OUTLAW EAGLE MANUFACTURING

[wriver]

Wife and I are considering a trip to Yellowknife from around the 1st to middle of September. Wife wants to see the "Northern Lights" and we've read that it is possible to see them before winter sets in. Is that time frame good for travel before winter conditions? We've been thinking about taking our Toyota Prius but also have Ford Excursion and Dodge dually with camper. Is road in NWT paved? Is pet friendly lodging available once you get into far north Alberta and into NWT? Driving the Toyota Prius is easier but larger vehicle is available if conditions warrant their use. Thanks, Jens - Boise, ID

[Will R]

Paved all the way!!! Last 60 miles is a little rough smooth but alot of heaves in the road.winter doesnt really start to set in until thr end of October. ntjetboater on this forum lives there and would be an awsome guide to show you around the sites and some beautiful boating spots!

[ALEX]

A dually pickup is the best way to travel in the North...and with your camper you can stop when you find a nice spot.
Lots of jetboat guys...and good rivers... all the way up

Bring your boat...there are some great rivers to run all the way up.

[didehcho]

Hi there
Well during that time of traveling would be our rainy season. Best time for a pre winter travel to yk would be end of sept to mid October. That is our so called Indian summer. Depending on how you were to travel up here and relying on hotels or camping out with a camper. The last town in Alberta before nwt would be High Level. which has would the best for fuelling up. The Alberta /Nwt border would be a nice stop and there is a nice picnic spot just in the back that over looks the hay river. After that just before enterprise, there are a few scene water fall is a must to look at and has over night camping. Once you reach enterprise and wanting to overnight a motel is available or 45 minute drive to hay river for hotels. At enterprise you would head to fort providence there is another stop area at the kakisa turnoff and or at the bridge further past on the main highway. The turn off to ft providence/ yk and to fort Simpson. A thirty minute drive to our new bridge will take you over to the fort providence and the final fuelling station before travelling north to yk. At this point must be aware of the bison whom are known to walk the roads. There are many turn off points to park and one major one at chan lake about hour which Has outdoor rest rooms and an eating area. Next town another hour is edzo very small town, then to the bridge on Frank Channel the turn off to behchoko. Now from there this is where the longest 60 miles you'll ever make. It is a road that has many bumps from the Perma frost. Then you will get to yk.

[WILSON]

My advise, taken from direct experience in my trip to that area:

Please note that after High Level, Alberta, the next fuel facility is about 250 Km / 170 miles. Stop there for fuel. There's a reason for that long line at the gas station.

Yes, I ran out of fuel and as we were about to pick fuel from the boat, someone was kind enough to stop and provide with some.

[wriver]

Thanks for the information! We've decided our truck and camper is the way to go. With only 8-10 mpg (V-10), can't pass up many gas stations. After looking at the "Ingraham Trail" we want to camp as we go. Not sure if we will tow our 23' NW jet boat yet. I've read comments on rental boats available and maybe way to go for first trip to Yellowknife. Is there a road from Yellowknife to Norman Wells and if so it it worth the trip?? Most of the NWT Parks information mention lakes with canoe travel but no mention of power boats. Are there restrictions where you can use motorized boats?

[didehcho]

No there is no road from yk to the wells. From the yk/fort Simpson junction, This road to Simpson goes as far as wrigley and two ferries to cross.