Canada Road Trip to the ARCTIC: Seven Tips For Driving the DEMPSTER HIGHWAY 

REAL advice from a local: 1. You don't need jerry cans. You can easily make it from Dawson to Inuvik on a single tank in a truck or SUV. If you really need gas in between, you can fuel up in Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, or even Tsiigehtchic. But jerry cans are unnecessary. And don't worry about using gas on detours-- there are no detours. The highway is a single line without any intersections. 2. Locals can (and do) make this drive with cars and minivans all the time. However, I recommend driving something with 4x4. The most popular vehicle up north (and thus the easiest to have serviced) is a Ford F150. 3. The long table at Eagle Plains is for truckers. Sorry, it's claimed! 4. Driving conditions are much better on the NWT side than on the Yukon side. The stretch of highway from Eagle to the border is a "road to nowhere" for the Yukon government so it is in very poor condition. Once you cross into the NWT, the road becomes much smoother and much wider. 5. August is the prettiest month to drive the highway. It is our one and only month of fall, so there are some pretty stunning colours to be seen. September is the first month of winter. HOWEVER, there is often plenty of rain in August, which is a concern for ferry crossings, especially at Fort McPherson. 6. BUDGET EXTRA DAYS IN FORT MCPHERSON IF YOU'RE DRIVING BETWEEN MAY-SEPTEMBER. The ferry landings get washed out weekly, sometimes daily, and need to get rebuilt. You are VERY likely to get stuck on the north side of the Peel when heading south. There are always lineups of vehicles on the highway, the McPherson hotel is full, and the campground (in Niitainlai Territorial Park) gets pretty packed. Make sure you have camping supplies and are not just relying on hotels or sleeping in your car. Even in August, it will regularly get down to +5 degrees Celcius at night. 7. If you are driving in winter, carry a shovel and a tow strap. There are false shoulders all along the highway, and inexperienced highway drivers often move over too much to accommodate semi trucks. They hit the false shoulder and go right through. 8. Also about winter, the roads are in much better condition during winter months. The packed snow helps to smooth the highway out. However, you need to cross THREE mountain ranges on your drive. The highway runs perpendicular to them. So that means MANY possible weather changes en route. Budget for road closures and having to spend extra days at either Dawson, Eagle, or McPherson. Call LJ's Contracting in Fort McPherson for updates on whether the highway gates through the mountains are open or closed. 9. No cell service between Dawson and the Peel River crossing. Similarly, no cell service between McPhoo-Tsiig and Tsiig-Inuvik. Hope this helps!

This woman is a treasure.

I did the Dempster Highway on my motorcycle July, 2018. I saw a lot of motorcycles, most of them were taking it easy but many were going too fast for the conditions and I saw a couple of wrecked bikes being trucked out, along with a rider being helicoptered to Dawson hospital. I used a SPOT-X GPS tracker that has satellite texting capabilities and was able to communicate when out of cell phone range. Much cheaper than buying or renting a sat phone but only text capable. There was better coverage on the Dempster than I had anticipated. No coverage for most of the first half, but every small stop after that had great service.....even Tuktoyaktuk!

Yeah, don't rely on those mini-spare tires. They are not meant for long distances, at speed or when carrying a load. Carry a larger spare tire, a tire puncture kit (and know how to use it), tire pressure gauge, a tire pump - preferably an electric one, a proper tire wrench (not the mftrs. fold-up one) and even a torque wrench would not be out of place. Always carry spare fuses, hose clamps, wire, duct tape, fluids, a basic tool kit and a roadside assistance kit. It's best to get the vehicle serviced before a long trip anyway and check out the condition of your hoses, battery, etc.

I went to Tuk in my RV this past year. I had cell service at every town including Tuk. The only place I didn’t have cell service was at Eagle Plains. I initially thought I would have issues with gas, but I didn’t. Also I was able to use my credit card at each gas station. In addition to a spare tire, I’d recommend getting a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). Also it’s a really good idea to periodically check your tires and remove any gravel that might be stuck in your treads.

Just did the drive this summer. I knew to fill up when you leave Dawson to Eagle plains as it’s 350 kms without gas. Unfortunately coming back I forgot to fill up in Eagle plains back to Dawson and rolled into town with 0 kms left. Got to stay alert.

Make sure to top off your windshield washer fluid and take a spare container. Also, those trucks are working, not on a vacation, just slow down, move to the side, and stop. I used to drive on gravel roads in Alaska and on the Taylor/Top of the World highways in a semi, if the cars didn't slow down I didn't either:) Never got MY WINDSHIELD chipped from a speeding oncoming car though. I drove my pickup to Inuvik and even passed two wolf pups playing on the side of the road. Heading up to canoe the Wind river in the Peel Watershed next summer.

