British Columbia/Yukon Route
select a community to start planning your trip
Dawson City, Yukon
Dawson City still evokes feelings of a golden era when thousands of hopeful gold seekers poured into the region in search of riches. Walking among the historic sites you can sense the heartache, euphoria and broken dreams of the Klondike Gold Rush. This authentic gold rush town is a lively place bursting with heritage buildings and attractions. Step back in time with a tour of the Klondike goldfields, listen to readings of Robert Service or discover the cultural heritage of the Hän people. Visit the Dawson City Museum, Dredge #4 and Diamond Tooth Gerties with its original Klondike entertainment and casino. Spend an evening strolling Dawson’s historic riverfront, or drive to the top of the Midnight Dome and enjoy panoramic views of the Klondike river valleys and Ogilvie Mountains. After all, you’re in the land of the midnight sun!
Top of the World
After the bustle of Dawson, take the free ferry across the Yukon River to the Top of the World Highway. Expansive views along this winding ridge-top road will leave you breathless. The Top of the World Highway meets the Taylor Highway at the Canada-U.S. border. Cross into Alaska and continue on your journey via Tok on the Alaska Highway. The drive from Dawson City to Tok will take you about four hours.
Northway, Alaska
Northway is just nine miles (14 km) south of the Alaska Highway and home to about 80 residents. Local Athabascan handicrafts are available for purchase including moccasins, mukluks, mittens and hats. Visitor services are limited to a small motel, cafe and bar at the airport. If you like to fish, be sure to spend an afternoon checking out the local rivers for northern pike and burbot.
Tok, Alaska
The community of Tok is a great place to stop and share stories with other travelers, and the Tok "Mainstreet Alaska" Visitor Center is where most visitors stop to meet. You can get the latest information on road conditions, where the fishing is hot and what's happening around town. Tok offers all the services you'll need from hotels and campgrounds to restaurants, gift stores and gas stations. Several bike trails are accessible from town or you can walk along a trail that parallels the Alaska Highway so you can stretch your legs before continuing on your Alaska journey.
SIDE TRIPS
Taking the time to explore a few spots that are off the beaten path helps make a vacation unforgettable. We’ve highlighted a few side trips that you might enjoy investigating:
Dawson City to the Arctic Circle
The turnoff for the Dempster Highway is 25 miles (40km) south of Dawson City. The first stop on this unpaved, two-lane highway is Tombstone Interpretive Centre and Campground - a popular area with hikers known for its haunting landscapes and incredible vistas. Halfway up the Dempster Highway drivers pull into Eagle Plains to refuel and sometimes stay for the night. Another 22 miles (36 km) north, a sign marks 66° 33' north latitude, the point where travelers cross the Arctic Circle. You'll be moved by the 360° scenery and, if visiting in June, will experience the Arctic phenomenon known as the midnight sun. The further north you travel the higher the midnight sun and if you visit during summer solstice, June 21, the sun doesn’t set at all.
