Each winter Yellowknife grows a road across water. The Dettah ice road runs 6.3 km across the frozen lake between the city and the community of Dettah, and for visitors it is one of the most memorable free drives in Canada. It is a seasonal government-run road: in recent years it has opened between late December and late January and closed in April. The five-year average opening date is 2 January and the average closing date is 13 April, and in practice the dates shift with the weather from year to year. A vehicle pull-out about halfway along was built so people can stop safely for winter activities such as aurora viewing. It is closed in autumn and again in late spring, because it opens only once the ice is thick enough. Check the territorial highway conditions page for current status and rules before you go.
Seasons in plain terms
In autumn the lake is not yet safely frozen, so the road is closed. Construction waits for strong, cold weather, and the opening date changes year to year, from late December in a good year to late January or later in a slow one. Treat the road as a bonus of a January to March trip rather than a fixed attraction.
What to do
If you have a car, drive the ice road in daylight for the open sky and the sense of distance, then stop at the pull-out only as directed and take care with the buses that use it. Remember that this is a working winter road rather than a theme park, so conditions and rules take priority over photos.
Safety
Obey posted signs, stay on the plowed route, and never go onto unmarked lake ice. Weather can close the road, and wind chill is severe. Pair it with ice fishing, a visit to Old Town or an aurora night, and confirm current conditions with the territorial transport department.
What to expect
The experience
A short winter drive across the frozen lake on a 6.3 km government-built ice road, with a pull-out for stopping safely.
Best time
Late December or January through early to mid April, when the road is open; it is closed in autumn before the ice is thick enough.
How long
Half an hour to two hours depending on stops.
Tips
Check the territorial highway conditions page, obey posted signs and avoid unmarked lake ice.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Winter visitors who want to drive across a lake and see the open sky of Great Slave Lake.
- Families
- A fun, short drive, but check road status and dress children for severe cold.
- Couples
- A quiet drive or an aurora stop on a clear winter night.
- Pair with
- Ice fishing, Old Town and an aurora tour.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Dettah ice road open all year?+
Not in autumn or summer. It opens only once the ice is thick enough, usually around the turn of the year, so check the territorial highway conditions page for current status.
When does it usually open?+
The five-year average opening date is 2 January, and the average closing date is 13 April.
How long is it?+
The route is 6.3 km long and connects Yellowknife with Dettah.
Can I stop on it?+
A pull-out about halfway along was built so people can stop safely for winter activities such as aurora viewing. Obey posted signs and take your litter with you.
How do I check the status?+
Use the territorial highway conditions page for current status and any rules. Dates change from year to year.