My wife and I plan to make the drive from St. Albert to Tuk late August 2020. Thank you for the video and information. Thanks to the many posters with experience, questions from the novices. This is really helpful to all of us who haven't made the trip....yet. Cheers

Great video and awesome tips. I have heard lots about the Dempster Highway. I will never do that road but have an appreciation of the Road having seen your video. Joan in Victoria, BC Canada

Great video and tips! Thank you for reassuring us that it’s not a killer trip. A lot of what I read made it sound like the Dempster is going to murder me and my vehicle no matter what I do 😂. Prepare beforehand and use good sense sounds reasonable to me. Question: what month did y’all go?

Good video guys, and a good article you wrote about it too. I am taking holidays next summer and riding up there. Should be a great trip.

I would love to take a road trip to Alaska at some point. Living in Northern BC I am already used to getting cracks in my windshield ( especially Northern Alberta) It is a common thing and it is rare to see a vehicle without a crack in the windshield. RCMP don't make a problem out of it so you just replace it whenever it gets really bad. Unless the crack goes all the way through it won't leak water

Was your vehicle 4x4? I’m in the stages of planning my trip. Originally was only headed to Alberta but don’t think I can pass up the opportunity. Was ground clearance and issue? I see you guys had a smaller suv. I will be doing the trek in July with a rwd sedan. From what I’ve seen it seems I wouldn’t have much issues on the road but I do not want to get high centered. Did you see any other sedans or lower clearance vehicles making the trek? I heard the ferry crossings may give me issue on that. Thanks from Indiana!

My first driving trip from KY to Alaska was in 1976 when the Alaska Highway had about 900 miles of gravel. I was in a 1973 VW Beetle with about 80,000 miles. On day 3, my engine blew up just west of Wawa, ON. Additionally, I had six fat tires, one broken windshield, 1-2 broken throttle cables, etc. Overall, I had a great 42 day trip! Fast forward to 2007, I drove the Dempster to Inuvik and my windshield got smashed at Fort McPherson while my car was stopped for an oncoming truck. In 2007 and 2008, I purchased four new tires in Alaska on each trip. Alaska keeps beckoning me and I hope to get there again this August, God willing! I felt the Dalton was much easier on my 2006 Civic than the Dempster.

I’m planning on going from Tombstone Territorial Park to Eagle Plains and Eagle Plains to Inuvik on our way up and Inuvik to Fort McPherson and Fort McPherson to Dawson City on our way down. Would you recommend this?

Awesome and very informative video. My friends and I are considering driving to Tuk maybe next year. We are starting to research now. Thank you for all the great information.

Hello guys nice video !! Please tell me which months is the most able to road there !?

I have an AWD Honda Ridgeline. Like the Pilot, they don’t have the highest road clearance but from your videos it looks like the Pilot did OK. The Pilot and Ridgeline normally give pretty smooth rides on gravel and dirt roads, how smooth did the Pilot handle the bumps, ruts and corrugations? Also, did you use mud terrain or all terrain tires? Lastly, I’ve heard that sometimes weather, accidents and poor road conditions can shut the Dempster down for 24 hours or more. Were you set up to sleep in the back of your Pilot if delayed? Thanks

Hello friend, Is it doable to drive a Toyota Corolla to Tuk? Thanks

Great info! I plan on driving to Tuk this summer!

Wonderful video! What time of year did you go? (I'm sorry if it was in the video and I missed it.) I'm planning to go in late Aug. I was hoping to catch the bug-free time like you did.

Good review and useful tips, thanks and many more happy miles.

Nice Video, and good travel tips to follow -- :) I will amplify the cautions- like #1-Slow Down !-- and save your windscreen, --- #2 --Have a full size spare tire (I carry two, this way if there is a flat and I I can't repair it, I am not in fearful mood all the while driving to the next towne, worrying I'll get yet another flat along the way)-- and I have been known to take along even a third unmounted tire, in case of a bad blowout - one that can be mounted at a repair station - The time of year is big deal too-- the bugs can turn that highway into a very unpleasant trip- which experience has taught me no amount of mosquito repellent works. Thanks for sharing your experience !

What month did you go in? You said you went in the fall. I know the fall starts earlier there than it does here in Tennessee. I love the video. I am hoping to do this trip this year with my kids.

Adorable accent. Thanks for the information.

nice video, good tips, thanks

Great video. We are planning this trip for September. What month did you guys do it in?

Nice travelogue! Just one comment: it was mentioned in the video (at 1:33) that The Tuktoyaktuk Highway (northernmost point 69°26′34″N latitude) is one of just two or three in the world to reach the Arctic Ocean. There are several more, among the five countries that borders the Atlantic Ocean: USA, Canada Greenland (autonomous constituent of Denmark), Norway and Russia. Going east: while there are no roads that connect settlements in Greenland (only short intra-settlement roads), you have several highways here in Norway that ends at an arctic port (e.g. the national highway Rv94 to city of Hammerfest, Rv96 to the town of Honningsvåg, then the European highways, E6 to the port town of Kirkenes, E75 to the town of Vardø, and E69 ends at the North Cape at 70°58′41″N latitude) ...these are not secondary/gravel roads, but major highways of functional Class 0 (European, E) and Class 1 (Rv 1- or 2-digit road numbers are major National, asphalt paved surfaces). Then, there's a few highways in Russia that leads to the Atlantic Ocean (European highway 105 to city of Murmansk, and M-8 to city of Arkhangelsk, in addition to secondary roads). Continuing eastwards, you have highway 11 to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. ...Anyway, I like your video very much. Good filming, informative about Canada, and great work, so keep on posting interesting travel videos! Cheers! :)

Thanks for the info - which is also good tips for driving Northern British Columbia. Hoping to do the Dempster this summer.

