Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway

The Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened in 2017 as Canada’s first all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean, replacing winter ice roads with a permanent 187-kilometer gravel connection. Built over continuous permafrost using innovative construction techniques, the road crosses the Mackenzie Delta’s countless lakes and streams via thermosyphon-protected bridges and elevated sections. The route terminates at the historic Inuvialuit community of Tuktoyaktuk, where pingos—ice-cored hills unique to the Arctic—dot the landscape around the settlement.

Easy to moderate difficulty depends entirely on weather and season. The engineered gravel surface handles regular traffic well, but spring breakup and heavy rains can create challenging conditions. Fuel and supplies are available in both Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, making it accessible for most vehicles with basic preparation. Summer offers midnight sun and active wildlife, while autumn brings spectacular aurora viewing. Standing on the shores of the Beaufort Sea represents the culmination of one of North America’s most accessible Arctic adventures.