YkOnline Podcast

YKQT 16: Merv Hardie Ferry

KyleWith — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:15:15 +0000

Yk Quick Tips is your guide to Yellowknife, NT. Whether you are moving to the city, just visiting or live here, we can offer information about all the best things. The show will contain info about what to do while visiting, things to know about moving to the City and everything else interesting about the Knife .

Time to head across the Mighty MacKenzie River

Whether you are coming or going, or live here or are just visiting, if you drive between May and December you will probably cross the MacKenzie River on the Merv Hardie Ferry. The Ferry is located just outside the community of Fort Providence and operates daily. The first trip across is at 6am the last for the day normally around 12pm sometime.

Most of the time it is smooth sailing, but you do get the occasional bump which may cause some delay. Things like low water levels, ice blockage or just mechanical issue with the ferry can put it out of commission with little to no notice. Best way to keep informed is to check the Department of Transportation website before heading out on the highway.

In this episode I talk about things to be aware of when it come to freeze-up and spring-thaw and how Yellowknife isn’t affected as much as it once was. I go more into depth on the ferry operations and a bit about the Deh Cho Bridge.

All that and more information you’ll want to hear in episode 16 of Yk Quick Tips. Remember to SUBSCRIBE via iTunes and send in your Yellowknife related questions to info@ykonline.ca

YKQT 15: Where to Rent a Canoe or Kayak

KyleWith — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:02:43 +0000

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Where do you rent a Canoe or Kayak in Yellowknife?

I have seen the question come up a few times this summer, most recently earlier this week. Where can someone rent a canoe or kayak in Yellowknife?

Well, there are two different places, that I know of. Both are locally owned and operated and I trust both equally. Ironically the price to rent from both places is the same, so in my opinion it doesn’t matter which one you go to. The only deciding factor might be who has what available.

The first is Narwal Adventures, they are located down on back bay and you could easily launch into the water right from their front yard. The second place is Overlander Sports and they are considered the all-in-one sports shop for Yellowknife. They provider equipment for almost every sport out there. They are located in downtown Yellowknife and have been in business for over 25 years, all 25 owned and operated by the same people.

Like I mentioned in the show, Yellowknife is surrounded by many lakes perfect for taking a paddle, but be safe. There are also some routes for the more adventurous ones. According to websites, canoe and kayak rentals start at $45/day and go up from there to 7 day for $200.

All that and more information you’ll want to hear in episode 15 of Yk Quick Tips. Remember to subscribe via iTunes and send in your Yellowknife related question to info@ykonline.ca

YKQT 14: Old Town & Wildcat Cafe

KyleWith — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:01:46 +0000

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Take stroll down the hill and explore the history of Yellowknife.

Follow me, KyleWith, as we explore Old Town and its history in this episode. I share what I think makes Old Town so unique and interesting, some of the places you should check out and what Old Town was like back when it wasn’t Old Town.

Also, I go into more depth about Yellowknife’s oldest restaurant, the Wildcat Cafe. When it was built, who built it, the history of the building and what they serve today.

Really good episode filled with a lot of good content. Take a listen, leave a comment. Remember, if you have any questions about Yellowknife send them to info@ykonline.ca

YKQT 13: Ingraham Trail

KyleWith — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:01:46 +0000

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Take a Sunday afternoon drive up the Ingraham Trail and explore Yellowknife’s backyard

This episode of Yk Quick Tips is about Highway 4, or better known as the Ingraham Trail. It leads west of Yellowknife and in the winter is the beginning of the now famous Ice Road. There are many stories I have heard over the years about why the highway was originally built, but never the less it ends at Tibbett Lake. In between Yellowknife and Tibbett Lake, though, is an outdoors enthusiasts dream. There are lakes to no end, many with boat launches and day use areas. On top of that there is even two campground spread out on the highway for those looking for a weekend adventures.

Find out this and more on Episode 13 of Yk Quick Tips. Make sure you show your support and subscribe to this show on iTunes. If you have any Yellowknife related questions send them to info @ ykonline .ca.

If you have anything to add, please do some in the comments.

YKQT 12: Wear a Life Jacket

KyleWith — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:01:09 +0000

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I don’t understand why people don’t wear life jackets, it is so simple.

There have been two boating related deaths this year in the Northwest Territories and both could have been prevented by simply wearing a life jack. I few weeks back I was out boating on Great Slave Lake and saw one boat after another with people who were not wearing life jackets. I couldn’t believe the kinds of things I was seeing. Situations where a father was taking his kids boating, he made sure they all had life jackets, but he didn’t. My thought then is, when will your kids do as they are floating in the water after you’ve drowned?

I was brought up to wear a life jack when out on the water. Nowadays I’m old enough to think for myself and I still do wear one. I have heard to many horror stories over the years to not wear one. You never know what might happen while your out on the water.

I urge everyone to listen to this episode of Yk Quick Tips as I explorer why I feel we should all be wearing life jacks. Make sure you subscribe to this show on iTunes and send your Yellowknife related questions into info@ykonline.ca

YKQT 11: Sombe K’e Civic Plaza

KyleWith — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:01:24 +0000

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Have you been to the Sombe K’e Civic Plaza yet?

The plaza is a newer addition to Yellowknife’s downtown core. It is located where the Gerry Murphy Arena and city parking lot use to be, in front of City Hall on Memorial Drive (49th). The space is big and open on the shore of Frame Lake. An amphitheater is situated at the lowest point on the shoreline with several different levels of green grass from there. Few trees scatter the area, with flowers for added appeal. Enjoying your lunch has become a hit at the new plaza, with picnic tables, benches and ledges throughout the site.

This spot has also become popular for event, such as Caribou Carnival, Raven Mad Daze, Aboriginal Day and Canada Day. It provides a big open space for tent, vendors, and entertainment.

