A gravel road across the Arctic Circle to Inuvik. That is what Dempster Highway promises, and it delivers. At about 457 miles (735 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 4–6 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Dawson City to Inuvik.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Dawson City
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Dawson City is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Tombstone Mountains. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Tombstone Territorial Park and Eagle Plains. Each one makes a natural break, and Eagle Plains sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Arctic Circle crossing.
Arriving in Inuvik
The final miles always go faster than you expect.
By the end you will have seen Tombstone Mountains and Arctic Circle crossing, and you will understand why Dempster Highway belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is June–August. Plan on 4–6 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Gravel the whole way — carry two spare tires.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
