Mackenzie Mountains
Mountains Northern mountain range along Yukon–Northwest Territories border
A remote, rocky range along the Northwest Territories-Yukon border, the Mackenzie Mountains feature deep valleys and alpine tundra; experienced backcountry travelers visit for multi-day treks, river trips and wildlife observation.
The Mackenzie Mountains are a rugged mountain range in northwestern Canada spanning parts of the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory, known for steep ridges, alpine plateaus and remote wilderness. The range is an important habitat for boreal and alpine species and includes river valleys carved by glaciation.
Outdoor activities are primarily backcountry in character - mountaineering, hunting, fishing and remote trekking - with few developed tourist facilities. The area contains geological and mineral occurrences that have supported limited exploration and mining activity.
The mountains lie north of the Boreal Forest transition zone and form part of the broader northern Cordillera region; they are within traditional territories of Indigenous peoples of the North and are accessed from small northern communities and by aircraft.
Geographically the range runs roughly north-south in the western part of Canada’s Northwest Territories and extends into eastern Yukon, occupying a remote section of the northern mountain systems.
- Access: Very remote and largely roadless - most access for visitors, researchers and prospectors is by air or long wilderness expeditions.
Tips for Visiting Mackenzie Mountains #
- Expect very limited road access and services across the Mackenzie Mountains; arrange transport by charter aircraft or floatplane and book experienced local guides or outfitters rather than attempting independent access from distant towns.
- Plan logistics carefully - fuel, food resupply, communications and emergency plans need to be arranged beforehand because communities and facilities in the range are sparse and seasonal.
- Aim for the short summer window (late June to August) for best access and milder conditions, and coordinate with local authorities or outfitters about any permits or park regulations for the specific areas you intend to visit.
Best Time to Visit Mackenzie Mountains #
Best visited in the short summer (June-August) when conditions are milder and access to the Mackenzie Mountains is most feasible.
Weather & Climate near Mackenzie Mountains #
Mackenzie Mountains's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -31°C to 21°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.
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