Driving the remote Northern Ontario Resource Trail
Canada, north-america
3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for a truly wild ride on the Northern Ontario Resource Trail (NORD) in Ontario, Canada! This isn't just a road, it's an adventure stretching 238km (148 miles) from Pickle Lake up to the breathtaking northern shore of Windigo Lake.
Built back in '66, this route strings together old winter and ice roads. You'll start on pavement for a quick 3km, but then it's all gravel, baby! Don't worry, they keep it pretty well maintained year-round.
While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle it, trust me, you'll want a 4x4. The road gets rough in spots, and the moose population is HUGE. Speaking of which, keep your eyes peeled – they’re everywhere!
Seriously, this area is REMOTE. You might not see another soul for days. Fill up on gas and grab supplies in Pickle Lake because there's nothing else along the way. And a spare tire? Absolutely essential. Don't even think about relying on your cell phone; you're out of range.
Be careful, though – there are some seriously steep sections. The speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph), but you'll probably want to take it slower in many places. But trust me, it's worth it. The scenery is incredible!
Where is it?
Driving the remote Northern Ontario Resource Trail is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 59.8952, -103.0981
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 59.8952, -103.0981
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the road to Mount Lewis?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Mount Lewis in Nevada, a hidden gem in the Shoshone Mountains! We're talking about a 11.7-mile climb that takes you to a whopping 9,622 feet above sea level. The road really puts your vehicle to the test, gaining 4,744 feet in elevation -- hold on tight for a consistently steep ride. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's unpaved, so expect a rugged, gravelly, and sometimes bumpy surface. And those drop-offs? Seriously, they're not for the faint of heart. A 4x4 is pretty much a must to tackle this adventure. Give your brakes and tires a good check before you even think about starting up. When's the best time to go? Spring, summer, and fall are your golden windows. Northern Nevada gets serious snowfall, so winter is generally a no-go. But let's talk about the payoff: the views. From the top, you'll be treated to incredible panoramas of Battle Mountain, Crescent Valley, and distant mountain ranges. There's also a cool FAA radar station near the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer, and remnants of old mining operations along the way. Before you head out, remember you need to be completely self-sufficient. Bring a spare tire and the tools to change it, plus old-school maps as backups to your GPS. Pack extra food and water, and always let someone know your route and return time. Ready to explore?
moderateHow to drive the scenic British Columbia Highway 93?
🇨🇦 Canada
Highway 93 in British Columbia is a north-south beauty that eventually hooks up with its U.S. namesake at the Roosville border. Clocking in at 321 km (199 mi), this route is a bit of a chameleon. Starting at the border, you'll cruise alongside Lake Koocanusa for a good stretch, about 36 km (22 mi). Then, it's a shared adventure with Highway 3 near Elko for 53 km (33 mi) before tagging in Highway 95. This leg is a scenic 134 km (83 mi) riverside jaunt along the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, past charming towns like Wasa and Fairmont Hot Springs, eventually leading you to Radium Hot Springs. From there, Highway 93 takes a sharp turn east for a quick 1.3 km (0.8 mi) into Kootenay National Park. Prepare for a breathtaking 93 km (58 mi) drive northeast through the park, tracing the Kootenay and Vermilion Rivers. The grand finale in BC? Vermilion Pass, where you cross the Continental Divide into Alberta. Just beyond the border, it’s another 11 km (7 mi) before Highway 93 merges with the Trans-Canada Highway (Alberta Highway 1) near Castle Junction.
hardWhere is Coal Bank Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let’s talk Coal Bank Pass! You'll find this stunner clinging to the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado, south of the old mining town of Silverton. We're talking San Juan County and serious "American Alps" vibes! The good news? The Million Dollar Highway (aka U.S. 550) that takes you there is fully paved. Coal Bank Pass is the southernmost of three high passes on this stretch, clocking in at a cool 10,640 feet. It's nestled between Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass. Don't worry, this drive is totally doable for most cars. The south side is steeper than the north, averaging a gradient of 6.5% with some sections hitting 8%. Trucks, be warned: there's a runaway ramp for those moments when things get a little dicey on the way down towards Durango. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Heavy snowfall can make things tricky (and sometimes lead to closures). But seriously, the scenery here is unreal. Think jagged peaks, evergreen forests, and views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes. Get ready to make some memories!
extremeConquer the Thrilling Imogene Pass: A High Mountain Adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Imogene Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Colorado's most thrilling drives? Imogene Pass sits at a jaw-dropping 13,162 feet and connects the charming mining towns of Ouray and Telluride in the southwestern San Juans. This 16.3-mile unpaved route is pure adrenaline—but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Built back in 1880 as a mining road and opened to 4WD traffic in 1966, this legendary pass is named after Imogene Richardson, wife of a Camp Bird Mine owner. The full drive typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours of intense concentration. We'd recommend starting from Telluride and heading downhill—that way you'll tackle the steeper, rockier north side with gravity on your side as you descend through Savage Basin and past the ghost town of Tomboy. Starting from Ouray? You'll climb through the historic Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Basin, passing near the eerie ruins of Sneffels on your way up. **Here's the real talk:** This is serious terrain. The road is rocky, narrow in places, and steep enough to make your palms sweat. You'll need a rugged 4x4 with serious ground clearance and proper tires—low-clearance vehicles and 2WD rigs don't stand a chance. Only experienced off-road drivers should even consider this one. Stay focused, watch your lines, and remember that mistakes here can be catastrophic. The payoff? Absolutely stunning high-alpine scenery and a genuine slice of Colorado's mining heritage. Just watch out for sudden thunderstorms—this exposed terrain above timberline offers zero shelter when weather turns gnarly. The pass typically closes from late October through June or early July due to snow and ice. Even in summer, conditions can be cold, windy, and unpredictable. Check the skies constantly and know your limits.