Traditional Ice Fishing with Net Pull and Lunch

If you’re looking for a genuine taste of Northern Canada’s winter traditions, the Traditional Ice Fishing with Net Pull and Lunch tour in Yellowknife offers an engaging and memorable experience. While we haven’t personally braved the icy waters ourselves, this tour promises a window into the ways Indigenous communities have fished for generations—on Great Slave Lake, no less.

What draws many to this outing are two standout features: the chance to participate in a traditional net pulling and the warm, hearty wild fish fry lunch served in a cozy cabin. A third perk is the optional added activities—snowshoeing and a snowmobile sleigh ride—that serve as perfect complements to the day’s main event.

One thing to consider is the lack of on-site washroom facilities; travelers should plan accordingly. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on cultural experiences and don’t mind bundling up for a few hours outside in winter’s crisp air. It’s well suited for curious travelers, families, or anyone eager to connect with local traditions in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Indigenous Fishing: Experience traditional net pulling on Great Slave Lake, gaining insight into local customs.
• Hearty Lunch: Enjoy a freshly cooked fish fry, prepared right on the ice, with side dishes like potato salad and a dinner roll.
• Additional Activities: Snowshoeing and sleigh rides add fun and variety to the afternoon.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.
• Guide Expertise: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with cultural insights and safety tips.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour requires good weather; cancellations are possible but come with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Getting Started: The tour begins at the Chateau Nova hotel in Yellowknife, with pickup available for convenience. We appreciate the early start—set for 10:00 am—which allows plenty of daylight for the activities ahead.

The Ice Fishing: The highlight is participating in traditional net pulling on Great Slave Lake. This isn’t just about catching fish—though, of course, that’s part of the fun—but about understanding how the Indigenous people of Canada have fished in these waters for centuries. The experience involves pulling up nets that are set beneath the ice, a process that’s both physically engaging and culturally significant.

The Lunch: After the fishing, everyone heads to a warm cabin on Kam Lake for a fish fry featuring wild-caught fish. The fresh fish, cooked right on the ice, emphasizes the authenticity of the experience. The meal includes potato salad and a dinner roll, simple but satisfying comfort foods that give you fuel for the day’s adventures. Reviewers have appreciated the delicious, freshly prepared fish and the relaxed atmosphere of sharing a meal in the cold outdoors while staying warm inside.

Additional Activities: Post-lunch, guests can try snowshoeing with provided gear—a great way to enjoy the snowy landscape and get some exercise. Alternatively, a snowmobile pulled sleigh ride offers a thrilling yet traditional way to see the frozen scenery, adding a dash of excitement for those who want a bit more adrenaline.

End of Tour: The excursion wraps up around 1:30 pm, with transportation back to the hotel. The small group setting fosters a friendly, more personalized vibe, with guides sharing insights about local wildlife, the environment, and cultural history.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just under $70 per person, this experience packs in a surprising amount of value. You’re not just paying for a quick fishing trip; you’re engaging directly with a cultural tradition, learning about the Indigenous way of life, and enjoying a locally sourced meal. The inclusion of guides helps deepen your understanding of the activity, making the experience more meaningful.

The price also covers transportation, which can be a hassle in icy conditions, and the hot beverages available during the day help keep everyone comfortable. Since the tour is limited to 12 travelers, it remains intimate, avoiding the crowded feel of larger excursions and allowing for more personalized attention.

Cautionary notes include the fact that there are no washroom facilities on-site, so plan accordingly—this is a rugged, outdoor activity in true northern style. Also, the tour’s success depends on favorable weather conditions, typical of winter adventures in the North. If poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which provides some peace of mind.

What Travelers Say and Why It Matters

While there are no formal reviews posted yet, the tour’s emphasis on knowledgeable guides suggests a high-quality experience. Guides who can share cultural insights make the outing more than just a fishing trip—they turn it into an educational adventure.

Many travelers who seek authentic experiences will find this outing rewarding. The chance to learn traditional Inuit fishing techniques and enjoy a warm, communal meal on the ice resonates with those looking for more than just sightseeing. Plus, the optional activities—snowshoeing and sled rides—offer a well-rounded day full of winter fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and families wanting a hands-on look at local traditions. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy small-group tours and value expert guides. Those expecting modern amenities like on-site washrooms should be aware of the outdoor nature of the activity.

It’s best suited for anyone comfortable outdoors in winter, prepared for cold temperatures, and eager to learn about the indigenous fishing heritage of the region. If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic experience that mixes outdoor fun with cultural education, this tour fits the bill.

The Sum Up: Worth the Cold Days

This ice fishing tour offers more than just the chance to catch fish—it provides insight into a vital part of the Indigenous way of life in Northern Canada. For about $70, you get a hands-on cultural activity, a delicious wild fish lunch, and additional winter activities like snowshoeing or a sleigh ride—making it an excellent value for curious travelers.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides help ensure you feel safe, informed, and engaged throughout the experience. While the outdoor setup and weather reliance are factors to consider, these are typical for Arctic adventures and part of their charm.

If you’re eager to see a different side of Yellowknife and connect with local traditions, this tour offers a memorable, authentic, and fun-filled day that will leave you with stories to tell long after the snow melts.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from hotels in Yellowknife is offered, making it easy to start your adventure without extra fuss.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers—think thermal underwear, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves. The tour takes place outdoors on the ice, so staying warm is key.

Are there any washroom facilities on site?
No, there are no washrooms at the fishing site, so plan ahead before the trip begins.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and ending around 1:30 pm.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to fish?
Absolutely. The net pulling is straightforward and guided; no prior experience is necessary. Guides are there to assist and share their knowledge.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; families with children who enjoy outdoor winter activities should find it an engaging experience. Just keep in mind the outdoor nature and cold temperatures.

Whether you’re craving a unique cultural activity or simply want to experience the Arctic winter in a genuine way, this ice fishing tour offers an engaging blend of tradition, fun, and hearty local cuisine—an experience worth bundling up for.