Old Town Glassworks
Create unique souvenirs from recycled glass bottles in this worker cooperative, championing sustainability and local art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Old Town Glassworks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Create unique souvenirs from recycled glass bottles in this worker cooperative, championing sustainability and local art.
"A fabulous souvenir to take home and spend a lovely afternoon creating. Cheers!"
🎨 Design Your Masterpiece
Mix and match stencils for a truly custom piece. Matthew guides you through the process! :iphone:
✨ Consider a Second Item
The first item is included, but a second etched piece is highly recommended for $25! :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glass Etching Workshop
Main Studio
Create your own unique souvenir by etching designs onto glassware. A fun, creative, and educational experience.
Recycled Glassware Collection
Showroom
Discover stunning glassware crafted from repurposed bottles, showcasing art and function.
Bike Repair & Upcycling
Adjacent Workshop
See ingenious upcycled bike parts and learn about their sustainable bike repair services.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Rethink' Philosophy
Book Your Workshop in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Design Your Masterpiece
Mix and match stencils for a truly custom piece. Matthew guides you through the process! :iphone:
✨ Consider a Second Item
The first item is included, but a second etched piece is highly recommended for $25! :moneybag:
🚲 Explore the Bike Shop
Don't miss the fascinating upcycled bike parts and repair services. :mountain_biking:
🎁 Perfect Souvenir
Create a unique, personalized memento of your Yellowknife trip. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Design Your Masterpiece
Mix and match stencils for a truly custom piece. Matthew guides you through the process! :iphone:
✨ Consider a Second Item
The first item is included, but a second etched piece is highly recommended for $25! :moneybag:
🚲 Explore the Bike Shop
Don't miss the fascinating upcycled bike parts and repair services. :mountain_biking:
🎁 Perfect Souvenir
Create a unique, personalized memento of your Yellowknife trip. :gift:
🗣️ Chat with Matthew
He's a wealth of knowledge on Yellowknife history and sustainable practices. :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Town Glassworks for its unique approach to art and sustainability. The glass etching workshop is a standout experience, with many highlighting Matthew's engaging personality and wealth of local knowledge. While some stories can be lengthy, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests leaving with beautiful, personalized souvenirs and a deeper appreciation for upcycling.
"Heard great things about it and wow what a lovely experience! Matthew is enthusiastic and engaging and is really hoping to get across the work of his 4 Rs instead with RETHINK being the key 4th! His stories of rethinking older “junk” and making it into a useful product is inspiring. He has many fun antidotes of his time in Old Town.
We had a fabulous souvenir to take home and spend a lovely afternoon creating. Matthew is patient and you can buy more than one item if you like! Great fun!"
Lucy Shaw
"Art and function in recycled form. Started with wine bottles but reaching to glass jugs and liquor bottles. Take the glass class, where you get to stencil a creation of your own with as many stencils you can put on your item. Matthew, the mastermind behind the studio and store, is a wealth of knowledge about Yellowknife and the community and ecological survival of the area. He has incredible stories, some a little long but effectively dramatic. With the class you get one item i.e. soap pump, vase, glass, bowl etc included but I highly recommend doing a second item for $25. Super fun, super easy and he will guide you through everything! I think this deal is better than just buying a piece but his works offer a lot to choose from.
And take a quick tour through the recycled bike parts and his bike repair shop."
Laura O.
"My sisters and I did the glass workshop with Matthew which was an amazing experience that was both educational and creative.
Matthew is an astounding inventor and his makeshift machines are awe-worthy. He guided us through the design process very patiently and gave us tips and tricks to get the best results. There are so many stencil designs to choose from and you can mix and match them to be as creative as you’d like.
There are a variety of glass objects to select from including vases, tall and short glasses, and soap dispensers. Their main office also has ready made glass pieces and various artwork available for purchase as well.
We had a great time and made the perfect souvenir to take home!"
Khalesah Alli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Town Glassworks is located in the historic Old Town area of Yellowknife. If you're staying downtown, it's a short drive or a pleasant walk. Many visitors find it convenient to explore Old Town on foot, as it's quite walkable. Taxis are also readily available.
While Yellowknife's public transport system is limited, Old Town Glassworks is situated in a central part of the Old Town district, making it accessible if you're exploring the area. Check local transit schedules for routes that might pass nearby.
