Travel Planner
GETTING AROUND
HIGHWAYS
Tips for driving on gravel highways:
- Approach bends, bridges, and other limited visibility spots slowly – vehicles may cross the centre line to straighten out a curve, or there may be wildlife on the road.
- Reduce speed when meeting other vehicles to minimize dust.
- Dust-free passing zones are located and posted on all NWT highways.
- Travel with your headlights on at all times, especially on gravel in summer.
- Remove your foot from the accelerator just as you meet other vehicles to reduce the risk of throwing a rock in their direction.
- Red diamond markers on paved highways indicate a significant bump. Carry a good spare tire and first aid/emergency road kit – and don’t forget the bug repellent!
- Watch for bison, especially on Northwest Territories Highways 3,5 and 7
- Call ahead for road conditions and construction

