Territory capital · Canada
Fort McPhersonTeetł'it Zheh
Stop for fuel and one night on the Dempster Highway, not as a destination: 1 night, Jun–Aug by road, or fly in during river break-up and freeze-up.
Fort McPherson is a Gwich'in community of about 650 people on the Peel River and the only settlement of any size between the Yukon border and Inuvik. It exists for travellers as a fuel stop, a bed and a look at the Lost Patrol graves; two hours covers the sights, and the road in is the real trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (road open, ferries running)
- avoid Apr–May and Oct–Nov (break-up and freeze-up: no road access)
- Airports
- ZFM · YEV
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Fort McPherson+1 867 952-1111 ▾
- Police (RCMP, local detachment)+1 867 952-1111
- Fire+1 867 377-0080
- Ambulance / health centre+1 867 377-0074
- All emergencies (national)911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fort McPherson, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet community and generally safe for visitors.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers+1 867 952-1111 police (rcmp, local detachment) · +1 867 377-0080 fire · +1 867 377-0074 ambulance / health centre
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZFM Fort McPherson Airport (Aklak Air from Inuvik, about 30 min, weekdays; scheduled mainly during break-up and freeze-up).
- Getting aroundThe hamlet is small enough to walk; there is no public transport and no taxi.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$25–50 (≈ US$19–40)
- Budget bedNitainlii Territorial Park campsite, a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedNitainlii Territorial Park campsite, a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedNitainlii Territorial Park campsite, a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$200 (≈ US$150) · High C$400 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZFM Fort McPherson Airport (Aklak Air from Inuvik, about 30 min, weekdays; scheduled mainly during break-up and freeze-up) · YEV Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport (Nearest major airport; drive south on the Dempster or arrange a charter)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
Feb
not flagged
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
Mar
not flagged
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
Apr
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
May
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Oct
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Nov
Avoid
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
Dec
not flagged
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (−31°C (−24°F)−24°F (−31°C) low), wettest Aug (12 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Fort McPherson: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
−31°C (−24°F)−24°F (−31°C)
8 rd
Feb
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
−29°C (−20°F)−20°F (−29°C)
7 rd
Mar
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
−25°C (−13°F)−13°F (−25°C)
6 rd
Apr
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
5 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Oct
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
11 rd
Nov
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C)
9 rd
Dec
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
−28°C (−18°F)−18°F (−28°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The hamlet is small enough to walk; there is no public transport and no taxi. Fuel at the Co-op gas bar or the Northern gas bar before leaving — the next stations are Inuvik and Eagle Plains, each about 3 hours away. In winter a community ice road runs to Aklavik in about 2.5 hours.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tsiigehtchic
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Dempster Highway north, then the Mackenzie River ferry in summer
Small Gwich'in community at the river confluence; a short leg on the way to Inuvik.
Door to door: About 2.5 h
Dempster Highway north, ferries at the Peel and Mackenzie rivers in summer
The regional hub and the road link to the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.
Aklavik
cautionDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Community-maintained ice road in winter only
Winter access only; check ice-road status locally before setting out.
Door to door: Eagle Plains about 3 h; Dawson City a long day
Dempster Highway south to the Klondike Highway
Fuel at Eagle Plains; treat Dawson City as a separate stop, not a day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Peel River Inn area (Tetlit Gwich'in Rd)
The only hotel, next to the Co-op gas bar and its restaurant; walk to everything in town.
Nitainlii Territorial Park
Campground 11 km (6.8 mi) south of town on the Dempster; 23 non-powered sites, late May to early September.Campground 6.8 mi (11 km) south of town on the Dempster; 23 non-powered sites, late May to early September.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$60–120 (≈ US$45–90) excl. bed (camping, self-catering)
- Mid
- C$150–250 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed (hotel restaurant meals, fuel)
- High
- C$350 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed (hotel room plus charters and tours)
Trip budget
| Peel River Inn room1 × 1 night × C$349 | C$349 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$200 | C$400 |
| Aklak Air Inuvik–Fort McPherson, one way2 × C$250 | C$500 |
| Fuel top-up, one vehicle1 × C$120 | C$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$30 | C$60 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$214 |
| Trip total≈ C$822 per person per day, bed included | C$1,643≈ US$1,200 |
About C$349 a night; 8 rooms with queen beds, kitchenette suites, WiFi
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and vehicle costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Campsite, Nitainlii Territorial Park | C$30 (≈ US$25) per day |
| Hotel room, Peel River Inn | about C$349 (≈ US$300) per night |
| Burgers and fries, food truck | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Coffee | C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fuel, per litreHigher than southern Canada. | C$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$25–50 (≈ US$19–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No road access during spring break-up and fall freeze-up; check DriveNWT for ferry and ice-crossing status before you commit.
- The Dempster is unpaved gravel: expect chips, dust and slow going, and carry a spare tyre and fuel.
- Alcohol limits apply: about 2,280 mL of liquor per person, or 4,560 mL per vehicle with two or more people.
- Dining is limited to a food truck and the hotel restaurant, both mostly fast food; bring supplies.
- Summer mosquitoes are heavy near the river; winter means extreme cold and short daylight.
Emergency numbers
- Police (RCMP, local detachment)
- +1 867 952-1111
- Fire
- +1 867 377-0080
- Ambulance / health centre
- +1 867 377-0074
- All emergencies (national)
- 911
Pocket card
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Fort McPhersonTeetł'it Zheh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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checkTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police (RCMP)+1 867 952-1111
- Fire+1 867 377-0080
- Ambulance / health centre+1 867 377-0074
- All emergencies911
Embassy
No consulates in Fort McPherson. The nearest consular help is in Yellowknife or Edmonton; US citizens can contact the US consulate general in Calgary or Edmonton.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Aklak Air Inuvik → Fort McPherson: about 30 min, weekdays; fare on request
- Dempster Highway, Fort McPherson → Inuvik: about 2.5 h by road, ferries in summer
- Ice road Fort McPherson → Aklavik: about 2.5 h, winter only
Say or show
- Mahsi' — Thank you (mah-see)
- Nakhwatail'eh — Hello (check pronunciation)
Fuel up here: the next gas stations are Inuvik and Eagle Plains, each about 3 hours away.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fort McPherson. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (road open, ferries running) · avoid Apr–May and Oct–Nov (break-up and freeze-up: no road access) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZFM and YEV: Aklak Air schedule windows, charter fallback, ice-road alternative.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Co-op and hotel strip, the Anglican church and cemetery, the historic-site remains, the riverbank.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Fort McPherson National Historic Site, Lost Patrol gravesite, Nitainlii Territorial Park) and eat pages with last orders.
- Break-up and freeze-up fixtures so the page can flag no-road days.