Black Friday: Save up to 30% on Iceland’s top tours. Secure your spot →

Summer van tours up the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean

| CA-RRA2206

Ultimate Northern road trip in 7 days!

Overview

Cross the Yukon to the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Ocean on this 7-day tour along the Dempster Highway. This is the ultimate northern road trip! On this week-long adventure, you will visit Whitehorse; Yukon’s capital, and the legendary gold rush hub; Dawson city, where we will catch a bit of the gold fever by touring the historic town and visiting its dance halls and restaurants. The highlight of the tour is always the drive along the newly completed highway to Tuktoyaktuk and a chance to dip your foot into the Arctic Ocean.

Highlights

  • Alaska - Klondike Highway
  • Gold rush history
  • Tuktoyaktuk Highway
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Dawson City
  • Mackenzie Delta
  • Tombstone Mountains

 

This Dempster Highway van tour is the ultimate road trip adventure for those looking to explore the Canadian wilderness! The tour is available in two directions.

Dempster Highway North-driving from Whitehorse to Tuktoyaktuk

The ultimate northern road trip! On this week-long adventure, you will visit Whitehorse; Yukon’s capital, and the legendary gold rush hub; Dawson city, where we will catch a bit of the gold fever ourselves by touring the historic town and visiting its dance halls and restaurants.

From Dawson, we head north on the famous Dempster Highway through the Tombstone Mountains, which are some of the newest and rawest peaks in North America. We will reach Eagle Plains and spend the night in a hotel under the midnight sun, before crossing the Arctic Circle early the next day, where a little celebration is planned. Leaving the Ogilvie Mountains behind us we pass over immense arctic tundra before climbing up and over the Richardson Mountains and into the Northwest Territories and our first hint of the Arctic Ocean. We’ll cross some important rivers before reaching Inuvik, a modern town on the edge of the Mackenzie River Delta.

On a day trip we will head north on the newly completed highway to Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuvialuit hamlet on the arctic coast. This incredible road trip will make you travel through mountain ranges and alpine tundra and cross remote rivers to reach the end of this iconic gravel road. People come from all around the world to drive the Dempster Highway and make their way to Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and the arctic ocean, it is the ultimate arctic dream!

Dempster Highway South-driving from Tuktoyaktuk to Whitehorse

The ultimate northern road trip! On this week-long adventure, you will visit Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuvialuit hamlet on the arctic coast. This incredible road trip will make you travel through mountain ranges and alpine tundra and cross remote rivers to reach the end of this iconic gravel road. People come from all round the world to drive the Dempster Highway and make their way to Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and the arctic ocean, it is the ultimate arctic dream!

From Inuvik, we head South on the famous Dempster Highway crossing some important rivers, the Richardson and Ogilvie Mountains. We will travel through the immense arctic tundra and cross south of the Arctic Circle before reaching Eagle Plains where we will spend the night under the midnight sun. The next day, we will see some of the newest and rawest peaks in North America; the Tombstone Mountains.

We will reach Dawson city for a glimpse of the legendary gold rush hub where we will catch a bit of the gold fever ourselves by touring the historic town and visiting its dance halls and restaurants. On the last day of this road adventure, we will travel back to Whitehorse; Yukon’s capital.

Availability June - Sept
Duration 7 days
Departs From Whitehorse, Yukon
Difficulty Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Minimum age 7 years
Group maximum 12 people
Pick Up Yes
Meet on Location No
Accommodation Included

From

2 951
Per
Adult
  • Small Group Experience
  • Expert Guides
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • International number: +1 778 348 1676

Availability (2025):
Double Room: CAD $4465
Single Room: CAD $5560
Triple Room: CAD $4135
All Rates per person (+ 5% GST)

Whitehorse to Inuvik:

  • June 15-21
  • June 29-July 5
  • July 13-19
  • July 27-August 2
  • August 10-16
  • August 24-30
  • September 7-13

Inuvik to Whitehorse:

  • June 22-28
  • July 6-12
  • July 20-26
  • August 3-9
  • August 17-23
  • August 31-September 6
  • September 14-20

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

What's Included

Find out what is included and what to bring.

