Yellowknife is built on permafrost, but there is nothing cold about the welcome awaiting visitors who come to enjoy log buildings, luxury hotels, caribou steaks, caviar, and dog sled teams. This thriving city is the gateway used by those planning to explore other points in the Northwest Territories and the adjacent territory of Nunavut, and is the kicking-off point for a variety of extreme adventure tours and unique vacations in the heart of the northern wilderness. The city is on the north shore of Great Slave Lake and offers its own attractions like boating, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, canoeing and walking tours. A popular attraction is the quaint Old Town section with its watery views, historic buildings and the Wildcat Café where local and visiting musicians entertain with jam sessions. In winter (September to April) the sky remains dark most of the day and the spectacular Northern Lights can be seen. A good vantage point is from the top of the Bush Pilot's Monument in Old Town, six storeys high with a 360 degree view.