Yellowknifers are gearing up for the Great Ptarmi Hunt this weekend on the Frame Lake trail. As one longtime Yellowknifer put it, ptarmis are pint-sized plush ptarmigans—”Yellowknife’s very own twist on the Easter egg hunt.”
“100 Ptarmis will be hidden along the Framelake Trail from the Pool to the Legislative Assembly,” said organizers.
Organizers ask that participants take one ptarmi per household. It’s the one rule “to keep the spirit of sharing” strong in the city and allow more ptarmi hunting troupes to enjoy the fun.
The ptarmis are tagged with a number that can be dropped off at Signed in Yellowknife for a draw.
Janet Pacey, who owns the local shop said the event has been going on for a few years.
“The Ptarmi Hunt started back in 2020 as a way to give families something safe and joyful to do during the pandemic,” said Pacey.
“It’s become such a fun way to kick off spring and get people outside together,” added Pacey.
This will be the fifth official Ptarmi Hunt, which took a quick pause over 2024.
The annual arctic bird “hunt” is a favorite spring long weekend activity among Yellowknifers.
At last spring’s hunt, Hazel and mom Teya, spotted a new feathered friend unexpectedly on the trail thanks to a bright sun. Sohya and Haku found their flurry fluffy northern friend up in a tree, explained mom Hiro. And that’s no small feat, as the Ptarmis were particularly evasive that year!
The hunt is scheduled to take place this Sunday beginning at 9 a.m on the Frame Lake Trail.
