Current Road Status
Checkpoint and Security Notice
All travellers are required to check-in at the Wetum Road checkpoints in Moose Factory and at Otter Rapids.
Be advised that there will be an increased police presence on the Wetum Road this season. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police will be active at both the north and south gates. Details.
Save time by completing the checkpoint form in advance.
About the Wetum Road
The Wetum Road is a 170 km long winter road connecting Moose Factory to Otter Rapids. This road provides communities located along the James Bay coast with access to the Ontario highway system.
Otter Rapids Road is approximately 48 km in length, and connects to Highway 634, which is approximately 78 km long, ending at Smooth Rock Falls.
Driving Directions
Follow signage located along the route.
- Wetum Road entry is located on Pedhabun Rd., nearby dump entrance. Proceed through checkpoint.
- Continue straight along the Wetum Road for 170 km until you reach the exit checkpoint just before Otter Rapids Road.
- Turn left on Otter Rapids Road and continue for 48 km. Cross the Abitibi Canyon Generating Station.
- Continue on HWY 634 for 5 km. Turn left at the 4-way stop to continue on HWY 634 for 73 km until you arrive in Smooth Rock Falls.
- HWY 634 can be accessed approximately 1 km east of Smooth Rock Falls, or via Ross Rd. in Smooth Rock Falls.
- Continue on HWY 634 for approximately 73 km. Turn right at 4-way stop to continue on HWY 634 for 5 km towards the Abitibi Canyon Generating Station.
- Cross the Abitibi Canyon Generating Station and continue on Otter Rapids Road for approximately 48 km.
- Turn right at entrance of the Wetum Road and proceed through the checkpoint.
- Continue on the Wetum Road for 170 km until the exit checkpoint.
- Turn left to continue to Moose Factory.
Information for Drivers
- Speed limit is 50 kmh. Drive carefully. Unexpected bumps and sharp turns can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and slide off the road.
- Plan to spend approximately 6 hours driving the entire 300 km distance from Moose Factory to Smooth Rock Falls. Let others know when you leave and what time you expect to arrive.
- Pack an emergency car kit. A shovel, tow straps, and jumper cables are recommended.
- Cell service is unavailable on the Wetum Road and much of HWY 634.
- Ensure you have enough fuel to make the 300 km journey. There is no fuel available on the Wetum Road.
- 4WD or AWD vehicles recommended.
- Small trailers are permitted.
Usage Guidelines
- Traffic is limited to Class One and Class Two vehicles only (up to 10,000 lbs)
- Drive with caution and obey posted speed limits
- Respect the environment – please do not litter while on the road
- Obey all posted signs
- Be mindful of heavy equipment working on the road
- No parking of vehicles along the road
- Absolutely no hunting, fishing, trapping, or cutting of firewood
- Transportation of snowmobiles for the purpose of accessing areas along the winter road is not permitted
- The road is not to be used for any resource development activities
- No building of incidental cabins
