Edmonton 
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Have you been to the Arctic on an Ice Road? If not, plan a trip to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. AND here is our guide on how to do the Ice Road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk.
About Inuvik: Inuvik is a town located 2 degrees above the Arctic Circle on the Mackenzie River and Delta in Northwest Territories More about the Town
About Tuktoyaktuk: Located 150 kilometres north of Inuvik, the community of Tuk, as the place is commonly called, is an Inuvialuit hamlet of about 850 people located on the shore of the Beaufort Sea – Arctic Ocean, Northwest Territories. More about the Town
About the Ice Road: The Mackenzie River, the longest river in Canada and the second largest in North America, that runs northwest through the Northwest Territories, from Great Slave Lake to the Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean) freezes in winter turning into an Ice Road enabling you to drive on it to Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk. More about the River
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Experience the drive on the ice road meandering through the frozen Mackenzie Delta with solid blue ice beneath the wheels. You too can do what the Ice Road Truckers Do!!!
When to Go: The road is open now. It closes permanently on ~ April 28 (15-year average), 2017.
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
LAST CHANCE to DRIVE on the ICE ROAD: An all season all-season overland Inuvik – Tuk Highway will be completed by the beginning of 2017 – 18 winter season.
This is a perfect once in a lifetime March break/Spring break treat for the whole family. Instead of flying south, why not visit these Arctic communities and see wildlife seen only in the Arctic, exotic ice formations, and dancing Northern Lights AND KIDS GET THE BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
The Best Way to Do It is to enjoy a Canadian Tourism Commission recommended Canadian Signature Experience winter road-trip by Arctic Range with a professional at the wheel. The tour highlights all the best features and experiences of Yukon and Northwest Territories and attractions from Whitehorse, Yukon to Tuk. The 8 Day package available from March 3 to April 7, 2017 includes 7 nights hotel accommodation, Individual guiding and transportation during the entire tour, overland transportation in maxivan tour vehicle, Arctic Circle ceremony, City sightseeing tour in Whitehorse, Yukon and Dawson City, Yukon and Flight back from Inuvik to Whitehorse.
Photo Credit: Tundra North – Reindeer Herding Signature Package
Reindeer Herding: Tundra North offers various packages that involves Ice Road Drive. The Canadian signature experience amongst them provides one with the opportunity to herd reindeers along with Inuvialuit reindeer herders. Travel in your very own snowmobile alongside Inuvialuit reindeer herders, venturing into the icy-blue horizon lines, herding thousands of reindeer who must be hurried across the Arctic tundra to their spring calving grounds.
If you want to do it on your own:
Preparation: Follow all the guidelines as mandated by Department of Transportation, NT. Road closure and conditions – HERE
The best time to drive is in March when the weather is not so bad. Make sure you drive within the posted speed limits. When the sun is high, the surface melts a bit causing ice – glare, which is slippery.
Travel: You can fly to Inuvik using Canadian North, First Air, Air North. There are daily flights to Inuvik from Edmonton, Yellowknife and Whitehorse, and weekly flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa. Once you reach Inuvik, you can rent cars to drive on the Ice Road.
By Road:
Highway conditions, Yukon
Drive on Dempster Highway (Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8) for ~ 730 km from east of Dawson City, Yukon to reach Inuvik, NT.
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
A Road Trip from Whitehorse to Tuk is an experience for the adventurous soul featuring stunning vistas, abundant wildlife and crossing the Arctic Circle. See here for ideas.
You may like:
Guide to Planning a Trip to Yukon in Winter
Winter Getaways in Canada’s Territory
Itinerary for a Winter Getaway to Yukon