Wapusk Trail is the longest seasonal winter road in the world
Canada, north-america
772 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Deep in the Canadian wilderness, near the edge of Hudson Bay, lies the Wapusk Trail. This incredible route is the longest seasonal winter road on the planet! Every January, it's carved out of snow and ice, a temporary lifeline for remote communities otherwise only accessible by air. Think of it: traversing frozen muskeg, lakes, rivers, and creeks!
This icy highway stretches 772 km (479 miles) from Shamattawa and Gillam, Manitoba, east to Peawanuck (and even as far as Winisk some years). The route breaks down like this: Peawanuck to Fort Severn is 252 km, Fort Severn to the Manitoba border is 234 km, then it's 90 km to Shamattawa, and finally, 196 km to Gillam. Word is, the first 90 km west of Fort Severn can get pretty dicey in high winds. You might see 30-40 trucks braving this route, delivering essential goods, fuel, and supplies.
The whole concept of these winter roads dates back to the 1950s, offering a more affordable way to reach isolated northern communities than flying everything in. The route has even been featured on Ice Road Truckers.
Expect the drive to take 12-17 hours, depending on the conditions. Be warned: this is seriously remote territory! So, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. It's crucial to be prepared for anything. Breakdowns can be extra problematic due to limited passing traffic, few inhabitants, and spotty cell service. Winter survival gear and communication equipment are a must. Pack emergency supplies, spare parts, and, most importantly, know your route like the back of your hand!
Where is it?
Wapusk Trail is the longest seasonal winter road in the world is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 53.5189, -104.0226
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 772 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.5189, -104.0226
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is the road to Oreana Ridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located in the rugged heart of Lemhi County, Idaho, is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of above sea level. Situated within the massive Salmon-Challis National Forest , the drive to the summit is a classic Idaho backcountry experience, combining a technical 4x4 climb with a trip back in time to the era of mountain fire surveillance. Road facts: Oreana Ridge Lemhi County, Idaho, USA FR-067 (Forest Road 067) Gravel / Dirt 4x4 Track Where is the road to Oreana Ridge? The road to the summit is designated as Forest Road 067 (FR-067) . It branches off from , deep within the northern Idaho wilderness. The geography is dominated by steep, timbered ridges and deep canyons that characterize the Salmon-Challis region. This is a remote area where you are far more likely to encounter local wildlife than other travelers, and the isolation requires that you carry full self-recovery gear before leaving the main forest routes. Is the road to Oreana Ridge unpaved? FR-067 is a gravel 4x4 track that is not maintained for standard passenger cars. The surface is a mix of loose mountain gravel and dirt that can become extremely slick after a rain shower. The track is narrow and snakes along the ridge with significant exposure. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential, as the road often features deep ruts and rocky sections that will catch low-hanging underbodies. If the weather turns severe, the track can transform into a muddy slide, making it impossible to maintain traction on the steeper ramps. How long is the road to Oreana Ridge? Starting from the junction with Spring Creek Road, the climb to the summit is 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long . While the distance is short, it is a constant upward pull that gains significant elevation in a very few miles. The road leads directly to a historic fire lookout built in 1934 , which still stands at the peak. Driving this stretch requires a slow pace to pick the right lines over the rocks. The final few hundred yards toward the lookout are often the most technical, where the wind-scoured soil leaves the larger stones exposed. What are the hazards at the Oreana Ridge lookout? The biggest hazard at Oreana Ridge isn't just the road surface, but the extreme exposure to lightning . Because the peak is a high point in the forest, it acts as a natural lightning rod. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, you should stay away from the lookout and the ridge entirely. High winds are also a constant factor at 2,470 meters, which can make steering a high-profile vehicle tricky on the narrowest parts of the FR-067. Always check the Lemhi County weather forecast before committing to the climb, as the ridge is no place to be when the Idaho mountain weather breaks. An old mine road to Ball Mountain Take An Unforgettable Drive to Deadwood Mountain in ID 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.
hardDe Moisy Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about De Moisy Peak in Utah's Weber County! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,235 feet, perched on the southern end of Mt. Ogden's ridge. Now, getting to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, gravelly path, basically a service road for the ski lift. Think steep – some sections clock in at a hefty 30% grade! You'll need to be ready for a climb. The window to tackle this one is tight – late August is your best bet. The slope is super steep with loose rocks, getting even more gnarly as you gain elevation. Be prepared for some serious wind; it's almost always howling up there. Even in summer, snow's a possibility, and winter temps? Brutal! Keep your eyes peeled for rattlesnakes, too – they love to hang out near the rocks. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are totally worth it!
hardAnnie's Road in New Jersey is haunted by the ghost of a girl
🇺🇸 Usa
Dare to drive Annie's Road, a spooky stretch in Passaic County, New Jersey! This local haunt, also known as Annie's Road Ghost, is nestled in Totowa, just west of Paterson and along the Passaic River. Officially Riverview Drive, this 20-mile paved road is a magnet for paranormal activity. For decades, drivers and thrill-seekers have reported strange happenings. Legend says a bride met a tragic end here, and her spirit lingers, making itself known to travelers. Screams, mysterious fog, and interference with phones and cameras are common tales. The most chilling story? In the 60s, a woman was allegedly thrown from a car during an argument, only to be hit by a truck and dragged, her face disfigured. Now, red stains eerily appear on the road each year around the anniversary of her death. Annie, they say, seeks revenge and appears as a hitchhiker, vanishing before your eyes. Keep your wits about you – cell service is nonexistent! Cameras often malfunction, capturing strange lights not visible to the naked eye. Maybe it's Annie, maybe it's the proximity to Laurel Grove Cemetery. Adding to the eerie vibe, a small cul-de-sac nearby is rumored to be home to a dwarf enclave. Drive at your own risk!
hardWhen Was the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway Built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Oregon road trip on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway! This 82-mile loop is your ticket to the heart of the Cascades, a land sculpted by fire and ice. Originally a wagon road from the 1870s, this paved route now whisks you past mind-blowing scenery. Give yourself 3-5 hours to really soak it all in – you'll want to stop! Expect jaw-dropping views of snow-capped Mount Washington and a massive, 65-square-mile lava flow from Windy Point. Keep an eye out for the stunning Sahalie and Koosah Falls, too. A heads-up: this is a summer-only kind of adventure. McKenzie Pass usually closes from late fall to mid-June due to snow. And because of tight curves and a narrow road, leave the big RV at home – vehicles over 35 feet (and trailers!) aren't recommended over McKenzie Pass. This route is perfect for experiencing waterfalls, clear lakes reflecting volcanic landscapes, and ancient lava fields. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!