Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
pebble
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
pebble
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Frequently asked questions
Back Bay Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity high, average temperature +15.0°C, warms up to +17.8°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Back Bay Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Back Bay Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — pebble. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals.
Back Bay Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — pebble. Sand colour — grey. Texture — gravel. Beach length — 300 metres.
Back Bay Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in July, August. It ends in August. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Back Bay Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Back Bay Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Bears (black), Wolves, Mosquitoes, Sandflies. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Back Bay Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Back Bay Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Back Bay Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Bullock's Bistro, The Wildcat Cafe, Trader's Grill. Cuisines available: Canadian, International. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Back Bay Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Mosquito repellent.
Back Bay Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is July and August when the water is warmest. The beach is popular for kayaking and midnight sun watching.
Back Bay Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering is prohibited. Swimming in unequipped areas is not recommended. Children should not put mud or sediments in their mouths.
Back Bay Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Back Bay Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Suitable for kayaking, canoeing and midnight sun watching. Not suitable for families with small children and lovers of comfort.
Back Bay Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is located in the sheltered Back Bay, where you can watch houseboats and float planes. In summer you can swim under the midnight sun. Nearby is the historic Back Bay Cemetery — the resting place of Yellowknife-s early settlers.
Back Bay Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Scenic sheltered bay, Calm water, Excellent kayaking and canoeing spot, Houseboat watching, Midnight sun in summer, Quiet atmosphere. Cons: Pebble beach, No infrastructure, No toilets or cafes, No lifeguards, Short swimming season.
Back Bay Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Old Town Yellowknife, Great Slave Lake, Midnight Sun. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Back Bay Beach: how do I get to the city of Yellowknife?
The beach is located near the city of Yellowknife. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Yellowknife.