Sit Back & Enjoy the Drive on a leisurely trip north on the Dempster Highway from Dawson City to Inuvik.

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DAY 1

Morning

DRIVE FROM DAWSON CITY TO TOMBSTONE MOUNTAIN PARK (72 KM)

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Stop in at the Dempster Delta Visitor Information Centre on Front Street in Dawson City, Yukon. With friendly staff and up-to-date road conditions, you will also learn about the land you will travel over the coming days. The Dempster Highway begins 40 km east of Dawson City, and is 740 km total in length. As Canada's most northern highway, there is plenty to stop and see along the way.

This morning, start off by travelling to Tombstone Mountain Park. With panoramic vistas throughout, Tombstone Mountain looms picturesque in the distance and is easily viewable from the highway. Stop in at the Tombstone Mountain Interpretive Centre and learn about the surrounding area, wildlife, and people. Short and long hikes are available in Tombstone Mountain Park.
 

Afternoon and Evening

DRIVE FROM TOMBSTONE MOUNTAIN PARK TO EAGLE PLAINS (297 KM)

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Continue on the Dempster towards Eagle Plains, stopping at the various pull-outs and viewpoints. The North Fork Pass, at 82 km is the first crossing of the Continental Divide, and offers high elevation views of the surrounding area. At Engineer Creek Campground, at 194 km, you will see a sharply eroded limestone ridge complete with rock "forests". At 259 km, the Ogilvie-Peel Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the valley. At 369 km is Eagle Plains Hotel and RV Campground. A full service restaurant and lounge, gas station and repair shop make it the ideal stopping point for the evening, whether you are a camper or wish to stay at the hotel.

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DAY 2

Morning

DRIVE FROM EAGLE PLAINS TO FORT McPHERSON (181 KM)

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Start your day off early and travel the 36 km to the Arctic Circle. Be sure to take a photo at the interpretive display. Continue another 60 km to the Yukon/NWT border where you will set your watch forward one hour. Take your photo at the NWT border sign, and take the time to peruse the interpretive displays about the land and wildlife in the area.

At 536 km, Tetlit Gwinjik Wayside Park offers views of the Mackenzie Delta and Peel River valley. Continue across the Peel River by ferry, the first of two free ferries along the Dempster, to Nitainlaii Territorial Park where a visitor centre welcomes guests with beautiful cultural displays and friendly staff to learn more about the Fort McPherson area.

Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table in Fort McPherson, or at one of the nearby territorial parks. Fort McPherson has a self-guided tour, including to the grave site of the Lost Patrol. Don't miss the Tent and Canvas shop, a local business that creates north country gear, including traditional canvas tents.

Afternoon/Evening

DRIVE FROM FORT MCPHERSON TO INUVIK (394)

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Continue along the Dempster Highway to the Mackenzie River and Arctic Red River ferry. Take the short ferry trip over to the community of Tsiigehtchic. A visit to the new Visitor Information Centre, a short walk around town and to the Catholic Church, offer splendid photo opportunities.

Take the ferry from Tsiigehtchic to the Inuvik side of the Mackenzie River, and continue on the Dempster to the Tithegeh Chii Vital Lookout at 703 km. The short walk to the end of the cliffs offers you views of the Campbell Lake, an example of a reversing delta. Keep your eyes peeled for raptors. Peregrine Falcons nest here. At 731 km is Jak Park, just outside Inuvik, where a viewing tower offers panoramic views of the Beaufort Delta. It is then just a short drive into the community of Inuvik.