Ferry access to Tsiigehtchic is now suspended and the Mackenzie River ferry is now on 24-hours notice as the region rapidly transitions to winter conditions.

"The Mackenzie River Ferry at KM 143 Dempster Highway # 8 is open and is on 24[-hour] notice of closure for the season," reads an Oct. 28 notice from the Department of Infrastructure. "The ferry may close sooner with little or no notice."

Access to Tsiigehtchic closed at 2 p.m., Oct. 27. The Louis Cardinal ferry is on reduced hours, but is still shuttling people and vehicles across the Arctic Red River from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a maximum weight limit of 64,000 kilograms.

The Peel River Ferry remains in full service at this time, operating on demand. The first trip leaves the north shore at 9:15 a.m. and the last one to leave the south shore is at 12:45 a.m.

The notice also advises travellers on the Dempster Highway to be cautious of icy conditions and be aware of a dip in the road at kilometre 178, as well as ongoing road work and single-lane traffic from kilometre 26 to 28.