At its southern end, the route begins by branching off east from Highway 11B as it enters into Atikokan from the south.

Highway 622 curves around the east side of the town for 1.5 km (0.93 mi) then proceeds generally northwest into the wilderness.

[4] Highway 622 was first created in 1958 as an access road from Atikokan to the newly opened Caland Ore mine.

It was assumed by the Department of Highways, predecessor to the modern Ministry of Transportation, on January 30, 1958 at a length of approximately 8 km (5 mi).

[6][7] In 1979, construction began on the Bending Lake Road under the Northern Economic Development Program.

In 1980, work began on grading a new route from the end of an existing development road which branched off of Highway 622 north for 17 km (11 mi), which was completed during the summer of 1981.

[10] Contracts were awarded to begin grading the route 9 km (5.6 mi) southerly from Highway 17, and for the installation of guide rails along the completed sections.