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Driving 'The Dempster'

1st July 2013 Print
Dempster Highway

With scenic drives into all corners of the Yukon, it's a driver's dream. The territory boasts a network of well-maintained highways that rank among the world's premiere driving adventures. By road, it's an exhilarating combination of postcard scenery, historic communities, cultural attractions and adventure outings. This is a land of friendly characters, endless Midnight Sun and expanses of pristine wilderness. Come touring on the legendary Alaska, Top of the World, Klondike and Dempster highways. Visitors will love the Yukon pace and the chance to slow down, relax, and breathe the incredibly fresh air.

Driving 'The Dempster'

Canada's only all-weather road across the Arctic Circle is among the world's most unique driving routes. With services at both ends, and one lone outpost in the middle, this unpaved two lane highway is an original driving adventure. The isolation and variable conditions can prove challenging, but the abundant wildlife, easy access to the tundra and expansive views are unmatched.   

Tour the Klondike - Take a couple of days to explore historic Dawson City and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush. A century after thousands of miners flooded into Dawson looking for gold, it's a story that still captivates and entertains. Visit national historic sites, take a town walking tour, and enjoy Dawson's lively nightlife.         

Cross the Arctic Circle - Embark on your journey to the Arctic! Visit Tombstone Park, with its haunting landscape memorable for its jagged peaks and colour-stained hills, hike from the roadside, and watch the parade of wildlife. Dempster accommodations are at Eagle Plains near the Arctic Circle, and in Dawson City and Inuvik. Camping gives you more options: try Tombstone, Engineer Creek or Rock River campgrounds.

Visit the Mackenzie Delta - Descend from the Richardson Mountains and ride two river ferries to reach the delta towns of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Inuvik. Watch for caribou and moose, and learn about the cultural heritage of Delta communities.    

Southbound Migration - Whether you take your time or drive through to Dawson City in a day, soak in the spectacular tundra scenery and abundant wildlife. Early summer brings a flush of young animals, mid-summer heralds long days under the midnight sun, and late summer visitors are treated to crimson and gold tundra vegetation.   

Don't forget that in the Yukon, under the Midnight Sun of summer, the lights are on almost 24 hours a day so there are things to do and see long after you've run out of the strength to do them!

Windows On The Wild offer fly-drive packages to the Yukon from £1550 per person including return flights from London Heathrow to Whitehorse on Air Canada and 7 days 4x4 car hire. For more information, visit windowsonthewild.com.

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Dempster Highway