Back to Search

The City of Yellowknife is advising residents to use caution while on the ice on the various lakes around the city.

The City has received information of a large hole in the ice on Yellowknife Bay between Joliffe Island and Old Town. Ice conditions may be unpredictable and may change significantly from one area to the next, especially because of the milder conditions seen this winter.

Always be careful when traveling on the ice on any lake, especially in a vehicle or on a machine, and keep these tips in mind:

  • Be aware of your surroundings;
  • Travel with a partner;
  • Carry dry clothing and an emergency kit including matches;
  • If travelling in a group (when snowmobiling), spread out when stopped (to spread the weight across the ice sheet);
  • Carry a form of communication to call for help if your break through the ice;
  • Stay off the rivers; flowing water under the ice creates very thin ice even in cold temperatures;
  • Leave a travel plan behind and an expected return date/time;
  • If you are unsure of the ice thickness, drill a test hole or stay off the ice.

Please call 9-1-1 or (867) 873-2222 if you see that someone has fallen through the ice or is in distress.