The Ingraham Trail is Highway 4, a 70 km road from Yellowknife to Tibbit Lake, measured from the start of the highway just north of the city. It links a chain of lakes, among them Prosperous, Madeline, Pontoon, Prelude, Hidden and Reid, and nine territorial parks, including Yellowknife River, Prosperous Lake, Madeline Lake, Pontoon Lake, Prelude Lake, Powder Point, Hidden Lake, Cameron River Crossing and Reid Lake. Most are day-use areas with a boat launch or picnic sites, while Prelude Lake is the largest developed park and Reid Lake the second serviced campground. Short trails lead to Cameron Falls, which is reached from the Cameron Falls day-use area, and to the Ramparts waterfall from Cameron River Crossing. The Big Hill Trail starts at a pull-out at the west end of Madeline Lake. Hidden Lake is a 3,000-hectare backcountry park with no established facilities, reached only by hiking or paddling. This drive is the easiest way to see the landscape that surrounds Yellowknife, and it works as a half-day or full-day outing with a rental car in summer and autumn.
Planning the drive
Pick two or three stops rather than trying to see every lake. A good half day takes in Madeline Lake for a quick stretch, Prelude Lake for the beach and boardwalk lookouts, and Cameron Falls for the waterfall walk. Add Reid Lake or Tibbit Lake for a longer day. Distances are modest but the stops are spread out, and road conditions can slow you in autumn and winter.
What to bring
Services are limited beyond the first few kilometres, with facilities that include washrooms and picnic tables at some stops and nothing at Tibbit Lake. Bring water, food, a charged phone, a spare layer and insect repellent in summer. Fuel up in town. If you are not comfortable driving remote northern roads in winter, a guided tour or a ride with an operator is the safer option.
Seasons
Summer brings the midnight sun, swimming and paddling, autumn brings colour and quiet, and winter brings snow, aurora outings from Aurora Village and ice roads beyond the end of the highway. In late autumn and spring, ice on rock and wet trails call for good boots. Treat the drive as a complement to Cameron Falls, Prelude Lake and Aurora Village rather than a separate attraction, and check conditions before you set out.
The trail also gives context to several activities in this guide. Aurora Village and the Cameron Falls hike both sit on this corridor, so a drive in daylight lets you see the same terrain you may later visit at night, and it helps you judge how far out of town each outing really is.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, because a clear day makes the lakes and rock far more rewarding than a grey one. For wildlife, early morning and late evening are best, and a slow speed and a camera on the passenger seat are the best equipment you can have.
What to expect
The experience
A self-drive along a 70 km highway linking lakes, territorial parks, trails and waterfalls east of Yellowknife.
Best time
Summer and early autumn for a drive and short hikes; winter for aurora outings and snow scenery with caution.
How long
Half a day to a full day.
Tips
Choose two or three stops, fuel up in town, carry food and water, and expect limited services beyond the first parks.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Independent travellers with a rental car who want landscape and short walks.
- Families
- Good, with beaches and short trails at several stops.
- Couples
- A scenic day out with waterfall and lake views.
- Pair with
- Cameron Falls, Prelude Lake and Aurora Village.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
How long is the Ingraham Trail?+
The route is 70 km from the start of Highway 4, just north of Yellowknife, to Tibbit Lake.
What is on the drive?+
A chain of lakes and nine territorial parks, plus short trails to Cameron Falls and the Ramparts waterfall.
Are there facilities?+
Prelude Lake and Reid Lake have campgrounds. Madeline Lake has washrooms and playgrounds, and Tibbit Lake has no facilities.
Do I need a car?+
A car is the easiest way, though guided tours and Aurora Village trips cover parts of the road.
Is it open in winter?+
Yes, though conditions need care. Check road conditions, carry supplies and stay on marked routes.
