# Dempster Highway

> The Dempster Highway is a gravel road of about 458 miles from near Dawson City to Inuvik. Fuel stops are few, two ferries cross the rivers, and flat tires are

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/dempster-highway/

The Dempster Highway is a gravel road of about 458 miles from near Dawson City to Inuvik. Fuel stops are few, two ferries cross the rivers, and flat tires are common.

- **Region:** Yukon, Northwest Territories
- **Length:** 458 miles
- **Start / end:** Klondike Highway near Dawson City – Inuvik
- **Top elevation:** North Fork Pass, about 4,200–4,600 ft
- **Best season:** Summer; ferries usually June to October

## What should you know before visiting Dempster Highway?

- The road is gravel except for the first 5 km and the last stretch into Inuvik. The Yukon government says flat tires are common, so carrying spares is advisable.
- The first services are at Eagle Plains (km 369) and the next at Fort McPherson (about km 550). Plan reserves of fuel, water and spare parts for the stretches before and between them.
- The Peel and Mackenzie ferries are free but run only in summer, and not during freeze-up or break-up. Check current road and ferry conditions with the Yukon government and the NWT Department of Infrastructure.

## The drive

The road leaves the Klondike Highway about 25 miles east of Dawson City and ends in Inuvik. North Fork Pass lies around km 80 to 82, and the Arctic Circle at km 405. Eagle Plains offers fuel and meals, and has a hotel. The Peel River ferry (NWT km 74) and the Mackenzie ferry (NWT km 142) run on demand in summer; daily hours differ by source and year, roughly from morning to just after midnight, so check with the NWT Department of Infrastructure.

## Camping

Official campgrounds include Tombstone Mountain (km 72), Engineer Creek (km 194), Rock River (km 446) and Eagle Plains (km 369, with an RV park), plus Nataiinlaii Territorial Park in the Northwest Territories (NWT km 76). Yukon Parks says Tombstone has no potable water, so bring or treat water. In Tombstone Territorial Park a permit is required for any overnight camping outside the campground. Bears live along the route; carry bear spray and store food securely. Check roadside camping rules with the authorities beforehand.

## FAQs

**How long is the Dempster Highway?**
About 737 km (458 miles), of which about 289 miles are in Yukon and 168 miles in the Northwest Territories. A return trip from Dawson City realistically takes several days.

**Where can I get fuel?**
The first services are at Eagle Plains at km 369 and the next at Fort McPherson at about km 550. Eagle Plains offers fuel according to the tourism site; the NWT tourism pages list fuel at Fort McPherson. Fill up before leaving and confirm details locally.

**Can I drive it in winter?**
In winter ice bridges replace the ferries, usually from late November to April. During freeze-up and break-up crossing is not possible. Winter trips need extra precautions.