Sample Itinerary

DRIVE FROM DAWSON CITY TO TOMBSTONE MOUNTAIN PARK (72 KM)

Stop in at the Dempster Delta Visitor Information Centre on Front Street in Dawson City, Yukon. With friendly staff and up-to-date road conditions, you will also learn about the land you will travel over the coming days. The Dempster Highway begins 40 km east of Dawson City, and is 740 km total in length. As Canada's most northern highway, there is plenty to see along the way

This morning, start off by travelling to Tombstone Mountain Park. With panoramic vistas throughout, Tombstone Mountain looms picturesque in the distance and is easily viewable from the highway. Stop in at the Tombstone Mountain Interpretive Centre and learn about the surrounding area, wildlife, and people. Short and long hikes are available in Tombstone Mountain Park.

DRIVE FROM TOMBSTONE MOUNTAIN PARK TO EAGLE PLAINS (297 KM)

Continue on the Dempster towards Eagle Plains, stopping at the various pull-outs and viewpoints. The North Fork Pass, at 82 km is the first crossing of the Continental Divide, and offers high elevation views of the surrounding area. At Engineer Creek Campground, at 194 km, you will see a sharply eroded limestone ridge complete with rock "forests". At 259 km, the Ogilvie-Peel Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the valley. At 369 km is Eagle Plains Hotel and RV Campground. A full service restaurant and lounge, gas station and repair shop make it the ideal stopping point for the evening, whether you are a camper or wish to stay at the hotel.

DRIVE FROM EAGLE PLAINS TO FORT McPHERSON (181 KM)

Start your day off early and travel the 36 km to the Arctic Circle. Be sure to take a photo at the interpretive display. Continue another 60 km to the Yukon/NWT border where you will set your watch forward one hour. Take your photo at the NWT border sign, and take the time to peruse the interpretive displays about the land and wildlife in the area.

At 536 km, Tetlit Gwinjik Territorial Park offers views of the Mackenzie Delta and Peel River valley. Continue across the Peel River by ferry, the first of two free ferries along the Dempster, to Nataiinlaii Territorial Park where a visitor centre welcomes guests with beautiful cultural displays and friendly staff to learn more about the Fort McPherson area.

Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table in Fort McPherson, or at one of the nearby territorial parks. Fort McPherson has a self-guided tour, including to the grave site of the Lost Patrol. Don't miss the Tent and Canvas shop, a local business that creates Northern country gear, including traditional canvas tents.

DRIVE FROM FORT MCPHERSON TO INUVIK (394)

Continue along the Dempster Highway to the Mackenzie River and Arctic Red River ferry. Take the short ferry trip over to the community of Tsiigehtchic. A visit to the new Visitor Information Centre, a short walk around town and to the Catholic Church, offer splendid photo opportunities.

Take the ferry from Tsiigehtchic to the Inuvik side of the Mackenzie River, and continue on the Dempster to the Tithegeh Chii Vitaii Lookout at 703 km. The short walk to the end of the cliffs offers you views of Campbell Lake, an example of a reversing delta. Keep your eyes peeled for raptors. Peregrine Falcons nest here. At 731 km is Jak Park, just outside Inuvik, where a viewing tower offers panoramic views of the Beaufort Delta. It is then just a short drive into the community of Inuvik.

Travellers wishing to continue their journey can hit the road early and travel down the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH), the only all-season road to the Arctic Ocean, ending in the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk (also known as Tuk). Make sure to fuel up, grab snacks and check the road conditions before heading out. This gravel road winds through diverse Arctic landscapes, crossing the tree line into open tundra dotted with lakes and wetlands. Along the way, travellers will pass several scenic pull outs where they can stretch their legs and enjoy the vast Mackenzie Delta views.

Stop at the Pingo Canadian Landmark just outside of Tuktoyaktuk, a unique natural site where large ice-cored hills rise up from the flat tundra. These pingos are rare geological formations and make for excellent photos. Explore this remarkable Arctic terrain with a licensed tourism operator, who can guide you along the designated boardwalk or on a paddling excursion while respecting the protected landscape. Be sure to snap a photo with the iconic Welcome to Tuk sign!

Stop in and refuel at one of the local eateries and then ease into an evening that celebrates all this Arctic community has to offer. Known for its warmth and storytelling, Tuktoyaktuk invites visitors to wander through its landmarks and shops, where conversations with locals often become the highlight of the visit. As the night settles in, cap off your experience with a dip in the Arctic Ocean beneath the Midnight Sun in summer, or take a peaceful walk along the shoreline while the Aurora dances overhead during fall and winter months.

After spending a night in one of the cozy B&Bs, or at The Point, offering overnight parking for RV’s and campers (Please note: there are no power or water hookups at this location), make sure to visit the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk office during business hours, or stop by the Visitors Information Centre, to receive your official Arctic Ocean Certificate.

While you’re there, make sure to grab a copy of the Inuvialuit Artists and Crafters brochure. Featuring a list of local artists, the crafts they create, and the stories behind their work - perfect for finding a meaningful keepsake from your travels.

Once your shopping is complete, you can pack up and hit the ITH back towards Inuvik, or let the charm of the Hamlet convince you to stay a little longer. Licensed tour companies offer a variety of experiences that showcase the land, culture, and history of the region