Spring has officially landed in Yellowknife—and so have the Ptarmis!
A beloved community tradition is making its grand return this Easter weekend: The Great Ptarmi Hunt is swooping back into action on Sunday, April 20 at 9:00 a.m. along the scenic Frame Lake Trail. From the pool to the Legislative Assembly, families can expect fun, fresh air, and a flurry of fluffy northern magic.
What’s a Ptarmi, you ask? It’s a pint-sized plush ptarmigan—Yellowknife’s very own twist on the Easter egg hunt. These adorable arctic critters are tucked away along the trail, just waiting to be found.
The only rule? One Ptarmi per household—to keep the spirit of sharing alive and ensure more families can join in on the fun!
Each cuddly bird comes tagged with a number, and lucky hunters can enter their tag into a draw for the coveted Giant Ptarmi by dropping it off at Signed—the quirky, community-minded shop behind the whole event—by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
“The Ptarmi Hunt started back in 2020 as a way to give families something safe and joyful to do during the pandemic,” said Janet Pacey, owner of Signed and event organizer. “It’s become such a fun way to kick off spring and get people outside together.”
The excitement has clearly stuck with the community. Kory, a participant from last year, shared: “It’s a fun activity for families and kids to participate in. You can really feel the excitement—it’s something people look forward to.”
This marks the fourth official Ptarmi Hunt, back after a brief break in 2024. And with sunshine on the horizon and snow still underfoot, there’s no better time to lace up your boots, grab the kids, and hit the trail.
Whether you’re a Ptarmi pro or a first-time hunter, one thing’s for sure: Yellowknife’s springtime wouldn’t be the same without it.
Happy Hunting!
