The Wildcat Café is one of the most famous historic buildings in Old Town and is the oldest restaurant in Yellowknife.
Built in 1937 by Willy Wylie and Smokey Stout. It was a hot spot for miners, bush pilots and Indigenous trappers and their dog teams in its early years.
During the early gold-mining days, a full meal reportedly cost $1.
Today, the City actually owns the building and hires different chefs every two years to operate it.
It opens during the summer months (roughly May to Labour Day) and caters to local taste buds, pulling on Northern-inspired dishes, ingredients and aptitude.
Over the years, this has also become a hot spot for tourists to overlook Yellowknife Bay, soak up the sun and enjoy a cold one, while reminiscing about the past, and the ones who have explored Yellowknife before them.
Its importance as one of Yellowknife’s best examples of living heritage was officially recognized in 1992 when City Council designated it as a Heritage Site.
*Hours of Operation Coming Soon*
Chefs Corner
“The focus of my culinary style has always showcased northern foods. This lends well to the preservation of local heritage, exploring the
foods and flavours that people have always loved in Yellowknife. It is also a great tourism opportunity, as visitors are constantly seeking
new, exciting, authentic northern experiences. Wherever possible, I plan to use local vendors for suppliers, such as; bread, foraged
items, birch syrup, ice cream, local roasted coffee, fresh fish and berries. I hope this will create cross-promotion for many local
businesses.
The menu will be a combination of northern features and historical throwbacks.
I plan to adapt certain classic menu items from some of the original menus, such as biscuits and gravy, and breaded pork chops with applesauce.
Northern flare will include items such as seal sausage rolls, smoked fish croquettes, and ling cod spaghetti. The food will be both comforting and accessible, an exploration of the exceptional flavours found in our community.
A casual and fun summer cafe experience with a taste of innovation.”
Be the Next Wildcat Operator
The operator may use any or all equipment, utensils, dishes and cookware. The City and the operator will do an inventory check at the beginning and at the end of the season.
The operator will pay for or replace any lost or damaged inventory. The operator may buy and install new equipment, at their own cost, that they think is necessary for the operation of the Café, with prior consent of the City. No permanent modifications to the facility can be made.
