How to Survive and Journey through the Nanisivik Highway

How to Survive and Journey through the Nanisivik Highway

Canada, north-america

Length

700 km

Elevation

527 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! I just got back from a wild ride on the Nanisivik Highway, way up in the Canadian territory of Nunavut! Seriously, this place is as far north as you can get – we're talking almost 700km north of the Arctic Circle!

Picture this: you're cruising (and I use that term loosely, given the bumps!) across the northern reaches of the Borden Peninsula, smack-dab on Baffin Island. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This 36km stretch of pure, unadulterated unpaved road connects the Inuit hamlet of Arctic Bay with the ghost town of Nanisivik and its airport. And get this: it's the longest highway in Nunavut and the ONLY one on Baffin Island!

The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The road climbs to a staggering 527m above sea level, giving you panoramic vistas you won't find anywhere else. Keep in mind this road is only open in the summer months. Expect some gusty winds and the occasional visibility challenge – it’s all part of the experience! All said and done, allow about 40-60 minutes to drive the road in full. Trust me, this off-the-beaten-path gem is one for the bucket list.

Where is it?

How to Survive and Journey through the Nanisivik Highway is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 54.4536, -106.4276

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
700 km
Max Elevation
527 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
54.4536, -106.4276

Related Roads in north-america

Where is California Route 36?hard

Where is California Route 36?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Route 36 in California is a ride you won't soon forget! This epic stretch winds its way for 248 miles across Northern California, snaking through six different counties. Tracing its roots back to the Gold Rush era, this road is basically a history lesson with a serious side of hairpin turns. We're talking around 1,811 curves in just 140 miles! Seriously, this road is a twisty-turny paradise, a rollercoaster carved into the landscape that seems custom-made for motorcycles. Give yourself about six hours to soak it all in, because you'll be traversing a crazy diverse range of landscapes and climates. The road peaks at 5,764 feet above sea level, so expect some elevation changes. This isn't a Sunday drive; it demands your full attention. Watch out for logging trucks. While the pavement is generally smooth, it can get a bit rougher in the western sections, and the centerline occasionally vanishes. And heads up: there are plenty of spots with serious drop-offs and no guardrails, so keep your eyes peeled. Make sure you're gassed up and that someone knows your route, because cell service is spotty at best. And maybe skip this one at night or in iffy weather. But if you're looking for a scenic and challenging ride, Route 36 is a total legend. Get ready for some serious white-knuckle fun!

Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in Californiamoderate

Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're hitting Cajon Pass! This epic mountain pass, sitting at a cool 3,891 feet in sunny Southern California's San Bernardino County, is a must-see. Find it just east of Cajon Junction, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. This route, carved out by the infamous San Andreas Fault (history, people!), has been used for centuries. The road? Paved perfection! We're talking about a nearly 20-mile stretch of California State Route 138 that winds its way from Cajon Junction to Crestline. Open year-round, this pass can get a bit wild. Expect high winds, swirling fog, and the occasional snow dusting that might shut things down temporarily. The weather can flip from pea-soup fog to crystal-clear skies in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything. Now, let's keep it real: this road demands respect. Vegas dreams (or nightmares) can be distracting, and the mix of speedy cars and governed trucks creates a bit of a frenzy. Plus, those steep ramps can hit a gradient of 15%! Still, the views are killer, and the thrill of conquering this iconic pass is totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road, and enjoy the ride!

Where is the Lost Coast Scenic Drive?hard

Where is the Lost Coast Scenic Drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: the Lost Coast Scenic Drive, aka Mattole Road. Tucked away in Humboldt County, California, this 65-mile stretch is the real deal when it comes to raw, untamed beauty. We're talking hidden beaches, towering redwoods, and the highest coastal mountains in the continental US. Seriously epic! The road itself? Mostly paved, but don't expect a smooth ride the whole way. There are a few short unpaved sections to keep things interesting. Plus, it climbs to a max elevation of 2,434 feet, so expect some steep stretches. Word to the wise: skip it if it's raining or dark. Cell service is basically nonexistent, and you'll definitely encounter potholes and maybe even some partially washed-out areas. Oh, and this is earthquake country, so keep an eye out for tsunami warnings. The road is mostly two lanes, but they can be super narrow with lots of curves and switchbacks. But trust me, it's all worth it for those incredible ocean views! Give yourself about two hours to soak it all in. You're cruising along the longest undeveloped shoreline in California, according to National Geographic. It’s been named one of the most scenic drives in the whole USA. This is a drive you won't forget!

Where is Sangre de Cristo Pass?hard

Where is Sangre de Cristo Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Sangre de Cristo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.886m (9,468ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado. Where is Sangre de Cristo Pass? The pass is located on the boundary of Costilla and Huerfano counties, in the south-central part of Colorado, near the border with New Mexico. It serves as a natural divide between the San Luis Valley to the west and the Wet Mountain Valley to the east. Why is it called Sangre de Cristo Pass? The name "Sangre de Cristo" (Spanish for "Blood of Christ") was given to the mountain range by Spanish settlers, likely due to the reddish hues the mountains take on during sunrise and sunset. The pass has historical importance as it was used by Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, and later European settlers. It was part of the route used by early Spanish explorers heading north from New Mexico into Colorado and was the site of a Spanish Fort of 1819. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Highway 160. It is now the principal highway route through this part of the mountain range. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass open in winter? Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, part of the larger Rocky Mountain range, the road is usually open in winter. It experiences harsh weather conditions, especially in winter, with snow and ice making the road treacherous. Is Sangre de Cristo Pass challenging? Located to the north of it’s a two lane road, well maintained, with no sharp turns, but going through territory where a road was not intended by Mother Nature. The drive is very scenic but preferably to drive it at night so as not to see the steep drops at the side of the road. How long is Sangre de Cristo Pass in Colorado? The road is 77.24km (48.0 miles) long running west-east from Fort Garland (in Costilla County) to the City of Walsenburg (the county seat of Huerfano County). Aiken Mine Road: Otherworldly Landscapes of Basalt Flows in California A road with lakes, mountains and meadows to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.