Do you love a good road trip? Are you seeking a destination that’s under the radar, that will take you far from the maddening crowds and into pristine wilderness? The Yukon and Alaska will heed the call perfectly - and are primed for epic road trips. There are several different routes to travel, all with their own highlights. Yet, how does one scale down such a massive land into a manageable and memorable journey? That’s where I can help. Read on to learn what the Yukon and Alaska have to offer intrepid road trippers and how I can assist you in arranging it.
Where to? When the destination is as vast as the Yukon or Alaska, the answers are many. Relive the excitement of the 1890s gold rush in historic Dawson City. Explore sleepy towns in rural Yukon and coastal Alaska. Look for wildlife as you drive through breathtaking mountain scenery with nary a car in sight. Meet the friendly and colorful locals who make these rugged lands their home and such different and special places.
Yukon Road-Trip Routes and Destinations
Find your inspiration here:
Top of the World Highway: A 79-mile highway - one of the most northerly in the world - that begins at Taylor Highway and heads east to Dawson City along the Yukon River. The entire highway is above the treeline, offering spectacular views of the alpine tundra and distant mountain peaks.
Dempster Highway: Leading to the Arctic Circle, the dirt-gravel Dempster Highway is 457 miles from the Klondike Highway in the Yukon to the Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. A newer highway leads to the Arctic Ocean.
Whitehorse: The hub of the region and a great place to get your bearings before heading out onto the Alaska Highway, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve or Emerald Lake
Photo by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears - February 2018 - Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Mayo: A fascinating former silver-mining town full of quirky wooden homes and historic cars, all set off by a beautiful mountain backdrop
Dawson City: Where you can practically feel the echoes of the Gold Rush around you
Tombstone Territorial Park: A ruggedly beautiful setting in Canada’s far north, full of azure alpine lakes, caribou and grizzlies and jaw-dropping mountain peaks
Haines Junction: An enticing little town on the Alaska Highway near Kluane Lake the Ruby Mountains
Skagway: A must when driving through Alaska, full of incredible scenery, whales and eagles
Marsh Lake: A postcard-perfect, sparkling blue lake in southern Yukon, where you’re likely to see moose as you fish, canoe, mountain bike and walk
National Parks: Click here for inspiration on wilderness preserves and territorial parks to visit throughout the Yukon.
Try the Campervan Trend
Interested in trying out the campervan phenomenon? There are several itineraries available that canvas the Yukon and Alaska, many of which can be customized to your time frame and interests. Drive from Vancouver to the Yukon Territory. Drive the Golden Circle round trip from Whitehorse, over a mountain pass to the Pacific Ocean, from a rainforest to the world’s tiniest desert. Chase the Northern Lights. Park anywhere - mountain view guaranteed.
Your Pre-Arranged Road Trip (but customizable) May Include:
Scheduled international and domestic flights
Fully insured car rental
All accommodations
Detailed route instructions
Sightseeing
Meals
Support throughout your travels
And more!
When we work together, we can fully customize your road trip depending on your timeframe and interests.
When Should You Go
The best time for a Yukon and Alaska road trip is undoubtedly summer, for long, pleasant, sunny, dry days. The coastal regions will be more temperate than the interior and there will be more rainfall and snowfall in the mountain ranges. Spring and fall are also delightful, either as the region wakes up after a long winter’s slumber (a great time to see wildlife), or as it winds down in a riotous display of autumn colors. September is particularly renowned for bear sightings as the salmon arrive from the Pacific Ocean.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s chat.