The Dempster

Trail Overview

The Dempster Highway is one of Canada's most remote and iconic roads, stretching 900 kilometers (560 miles) from near Dawson City, Yukon, to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean in the Northwest Territories. This gravel highway is famous for its rugged beauty, diverse landscapes, and the unique experience of traveling through the Arctic Circle. The highway begins at the junction with the Klondike Highway, 40 kilometers east of Dawson City, and winds through vast wilderness areas, including the Tombstone Mountain Range, the Ogilvie Mountains, and the stunning open tundra. Travelers along the Dempster are treated to incredible views of pristine rivers, mountain ranges, and alpine valleys, making it a popular route for adventurous road trippers, overlanders, and photographers. The road passes through small communities like Eagle Plains (a key stop for fuel and supplies), Fort McPherson, and Inuvik before finally reaching Tuktoyaktuk, which became accessible by road in 2017 when the highway was extended. The Dempster is open year-round, though winter conditions can be harsh with sub-zero temperatures, ice roads, and limited services. In the summer, travelers are rewarded with the midnight sun, while the fall brings vibrant colors to the tundra. The route also offers a chance to see wildlife like caribou, moose, bears, and migratory birds. Due to its gravel surface and remote location, driving the Dempster Highway requires careful preparation, including spare tires, extra fuel, and a strong sense of adventure.

Photos of The Dempster

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Difficulty

This is a standard gravel road that is 2 vehicles wide and you can generally travel quite quickly with good tires and suspension. However, this region experiences extreme weather systems, making the road conditions unpredictable. You may encounter heavy winds, rain, and snow in all seasons. Potholes can get extremely bad after any moisture. There are also big commercial vehicles traveling this route that will not slow down as they approach. Give these workers a wide berth as they will likely throw gravel that will most definitely crack a windshield.

Technical Rating