Highways in Nunavut

Currently, an estimated total of 850 km (530 mi) of roads and highways are spread across Nunavut. Over the next decade the amount of roads in the territory is expected to increase rapidly as more communities are linked together, and a road link to Manitoba is at planning stage.

Most vehicles in the territory are moved from community to community and in and out of the territory by large barges that move during the summer shipping season. Less commonly, vehicles may be flown in on a cargo plane. Car companies will usually fly vehicles in to test them in Arctic conditions.

There is currently one winter road that provides access to the western portion of Nunavut from the Northwest Territories during the months of February to March.

Highways in Nunavut, the few that exist, are not yet numbered. Street signs are in English, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.

Compared to the rest of Canada, maintaining a vehicle in Nunavut is expensive. Rough roads and harsh weather result in expensive upkeep for vehicles, and despite being subsidised by the government, gas prices are among the highest in Canada. Parts can take an extremely long time to ship in and are very expensive. Mechanics also charge a premium, since very few do business in the territory. Due to the lack to a cohesive road network, aircraft are still the preferred way to travel, along with ATVs through most of the year, snowmobiles in winter, and boats during the summer months. Travel by dog sled has largely...
Read More