Road Trip Itinerary

Pingo Canadian Landmark

Road Trip Itinerary: Dawson City, Yukon to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT

Total Distance: Approx. 1,300 km (800 miles)

Duration: Round trip, 7-10 days (depending on stops and camping)

Timeline: Best time to drive the Dempster Highway is from June to early September

“Driving the Dempster” has been a life list trip for many travellers. With the new Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway being built, this bucket list item has become even more impressive; driving to the Arctic Ocean is now possible. Here is a suggested itinerary for you to start planning your life list road trip.

As many are familiar with the Alaskan Highway road trip, we chose to start our itinerary with a right turn and for you to continue your Canadian adventure.

Motorcycles are common on this highway, as it is one of the trips that you will remember for a lifetime! Check out the Dempster Highway Adventure Riders group on Facebook for more helpful info!

 

    Day 1: Dawson City to Tombstone Territorial Park

    Distance: 150 km (93 miles)

    Sightseeing:

    Dempster Highway Start (YT km 0): Driving 40 km South of Dawson City you will reach Dempster Corner, where the gravel journey starts. Commemorate this adventure with a road selfie. Set your odometer to zero (000).

    Tombstone Territorial Park: Take a picture at the Tombstone Park sign. Visit the Tombstone Interpretive Centre (YT km 71.5), take a walking tour, or go for a hike to take in the scenic views of the rugged mountains.

    Camping:

    Tombstone Campground (YT km 72): Enjoy stunning views and hiking opportunities. Facilities include fire rings and basic campground toilets.

    Day 2: Tombstone to Eagle Plains (YT KM 369)

    Distance: 225 km (140 miles)

    Sightseeing:

    Dempster Highway Views: Stop at various scenic pullouts for breathtaking landscapes, such as the North Klondike Range, the Tombstone Range viewpoint (YT 74.0), and the Ogilvie Ridge (YT km 259).

    Camping:

    Eagle Plains Hotel Campground (YT KM 369): a great place to rest before heading further north. This scenic rest stop sits at an elevation of 720 m (2,360 feet). Here you can gas up and have a meal in the restaurant. You can stay overnight in the hotel or in the full-service campground. It is also recommended that you gas up here because gas stations are few and far between on the Dempster Highway.

    https://eagleplainshotel.ca/index.html

    Day 3: Eagle Plains to Inuvik

    Distance: 370 km (230 miles)

    Sightseeing

    Arctic Circle Sign (km 405): Snap a pic and take in the views of the area.

    Yukon-Northwest Territories Border (YT km 465): Another photo opportunity. Also don’t forget to adjust your clocks by an hour in the summer because the Yukon does not observe Daylight Savings Time Note: The road markers reset to Zero when you enter NWT.

    The Peel River Ferry (NWT KM 74) operates 9:15 am–12:45 am (early June to mid-October).

    Fort McPherson (NWT km 85.4) or Tsiigehtchic (NWT km 142.6): you can take a rest break in one of these Gwich’in communities and discover the history of these hamlets.

    The Mackenzie River Ferry (NWT KM 142.6): Operates 9:30 am–12:45 am (early June to mid-October)

    Inuvik (NWT KM 269): Inuvik (place of people) is the homeland of the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in Peoples as well as many other people and cultures. A place of rich diversity, Inuvik is located on the Mackenzie Delta - Canada's largest freshwater delta, close to the Arctic Ocean, with a spectacular view of the Richardson Mountains. Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre, Igloo Church, Community Greenhouse and the Inuvik Community Corporation. Stop into the Parks Canada Office and say hello. Note: You may want to leave yourself a full day or more to explore Inuvik depending on your curiosity.

