The Dempster Highway Guide

Canada's road to the Arctic — 736 km of gravel to the top of the continent

The Dempster Highway is Canada's most extraordinary road trip: the only public highway to cross the Arctic Circle, running 736 kilometres of gravel from near Dawson City to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Since 2017, an extension pushes the road to the shores of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk. This is not a casual drive — but for those who prepare properly, it is unforgettable.

Contents

1. The Dempster Highway
2. When to Drive
3. Vehicle Preparation
4. The Route: Dawson City to Eagle Plains
5. Crossing the Arctic Circle
6. The Two Ferries
7. Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk
8. Wildlife of the Dempster
9. Fuel, Services & Contacts