Top of the World Road Trip Itinerary
The Top of the World Road Trip is an amazing journey from Dawson City in Canada to Skagway in the United States. This 1095 km trip will take approximately three days to complete, with the best time to drive being in the summer months. Along the route, you will pass through the towns of Tok, Beaver Creek, Destruction Bay and Whitehorse.
The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with beautiful natural landscapes and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. The road conditions are generally good, but some sections may be curvy and there is the possibility of seasonal road closures due to weather conditions.
This road trip is an incredible experience and provides memories that will last a lifetime. It is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget, making it accessible to many.
3
number of days
1,095 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Dawson City
Distance 1,095 km
Driving time 15.2 h
Pace: fast
328.4 kWh
Airports
YDA
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Dawson City is a vibrant community located in the Yukon Territory, Canada. This town is the perfect starting point for a road trip to the "Top of the World Road Trip", with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities.
You can explore the town's history with a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Park and the Jack London Museum, both located right in town. Learn about the Yukon's history and culture at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre or take a stroll through the Discovery Claim Interpretive Centre. If you're looking for activities, you can try your luck at the Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall, or take a guided tour on the Yukon River.
For travelers coming from afar, the closest international airport is the Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). Car rental services are available at the airport as well, so you can hit the road and start your Top of the World Road Trip from the moment you arrive.
Whether you're looking for adventure, history, or simply a place to relax, Dawson City is the perfect starting point for your Top of the World Road Trip.
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Dawson City
- Tok
Distance 298 km
Driving time 5.4 h
Pace: modest
77.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Dawson City, Canada to Tok, Alaska! This 298km journey will take you fewer than 6 hours to complete, and you will be able to take in some of the most beautiful scenery along the way. Be sure to keep an eye out for steep ramps, winding roads, and possible lack of gas stations. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check before you set out.
Your first stop should be the beautiful Tombstone Territorial Park. This park is filled with incredible wildlife and stunning views, and is a great place to take a break and enjoy the outdoors. Further down the road, you'll find the Top of the World Highway. This spectacular road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and is a must-see for any road tripper.
Finally, you'll reach the small town of Tok. Here, you can explore the local culture, visit the Tok River, and take in some of the most beautiful scenery Alaska has to offer. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" for this stage of your road trip.
Tok - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Tok
- Beaver Creek
Distance 176 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
52.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Tok, United States to Beaver Creek! This 109mi journey will take you fewer than 3 hours, so make sure to make the most of it! You will be captivated by the scenic roads, so keep your eyes peeled! Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check in advance. Along the way, you can visit some of the most interesting places, such as the Tok River, the Tanana River, and the Beaver Creek Wildlife Refuge. You can also stop at the Beaver Creek Park and the Beaver Creek Campground. Don’t forget to check out the Tok Area Historical Museum and the Beaver Creek Trading Post. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Beaver Creek - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
Beaver Creek - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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3
Beaver Creek
- Destruction Bay
Distance 186 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
55.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Beaver Creek to Destruction Bay? This 186 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, and you'll be able to take in some breathtaking views along the way. Don't forget to check road conditions before you go, as some sections may be closed seasonally.
When you get to Beaver Creek, make sure to visit the Beaver Creek Territorial Park, where you can explore the area's natural beauty and learn about the area's history. In Destruction Bay, you can visit the Kluane National Park and Reserve, where you can explore the area's stunning glaciers and wildlife.
No matter where you go on this road trip, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to take it slow and take in the scenery. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. Bon voyage!
Destruction Bay - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Destruction Bay
- Haines Junction
Distance 106 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
31.7 kWh
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Embark on a journey that will take you from Destruction Bay to Haines Junction in the Yukon Territory in Canada. This 106 km journey will take you less than two hours and will be filled with incredible views of the wilderness. Along the way, you will pass through the Kluane National Park and Reserve, which is home to some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world. You may even catch a glimpse of a wild animal or two! As you drive, be sure to take in the scenic views of the mountains and glaciers. Keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check the road conditions before you go. Once you arrive in Haines Junction, you will find a variety of attractions, accommodation options, and restaurants to explore. There are also plenty of campsites nearby if you're looking for a place to stay. This is just one of many stages of a larger tour, and more information about attractions and activities along the route can be found in the itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Destruction Bay to Haines Junction!
