The frozen frontline at -50 below: A look at RCMP snowmobile patrols in the high Arctic

March 3, 2026 - Surrey, British Columbia
From: Federal Policing Pacific Region

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This week , RCMP officers with the Yukon RCMP and Federal Policing Pacific Region (FFPR) Western Arctic Operations (WAO) wrapped up their annual winter patrol, that often takes them 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

And in keeping with winter in the Arctic, the patrol team was forced into a weather-related pivot because of extreme windy conditions—extreme even for the Arctic.

Since 2023, federal RCMP officers have conducted annual winter snowmobile patrols to build their awareness in the region, to ensure border safety, and Canadian Arctic sovereignty.

These missions are essential training for officers in the high Arctic and in part, help officers become familiar with the extreme conditions and terrain.

The snowmobile patrols also provide officers with real-time knowledge of any new human activity in the region which could include anything from non-governmental groups such as scientists or adventure travellers needing help to those with more nefarious intent, all of which requires a response from police no matter the weather.  

Officers  encountered a mix of tundra, sea ice, snow drifts, flat coastal land and mountains. The Arctic winters can bring temperature ranges from -10 to -50, often with the high winds, experienced on this year’s patrol.

“Typically, we will see -15 to – 40 Celsius on patrol,” explains Corporal Guy Lacroix, with FPPR and one of four RCMP members on the patrol this year. . 

“Unless the temperature is below -40 Celsius, the cold is not the real issue. The wind is. When there is no wind, it’s much easier to retain heat. High winds can turn your environment into a complete white out with no visible horizon and that makes it difficult to communicate. It requires us to touch our helmets to speak to each other,” Cpl. Lacroix says. 

The RCMP members who take part in the winter patrols, like Cpl. Lacroix, marvel in the beauty of the Arctic from the stunning scenery to the incredible wildlife including encounters with polar bears.  While the RCMP team is out on patrol, the sun will rise after 10 a.m. and will set before 7 p.m. 

The patrol team wear extreme cold weather parkas made in the Yukon. The garment is insulated with a high-grade synthetic insulation, and the hood is lined with fur from animals trapped in the Yukon. For Cpl. Lacroix, his hood is lined with wolverine. The style of parka comes from the Inuvialuit culture and is essentially pulled over the head like a long sweater or tunic. The officers’ gauntlets (gloves) are also made from Canadian beaver hide for optimum warmth. 

While the RCMP team was  on the ice, they made camp at available cabins. The team also carries tents in case no cabins are available.  

The trip began February 17 by truck via the Dempster Highway taking RCMP officers from their home base in Whitehorse to Aklavik.  The team was delayed, however, due to an avalanche on the Dempster Hwy that covered about 3 kilometres of road.

With the road cleared after 24 hours, the team made their way to Aklavik intending to get out on the ice for their scheduled six-day patrol. But, as they say, the best laid plans sometimes change.

The weather conditions with winds registering between 80-100 kilometres an hour were simply too dangerous to continue up to Qikiqtaruk (Herschel Island) and on to the Canada – U.S.A. border. The team was lucky enough to conduct a patrol up as far as the Whitefish Station on the Arctic Ocean coastline, but the extreme wind stopped them from going any further this year.

“Our mandate includes border security along the Arctic Ocean coastline and between the points of entry along the international land boundary between Alaska and the Yukon. This amounts to a span of approximately 2,000 kilometres,” explains Inspector Gerald Walker, Officer in Charge of Western Arctic Operations (WAO) under FPPR.

Canadian sovereignty and public safety in the high Arctic are a shared responsibility of several federal agencies including the RCMP, Parks Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). 

Over 130 years ago, the RCMP was the only permanent Canadian government presence in the high Arctic with the first detachment established at Qikiqtaruk (Herschel Island) in 1895.

“These patrols demonstrate how the RCMP works together to ensure a consistent, effective and culturally responsible presence in the North that strengthens public safety, supports northern communities and upholds Canadian sovereignty,” explains Yukon RCMP Staff Sergeant Eric Lane.

The RCMP maintains 59 detachments including headquarters in the three territories in the Canadian high Arctic. This includes RCMP Divisions in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

RCMP federal policing teams also operate in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit.

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