfort and adventure in Canada's North. Our 102 spacious suites feature modern amenities including refrigerators, microwaves, and panoramic forest views. Guests enjoy Northern Canadian cuisine at Trader's Grill and casual drinks at Trapline Lounge, both offering warm hospitality and wilderness ambiance. As a family-owned establishment, we prioritize personalized service through our 24-hour front desk and dedicated staff.Our conference facilities accommodate events from intimate weddings to corporate gatherings, while our Adventure Desk connects guests with Aurora Borealis viewing opportunities and outdoor excursions. Committed to safety and quality, we maintain WTTC Safe Travels certification and offer virtual property tours for pre-visit planning. With convenient proximity to downtown attractions and Yellowknife Airport, we provide seamless access to Arctic experiences while ensuring comfortable retreats after each day's adventure.
Services
Accommodations
Group Travel
Dining
Weddings
Venues
Adventures
Aurora Borealis
Outdoor Adventures
Attractions
Area Events
Highlights and features
- We offer year-round Arctic adventure packages with Aurora Borealis viewing
- Our 24/7 front desk provides personalized Northern hospitality
- We feature Northern Canadian cuisine with wilderness views at Trader's Grill
- We maintain WTTC Safe Travels certification for guest safety
- Our conference facilities host weddings and corporate events up to 200 guests
Associations and certifications
- Safe Travels Stamp
What people say
Great food
Wonderful staff
Spacious rooms
Helpful staff
Excellent views
Services
Accommodations
Our 102 spacious suites feature modern amenities including refrigerators, microwaves, and panoramic forest views. Each room offers comfortable bedding, complimentary WiFi, and Northern wilderness ambiance. Guests enjoy 24/7 room service and Aurora Borealis wake-up calls during winter months.
Trader's Grill
Experience Northern Canadian cuisine with locally inspired dishes and wilderness views. Our restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring regional specialties in a warm, fire-side ambiance with attentive service.
Weddings
Host intimate ceremonies or large celebrations up to 200 guests in our versatile venues. Our dedicated Events Team provides customized catering, floral arrangements, and seamless coordination for weddings and special occasions.
Aurora Borealis
Prime viewing location with unobstructed northern horizons and complimentary Aurora alerts. Guests receive photography tips and guided viewing recommendations from experienced staff during peak winter seasons.
Outdoor Adventures
Curated Arctic experiences including dog sledding, ice fishing, and Midnight Sun excursions. Our Adventure Desk connects guests with certified local guides for personalized wilderness exploration and transportation arrangements.
Questions
What amenities are included in your rooms?
All suites include refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and wilderness views. Complimentary WiFi, 24/7 room service, and Aurora Borealis wake-up calls available.
Do you offer airport transportation?
We provide Yellowknife Airport shuttle service through partner providers. Contact our reservations team to arrange transfers before arrival.
Can I view the Northern Lights from the hotel?
Our property offers prime Aurora Borealis viewing with unobstructed northern horizons. Guests receive complimentary Aurora alerts and photography tips from staff.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
We accommodate service animals and offer pet-friendly rooms with advance notice. Additional fees apply for non-service animals.
Do you have event planning services?
Our dedicated Events Team coordinates weddings, conferences, and social gatherings from 10 to 200 guests with customized catering and venue setups.
Reviews (4)
Jeff Scott
Dec 12, 2021
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Nice room. Great view from the 8th floor. Comfy bed. Pretty good restaurant on site. Easy walking distance to other businesses and offices. Close to the airport and has a good shuttle from the hotel.
Jordan Pearcey
Nov 19, 2021
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Nice hotel in Yellowknife with an airport shuttle and central location. Just wish they had a late menu in their restaurant, or that someone would answer the in room dining phone in the morning. Those with a late arrival and an AM flight the next day will want to plan meals accordingly.
Brad Thorn
Nov 03, 2021
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Horrible experience will not return
My wife, myself and 2 dogs stayed here for 4 days. Here are my observations:
1. Reserved a large room with a King size bed, and was told that due to incompetent staff, we were not able to get that room. Only double Queen beds are in pet friendly rooms, not King size beds.
1a. There was zero compensation for this error, even though this reservation was made weeks in advance.
2. The hotel's front door was being repaired. Guests had to use another entrance that has stairs (no ramp)and manual doors. Guests should have been forewarned via email.
3. The room
My wife, myself and 2 dogs stayed here for 4 days. Here are my observations:
1. Reserved a large room with a King size bed, and was told that due to incompetent staff, we were not able to get that room. Only double Queen beds are in pet friendly rooms, not King size beds.
1a. There was zero compensation for this error, even though this reservation was made weeks in advance.
2. The hotel's front door was being repaired. Guests had to use another entrance that has stairs (no ramp)and manual doors. Guests should have been forewarned via email.
3. The room
Jason Reid
Aug 28, 2021
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Easy check in. Staffs fantastic, answered all questions. Shuttle provided to and from airport. Great food at both the restaurant and the lounge. Comfy beds. Clean room. Great spot for the night