Haines Junction - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Vikipedija
Haines Junction - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Haines Junction
- Whitehorse
Distance 155 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
46.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Haines Junction to Whitehorse! This 155 km journey will take you less than 2 hours, but don't be fooled by the short distance - there's plenty to see and do! Soak in the stunning views of the Kluane National Park, the largest protected wilderness area in Canada, and keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call it home. Stop in Destruction Bay and take a stroll along the shore of Kluane Lake, or explore the historical sites at Burwash Landing. Finally, make your way to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, and explore the city's vibrant culture. Along the way, keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Whitehorse - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Whitehorse - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Whitehorse
- Skagway
Distance 174 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
52.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Whitehorse to Skagway, a 174 km journey that will take you fewer than 3 hours. Start your journey in Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, and make your way to Carcross, a small village with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities to explore. As you drive, take in the stunning views of the Yukon River, the mountains and the valleys. Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that make their home in the area. As you drive, be mindful of the steep ramps and winding roads in some sections. Please note that some sections may be closed seasonally.
Once you arrive in Carcross, take some time to explore the area. Check out the historic sites, take a hike, or go fishing. You can also take a scenic ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. Finally, make your way to Skagway, a charming town with plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take a walk along the waterfront, explore the shops and galleries, or take a day trip to nearby Glacier Bay National Park.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Skagway - Canada - North America - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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Skagway
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Skagway is a small Alaskan town located at the northernmost point of the renowned “Top of the World Road Trip”. This road trip is an adventure of a lifetime, offering stunning views and an amazing sense of accomplishment when you reach the end. Skagway is the perfect place to end your journey.
The town of Skagway is steeped in history and culture. It was once a major hub for gold prospectors during the Alaskan Gold Rush and many of the original buildings remain, giving the town a unique and fascinating atmosphere. The town is also home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park where you can learn more about the history of the area.
Skagway is a great place to explore and experience the outdoors. You can take a cruise up the nearby Glacier Bay where you can admire the majestic glaciers or take a hike through the Chilkoot Pass, a historic trail used during the gold rush. There are also many opportunities to go fishing or take a kayaking tour.
Skagway is easily accessible by car. The closest international airport is the Juneau International Airport (JNU). From there you can rent a car and drive the approximately four hours to Skagway.
All in all, Skagway is the perfect destination to end your “Top of the World Road Trip”. With its unique history, culture, and outdoor activities, you are sure to have an amazing time exploring this beautiful Alaskan town.
Top of the World Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Dawson City
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End:
Skagway
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Distance:
1,095 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Dawson City Airport (YDA)
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When to drive:
June, July, August
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Top of the World Road Trip is an exceptional journey that spans the rugged wilderness of the Yukon in Canada and the scenic vistas of Alaska in the United States. Stretching approximately 1095 kilometers (680 miles), this Road Trip from Dawson City, Canada, to Skagway, USA, is a feast for the eyes and spirit, typically completed over three to four days, allowing travelers to immerse in the majestic beauty of North America's far north.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Dawson City: Once the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, this historical town offers a window into the past with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and the Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site.
- Tok: Celebrated as the `Sled Dog Capital of Alaska,` this small town is a hub for mushing and offers a range of outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and hiking in the summer months.
- Beaver Creek: As Canada's westernmost community, Beaver Creek is a testament to the resilient spirit of the Yukon, featuring cultural sites and thrilling wildlife encounters.
- Destruction Bay: Boasts mesmerizing views of Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon, and provides access to the awe-inspiring Kluane National Park and Reserve, home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan.
- Whitehorse: The capital of Yukon, Whitehorse is a cultural epicenter with attractions such as the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, which pays homage to the region's riverboat history, and the Takhini Hot Springs, which offer relaxation in a natural setting.
- Skagway: Famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway is full of historical intrigue with meticulously preserved buildings and the exhilarating White Pass & Yukon Route RailRoad that presents travelers with breathtaking views as it winds through the mountains.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time to embark on this Road Trip is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is relatively warm, wildlife is abundant, and the days are remarkably long, with near 24-hour daylight offering extended sightseeing opportunities.
Potential Risks:
While driving, one might face challenges such as winding Roads, which require careful navigation, and potential seasonal Road closures due to inclement weather conditions like snow or floods.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Be prepared for frequent wildlife sightings, including bears, moose, and eagles, making a camera an essential item.
- Weather can be unpredictable; carrying layered clothing will provide comfort across varying temperatures.
- Services like fuel stations and eateries are infrequent in this remote area; ensure a well-planned itinerary with necessary supplies.
- Border crossings between Canada and the USA demand a valid passport and knowledge of customs regulations—check the latest requirements before travel.
A good choice for:
The Top of the World Road Trip is an adventure of moderate budget that is accessible to most travelers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent landscapes, rich history, and frontier towns that tell the story of the North American subarctic region. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking the thrill of the open Road, this journey is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
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