Dawson City is a vibrant little town in the middle of the Yukon, famous from gold rush history. It is also a convenient staging point for the Top of the World Highway and the Dempster Highway, and home to the Dust 2 Dawson (D2D) motorcycle ride (It’s not a Rally!).

Dust 2 Dawson (D2D) Motorcycle Ride

The ‘Dust 2 Dawson’ (D2D) as it’s known began as a homage to a fallen friend and gradually built up to a pilgrimage for riders from Alaska, Canada and the lower 48 states. Riders converge on the remote town of Dawson City in the Canadian Yukon by any route imaginable and hang out for a few days, enjoying each others company. Held each year around the summer solstice (June 20-25 ish), the (un)official events of the Dust to Dawson include a Poker Run, a huge banquet and some festivities in the streets of Dawson. When I attended the Dust 2 Dawson 2011 it had grown to include over 200 riders. In 2016 the numbers are at over 400! You can read up more on the history of the Dust 2 Dawson on AdvRider and check out the latest info on Dust 2 Dawson’s Facebook page.

Note: In 2019 the D2D will be on the Thurs 21st and Fri 22nd of June. Sign up on ADV Rider for this year’s event to let people know you are coming.

Getting to/from Dawson City and the Dust 2 Dawson

Getting to and from the Dust 2 Dawson is part of the fun. Lots of riders use the opportunity to get up and explore the Dalton, Dempster or Top of the World Highways. Even if you don’t make it any further than Dawson you will have assuredly had a great time. There is a prize for the party that ad written the longest. I think someone from Florida won it when we were there.

Riding in you can either journey up the scenic and well-maintained North Klondike Highway (#2) from Whitehorse, or over Top of the World Highway (#9) from Alaska.

Via Whitehorse: Expect your ride from Whitehorse to be approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on the season, road conditions, and regional weather. The distance to your destination is 525 kilometers (or 328 miles), with limited cell and fuel service along the way.

Via Alaska: Access the Top of the World Highway by way of the Taylor Highway (Alaska Highway #5). As most of this road is unpaved, travel time can vary depending on road and weather conditions. This route involves crossing the CAN/USA border, which is opened seasonally from May-September, 9am-9pm Yukon time (8am-8pm Alaska time). Make sure you stop off in the quirky little town/settlement/camp of Chicken on the way. You will need to grab fuel there anyway.

Accommodation in Dawson City

The town of Dawson City swells with the influx of riders and it is worth locking in your accommodation early. We camped in one of the sites in town (which we booked early), but if you get in earlier there are a few hotels and other options. Find accommodation in Dawson City >>

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Dawson City & Dust 2 Dawson (D2D)

Dawson City & Dust 2 Dawson (D2D)

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