Riding the Dempster Highway takes riders on an adventure way up north. The 740 km road passes through stunning Arctic landscapes as it meanders through two epic mountain ranges. It stretches between the Klondike Highway in Yukon and the small town of Inuvik, Northwest territories. The highway is further extended by ferry crossings and ice roads, 200 km all the way to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean coast. It’s the only all weather highway to cross the Arctic circle and draws adventurers from around the road. Proper prior planning is essential to enjoy everything this fantastic road has to offer.
Planning your ride on the Dempster Highway
The closest big city to the start of the Dempster Highway is Dawson City. From here join the Klondike Highway (2) and take the exit signed North, Inuvik (5).
The majority of the Dempster Highway is hard packed gravel, although in some areas this has become loose. Pay particular attention to the edges of the road as this is where it tends to come loose most frequently. Dust can be an issue when the road is dry and riders are advised to ride slowly. Most of the route consists of a two lane highway, though it does tend to narrow on occasion. It’s an all weather route that is regularly cleared and maintained.
Traffic is not particularly heavy on this route, although trucks are a common sight. The road does see its fair share of tourist traffic but it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a traffic jam.
Fuel can be scarce along the route and for bikes with smaller gas tanks, taking spare fuel is advised. Between the start of the route and Eagle Plains, there’s a 370 km stretch without a gas station. It’s advisable to fill up at the start of the route where a gas station can be found at the junction with the Klondike highway. Eagle Plains, widely considered the halfway point of the route, offers gas among other services. After that, fuel can be found at Fort McPherson and Inuvik.
Accommodation
It’s worth taking your time with this fantastic road. Wild camping is possible, but not particularly recommended. Finding a suitable place will be difficult, plus the local wildlife demands respect. Along the Dempster Highway there are several excellent government campsites offering all the facilities you might need. Affordable hotels can be found in Dawson City and Inuvik and one at Eagle Plains. There’s a small inn at Fort McPherson – The Peel River Inn – which also supplies fuel.
Food
As with fuel, food can be scarce along the Dempster Highway. Restaurants are plentiful in the towns at either end of the highway, but in between there are only a few stops. There is a licensed restaurant at the Eagle Plains Hotel, but it is well worth packing plenty of food for the road.
Dempster Highway weather considerations
The Dempster Highway is open throughout the year, but winters are harsh and not recommended for motorcycles. Take care when it’s raining as ‘dust free’” sections of the road can become incredibly slippery. The best time to ride this route in during summer months, between June and September, with Autumn colours appearing towards the end of August. The ice road sections between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk can be accessed from the end of November to the end of April. During summer, ferries run. Road conditions can be checked at the start of the route and again at Eagles Plain.
Sights
The Dempster Highway offers stunning beauty from the Oglivie and the Richardson mountain ranges and there is a wealth of hiking to be enjoyed throughout the area. Keep your eyes open for wildlife such as herds of Caribou. The Midnight sun can be enjoyed during summer and the Northern lights in winter.
