Weaver and Devore is a must-see in Yellowknife. Part of historic Old Town, it’s directly across from another cultural icon, Bullock’s Bistro, within walking distance to the Bushplane Pilot’s monument, and if you visit in March, it’s steps away from the marina and therefore the Snowking Castle.
History lesson: Bud and his business partner and friend Harry Weaver got their start freighting goods in the Peace region of Alberta before the opportunity to stake mining claims brought them to Yellowknife in 1936. They operated the store together until 1956, supplying prospectors, mining camps, fishermen and hunters with clothing, hardware, groceries, and generally anything you might need to not die in the outdoors.
Today the store serves pretty much the same purpose, except replace prospectors with exploration camps and already established mines. A new client base has been found in the northern lights-struck tourists from Asia, Europe and southern Canada (aka. wusses, if you live in Yellowknife). After Bud sold his interest to Harry’s son Bruce, the business remained in the Weaver family where family members still contribute to the store’s success.
Instead of wasting time on needless modern accoutrements, it’s clear that the “new” store is unconcerned with its rough appearance, an attitude that transforms the place into some sort of rustic chic. The main floor carries groceries, cooking gear, camping gear, and fishing gear.
Normally this would be enough to occupy my interest but the real treat is upstairs.
It’s function over form as far as the eye can see, and a complete visual and mental treat to see some of the country’s highest quality brands displayed inside wooden crates or cardboard shipping boxes held together with packing tape.
It reminds me of stores from my childhood that were chockablock with all manner of useful things and where the staff could answer all your questions as well as inquire about the health of your mother since she had her knee surgery because, after all, it’s a small town and everyone knows everyone.
Stores like this aren’t around much anymore so this one is all the more precious. Treasure it, Yellowknife.
Find them online weaverdorevore.ca
