Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip

Welcome to Canada's Yukon Territory! A guide will meet you at the airport and you will hop on one last scenic flight to Inuvik. You will soon be transported to another world! Inuvik is the hub of the western Arctic and home of the Inuvialuit, in whose language the name means “Place of People.” You’ll make this your base as you explore the Arctic Coast.

Once arrived, your guide will run the group through a brief orientation.

It’s a full day today as you head north on the newly completed road to Tuktoyaktuk, an isolated coastal village. You’ll have a tour of the town and have a look at the pingos rising up from the tundra. Learn about First Nations history during your time in this unique northern location. If you don’t know what a pingo or muktuk is, you’ll find out today.

Today your journey begins on the legendary Dempster Highway! As far as the eye can see, the untouched tundra landscape is crossed by caribou, moose, and bears. This 730km long gravel road is the only road connection to Inuvik and people come from all around the world to drive to its end. You will leave Inuvik, drive amongst the arctic coastal tundra and pass through the indigenous communities of Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic (scenes of the epic story of the Northwest Mounted Police and the “Lost Patrol”). Cross the Arctic Circle and pause for a short celebration. The final stop today is Eagle Plains.

In the morning, you will leave Eagle Plains and will make your way south to the world-famous Dawson City. It is a beautiful part of the journey as you travel through the magnificent Tombstone Territorial Park.  With a bit of luck, you will see the imposing dark peaks.

This legendary boomtown was epicentre of the famous Klondike gold rush of 1898, and gold still animates the place. Immerse yourself in Dawson’s history and try your luck panning the creeks yourself. A visit to Bonanza Creek, the Jack London cabin, the Dawson City Museum, and the Midnight Dome are all on the agenda. You’ll also want to take some time to simply stroll around the town with its garish Gold Rush architecture and friendly locals.

In the evening, the lovingly restored Palace Grand Theatre offers musical entertainment, turn-of-the-century style, and can-can girls kick up their skirts for an evening of entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall.

Today you leave the gold rush city and head south along the Klondike Highway back to Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse. Along the way, you’ll catch frequent views of the Yukon River, which, at about 3200 kilometers long, is one of the longest waterways in North America. Make a stop at the infamous Five Finger Rapids and stretch your legs at some of the old post offices, roadhouses, and villages that give the area its unique northern character.

There will be time to share one last good dinner with your fellow travelers in one of the city’s restaurants.

The tour ends with a transfer to the airport. Safe travels!