Planning your Dempster Highway
Road Trip

Drive to the conditions and take it slowly.  After all, you are on vacation.  The official speed limit in most places  is 90km/hr but realistically there will be few occasions where the conditions will allow this.  When calculating driving times, use 50km/hr as your guide.
 

Cellphone service is almost non existent.  If you do have an issue, you may not see another vehicle for hours.  Carry a satellite phone with you so you can request assistance.  If you don't have your own sat. phone, you can rent one in Whitehorse before heading up the highway.

Drive with your headlights on at all times.  The road can be very dusty and other vehicles need to see you, both in front and behind.

Conditions can change quickly on the Dempster Highway. Be prepared for snow (even in summer), fog, heavy rain or dusty roads.

Minimize dust inside your vehicle by keeping your windows closed and set your fan to defrost with the heat off.

Start the Dempster with a full tank of gas or diesel. Refuel in Eagle Plans and again in Inuvik.   Before travelling back down the Dempster, ensure you have a full tank of gas.
 

CanaDream TCA units are 4x4 capable and we strongly recommend you use 4x4 in our truck and camper unit when travelling on the Dempster Highway.  This will provide more stability and reduce the risk of flat tires.    Other CanaDream units do not have 4x4 capability.

You need to see the scenery along your route so travelling in the dark doesn't make sense. If you do experience an issue, daylight will give you more time to ensure you can park safely to await assistance.

Trucks are likely to be driving close to the speed limit. This will minimize rock damage to windshields.

IMPORTANT. If you call for assistance, it is crucial you stay with the vehicle.  Ensure the vehicle is parked safely then remain in it until help arrives.

• First Aid Kit
• Mosquitos and black flies are prevalent in Spring and Summer so pack plenty of insect repellent and protective clothing. Also pack plenty of sunscreen. 
• If you are planning to hike, buy bear spray and learn how to use it.
• Pack a warm jacket, good boots, hat and gloves, regardless of when you are travelling.
• Buy extra food and drinks.  Grocery supplies are scarce between Dawson City and Inuvik. You never know when you might encounter a road closure and have to spend extra time on your trip.
• Hiking gear if you are planning to explore the trails.
• Binoculars (to see all that wildlife up closer!).
• Music for the road trip!
• If you are planning to fish along the way, make sure you purchase the appropriate fishing license before you go.
• Duct tape to keep the cupboards and fridge in the RV from flying open!
• Plastic cling wrap - it has many purposes but, if you are in a CanaDream truck and camper, you'll find it invaluable to wrap around the entrance handle into the RV.

The Dempster Highway (known locally as 'the Dempster") is a 736km long road beginning 40km east of Dawson City, Yukon, continuing north of the Arctic Circle, and ending in the Northwest Territories town of Inuvik. 

Theoretically, you can travel it in 12-14 hours but there is so much spectacular scenery on the way, along with opportunities to hike, that the minimum you should spend on this road is 2-3 days.

Yes! You'll cross the Arctic Circle at latitude 66°33' N. Make sure you stop at the signpost here for some great views and to take a selfie to prove you were there!

That entirely depends on the weather.  Plan for dry roads, wet roads, mud, slush and all types of road conditions. The road is gravel all the way and is generally well maintained but cracked windshields and flat tyres are a common occurrence.

The road is driveable in any vehicle however we recommend you consider one with a high wheel base like our TCA truck and camper.  In this vehicle, you will be isolated from the clattering inside the RV.

The Highway offers many options for both freedom and organized camping. Yukon and NWT campgrounds are ideal with a total of seven campgrounds along the route.  Yukon campgrounds are first-come, first-served while NWT campgrounds are reservable.

There are no facilities for emptying black and grey tanks between Dawson City and Inuvik.  Fresh water fill is available in Eagle Plans only.

After Dempster corner there are no gas stations until Eagle Plains, 370km away.  Fuel is also available in Fort McPherson then you will find no further gas stations until you reach Inuvik.  Propane is available only in Inuvik, Eagle Plans and Dawson City.

Use your Satellite phone to call CanaDream for assistance.  We will send someone to help you.  Stay with your vehicle until someone arrives.  If you decide to not travel with a Sat phone (not recommended), you will need to flag down a passer-by to ask them to call for assistance for you.  Please note your position as accurately as possible.

Cellphone service is almost non-existent. We recommend you carry a satellite phone so you can call for assistance should you encounter any issues.

The road is open 24 hours a day but we strongly recommend you travel this road only during daylight.  If you encounter any problems, daylight will enable you to find a safe place to get off the road while you wait for assistance.

The Dempster Highway ends in Inuvik.  From Inuvik you can take the Tuktoyaktuk Highway to reach the Inuvialuit hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk in the far Northwest Territories. Here you can dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean.

Please read our Dempster Highway and Beyond blog for more in depth information about what to see and do along this highway.