Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road — Behchokǫ̀ to Whatì
New road, ancient land — Tłı̨chǫ Dene country.
Opened in 2022, the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road (NWT Highway 3A) is one of the newest roads in the Northwest Territories and gives overland travellers access to country that was previously reachable only by winter road or floatplane. The route departs the junction near Behchokǫ̀ (Rae) off Highway 3 and pushes northwest through boreal Canadian Shield terrain — black spruce, Canadian Shield outcrops, countless lakes, and the quiet presence of a landscape that has been Tłı̨chǫ Dene territory for millennia. Whatì itself sits on the southern shore of Lac La Martre, a massive shallow lake of striking blue. Stop respectfully — this is an active community, not a tourist destination.
The road is all-season gravel and can be driven in a capable high-clearance 2WD in dry summer conditions, but soft shoulders, wildlife crossings, and the complete absence of services demand a prepared rig. Carry your own fuel — there is no gas station along the route, and Whatì’s fuel supply is limited and expensive. Best season is June through September. No permit required. Cell service disappears almost immediately after leaving Behchokǫ̀. A satellite communicator is the standard for this region. Dispersed camping along the corridor is possible but tread lightly — respect Tłı̨chǫ land.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 60 mi / 97 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD, 4WD preferred |
| Nearest town | Behchokǫ̀ (Rae), NT |
| Land manager | Government of Northwest Territories — Infrastructure / Tłı̨chǫ Government |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | inf.gov.nt.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or high-clearance 2WD handle this road?
Yes — it's a maintained gravel road, not a technical off-road trail. A high-clearance 2WD like a stock truck or Tacoma is fine in dry summer conditions. 4WD becomes more useful if you hit wet, soft sections after heavy rain.
When is the road open, and does it close in winter?
This is an all-season road, so it stays open year-round — that's literally why it was built. Summer (June–September) is easiest travel; winter driving is possible but expect extreme cold, blowing snow, and very limited help if something goes wrong.
Do you need a permit to drive through or camp along this road?
No permit is required to drive the road. Whatì is a Tłı̨chǫ Dene community — treat it with respect, don't wander onto private or community land without permission, and follow any posted local rules if you stop in town.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
There's no single brutal obstacle — the challenge here is remoteness, not technical terrain. Sixty miles of gravel with zero cell service, minimal traffic, and no services means a breakdown or flat tire is your problem to solve alone. Carry a full-size spare, a plug kit, and enough fuel.
How much fuel do I need, and is there anywhere to fill up along the way?
There are no fuel stops between Behchokǫ̀ and Whatì — 97 km each way means you need to plan for the full 194 km round trip, plus buffer. Fill up in Behchokǫ̀ before you leave, and confirm whether fuel is available in Whatì before you count on it for the return leg.
Trail track
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