Included

  • 7 days roundtrip from / to Whitehorse
  • Expert guidance on the entire trip
  • Flight from Whitehorse to Inuvik
  • 6 nights accommodation in superior middle-class double rooms
  • All overland transportation
  • Air-conditioned Maxi Van (capacity 15 seats)
  • Entrance fee for “Diamond Tooth Gerties” Casino
  • Entrance fee for Dawson City Museum
  • Arctic Circle crossing celebration
  • Historic First Nation City Tour in Tuktoyaktuk
  • Airport Shuttle

What to bring

  • Personal items
  • Clothing for a variety of weather conditions

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal extras
  • Optional tours
  • Gratuity
  • Travel insurance

Contact us for more Information about this tour

INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676

You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Itinerary

Find out more details about the tour and its highlights

Information

Dempster Highway Landscape in Canada

These tours take you through the highlights of the only all-weather road in Canada, stretching over 457 miles (736 km).

This journey is available in two directions. On the northbound tour, you drive from Whitehorse to Tuktoyaktuk and fly back from Inuvik to Whitehorse at the end of the tour. On the southbound tour, you fly from Whitehorse to Inuvik on Day 1 and drive from Tuktoyaktuk to Whitehorse.

Along the way, we’ll visit the vibrant Dawson City and enjoy incredible nature. Most parts of this tour are still untouched by mass tourism, as the Inuvik - Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an extension of the Dempster Highway opened just recently in 2017.

You will travel in air-conditioned maxi vans with a capacity of 15 that ensure a safe and comfortable journey. The groups are limited to 12.

Pickup information

  • Pick up from Whitehorse airport whenever you arrive is included.

Practical information

  • We’ll provide you with a packing list of what to bring on the tour.
Giant Mountain by Road in Canada
DAY 1: Arrival in Whitehorse

Welcome to Canada's Yukon Territory! Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travelers. Your guide will run the group through a brief orientation. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

DAY 2: Whitehorse – Dawson City

Today we’ll head north along the Klondike Highway to the world-famous Gold Rush Capital; Dawson City. Along the way, we’ll catch frequent views of the Yukon River, which, at about 3200 kilometers long, is one of the longest waterways in North America. We’ll stop at the infamous Five Finger Rapids and stretch our legs at some of the old post offices, roadhouses and villages that give the area its unique northern character. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Dawson City)

DAY 3: Dawson City

This legendary boomtown was the epicenter of the famous Klondike gold rush of 1898, and gold still animates the place. Immerse yourself in Dawson’s history, and try your luck panning the creeks yourself. A visit to Bonanza Creek, the Jack London cabin, the Dawson City Museum and the Midnight Dome are all on the agenda. You’ll also want to take some time to simply stroll around the town, with its garish Gold Rush architecture and friendly locals. In the evening can-can girls kick up their skirts for an evening of entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Dawson City)

DAY 4: Dawson City – Eagle Plains

Today your journey begins on the legendary Dempster Highway! As far as the eye can see, the untouched tundra landscape is crossed by caribou, moose and bears. This 730 km long gravel road is the only road connection to Inuvik and people come from all around the world to drive to its end. We will travel through the magnificent Tombstone Territorial park and with a bit of luck we will see the imposing dark peaks and many more scenic landscapes of the arctic tundra. The final stop today is Eagle Plains. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Eagle Plains)

DAY 5: Eagle Plain Inuvik

Early in the day, we’ll cross the Arctic Circle, with a pause for a short celebration. We have one more mountain range, the Richardson Mountains, to cross before descending to arctic coastal tundra and the indigenous communities of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic (scenes of the epic story of the Northwest Mounted Police and the “Lost Patrol”) before reaching our final destination for the day at Inuvik. Inuvik is the hub of the western arctic and home of the Inuvialuit, in whose language the name means “Place of People.” We’ll make this our base as we explore the arctic coast. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Inuvik)

DAY 6: Inuvik – Tuktoyaktuk – Inuvik

It’s a full day today as we head north on the newly completed road to Tuktoyaktuk, an isolated coastal village. We’ll have a tour of the town and have a look at the pingos rising up from the tundra. We will learn about First Nation's history during our time in this unique northern location. If you don’t know what a pingo or muktuk is; you’ll find out today. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Inuvik)

DAY 7: Inuvik - Whitehorse

There’s just enough time to pay a visit to the Igloo Church this morning before we board the plane back to Whitehorse (End of Service). Once in Whitehorse, you make your own way to your hotel or to the airport.

