The Canol Road was part of the Canol (Canadian Oil) Project: it was built in 1942-44 to provide access to oil fields at Norman Wells, NWT. Rebuilt in the 1950s, the road is maintained to minimum standards in summer. Services are available only at Johnson’s Crossing and at Ross River. The Canol Road it is not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Not recommended for any size vehicle in wet weather. Drive with headlights on at all times.

The Canol Road between Johnson’s Crossing on the Alaska Highway and Ross River on the Campbell Highway is referred to as the South Canol Road, while the road between Ross River and the YT–NWT border is referred to as the North Canol Road.

The 137-mile/220-km South Canol Road is a narrow winding road. Driving time is about 4 hours one way. The 144-mile/232-km North Canol Road is also a narrow, very winding road. The North Canol ends at the YT–NWT border, where vehicles may turn around. From the border to Norman Wells it is 230 miles/372 km of unusable road that has been designated the Canol Heritage Trail by the NWT government.

The MILEPOST® Quick Reference Log
Miles from Alaska Highway junction (J) shown.

• J 0 Junction with Alaska Highway. Food, gas and camping at nearby Johnson’s Crossing.
• J 3.9 Breath of Wilderness Adventure Tours: wilderness lodge.
• J 47.8 Quiet Lake South Yukon government campground.
• J 61.2 Quiet Lake North Yukon government campground.
• J 136.8 Campbell Highway junction.
• J 141.8 Access road leads 7 miles to ROSS RIVER (pop. 313); all services. Pelly River Barge carries passengers and vehicles across river to North Canol Road.
• J 286 Road ends at YT-NWT border.