Engaging First Impressions

The Tablet Tour in Wildlife Gallery at Natures North in Yellowknife, Canada, offers a fascinating way to connect with Northern wildlife without venturing into the cold. For just $18.68 per person, you get a self-guided, interactive experience that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The experience is perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone interested in Canada’s natural beauty with a hint of artistry and storytelling woven into the visit.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll be given a personal tablet loaded with detailed information, videos, and fun facts about the animals. This is not your typical static display—each specimen is uniquely presented to capture a moment in the animal’s natural life, making it feel like a window into the wild. Second, the storytelling element—animals are displayed in ways that evoke emotions, tell stories, or highlight their playful and awe-inspiring natural behaviors—creating a much richer experience than simple viewing.

One possible consideration is that the tour length varies quite a bit—some visitors may find the full two-hour experience more engaging, while others might prefer a quicker visit. Also, since it’s a self-guided tour, you’ll need to be comfortable exploring at your own pace. This experience suits travelers who enjoy interactive learning, artistic presentations, and nature stories. If you’re looking for a straightforward wildlife gallery, this might be a tad more involved, but if you love stories and technical details, you’ll love it.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families with children, wildlife enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. If you appreciate personalized learning and want to understand the animals in their natural context, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It also works well for travelers seeking a quiet, contemplative activity that’s both educational and visually appealing.

Interactive Experience: The use of a personal tablet enhances engagement with detailed info, videos, and quizzes.
Artistic Display: Each animal is presented uniquely to evoke emotion and tell a story.
Flexible Duration: You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your interest.
Cost-Effective: At under $20, it offers substantial value, especially with the inclusion of educational content.
Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, service animals are allowed, and the tour is designed to be accessible.
Small Group Feel: Limited to 10 travelers, so it maintains a personal, relaxed atmosphere.

While in Yellowknife, here are other experiences we've covered

A Close Look at the Experience

Location and Accessibility

Your journey begins at the Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery, located at 7 Ellesmere Drive in Yellowknife. The gallery’s central position makes it easy to include in a day of exploring the area. Operating during daylight hours from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday, it’s a flexible option, especially during winter months when daylight is limited.

The Tablet and Its Features

Once inside, you’ll be handed a tablet equipped with detailed information about each species—think of it as a mobile wildlife encyclopedia. The content includes fun facts, animal tracks, vocalizations, and videos that bring each creature to life. The text-to-speech function allows you to listen to descriptions while your eyes enjoy the displays, making it accessible and easy to follow.

We loved the way the tablets make the experience more immersive—you can pause at any point to read, listen, or watch, and the quizzes help reinforce what you’ve learned. The fact that most travelers find it suitable to participate indicates the design is straightforward and engaging.

The Display and Storytelling Approach

The artistic aspect of the displays is what truly sets this experience apart. Two renowned taxidermists, Greg and Dean Robertson, have created arrangements that seem to capture a frozen moment in time. Instead of traditional displays, each piece is crafted to evoke emotion or tell a story—a playful fox, a majestic moose, or a wily beaver.

Visitors have noted that some displays “bring out the animal’s playful side,” and others “leave you in awe of their natural beauty.” It’s clear that the goal is to foster a deeper connection with these animals, making the experience memorable and meaningful.

While you're exploring Yellowknife, here are other experiences we've looked into

Educational and Fun Aspects

A standout feature is the inclusion of animal vocalizations and tracks—these sensory elements add richness to the experience. You might find yourself listening to a wolf howl or examining prints to identify species. For children and curious adults alike, the quizzes and interactive content help cement new knowledge in a fun way.

Potential Drawbacks

While many will enjoy the self-paced format, some might find it less engaging if they prefer guided tours with a guide explaining the exhibits. Since the overall experience is interactive but independent, travelers who desire a more social or guided experience may find it less suitable.

Price and Value

At $18.68, this tour offers good value for an educational and artistic experience. It’s particularly appealing because of the personalized content, the artistic craftsmanship, and the flexibility in timing. For families, the interactive quiz and videos keep children engaged, making it a worthwhile addition to your Yellowknife itinerary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in wildlife, art, or Northern Canada, and prefer an activity you can tailor to your own pace, this tour fits well. It’s ideal for travelers who want a calm, educational activity that deepens their understanding of the animals and their natural habitats. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with children, or if you enjoy storytelling through visuals.

Start at the Wildlife Gallery

Your visit begins at 7 Ellesmere Drive, where you’ll be introduced to the collection. The gallery’s layout is designed for self-guided exploration, with exhibits set up for easy viewing and interaction. Since it’s a small group or solo activity, it allows for a relaxed pace, so you can linger over particularly striking displays.

The Tablet Experience

Once you’re equipped with the tablet, you’ll explore each animal at your own speed. The content includes scientific details—such as habits and habitats—and storytelling elements that humanize the animals. You can listen to vocalizations, examine animal tracks, or watch short videos of the animals in action.

The quiz feature adds an element of fun—test your knowledge and reinforce what you’ve seen. This is especially engaging for kids and adds an interactive layer that keeps the experience lively.

The Art and Storytelling Displays

Many of the displays are artists’ interpretations that aim to evoke emotion or tell a story. For example, a scene might depict a playful fox in mid-leap or a majestic moose in its natural habitat. These creative arrangements, crafted by renowned taxidermists, elevate the experience beyond simple observation.

Visitors have noted that such presentations capture a moment in time, making each display more memorable. The overall effect is to bridge the gap between art and science, engaging your senses and intellect simultaneously.

Wrapping Up and Reflection

As your visit concludes, you’ll leave with a greater understanding of the wildlife of the Northwest Territories. The knowledge gained about northern animals in their natural habitat can be shared with family and friends, making this not just a sightseeing stop, but an educational experience.

This tablet-driven wildlife experience in Yellowknife is suited for those seeking a thoughtful, engaging activity away from the hustle. It’s particularly good for families, art lovers, or anyone interested in the stories behind the animals. The cost is reasonable considering the personalized content and the artistic craftsmanship involved.

While it might not satisfy travelers looking for a guided tour or outdoor adventure, it compensates with depth, interactivity, and visual storytelling. If you enjoy combining education with art and storytelling, this experience offers a memorable way to appreciate the natural world of the North.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a guided tour or do I explore on my own?
It’s a self-guided experience using a provided tablet, allowing you to explore at your own pace. There is no guide, but the tablet offers detailed information and multimedia content.

How long does the tour last?
You can spend anywhere from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much time you want to devote to each exhibit and activity.

What is included in the price?
The admission ticket for the Wildlife Gallery and the use of a personal tablet loaded with multimedia content. Headphones are also provided if you want to listen privately.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children will likely enjoy the interactive elements, quizzes, and engaging displays. It’s suitable for most ages and encourages learning about wildlife in a fun way.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted at the gallery, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities.

Can I cancel the tour and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled visit. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

What are the gallery’s opening hours?
The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the specified period, which aligns well with daytime sightseeing.

What’s the main appeal of this tour?
The blend of artistic presentation, storytelling, and interactive learning offers a uniquely personal way to connect with the wildlife of the Northwest Territories—more memorable than static displays.

This Tablet Tour at Natures North Wildlife Gallery offers a thoughtful, artistic, and educational look into Northern wildlife—perfect if you want to deepen your understanding of Canada’s natural beauty without extensive travel or outdoor activities. It’s cost-effective, flexible, and designed to leave you with stories and images that will stick with you long after your visit.