Many visitors enjoy walking through Old Town to discover its unique character and attractions like the Glassworks. Renting a bike can also be a fun way to get around and see the sights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to browse the shop is generally free. However, to participate in the popular glass etching workshop, you will need to book a session. It's highly recommended to book this in advance. 
The workshop typically includes one etched item. Additional items can be purchased for a small fee, often around $25, making it a great value for creating multiple souvenirs.
Opening hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Old Town Glassworks offers a beautiful selection of pre-made recycled glassware and artwork for sale in their shop. These make excellent souvenirs.
While not explicitly stated, the workshop involves tools and careful handling. It's generally suitable for older children and adults. It's always a good idea to inquire directly if you have concerns about younger participants.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The highlight is the hands-on glass etching workshop where you can create your own personalized glassware using stencils. The shop also features a unique collection of recycled glass art.
You'll learn about the glassworking process and the 'rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle' philosophy. You'll then get to choose stencils and etch your design onto a glass item with guidance.
Options typically include glasses, tumblers, vases, and soap dispensers. You can choose from a wide variety of stencils representing Yellowknife's elements.
Yes, Old Town Glassworks also has a bike repair shop that utilizes recycled parts. It's an interesting aspect of their sustainable operations to explore.
Its commitment to sustainability by repurposing glass bottles, its cooperative worker model, and the engaging, knowledgeable owner, Matthew, who shares local stories and insights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Old Town Glassworks is located in an area with several charming cafes and restaurants. You can find options for a quick bite or a more substantial meal nearby.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the workshop area to avoid damaging the materials or equipment. Water is usually acceptable.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially for capturing your creations and the unique atmosphere of the shop. Always be mindful of other visitors and staff.
The colorful recycled glassware, the intricate stencils, the creative process during the workshop, and the rustic charm of the Old Town setting itself offer great photo ops.
Yes, the upcycled bike parts and the ingenuity of the repair shop are visually interesting and make for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Matthew's engaging storytelling and the hands-on nature of the workshop can keep younger visitors entertained. It's a great way to introduce kids to the concepts of recycling and upcycling in a fun and interactive way. Ensure to inquire about age suitability for younger children when booking.
🎁 Souvenir Seekers
The workshop allows you to design a piece that reflects your experience in Yellowknife, choosing from a variety of local-themed stencils. Even if you don't do the workshop, their shop offers a beautiful selection of ready-made recycled glass items that are distinctive and memorable.
♻️ Eco-Conscious Travelers
Participating in a workshop or purchasing their products directly supports a business that prioritizes environmental responsibility. Learning about their innovative use of recycled materials and their bike repair shop offers a deeper understanding of sustainable practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Repurposing: Glassware with a Story
Visitors can witness this transformation firsthand, not only by purchasing the finished products but also by participating in the glass etching workshops. Here, you get to be part of the creative process, adding your personal touch to a piece of repurposed glass. The variety of stencils available, many inspired by local Yellowknife motifs, allows for a truly personalized souvenir.
The mastermind behind much of this innovation is Matthew, whose enthusiasm for sustainability and storytelling is infectious. He's known for his ingenuity, even creating his own machinery from recycled parts, earning him comparisons to MacGyver. His passion for the environment and the community shines through in every aspect of the business.
Hands-On Creativity: The Glass Etching Workshop
+1During the session, you'll learn about the techniques involved in glass etching and have a wide selection of stencils to choose from. These stencils often feature iconic Yellowknife imagery, allowing you to create a truly unique souvenir that reflects your visit. You can mix and match designs to craft a piece that is entirely your own.
While the workshop typically includes one etched item, many visitors find it so enjoyable and worthwhile that they opt to etch a second item for a small additional fee. This makes it an excellent value for creating personalized gifts or mementos for yourself and loved ones. The satisfaction of taking home a handmade item you designed yourself is unparalleled.
Beyond Glass: Sustainability in Action
Exploring this part of the workshop offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and practical application of their eco-friendly ethos. It's a fascinating display of how discarded materials can be repurposed into functional and even artistic components. This holistic approach to sustainability makes Old Town Glassworks a truly inspiring destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit