Parking in Yellowknife is simple and convenient. The downtown business district offers metered parking spaces, with payment by coin or mobile app. There are 847 street-side parking spaces and 50 surface non-energized spaces at the City 50/50 Parking Lot (50 Street/50 Avenue) for a total of 897 downtown parking spaces.

Residential on-street areas outside downtown are generally free where it is not practicable to park a vehicle off the roadway. Clear signage makes it easy to know where and when you cannot park. The street is public property, and homeowners do not have exclusive rights to parking in front of their homes. To ensure a safe and accessible environment for everyone in our community, drivers are reminded to be respectful of neighbours when parking on streets.

The City has a 72-hour parking restriction for vehicles parked on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours without moving. These vehicles are subject to ticketing or towing. When reported, bylaw officers may mark tires or leave a note, returning after 72 hours to verify the vehicle has not moved.

Pay your Penalty Notice (Parking Ticket)

Downtown Parking Meters

The City provides 1-hour, 2-hour, and 9-hour parking meters.

1 and 2-hour time-limited parking spaces encourage frequent turnover, allowing more vehicles to use the same space throughout the day. This supports local businesses by ensuring that parking spaces in front of commercial establishments remain available for customers rather than being occupied all day by employees or commuters. The 9-hour spaces encourage daily long-term parking for employees and commuters.

Municipal Enforcement Division manages parking violations for on-street parking spaces and the City 50/50 Parking Lot from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Meter Rates

Rates for parking meters are noted in the meter dome, or referenced on the Passport Parking Canada App. Fees are set in By-law 4436, Fees and Charges By-law.

All meters in the City of Yellowknife take dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies, with only 9-hour meters taking nickels.

$0.05-
$0.101 minutes
$0.253 minutes
$1.0012 minutes
$2.0024 minutes
$2.5030 minutes

The Passport Parking Canada App

For convenience and ease when paying for parking meters, download our mobile parking app, Passport Parking Canada.

 Look for "Pay by Phone" decals on parking meters.

Download on iOS Download on Andriod

  • Download the App

    The Passport Parking app is free to download and available for both iOS and Android devices.

  • Set Up Your Account

    Create an account using your credit card (Visa and MasterCard only; debit cards are not accepted).

  • Manage Your Session

    You can view your parking session, receive notifications when your time is about to run out, and extend your parking session if needed. Payment through the App or with coins is an independent payment system.

  • Report a Problem

    If you encounter any problems with the app or parking meters, please contact the Municipal Enforcement Division at (867) 920-5630.

See Map of Parking Meters

Parking Meter Passes

Available at City Hall

9-Hour Meter Pass: $126/month or $1,048/year.

50 St./50 Ave. City Parking Lot Pass: $126/month.

Senior Pass (60+): No Charge (1 pass per household).

Vehicles must be registered to the applicant.

  • Valid at 1 and 2-hour meters for the duration of the meter only.
  • A Senior Parking Pass does not allow all-day parking at 1 and 2-hour meters
  • Commercial Vehicle Certificate: $40/month or $400/year
     
    • Valid at 1 and 2-hour meters for the duration of the meter only.
    • A Commercial Vehicle Certificate does not allow all-day parking at 1 and 2-hour meters.

Disability Parking Placards

Disability parking placards are NOT managed by the City of Yellowknife. They are available through the NWT Disabilities Council. Visit the NWT Disabilities Council Parking Permit page to find out how to apply for a parking placard.