Survival of the Warmest: Your Ultimate Guide to "Parka Season" in Yellowknife

Dear Guest,

Drumroll, please… It’s time to answer all your burning questions, like:

❄️ What do I wear under my parka?

❄️ What sizes should I order?

❄️ How do I stay warm on the ice while viewing the Aurora Borealis?

❄️ And—most importantly—will I still look cool bundled up in all those layers?

The answer to that last one is a resounding, yes! You’ll look cool, feel warm, and fit right in. While we can’t offer you a heated bubble to walk around in, we provide the same high-quality outdoor gear that we locals proudly sport. 

In Yellowknife, we actually have five seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Parka. Surviving a full winter here is an achievement; we honestly think everyone who does it deserves a participation medal! So since you’re joining us for "Parka Season," here is how to dress like a pro with our winter clothing rentals.

Coyote fur lined hoods really help to keep out that Northern wind.

🧥 The Outer Shell: Your Arctic Armor

In the North, your gear is your best friend. Here’s what you’ll be rocking:

The Parka: The undisputed king of the Yellowknife wardrobe. It’s not just a jacket; it’s a necessity.

Ski Pants: Don't underestimate the comfort of a good pair of snow pants. They are so comfortable I’ve been known to wear them all day long! Just remember to tuck them over your boots otherwise you could end up with a boot-full of snow. Even though I did marvel at snow tea in July, collecting it in your boots might just taste a little funky.

The Boots: Essential for the cold, but critical for the ice. A good grip is the difference between a great day and a sore behind (or worse, a sore head) from an overlooked, unsalted patch of ice.

🧣 The "Secret Weapons" for Extra Warmth

The difference between "freezing" and "freezing-fun" is in the details:

Magic Gloves (Not included): I highly recommend a thin pair of touchscreen-compatible "magic gloves" under your big mitts (included). You don’t want to expose bare skin to the sub-arctic chill every time you want a selfie with those hoar-frosted trees!

Neck warmers and Balaclavas: I’m all for the "free Botox" offered by -35°C temperatures, but in the moment, it doesn't feel worth it. Protect your face! We've got you covered with cozy neck warmers in your winter clothing rental package.

The Toque: A nice thermal toque over your balaclava is the final touch. Wear your own or the one we provide.

Pro Tip: In most indoor spots, you can shed your parka and mitts but stay perfectly comfortable in your ski pants and toque. Of course, that only works if you’re wearing actual clothes under your gear—so Dear Guest, remember to layer up!

🔥 Extra Toasty Touches

For some additional warmth, you can also add hand, feet and toe warmers into your layers and our winter clothing rentals. Essentially little air activated ‘pocket furnaces’ to give you that extra bit of heat while chasing the Northern Lights.

Your very own "pocket furnace".

⚠️ Important Safety Note: Avoid placing the warmers directly onto bare skin. Place hand warmers in between your gloves and mitts. Foot warmers on top of your socks and toe warmers stick to the top of your toes. Although we do have a brand new, state-of-the-art hospital, it’s not a My Backyard Tours recommended visit.

📏 Finding Your Fit

Our Ultimate Winter Clothing Package runs true to size. However, if you plan on layering head-to-toe in thick fleece (which we support!), it’s not a bad idea to size up. 

Don’t worry—if the fit isn’t perfect, My Backyard Tours has you covered. We can always swap sizes to ensure you’re comfortable.

We wish you the coziest, warmest visit to our "deep freezer" backyard. We know you’ll be cozy in our Canada Goose gear, so Dear Guest, happy (Aurora) hunting!

"There is no such thing as cold weather, just inadequate clothing".