Listen to episode 11 of Yk Quick Tips to hear more about the Sombe K’e Civic Plaza.

If you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to this show on iTunes so you can listen to it on the go. Also, one of my favourite things to do is answer your Yellowknife related questions, so send them in to info@ykonline.ca and maybe they’ll get on the show.

Interview with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald

KyleWith — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:23:08 +0000

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I had the pleasure to speak with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald before he travels to Yellowknife for the 30th Folk on the Rocks. Listen to the full interview using the player above or click the link to download it.

My first impression of MBF when talking to him was that he is a very genuine person. He was about as thankful to be doing the interview with me, as I was doing it with him.

He spent all of April touring Canada playing shows and then went solo in May for a road trip. He said the idea behind heading into the US on a solo road trip was to help with some creativity and to just have some fun.

He started playing acoustic guitar in 2005 and it took off from there. Having started writing songs in Junior High, he gets his inspiration from music like Motown, choral arrangements and choirs. He says he likes the simplicity of acoustic guitar, but also enjoys the big band sound.

MBF committed to his music full-time only two years ago, but also mentions that there was never a defining point whether or not to do it. He says he always knew he wanted to make music and as he did the momentum and support grew.

Having organized several shows around Alberta, with an almost sold out show of 1600 with 120 different people on stage, he is not afraid to push the envelope and push himself to the limit. He did tell me, that if I find the plane, he would make the calls to get all those people up to Yellowknife. He says he enjoys those types of challenges, doing things that are original and not seen often.

To wrap up the conversation I asked him if he would be treating us to any news songs that will be on his new album, which is set to be released in 2010, this weekend at Folk on the Rocks. He told me you never know, but at the moment says he is still working on them and making sure they are just right. In his words he is letting them simmer for the time being.

To get the full extent of the interview listen to it above. Make sure you check out Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s music on iTunes and his website, iLoveMBF.com. Follow him on Twitter @iLoveMBF and on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Christopher Troy

YKQT 10: Mosquito Protection

KyleWith — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:02:43 +0000

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Those mosquitoes we have here in the north maybe too much for some to handle.

One of the most common comments I receive from travelers from the south is how they can’t believe the size of the mosquitoes. I personally don’t think they are all that big, I think the south just has very tiny mosquitoes.

We are all affected by these little pests differently, and I discuss in this episode about some of my solutions. I don’t go as far as telling you to rub mud on your arms, but carrying around a pocket-size container of Off! might help.

I for one, do not like bug spray, it is sticky and gross and I don’t want any part of it. I know I missed much in this episode, so add your knowledge of how to deal of mosquitoes in the comment section. Everyone has their own way of keeping the bug away, please share.

If you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to this show on iTunes so you can listen to it on the go. Also, one of my favourite things to do is answer your Yellowknife related questions, so send them in to info@ykonline.ca and maybe they’ll get on the show.

YKQT 09 – Raven Mad Daze

KyleWith — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:02:40 +0000

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Raven Mad Daze is the topic of Episode 9 of Yk Quick Tips. I talk about some general info about this event.

Raven Mad Daze is an event that has been around for many years. It happens over the solstice weekend in celebration of the 20 hours of Sun Light Yellowknife gets.

Brief History

Raven Mad Daze use to take place on Franklin Ave, the main street would be blocked off from the Department of Transportation Building up to the NorthwesTel Building. The event would start a 6pm in the evening and run until 12 midnight. Throughout the street there would be games for kids of all ages, like a tunnel maze, and sumo wrestling. Food vendors would be scattered around the street offering traditional international cuisine as well as popular American food. One of my favourites was Elephant Ears (or beaver tails), it was dough, deep-fried in oil and then smothered in sugar and cinnamon. Local entertainment would be setup on trailers a couple blocks a part, while often there was a motorcycle and car show happening around Harley’s Hard Rock. Fundraisers like the head shave for cancer were also popular at the event. One of the more famous things about Raven Mad Daze, whether good or bad, was the shaving cream pit. A fire hydrant would be cracked opened and shaving cream would go everywhere, including on the majority of teenagers in attendance.

Today’s Daze

After dying off for a few years, Raven Mad Daze was resurrected in 2010, thanks to Rick Poltaruk, James Boraski and their crew. If you remember, they are also responsible for bring back Caribou Carnival. The event is now held in Civic Plaza in front of City Hall. The event featured live entertainment, games, food and more. To see everything that was at Raven Mad Dazes 2.0 check out our coverage post.

Learn more about Raven Mad Daze past and present in Episode 9. Make sure you subscribe via iTunes. If you have any question about Folk on the Rocks or anything, email YkOnline – info@ykonline.ca

YKQT 08 – Folk on the Rocks

KyleWith — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:01:41 +0000

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Folk on the Rocks is the topic of episode 8 of Yk Quick Tips. I talk about some general info about this festival.

If you don’t know by now, Folk on the Rocks, is Yellowknife’s biggest Folk Festival. It was started 30 years ago on the shore of Frame Lake and then moved to the shore of Long Lake, where it remains today.

It now has its own properly, still on the shore of Long Lake, just off Highway 3, past the Airport. With in the festival grounds there are 6 stages in total. One main stage, a right and left stage, the beer garden stage, a culture and children’s stage. The Festival is normally over a weekend in July and features over 24 hours of music and entertainment.

When Folk on the Rocks is on, the town becomes alive. There is so much energy just bursting through the streets. Along with what happens at the main site, local bars have pre-shows. Musicians from all across Canada come to play at Folk on the Rocks. Past artist include Tegan & Sara, Sam Roberts and Leila Gilday.

Learn more about Folk on the Rocks in Ep. 8. If you have any question about Folk on the Rocks or anything, email YkOnline – info@ykonline.ca