*Due to the nature of this tour, last-minute changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left to the discretion of the guide.

Panoramic View of Dempster Highway
DAY 1: Whitehorse - Inuvik

Welcome to Canada's Yukon Territory! A ruby range guide will meet you at the airport and you will hop on one last scenic flight to Inuvik. You will be soon transported to another world! Inuvik is the hub of the western arctic and home of the Inuvialuit, in whose language the name means “Place of People.” We’ll make this our base as we explore the arctic coast. Once arrived, your guide will run the group through a brief orientation. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Inuvik)

DAY 2: Inuvik – Tuktoyaktuk – Inuvik

It’s a full day today as we head north on the newly completed road to Tuktoyaktuk, an isolated coastal village. We’ll have a tour of the town and have a look at the pingos rising up from the tundra. We will learn about First Nation's history during our time in this unique northern location. If you don’t know what a pingo or muktuk is; you’ll find out today. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Inuvik)

DAY 3: Inuvik - Eagle Plains

Today your journey begins on the legendary Dempster Highway! As far as the eye can see, the untouched tundra landscape is crossed by caribou, moose and bears. This 730 km long gravel road is the only road connection to Inuvik and people come from all around the world to drive to its end. We will leave Inuvik, drive amongst the arctic coastal tundra and pass through the indigenous communities of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic (scenes of the epic story of the Northwest Mounted Police and the “Lost Patrol”). We will cross the arctic circle and pause for a short celebration as we will travel in the lower 65th for the rest of the journey. The final stop today is Eagle Plains. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Eagle Plains)

DAY 4: Eagle Plains – Dawson City

In the morning, we will leave Eagle Plains and will make our way south to the world-famous Dawson City. It is a beautiful part of the journey as we travel through the magnificent Tombstone Territorial park.  With a bit of luck, we will see the imposing dark peaks and many more scenic landscapes of the arctic tundra. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Dawson City)

DAY 5: Dawson City

This legendary boomtown was the epicenter of the famous Klondike gold rush of 1898, and gold still animates the place. Immerse yourself in Dawson’s history, and try your luck panning the creeks yourself. A visit to Bonanza Creek, the Jack London cabin, the Dawson City Museum and the Midnight Dome are all on the agenda. You’ll also want to take some time to simply stroll around the town, with its garish Gold Rush architecture and friendly locals. In the evening, the lovingly restored Palace Grand Theatre offers musical entertainment, turn-of-the-century style, and can-can girls kick up their skirts for an evening of entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Dawson City)

DAY 6: Dawson City - Whitehorse

Today we are leaving the gold rush city and heading south along the Klondike Highway back to Yukon’s capital; Whitehorse. Along the way, we’ll catch frequent views of the Yukon River, which, at about 3200 kilometers long, is one of the longest waterways in North America. We’ll stop at the infamous Five Finger Rapids and stretch our legs at some of the old post offices, roadhouses and villages that give the area its unique northern character. There will be time to share one last good dinner with your fellow travelers in one of the city’s restaurants. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

DAY 7: Departure Whitehorse

Your guide will provide a transfer to the airport or to a connecting program.

*Due to the nature of this tour, last-minute changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left to the discretion of the guide.

Payment Details

Deposit and Taxes
Pricing does not include: 5.00% GST.
A 10% deposit is required to hold your reservation.
The balance of payment is due 60 days before trip commencement.

CANCELLATION POLICY & DETAILS

Cancellation fees:

  • Anytime after confirmation: 10% of tour price;
  • 60-45 days prior to arrival: 30% of tour price;
  • 44-30 days prior to arrival: 60% of tour price;
  • Within 30 days: 100% of the tour price.