Dempster Highway Road Trip

The Dempster Highway Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through the ruggedly beautiful Yukon and Northwest Territories of Canada. Starting in Dawson City, the 774 km route takes you through the Klondike Junction and up to Inuvik. Along the way, you will be surrounded by breathtaking sights of snow-capped mountains, tundra, boreal forests, and the Arctic Circle. The best time of year to drive the Dempster Highway is between May and September, when the road is open. Although the route is suitable for any driver, the road conditions can be challenging. The gravel surface is rough and uneven in places, and the road may become impassable due to weather conditions during the winter months. As such, it is recommended that you plan your trip for the warmer months of the year. The Dempster Highway Road Trip is an unforgettable experience, but it does come with a high budget. With the right preparation, however, you can make the most of this incredible journey.

Dawson City, located in the Yukon Territory of Canada, is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Dempster Highway. The immediate area surrounding Dawson City is full of interesting sights, including the Jack London Museum, the S.S. Keno, and the Palace Grand Theatre. Heading north, the Dempster Highway provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, with the boreal forest, tundra, and winding rivers. The nearest international airport is located in Whitehorse, YT (YXY) where car rentals can be found. The drive from Whitehorse to Dawson City is around 4 hours and is a great way to take in the scenery and experience the vastness of the Yukon. Taking a road trip along the Dempster Highway is an excellent way to gain an appreciation for the beauty of the Yukon, and Dawson City is the perfect starting point. From Dawson City, travelers can experience the majesty and splendor of the boreal forest and tundra, and take in the sights and sounds of the Yukon.

Welcome to the Dawson City - Dempster/Klondike Junction road trip stage! On this 40 km stretch, you will get to experience the beauty of the Yukon in less than an hour. Take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and snow-capped peaks as you drive along this historic route. Start your journey in Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Here, you can visit the iconic Jack London Cabin, the Dawson City Museum, and the Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. Continue your road trip to Dempster/Klondike Junction, where you can explore the Dempster Highway and the Tombstone Territorial Park. Here, you can also find the Midnight Dome, a great spot for camping and wildlife viewing. Be sure to take in the sights and sounds of the Yukon wilderness as you drive along this route. Look out for historical sites, scenic roads, and interesting attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Dempster/Klondike Junction to Inuvik, a 734 km journey that will take you fewer than 19 hours to complete. This route is perfect for those looking for an adventure, with plenty of scenic views and wildlife sightings along the way. Be sure to take a 4WD car, as some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. As you travel, don’t forget to stop at the Arctic Red River, where you can take a short hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the town of Fort McPherson, which is known for its traditional Inuvialuit culture, and check out the local shops and restaurants. Further along the route, you’ll pass by the village of Tsiigehtchic, where you can explore the local heritage and learn about the area’s history. Make sure to also stop in Inuvik, where you can take a stroll along the Mackenzie River and visit the Inuvik Regional Visitors Centre to learn more about the region. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. This is the perfect road trip for those looking for an adventure, so start planning your trip today!

Inuvik in Canada is the perfect ending point for the Dempster Highway Road Trip. Situated in the Northwest Territories on the banks of the Mackenzie River, Inuvik is the gateway to Canada’s Arctic. Once you’ve arrived in Inuvik, explore its colorful streets lined with Arctic-inspired art and architecture. Visit the Igloo Church, an iconic landmark made entirely of snow blocks, and the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, where you can learn about the Aurora Borealis. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, stop by the Inuvik Arts Centre and browse the selection of artwork created by local craftspeople. You can also visit the Inuvik Petroleum Showcase to learn about the history of oil and gas exploration in the region. Adventure-seekers can also take part in a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. The region is also home to some of Canada’s best fishing spots, where you can try your luck at catching Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, and Whitefish. If you’re traveling by air, the closest international airport is Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Inuvik is the perfect destination to end your Dempster Highway Road Trip and discover the beauty of Canada’s Arctic. With its unique art and culture, outdoor activities, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Inuvik is a must-see destination for any traveler.

We believe that our journey idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Yukon, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to make your journey safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are considering hiring a car or camper rental in Yukon.
In Yukon, there are a number of road regulations to be kept in mind while sightseeing. When moving around Yukon in a car, it is best to avoid alcohol at any expense. Tourists ought to remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is low and equals only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 80km/h, which is the maximum car speed inside the cities. Outside the cities, there is a possibility to travel at the maximum speed of 100km/h. Avoid exceeding the maximum car speed of 120km/h when driving on highways. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to ensure proper safety.
How about the costs of the trip? The total cost of the whole tour are dependent on the budget option that you go for. A wide range of budget options is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 774km while travelling around Yukon can cost around 88 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to spend the average of up to 297 EUR on budget accommodation. Holidaymakers should also remember about the fact that they will spend approximately 168 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay about 113 EUR if they choose the cheapest car rental option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be roughly 553 EUR without vehicle rental and 665 EUR with car hire.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 88 EUR to cover the planned stages of the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses can amount up to more or less 462 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost around 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of roughly 135 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 926 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend around 791 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 1,314 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend about 1,134 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 180 EUR. If you are interested in the highest comfort of the itinerary, you will pay about 150 EUR for fuel. Holidayers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay approximately 324 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 660 EUR for overnight stays.
Our trip is also superb for camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, it costs approximately 675 EUR. You will spend more or less 175 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Travellers who choose camper hire should expect to pay around 88 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 168 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in a straightforward way.
The best travel opportunity when exploring the part of Yukon described in our itinerary idea is between June and August. There are multiple thrilling scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. The broad spectrum of options will surely match up the expectations of the most demanding drivers.