    Things to Do in Inuvik:

    • Take a picture at the Inuvik sign just south of town.
    • Visit the Community Greenhouse
    • Visit the Northwest Territories Visitor Centre
    • Attend an Arctic Market on Saturdays in the summer where you can purchase one-of-a-kind items from local artists and artisans.
    • Learn to bead or embroider from a local artist at one of the many classes offered throughout the year.
    • Check out the surprisingly upscale Alestine’s, the restaurant in a converted school bus.
    • Take a boat tour on the Mighty Mackenzie River.
    • Look for geocaches www.geocaching.com
    • You can find even more activities listed on the Discover Inuvik website: https://www.inuvik.ca/en/Discovering-Inuvik.asp

     

    Camping & Hotels

    Happy Valley Territorial Campground: Located within the town of Inuvik, Happy Valley is nestled on a bluff overlooking the East Channel of Mackenzie River with stunning views of the Richardson Mountains across the mighty Mackenzie Delta.

    Jàk Park Territorial Campground: This campground is located 3.2 km south of Inuvik. Jàk is the Gwich’in word for berry, which grow in abundance here. The park’s observation tower offers panoramic views of the area. Hiking trails throughout the park are well-known to birders for the opportunity to see raptors.

    Bed and Breakfast

    Cynthia's Bed and Breakfast - Inuvik Accommodations: https://cynthiasbnb.com/

    Hotels

    Mackenzie Hotel https://www.mackenziehotel.com/
    Capital Suites https://capitalsuites.ca/inuvik/
    Nova Hotel https://novahotels.ca/nova-inn-inuvik/
    Arctic Chalets https://arcticchalet.com/

    Day 4: Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk (Highway 10)

    Distance: 152 km (94.5 miles)

    ITH Highway Starts (km 0): Driving North of Inuvik you will head to the Arctic Ocean coastline and the community of Tuktoyaktuk. This is a scenic drive with views of the Mackenzie Delta, Husky Lakes, and ,the end of the tree line. You will also drive into the Land of the Pingos, ice-cored hills that grow to between 3–70 m (10–230 ft) high and 30–1,000 m (98–3,281 ft) in diameter. They exist only in permafrost environments.

    Sightseeing

    Pingo Pull Out (km 142): Take a break and learn more about the Pingo Canadian Landmark.

    Pingo Canadian Landmark (km 145): Visit these unique landforms on the way to Tuktoyaktuk by stopping at the Pingo Day Use Area. Ibyuk, the largest pingo in Canada, is an impressive sight.

    - Paddle from the Day Use Area to the boardwalk for some amazing views.

    - View the large coin monument celebrating Inuvialuit culture and history

    Tuktoyaktuk (km 152): “Place resembling a Caribou” Visit the famous "Arctic Ocean" sign, dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean, and explore this Arctic coast community.

    Cultural Experiences: Explore the contrast between traditional and modern lifestyles. Learn more about the Inuvialuit language, traditional arts, crafts, dance, music, clothing, games, subsistence harvesting, and country foods. Local Indigenous operators can provide cultural tours of the community and surrounding area.

    Things To Do:

    • Take a boat tour of the pingos.
    • Dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean at the End of the Road, or better yet, jump in for a swim!
    • Pay a visit to an authentic sod house reconstructed in the middle of Tuk.
    • Enjoy a seaside meal at Grandma's Kitchen.
    • Ask yourself, how did all of these logs end up on the shores of a land with no trees? (Hint: The rivers brought them here.)
    • Log some iNaturalist observations www.inaturalist.org

     

    Camping

    Tuktoyaktuk Arctic Ocean Campground: Pitch your tent at the ocean’s edge and watch for the whales to swim by. 867-977-2286

    Tips for Your Trip

    Prepare for All Conditions: The weather can change quickly in the north; bring appropriate clothing and gear. Carry a spare tire!

    Stopping along the Way: Sightlines can be obstructed, so only stop where vehicles can safely pass you and pull off as far to the right as you can.

    Fuel Up: Fill your gas tank whenever you can, as stations are sparse. Dawson City, Klondike Corner, Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehchic, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk.

    Repair Shops: Dawson City, Eagle Plains

    Wildlife: Be cautious and respectful of wildlife on and near the road.

    Check Road Conditions: The Dempster Highway can be rough; check for updates before your journey.

    Enjoy your adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Yukon and Northwest Territories!

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