Tips for Driving the Yukon’s Dempster Highway
Tombstone Territorial Park, Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory
Travelling up the Dempster highway in Canada's Yukon Territory is a one of a kind of experience . There is no other place in the country that provides a glimpse into the vastness of the land and highlights the rugged beauty of Canada's North. Planning a trip up the Dempster Highway can be a very exciting yet complex task. The remote highway that runs up to the Arctic Circle is the only all season highway in Canada to cross the 66th parallel north, and is a bucket list experience for adventure seekers from around the world. After completing an amazing drive up to the Arctic Circle, we've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks for both planning your Dempster Highway road trip, as well as how to fully enjoy the journey.
Maximize your Flexibility and Rent an RV
Ogilvie River, Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory
Renting an RV is the best way to fully experience the Yukon, and especially the Dempster Highway. An RV allows you to stop whenever and wherever you want, and provides you with a secure place to sleep each night, regardless of weather conditions.
Government campgrounds are located along the Dempster Highway with self check-in and free firewood, and at only $12/night they are both an affordable overnight option, as well as one of the most convenient. Most government campgrounds in the Yukon are rarely full, however we recommend getting to Tombstone Territorial Park along the Dempster Highway earlier in the afternoon, as it is the most popular stop along the route.
The Dempster Highway is an unpaved road, and flat tires are common along the way. We decided to rent a truck camper to have the versatility of a traditional RV, while having the power and toughness (and tires) of a truck. With solar and propane power available, we were able to stop at pull-offs beside rivers to cook breakfast, take hot showers whenever needed, and fully enjoy the wilderness with the comforts of a hotel only a few feet away. We had no issues with flat tires, so the decision was a good one.
PRO TIP:
Be sure to stop at one of the gas stations in Dawson City to clean off your RV after your trip up the Dempster. Your RV will no doubt be very muddy and most rental companies charge a separate cleaning fee if you return your vehicle extra muddy. There are numerous RV cleaning stations along the road leading into Dawson City, and they are cheap and easy to use.
Stock up on Food and Gas
A trip up the Dempster Highway requires some careful planning. There are only two stops along the way with gas and modern amenities (Eagle Plains and Inuvik, NWT), so it's imperative to stock up before you begin your journey.
Dawson City is the closest city to the beginning of the Dempster and a great spot to load up on supplies. It's a city with a rich gold mining history and is the perfect place to get that authentic Klondike feel. It also has some great shops and restaurants including the famous Sourdough Saloon in the Downtown Hotel, where you can try the famous "sour toe cocktail" (whiskey and a real human preserved toe!).
The Trading Post on Front St. is also a good place to stop for outdoors supplies like fishing equipment and licenses, multi tools and outdoor gear. It also has a hidden selection of unique local art and carvings for sale.
PRO TIP:
Plan your trip to Dawson City to coincide with a local festival like the Dawson City Music Festival, Riverside Arts Festival or Dawson City Mud Bog.
Plan your Trip and Arrive Before Sunset
The Arctic Circle, Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory
When you arrive in Whitehorse, before heading up North on an adventure up the Dempster, your first stop needs to be the Visitor's Centre in the center of town. Not only does the Visitor's Centre have great information about the history of the region as well as essential maps (cell reception is non-existent along most of the highway and GPS can be spotty), but it also provides the most up to date driving conditions up the Dempster Highway.
Forest Fires are common during the summer months, and knowing if there has been, or if there is an active fire near the highway is extremely important. A forest fire had passed over a section of the highway a few weeks prior to our visit, and we crossed directly over that spot while driving. We heard that a few unprepared drivers had been pinned between two areas of forest fires early that summer, something we did not want to experience. Having a few days buffer at the beginning and at the end of your trip is also a good idea in case there are unforeseen natural obstacles like this during your drive.
As you near the section of the Dempster Highway near Eagle Plains, the road turns from dirt and gravel to sharp shale and rock. This is no doubt the area where many tires meet their demise. The sides of the roads are occasionally a straight drop-off down steep cliffs, so driving carefully and slowly is a must. You can often drive hours without seeing other vehicles, so being extra vigilant is the best strategy.
PRO TIP:
We would recommend planning your drive to arrive at your overnight spot at least an hour before sunset. Driving the roads in daylight can be challenging, so night driving should be avoided.
Stop and Enjoy the Solitude
Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory
One of the thrills of driving the Dempster Highway is witnessing the vast beauty of Canada's North. From driving through majestic mountain passes, to the stunning Arctic tundra north of Eagle Plains, the rugged wilderness of the Yukon is like no other place on earth. Wildlife viewing is also plentiful, but you'll need a good eye - the sheer scale of the land can often make it hard to spot animals. It's also important to be cognizant and cautious of grizzly bears - they are well camouflaged and often silent. The Yukon is a mecca for anglers and the crystal clear streams and rivers along the Dempster Highway make the perfect spot for some early morning fishing, or a quick afternoon cast.
PRO TIP:
Bring binoculars to spot wildlife, especially when on high mountain ridges looking down into those valleys below.
An adventure up the Dempster Highway is a unique and thrilling experience. Planning ahead and being prepared will ensure that it is a once in a lifetime experience. For more information on visiting the Yukon and on driving up the Dempster Highway, visit www.travelyukon.com.
