Go far north on this Canadian overland adventure
The ultimate northern road trip! On the weeklong Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip, you will visit Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuvialuit hamlet on the Arctic Coast. This incredible road trip will take you through mountain ranges and alpine tundra, crossing remote rivers to reach the end of this iconic gravel road. People come from all round the world to drive the Dempster Highway and make their way to Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean.
From Inuvik, you’ll head south on the famous Dempster Highway, crossing important rivers and the Richardson and Ogilvie mountains. You will travel through the immense tundra and cross south of the Arctic Circle before reaching Eagle Plains where you will spend the night under the midnight sun. The next day, you will see some of the newest and rawest peaks in North America, the Tombstone Mountains. Reach Dawson city for a glimpse of the legendary gold rush hub, touring the historic town and visiting its dance halls and restaurants.
Come and discover a land lit up by the midnight sun, chilly but warmly welcoming, and unlike anywhere else on earth!
Highlights of the Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip
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Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 Whitehorse to Inuvik
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Inuvik
Meals: None
Day 2 Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Inuvik
Meals: None
Day 3 Inuvik to Eagle Plains
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Eagle Plains
Meals: None
Day 4 Eagle Plains to Dawson City
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dawson City
Meals: None
Day 5 Dawson City
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dawson City
Meals: None
Day 6 Dawson City to Whitehorse
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Whitehorse
Meals: None
Day 7 Departure
The tour ends with a transfer to the airport. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Meals: None
Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip Price and Dates
This guided overland tour of Yukon is run as a fixed-departure tour and the price per person depends on what kind of room you stay in.
Prices below are per person sharing a double room.
Accommodation on the Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip
This tour is based in 3 or 4-star hotels. The rooms are superior middle-class.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $725 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotels along the Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway
The exact hotels you’ll stay in will be confirmed upon booking, but expect pleasant 3 or 4-star options.
What’s Included in the Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip?
Meals
No meals are included. Hotels may offer free breakfast, but if not, you will be responsible for your own food costs during the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
All personal and luggage transfers required by the itinerary are included. This includes pickup from the airport and departure transfers.
Also Included
- Expert guidance on the entire trip
- Flight from Whitehorse to Inuvik
- All overland transportation
- Air-conditioned maxi van (capacity 15 seats)
- Entrance fee for “Diamond Tooth Gerties” Casino
- Entrance fee for Dawson City Museum
- Arctic Circle crossing celebration
- Historic First Nation City Tour in Tuktoyaktuk
Not included
- Visas if required
- GST (5%)
- Personal gear
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Optional tours
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades where available
- Optional tours
Frequently Asked Questions about Arctic Ocean and Dempster Highway Road Trip
Ruby Range Adventure has been guiding visitors to the Yukon and Alaska for over 30 years. They are a Yukon-based wilderness tour operator providing an unmatched experience and a genuine love of the North in every trip they lead.
Ruby Range’s guides are qualified to lead guests into the deepest wilderness and knowledgeable enough to explain the rich history of the communities that dot the landscape.
They recognize that their livelihood is based on the environment, so they work to protect the balance between man and nature by limiting group size and choosing eco-conscious excursions.
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Stephan is a trusted adventurer and a longtime guide with Ruby Range Adventure.
His love of the North and nature is what brought him into guiding over 25 years ago.
You can meet him on one of their canoe expeditions, on a sightseeing adventure or on a hiking trip- he does it all!
- Q: What is the best part of guiding tourists in your region?
- A: Reconnecting guests with nature so they can recharge for their busy life back home. Making them aware of the environmental sensitivity of the North so they can understand the importance of protecting Yukon's wilderness and wildlife for future generations.
- Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting your region?
- A: The pristine wilderness of the Yukon, its rich living history, its vibrant culture, stunningly unique geography, epic scenery, and wildlife. Also, the fact that the Yukon is almost twice the size of Germany, but moose still outnumber humans by far.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Homemade Pemmican, it's Canada's oldest power bar made from dried meat or fish, dried wild berries, and tallow.
- Q: What do guests say about the tours you lead?
- A: Guests value my experience and vast local knowledge about Yukon and indigenous history and about the wildlife. They appreciate my professionalism and kindness and how I ensure every guest has a memorable trip experience.