As of March 27, 2026, the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that Highway 10 remains open for travellers between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. This 138-kilometre gravel road is the first all-season highway to reach the Arctic Coast and serves as a critical connection for the remote community.
The road is a necessary lifeline for the roughly 900 residents of Tuktoyaktuk, who rely on it to access food, medicine, and medical appointments in Inuvik. Mayor Vince Teddy has previously stated that highway closures create a domino effect in the community, making it difficult for people to get the essential supplies they need.
To help keep the route clear during the winter, the territorial government has invested in industrial snow blowers. Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay noted that this special equipment was purchased specifically to handle the deep snow drifts that often build up along the highway during storms.
Before this road opened in November 2017, the community was only accessible by air or by a seasonal ice road. While the highway has experienced several long closures due to heavy snow since it was built, maintenance crews have cleared the route for residents and businesses to use.
Travellers can check for the most recent updates on road conditions by using the DriveNWT interactive map. The government encourages everyone to review the map before starting their trip to ensure the route is safe for travel.