I would like to visit Canada 🇨🇦. I liked your Tuktoyatuk video.

Awesome video. Thanks for doing this video that help us get some ideas about the road condition. Do you think I can bring my Honda Odyssey go for this trip? I am hesitate because most people would suggest awd. How often you see 2Wd vehicle along the way?

Hello , can I ask when did you drive on that hwy ? I am planning to go in Fall but I am not sure which dates I should pick ? September or October ?

What do you think about make this trip in March?? thank you!

Both are knowledgeable, and unique adventurous😊

very informative, and both of you gotta great way to describe things... stay blessed

Hello friends good video ‼️‼️ how about probably is to See the aurorean boreales in this trip!! I planning my trip for next year , what month is betterto go there !! Saludos de México 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻‼️‼️‼️

I wonder if CAA membership works up there. Wanna go with my beloved 300k+ Volvo wagon this late August from Toronto.

Great video, nice narration and helpful tips. Love from India

I think it would be useful to see a video on tips for winter road trips as in Victoria bc we don’t get much snow so we are not as use to it as the rest of Canada

Since you drove it in the fall, how was the soft spot about 20 KM north of Inuvik?

Informative videos. Thanks. A few questions: How pervasive were the potholes on Dempster Hwy? The fall sounds like a good time of year, good decision on your part. On what date in the fall did you begin your Dempster trek?

Hey, thanks for the tips! Do you think it'd be a bad idea to drive the Dempster in a car/sedan rather than an SUV?

Great information. Thank you for sharing!

This highway has my name all over it. Its the perfect me trip. To add to us rt 83, trans Labrador highway and us rt 6 in NV

Great video you two, thanks for sharing! Question: Where did you get the tire repaired? I’m going this August and researching all about the trip. Thanks!

I just drove the Dempster from Dawson City to Inuvik in 24 hours. Another bucket list checkoff. Suffered a nailed tire too. Then I'll have to redrive all 450 miles back to DC. But first onto the new ice free road toTuktoyatuk next.

Thanks for the info. I have a question, is premium gas available in the stations along that highway?

Definitely need to see the northern lights. Cheers!!!

Good advice

Very enjoyable and informative video.

very informative, me and my other 3 friends are planning for the trip.

Great stuff guys, can barely wait to make my next trip to Canada. Such a very beautiful and peaceful place.

After a heavy rain the road is much worse. And yes, I know a local that had two flats in one day.

Great video, thanks for the useful tips. My wife and I are going to the Yukon is September and are hoping to make this trip.

thank you

What were the fall dates you did this?

Matt and Karla, Will you be filming a video on Nunavut soon?

Thanks Honda :D

I found that when I muted the volume, she stopped waving her hands. (joke, in fun) But truth is, I'm sensitive to things like loud waving arms, and I usually cope by simply closing my eyes and listening with my ears. That works better for me :)

Another great video! Matthew, your girlfriend’s twin is on the cover of today’s Calgary Herald

Tuk ???

Thanks guys that was great. Get married next time you go up. 😉

I was on the dempster highway

"Tuktoyaktuk" is how it's spelled, and the 3rd. town up there is Aklavik, which is pronounced ah-KLAH-vick.

Sorry, -happy Christmas!

Pleasant, vivacious lady. What language is she speaking?

Now that Ju toll me now I know!

show us your cameraman, get him into the video

She could read me the phone book.

Make sure to visit the university of Tuktoyuktuc. Buy the sweat shirt that says Tuk U.

Bathrooms?

Wondering what the two of you do to offset the carbon you burn to do these road trips.

Now, try that in your EV.

Air down your tires.

You drive it once and you're giving tips?You got lucky on your trip....!Thing about the north is,it's two different worlds....summer and winter.Drive it in winter!!

Can of slime. No worries then

to speak and to speak and.........................

Lots of talk and few images

What ?! So hang on - you two door-stops drove the Dempster and didn't think about a real spare tire and NOW we're supposed to take advice from you two !?!? Oh yea sure - like food and water huh! Boy I bet that tidbit of knowledge just saved a few lines there huh !!? So we got two buffy's here trying to build a brand .....just go get jobs and drop I wanna be you tube famous.

Jeez dude, you couldn't find a Canadian woman to marry?

You only drove the Dempster once and you're giving tips on RU-vid?? 🤣