For current highway conditions, please visit our highway conditions map.
The Northwest Territories transportation system includes:
- 3,873 kilometres of all-weather highways, winter roads, and access roads
- 27 airports
- Four ferries/ice crossings
- Over 350 bridges and major structures
Transportation System Overview Map
Highway 1
Highway 1, also known as the Mackenzie Highway, starts at the NWT/Alberta border and continues for approximately 690 kilometres to the community of Wrigley.
The first 220 kilometres are paved, as are 60 kilometres from the junction of the Liard Highway to Fort Simpson. The remainder is gravel, with portions treated for dust control.
The section of Highway 1 between the Alberta border and Enterprise has been designated as the NWT Highway of Heroes. This designation will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Northern soldiers, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical and rescue personnel, and other first responders who have died in the line of duty.
Highway 2
Highway 2, also known as the Hay River Highway, is a paved highway that connects Hay River to Highway 1 at Enterprise.
The highway passes through Hay River, ending on the southern shore of Great Slave Lake.
Highway 3
Highway 3, also known as the Yellowknife Highway, is a paved highway that connects to Highway 1 just south of the Deh Cho Bridge located at kilometre 23 near Fort Providence.
From Fort Providence, it continues along the western and northern shores of Great Slave Lake, past Behchokǫ̀ and on to Yellowknife.
Travellers are very likely to encounter wood bison along this highway. Drive with caution.
Highway 4
Highway 4, also known as the Ingraham Trail, extends 70 kilometres east from Yellowknife and travels through numerous parks and day use areas.
The first 34 kilometres are paved, the remaining 36 kilometres are gravel, treated for dust control.
The end of highway 4 becomes a privately constructed and operated winter re-supply road to a number of mine sites.
Highway 5
Highway 5, also known as the Fort Smith Highway, is a paved highway that passes through Wood Buffalo National Park.
Travellers are very likely to encounter wood bison along this route. Drive with caution.
Highway 6
Highway 6, also known as the Fort Resolution Highway, begins at kilometre 60 of Highway 5 at the Buffalo River Junction.
The route generally follows the shore of Great Slave Lake past the old Pine Point mining site to the community of Fort Resolution.
The first 28 kilometres are paved, as are the 28 kilometers from Fort Resolution.
The remaining 34 kilometres are gravel.
Highway 7
Highway 7, also known as the Liard Trail, is a gravel highway that begins at the BC border and continues north for 254 kilometres, generally following the Liard River to the junction of Highway 1.
The community of Fort Liard is located 5 kilometres off the highway, 38 kilometres north of the BC border.
Travellers are very likely to encounter wood bison along this route. Drive with caution.
Highway 8
Highway 8, also known as the Dempster Highway, is a gravel highway (except the last 10 kilometres which are paved) that starts at the Yukon/NWT border and continues for 272 kilometres to Inuvik.
The highway passes Fort McPherson at kilometre 85 and Tsiigehtchic at kilometre 142.6.
When travelling this highway, be sure to check at the visitor centres in Dawson or Inuvik for the latest road conditions, as it is a long way between service centres.
There are two river crossings en route to Inuvik. Two vehicle ferries operate during warmer months and a ice crossing is built during colder months.
The section from Mackenzie River Crossing at Tsiigehtchic to Inuvik (km 143 to 259) is maintained in all seasons.
Highway 9
Highway 9, also known as the Tłı̨chǫ Highway, is a gravel highway that begins at kilometre 196 of Highway 3.
It's the first all season road that connects the community of Whatì to Highway 3 via the Whatı̀ Access Road.
Two pull-outs are available at Km 24 and Km 77 where drivers can park safely.
Highway 10
Highway 10, also known as the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway, is a gravel highway that was the first in Canada to reach Canada's Arctic coast.
The highway connects Inuvik with the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk and is located within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
When travelling this highway, be sure to plan ahead and check highway conditions, as it is a long way between service centres.
Community Access Roads and Winter Roads
Community access roads link communities to NWT public highways. Access roads may also connect campgrounds and other areas of importance to the highway system. Winter roads are open only during the winter and early spring.
Highway 1
- Colville Lake Winter Road
- Délįne Winter Road
- Fort Simpson Access Road
- Jean Marie River Access Road
- Kakisa Lake Access Road
- Mackenzie Valley Winter Road
- Sambaa K'e Winter Road
- Wrigley Access Road
Highway 2
- Hay River Service Road
Highway 3
- Behchokǫ̀ – Edzo Access Road
- Behchokǫ̀ – Rae Access Road
- Fort Providence Access Road
- Yellowknife Access Road
- Yellowknife City Bypass Road
Highway 4
- Dettah Access Road
- Dettah Ice Road (Yellowknife Bay)
Highway 5
- Hay River Reserve Access Road
- Salt River Village Road
Highway 6
- Little Buffalo Village Road
Highway 7
- Fort Liard Access Road
- Nahanni Butte Access Road
Highway 8
- Aklavik Ice Roads
- Fort McPherson Access Road
- Inuvik Access Road
- Tsiigehtchic Winter Access Road
Highway 9
- Whatì Access Road
- Gamètì Winter Road
- Wekweètì Winter Road