Dempster Highway Guide — Dawson City to Inuvik
737 km of gravel from the edge of Dawson City to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, crossing the Arctic Circle, two rivers by ferry, and an ocean of open tundra. The Dempster requires preparation — two spare tires, a full fuel plan, and road condition checks — but it rewards those who do the work.
Key Stops on the Dempster
- Tombstone Territorial Park (km 72)The most dramatic landscape on the Dempster. Jagged granite peaks above open tundra. Hike North Fork Pass or stop at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre.
- Eagle Plains (km 369)The only fuel between Dawson City and the NWT border. Hotel, restaurant, gas station, and tire repair. Stop whether you need fuel or not — the next stretch is long.
- Arctic Circle (km 405)A roadside sign marks the crossing at 66°33′N. In summer, you're driving into 24-hour daylight. Most travellers stop for a photo.
- Peel River Ferry (km 467)Free cable ferry crossing (or ice bridge in deep winter). The river is wide and brown with silt — classic northern hydrology.
- Inuvik (km 737)The terminus of the original Dempster. A proper town with full services and the gateway to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean via the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
Essential Preparation
- Carry at least two full-size spare tires — flat tires are common on gravel. Most rental agreements prohibit Dempster travel.
- Fill up in Dawson City. The next fuel is Eagle Plains at km 369. Carry a jerry can.
- Check road conditions before leaving: 511.yukon.ca or call 1-800-661-0750.
- No cell service for most of the route. Download offline maps (Gaia GPS or Maps.me) before leaving Dawson.
- A satellite communicator (SPOT or Garmin InReach) is worth carrying beyond Eagle Plains.