top of page

Get HERE

Photo: Mr Hicks46, Flickr

Photo: Daniel Case, Flickr

Dempster highway

Dempster Highway

​

​

​

​
The Dempster Highway, completed in 1979 as the only all-weather Canadian road to cross the Arctic Circle, connects Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
 
The unpaved, gravel highway is a winding adventure through spectacular scenery. It is common for drivers to see plenty of wildlife, including Dall's sheep, woodland and barren ground caribou and grizzly bears. Campgrounds, a hotel, a restaurant and a service station can be found along the route.
​
View a map of the Dempster Highway.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
 
 
It is always important to check the conditions of the Dempster Highway before setting out, for both safety precautions and whether or not the ferries/ice bridges are operational.
​
The highway closes for approximately six to eight weeks in the fall when the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers freeze and again in the spring when they thaw.
 
Utilize the links below to stay up-to-date on the conditions of the Dempster Highway:
​
Northwest Territories Highway Conditions
Yukon Highway Conditions
​
*The extension of the Dempster Highway, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. At that time, vehicles will be able to drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year.

If you plan to drive to Inuvik, then the Dempster Highway will be part of your plans - and likely the highlight of the trip. After all, some road trips are better than others. 

flying

Flying
 
 
 
 
Flying to Inuvik is generally the most popular option and for those visiting from a distance, it is usually the most convenient. 
 
With a one-night layover, Inuvik is reachable from anywhere in North America within two days. There are daily flights from Edmonton, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. And weekly flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.
​
Depending on where you are flying from, you may need to arrange a flight with another airline before reaching a destination where airlines that serve Inuvik are located.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
 
 
Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport

The Inuvik airport is located just 12.5 km out of town. Meaning you don't need to waste any of your vacation time commuting. In less than 20 minutes of your arrival, you can expect to be in your hotel room. 
 
The following airline companies fly to and from Inuvik all year long:
 
  • Air North
    • Connects Inuvik to Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Ottawa, Dawson City and Old Crow.​
​
  • Aklak Air
    • Connects Inuvik to Fort McPherson, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk and Ulukhaktok​.
​
  • Canadian North
    • Connects Inuvik to Edmonton, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Ottawa and Norman Wells.​
​
  • First Air
    • Connects Inuvik to ​Edmonton, Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Norman Wells.
​

Inuvik may be located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, but it is surprisingly easy to get to. Airlines service the town out of Edmonton, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and more.

motorcycling

Photo: Mr Hicks46, Flickr

Motorcycling

​

​

​

​
In recent years, the amount of motorcyclists who have made the trip up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik has grown drastically. And once you complete it yourself, you are sure to see why!
​
There is really nothing that can compare to this adventure!
​
View a map of the Dempster Highway.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
 
 
Here are some tips and general guidelines to follow, from our friends at One Wheel Drive, if you plan on cruising the Dempster Highway on a motorcycle to and from Inuvik.
​
  1. "Don’t expect everything to go to plan. If it did, the ride wouldn’t really be an adventure would it?"
  2. "June through to the third week of July is the driest on the Dempster, and trust us, a dry Dempster is a happy Dempster."
  3. "You'll want to give your bike a protective layer of wax as the Dempster’s surface is sometimes covered with corrosive calcium chloride."
  4. "Make sure you’re up for changing or repairing a tire."
  5. ​"On a dry week, a street bike can ride the Dempster, but if it is wet, you’ll want knobbies.
​
It is always important to check the conditions of the Dempster Highway before setting out, for both safety precautions and whether or not the ferries/ice bridges are operational.
​
The highway closes for approximately six to eight weeks in the fall when the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers freeze and again in the spring when they thaw.
 
Utilize the links below to stay up-to-date on the conditions of the Dempster Highway:
​
Northwest Territories Highway Conditions
Yukon Highway Conditions
​
*The extension of the Dempster Highway, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. At that time, vehicles will be able to drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year.

Some have called the Dempster Highway the last adventure highway in all of North America, and that sounds about right. Take precaution, be prepared and enjoy the wild ride!

cycling

Cycling
​
​
​
​
Pack your bags, prepare your bike and head off on the most memorable trip you will ever take!
 
The endless skies, gruelling climbs and unbelievable views will have you sharing this story years down the line. We dare you to try and keep your eyes on the road!
​
View a map of the Dempster Highway.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
 
 
For those planning a cycling trip north of the Arctic Circle on the Dempster Highway, here a few tips and general guidelines to follow from our friends at Cycle Canada.
​
  1. "For the Dempster Highway, riders will need tires with a minimum width of 32 mm and tire widths in the range of 35-40 mm would be better."
  2. "In some sections it is wilderness camping with no designated campground. Be prepared, though, to rough it some nights."
  3. "It is possible to get snow flurries in summer at the mountain passes and at Inuvik in late August. However, it is unlikely that there would be deep accumulations of snow."
  4. "While riding do not use headphones, which can be a distraction from seeing or hearing things you need to see (such as bears or transport trucks)."
  5. "Bringing bug nets is recommended."
​
​It is always important to check the conditions of the Dempster Highway before setting out, for both safety precautions and whether or not the ferries/ice bridges are operational.
​
The highway closes for approximately six to eight weeks in the fall when the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers freeze and again in the spring when they thaw.
 
Utilize the links below to stay up-to-date on the conditions of the Dempster Highway:
​
Northwest Territories Highway Conditions
Yukon Highway Conditions
​
*The extension of the Dempster Highway, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. At that time, vehicles will be able to drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year.

If you're looking for a two-wheeled adventure, the Dempster Highway is your best bet! It's challenging, beautiful and well worth the bragging rights. This summer, see for yourself!

PACKAGES

Photo: Daniel Case, Flickr

Packages
​
​
​
​
We understand that it's a big adventure coming all the way to Inuvik. That's why our incredible tour operators put together packages where you don't have to worry about a thing. It doesn't get any simpler than this!
 
Take a look at what's available right now. And be sure to visit them online and check out their other opportunities!
​
Featured Packages

No matter what you are looking for, we can guarantee that our tour operators offer a package that will please. For many, these packages offer cost savings and peace of mind.

Sunrise Festival Package - January 4 to 9, 2017
​
Dog sledding, ice road tours and an overnight at the Arctic Loon Cabin. What a great way to experience the Inuvik Sunrise Festival! Book your package today!
Canadian Arctic Reindeer Package - Multiple Winter Dates
​
Learn and experience the Northern way of life while visiting a herd of 4500 reindeer and Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. Book your package today!
Welcome the Sunrise Package - January 6 to 8, 2017
​
What is it like to catch the first view of the sun after 30 days of Arctic winter darkness? You’ll have to see it to believe it. Book your package today!
Ivvavik Base Camp Package - Multiple Summer Dates
​
Climb aboard a Twin Otter for your Arctic adventure. Parks Canada guided base camp trips make this hiker’s paradise easy to get to. Book your package today!

Parks Canada / F Mueller

bottom of page