Parking in Yellowknife: Rates, Free Options & Airport Parking
Parking in Yellowknife can be simple with a little planning. For example, short downtown trips often suit one-hour or two-hour meters.
However, longer visits need another option. Therefore, this guide explains rates, free parking, permits, airport lots and winter rules.
Quick Answer: Best Parking in Yellowknife
For a short downtown visit, start with a one-hour or two-hour meter. However, check the time limit before paying.
For a longer stay, choose a nine-hour meter. As a result, you can pay a lower hourly rate.
Regular downtown drivers can also compare monthly permits. Meanwhile, airport visitors should use the official airport lots.
Short Visit
Use a short meter for shopping or quick appointments.
Longer Visit
Instead, choose a nine-hour meter for several hours.
Free Option
Some legal residential streets outside downtown are free.
Airport Stay
Use Lot A or Lot B for airport parking.
Yellowknife Parking Rates in 2026
The City changed meter rates on May 1, 2026. Therefore, older price guides may now be wrong.
One-Hour and Two-Hour Meters
Short meters work out to about $5 per hour. However, each coin buys a set amount of time.
| Coin | Parking Time |
|---|---|
| $0.10 | 1 minute |
| $0.25 | 3 minutes |
| $1.00 | 12 minutes |
| $2.00 | 24 minutes |
| $2.50 | 30 minutes |
Nine-Hour Meters
Nine-hour meters cost less per hour. Therefore, they work better for longer visits.
| Coin | Parking Time |
|---|---|
| $0.05 | 2 minutes |
| $0.10 | 4 minutes |
| $0.25 | 10 minutes |
| $1.00 | 40 minutes |
| $2.00 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Accepted Coins
City meters accept dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies. In addition, nine-hour meters accept nickels.
However, short meters do not accept nickels. Therefore, check your coins before leaving the car.
Yellowknife Parking Enforcement Hours
The City enforces meter rules from Monday to Friday. Enforcement runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
However, other parking rules may still apply later. For example, fire routes remain restricted.
Check Nearby Signs
Temporary signs can change the normal rule. Therefore, always read the signs around your space.
Also, check what the rule will be when you return. This simple habit can prevent a ticket.
Free Parking in Yellowknife
Free parking does exist in Yellowknife. However, most free options sit outside the busy downtown core.
Residential Streets
Some residential streets outside downtown allow free parking. Therefore, they can help with longer visits.
Still, you must park legally. Also, do not block driveways or signed areas.
72-Hour Rule
A vehicle cannot stay unmoved on a public street for more than 72 hours. Therefore, free parking is not unlimited parking.
How to Pay for Parking in Yellowknife
You can pay many City meters with coins. In addition, supported meters use Passport Parking Canada.
Pay by Phone
First, confirm the parking time limit.
Next, find the zone and space number.
Then, open Passport Parking Canada.
After that, confirm your licence plate.
However, stay within the posted limit.
Finally, check that the parking session started.
Check the Session
Before you walk away, check the expiry time. Also, save a screenshot if possible.
However, extra payment does not remove the time limit. Therefore, move the vehicle when required.
Monthly Parking Permits
Regular drivers can save time with a permit. However, each option has its own rules.
Nine-Hour Meter Pass
The monthly price is currently $126. Alternatively, the annual price is $1,048.
50/50 Parking Lot
The City also charges $126 per month for this lot. However, the lot does not provide power.
Therefore, some winter drivers may prefer another option.
Commercial Parking
Eligible commercial vehicles can apply for a monthly certificate. However, short-meter time limits still apply.
Winter Parking in Yellowknife
Winter can change the best parking choice. For example, some vehicles need an energized stall.
In addition, snow work can close normal spaces. Therefore, check temporary signs every time.
Check for Power
The City 50/50 Lot does not provide energized stalls. However, Yellowknife Airport Lot B does.
Watch for Snow Removal
The City may post temporary parking restrictions. As a result, a normal space can become unavailable.
Allow Extra Time
Snow and ice can slow your walk back. Therefore, add a few extra minutes to your plan.
Winter Checklist
- Check power needs.
- Read snow signs.
- Allow extra walking time.
- Keep a scraper in the car.
- Save your parking location.
Yellowknife Airport Parking
The airport uses separate parking rates. Therefore, downtown meter prices do not apply.
Lot A
Lot A sits close to the terminal. However, it does not provide energized stalls.
The current rate starts at $2 per hour. The daily maximum is $20.
In addition, the weekly rate is $85. The monthly rate is $245.
Lot B
Lot B provides energized stalls. Therefore, it may suit longer winter trips.
The current daily rate is $12. Meanwhile, the weekly rate is $80.
For longer stays, the monthly rate is $190.
| Lot | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot A | $20 max | $85 | $245 | No |
| Lot B | $12 | $80 | $190 | Yes |
Airport Payment
Lot A users take a ticket when they enter. Then, they can pay before leaving.
The terminal machine accepts several payment types. Meanwhile, the exit also supports card payment.
Yellowknife Parking Tickets
If you get a ticket, check the issue date first. Therefore, you can avoid missing a deadline.
Pay Early
The City offers an early-payment period. However, the exact amount appears on your notice.
Therefore, read the ticket before paying.
Request a Review
You can request a review if you think the ticket is wrong. However, you must follow the City deadline.
First, gather the ticket details. Next, add any useful photos or payment proof.
Common Parking Mistakes
Using the Wrong Meter
First, check whether the meter suits your visit length.
Ignoring the Time Limit
However, paying more does not always extend the legal stay.
Missing Snow Signs
Therefore, check temporary signs during winter.
Blocking Access
Also, keep driveways and emergency routes clear.
Forgetting App Details
Next, confirm the correct plate and parking zone.
Leaving Too Long
Finally, remember the 72-hour public street rule.
Simple Parking Plan
Start by deciding how long you will stay. Then, choose the parking type.
Next, read the signs before paying. Also, check for temporary restrictions.
Finally, save your payment proof. As a result, you will have useful details if a problem appears.
Yellowknife Parking Map
Use the map to plan your route. However, the map cannot show every temporary restriction.
Therefore, always follow the sign beside the actual space.
Official Parking Sources
Parking rules can change. Therefore, use the official pages below before an important trip.
City of Yellowknife Parking City Parking Permits Parking Ticket Information Parking Ticket Review Yellowknife Airport ParkingYellowknife Parking FAQs
1. How much does downtown parking cost?
Short meters work out to about $5 per hour. Meanwhile, nine-hour meters cost about $1.50 per hour.
2. Is there free parking in Yellowknife?
Yes. Some residential streets outside downtown allow free parking. However, signs and the 72-hour rule still apply.
3. When does the City enforce meters?
The City enforces meters on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, other rules can apply later.
4. Which parking app does Yellowknife use?
The City supports Passport Parking Canada. Therefore, check the meter decal before starting a session.
5. Where should I park for several hours?
Use a nine-hour meter when possible. As a result, you pay a lower hourly rate.
6. Can I park overnight on the street?
Some streets allow overnight parking. However, the 72-hour rule still applies.
7. Is the 50/50 Lot energized?
No. Therefore, drivers who need power should check another option.
8. How much is Yellowknife Airport parking?
Lot A costs up to $20 per day. Meanwhile, Lot B currently costs $12 per day.
9. What should I do with a parking ticket?
First, check the ticket date. Then, pay through the City or request a review before the deadline.
10. How can I avoid a parking ticket?
Read the signs, check the time limit and save payment proof. Also, watch for temporary winter restrictions.