Behchokǫ̀ to Rae Lakes Winter Road — North Slave Tundra Ice Circuit
Frozen lakes and trap lines north of Behchokǫ̀.
Every winter when the ice thickens on the chain of lakes north and east of Behchokǫ̀ (Rae), the Tłı̨chǫ community and territorial road crews open a network of frozen-lake and overland spur roads toward the Rae Lakes area — a remote cluster of lakes and traditional harvesting grounds roughly 150 kilometres into the bush. The route crosses Lac La Martre drainage country and passes through terrain that sees almost no non-Indigenous traffic; you’re navigating between fishing camps and old trap lines, not tourist infrastructure. Ice road markers go in each season and the route shifts year to year depending on ice conditions. The silence out here at minus 30 is the kind that recalibrates a person.
This is a genuine winter-only route that demands a fully winterized vehicle — block heater, winter-grade fluids, survival kit, spare fuel, and the judgment to turn around. Ice thickness monitoring is critical; travel during the day when conditions are most readable. The road is not formally maintained for public use the way the Tibbitt-Contwoyto is — locals know it, and you should talk to people in Behchokǫ̀ before heading out. No services exist along the route; fuel in Yellowknife or Behchokǫ̀ before departure. Open approximately January through March depending on freeze-up and breakup timing.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 93 mi / 150 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | January–March |
| Minimum vehicle | Fully winterized 4WD |
| Nearest town | Behchokǫ̀ (Rae), NT |
| Land manager | Tłı̨chǫ Government / Government of Northwest Territories |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What does 'fully winterized 4WD' actually mean for this trail — can I run a stock F-150 with all-seasons?
No. You need a purpose-built cold-weather rig: Arctic-rated synthetic fluids, a block heater, battery rated for -40°C, aggressive winter tires (studded preferred), and a fuel system that won't gel. All-seasons will fail on this circuit. Temperatures regularly hit -30°C to -40°C out on open lake ice, and there's no rescue coming fast.
When exactly is the ice road safe to drive, and how do I know conditions are good before I leave Behchokǫ̀?
The window is mid-January through early March — ice needs to be at minimum 30–40 cm thick for a loaded truck. Check with the Tłı̨chǫ Government offices in Behchokǫ̀ before departure; locals and community members monitor conditions and are your best real-time source. Do not rely on last year's dates.
Do I need a permit to drive this route and can non-Indigenous travelers legally access the Tłı̨chǫ homeland?
This route crosses Tłı̨chǫ lands governed under their own agreement with the Crown. Contact the Tłı̨chǫ Government directly to confirm current access protocols before your trip — permissions and community preferences can change. Showing up unannounced is disrespectful and could get you turned back.
What's the most dangerous section and what actually makes it hard?
Open lake crossings are the crux — pressure cracks, overflow (water sitting on top of ice under fresh snow), and wind-scoured surfaces with zero traction all compound the risk. You won't see trouble until you're on it. Travel with at least two vehicles, carry ice picks, a throw rope, and know how to exit a sinking vehicle.
There's no gas between Behchokǫ̀ and the lakes — how much fuel do I actually need to carry?
The full circuit is 150 km, but cold-weather fuel consumption can run 30–50% higher than normal due to idling for heat, reduced engine efficiency, and slow-speed lake driving. Fill completely in Behchokǫ̀ and carry a minimum of 50–80 liters of spare jerry fuel. There are zero resupply points on route.
Trail track
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