Major city · Canada
High Level
Stop one night if you are driving the Mackenzie Highway to the Northwest Territories; skip it as a destination on its own.
High Level is a small service town at the northern edge of the Peace Country, 733 km north of Edmonton and 190 km south of the Northwest Territories border. It exists for road traffic and for workers, not for sightseeing. Come for a bed, fuel and food on the Mackenzie Highway run, or fly in from Edmonton if you have business in the area.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow)
- Airport
- YOJ
- 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 High Level911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- High Level RCMP (non-emergency)780-926-2222
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 High Level, 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 town; the real risks are the cold, the long empty drives and wildlife on the highway.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance · 780-926-2222 High Level RCMP (non-emergency)
- 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.
- AirportYOJ High Level Airport (13 km (8.1 mi) north of town on Highway 35; Central Mountain Air from Edmonton; rental cars at the airport).YOJ High Level Airport (8.1 mi (13 km) north of town on Highway 35; Central Mountain Air from Edmonton; rental cars at the airport).
- Getting aroundNo public transit.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealPizza or a main courseC$18–32 (≈ US$14–25)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast in a caféC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- BeerBeer in a loungeC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–40 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedCampground pitch (tent or RV), a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
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
- YOJ High Level Airport (13 km (8.1 mi) north of town on Highway 35; Central Mountain Air from Edmonton; rental cars at the airport)YOJ High Level Airport (8.1 mi (13 km) north of town on Highway 35; Central Mountain Air from Edmonton; rental cars at the airport)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−15°C (6°F)6°F (−15°C)
Feb
Avoid
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Mar
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Apr
not flagged
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (60°F)60°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
Nov
Avoid
−6°C (20°F)20°F (−6°C)
Dec
Avoid
−13°C (8°F)8°F (−13°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−25°C (−13°F)−13°F (−25°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
High Level: 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
−15°C (6°F)6°F (−15°C)
−25°C (−13°F)−13°F (−25°C)
10 rd
Feb
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
8 rd
Mar
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
8 rd
Apr
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jul
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
10°C (51°F)51°F (10°C)
12 rd
Aug
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
11 rd
Sep
15°C (60°F)60°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Nov
−6°C (20°F)20°F (−6°C)
−15°C (4°F)4°F (−15°C)
10 rd
Dec
−13°C (8°F)8°F (−13°C)
−23°C (−10°F)−10°F (−23°C)
10 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
No public transit. The town is small enough to walk between motels and restaurants, but you need a car for the airport, the golf course and the campground. Rental cars are available at the airport; book ahead, as supply is thin.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 3 h 30 min
Drive south on Highway 35, then Highway 2
296 km (184 mi) south; too far for a comfortable return day.184 mi (296 km) south; too far for a comfortable return day.
Grimshaw
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h
Drive south on Highway 35
280 km (174 mi) south; a fuel-and-food stop on the way out, not a day trip.174 mi (280 km) south; a fuel-and-food stop on the way out, not a day trip.
Hay River, Northwest Territories
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 30 min
Drive north on Highway 35 to the NWT border, then Highway 2
312 km (194 mi) north; the natural next stop on the Mackenzie Highway.194 mi (312 km) north; the natural next stop on the Mackenzie Highway.
Fox Haven Golf Course
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Drive 3 km (1.9 mi) north of townDrive 1.9 mi (3 km) north of town
18 holes; in June you can tee off on the 18th at 11:30 pm in daylight.18 holes; in June you can tee off on the 18th at 11:30 AM pm in daylight.
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.
Downtown motel strip (96–97 Street)
Most motels sit within a few blocks of each other; walkable to the cafés and restaurants on 100 Avenue.
Highway 58 / Best Western cluster
East edge of town; easiest if you arrive late by car and leave early.
Aspen Ridge Campground
3 km (1.9 mi) south on Highway 35; the practical choice for RVs and tents in summer.1.9 mi (3 km) south on Highway 35; the practical choice for RVs and tents in summer.
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$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Rental car, one day1 × C$90 · check | C$90 |
| Fuel, Edmonton–High Level return, about 1,470 km1 × C$200 · check | C$200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$78 |
| Trip total≈ C$429 per person per day, bed included | C$858≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Breakfast in a café | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Pizza or a main course | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer in a lounge | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | C$1.50–1.80 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–40 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter temperatures drop below −30 °C (−22 °F); frostbite risk on any walk longer than a few minutes.Winter temperatures drop below −22 °F (−30 °C); frostbite risk on any walk longer than a few minutes.
- Distances between services are long: the next town south is Grimshaw, 280 km (174 mi) away.Distances between services are long: the next town south is Grimshaw, 174 mi (280 km) away.
- Intercity bus service from Grande Prairie and Edmonton has been suspended; do not plan on it.
- Wildlife (moose, deer, bears) on Highway 35, especially at dawn and dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- High Level RCMP (non-emergency)
- 780-926-2222
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
High LevelHigh Level
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- High Level RCMP (non-emergency)780-926-2222
Embassy
No consulates in High Level; the nearest are in Edmonton. US: US Consulate General, Edmonton (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi in town: C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15) (check)
- Rental car, one day: from about C$90 (≈ US$70) (check)
- Campground pitch: C$30–65 (≈ US$25–50) a night (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the gas station? — Where is the gas station?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
English is the working language; French is official in Canada but rarely spoken here.
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 High Level. 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 · avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YOJ: Central Mountain Air schedule, taxi or rental fallback, late-arrival motel rung.
- Two walking clusters with anchors: the 96–97 Street motel strip and the 100 Avenue café row.
- Place pages with verified hours (Mackenzie Crossroads Museum, Fox Haven, Aspen Ridge) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-arrival fixtures so the page can go green for cold-weather drivers.
Sources
- officialTown of High Level — official site
- officialTown of High Level — Airport
- officialTown of High Level — Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Centre
- officialFox Haven Golf & Country Club
- officialAspen Ridge Campground
- officialCentral Mountain Air
- secondaryWikivoyage: High Level, revision 5198402 (CC BY-SA 4.0)