Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway
Canada's newest road to the Arctic Ocean
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Arctic, Coastal, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 116 mi / 187 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 150 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Inuvik, Northwest Territories |
| Land manager | Government of Northwest Territories |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | gov.nt.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to drive the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway?
No — any vehicle can handle this road. It's a maintained all-weather gravel highway, so sedans, minivans, and 2WD rigs make this run regularly. Just watch for sharp gravel that can shred cheap tires.
Is the highway open in winter?
Yes, it's open year-round, but winter driving is a serious undertaking — blizzards, whiteout conditions, and extreme cold (-40°C and colder) are real risks. Summer (June–September) is the practical window for most travelers.
Are there any permits or fees to drive to Tuktoyaktuk?
No permits or fees required — it's a public highway maintained by the Government of Northwest Territories. Just drive.
What's the hardest part of this drive?
There's no technical difficulty here — it's a gravel highway with minimal elevation change across flat tundra and permafrost. The challenge is remoteness: 116 miles with almost no services, so a breakdown or blown tire is your problem to solve alone.
Where do I fuel up, and is there gas in Tuktoyaktuk?
Fill up completely in Inuvik before leaving — there are no fuel stops on the highway itself. Gas is available in Tuktoyaktuk, but it's expensive and supply isn't always guaranteed, so don't count on it as your only option.
Trail track
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