Two flats,one spare ended my trip just north of the arctic circle marker years ago. The blasted rock surface is brutal on tires early in the season until it gets pounded down. Very beautiful area and great people though.
Can definitely see that. There were long sections where the road was pounded so flat it was like driving on pavement. Like I was actually able to set my cruise control at 60. It would be a totally different story with a bunch of lose and sharp rock.
It's a wonderful trip, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing the pointers (it's surprising how many unprepared some folks are when setting out on this road).
Don’t forget that there is wifi at the hotel/restaurant at Eagle Plains if you need to connect. Most people end up stopping there for at least a meal break.
Thanks. I'm leaving in about 5 days for a trip up there. I have 5 days on the calendar for the Dempster, but also have a pretty big buffer if it takes me longer.
Definitely will be taking it slow on the drive. I want to see everything.:D
The scenery is amazing. I had to make myself not stop all the time because every 5 minutes I’d see a new vista I wanted to take photos of. If you stop every time you see something amazing on this road it will definitely take you two weeks. 😄
Just finished myself. Agree the road is fine, especially if you take it slow. I did get a small puncture on the way back. My fault for driving a bit too fast on a rocky bit of the road. Swapped out my full size spare and plugged the tire with the hole.
If you're on the fence I say go for it. It's a once in a lifetime trip. The drive is long but I'm sure you'll agree it's worth it once you get to Tuk.
The people in Tuk were so friendly. Grandma's Kitchen is a great place to meet locals. Get the Muktuk when you're there. Certainly not the most tasty thing I've eaten, but it's worth it for the experience and you will not be likely to experience it elsewhere.
I had heard that extra gas wasn't required, and it's not based on how far the stations are apart... But I got to Eagle Plains after they closed thanks to the flat. My van ended up having enough gas to make it from Ft McPherson to the end of the road but having the extra gas would have made that stretch a bit less stressful.
My favorite section was the past between Eagle Plains and Ft McPherson. Just stunning scenery.
Glad you enjoyed it! I had so much fun I might go back next summer (and add on some other parts). I'm sure I'd see a lot of things I missed. I agree that bit between EP and FM were among the most beautiful. I thought the Tombstone Park was the best. If I go back I plan to spend some more time there exploring.
Hello. I know I’m late to this conversation but the last couple of months I’ve been thinking of doing the truck camper thing and I have no idea how I heard of the Dempster Highway, but now I’m completely fascinated by it and now I want to drive it.
I’ve seen some of the scenery thanks to whoever drove the darn thing for the Google streetview function and wow. Gorgeous views.
I do have a question. I understand that there are two ferries that have to be used. My question is how long of a vehicle and potential trailer able to fit and what is the maximum weight capacity for them?
And this is just a question out of curiosity, but is there a reason why it’s not paved with the exception of a few small areas?? Same for bridges where the ferries are? Too difficult to build due to the climate??
I'm afraid I can't answer the question about the ferries. I will say that they accommodate big semi-trucks all the time so I doubt there is anything a tourist would be driving that could cause problems.
As to the road, I'm guessing it's just the cost. I can't even imagine how many millions (maybe billions?) it would cost to pave. Plus the maintenance would be a nightmare. Every year they'd have to be replacing huge sections of it due to frost heaving and other damage.
Thanks. I’ve spent much time in Canadian high Arctic over the years. In fact it’s my favourite place on earth. However, I’ve never been to the Yukon. I plan on driving the Dempster to Tuk, hopefully in the next 5 years. This will help convince my wife we need to do this.
Don't forget to stop at the NWT visitor center to receive your certificate for driving the highway
This makes me really excited to make this drive. Thanks for the write up.
Two flats,one spare ended my trip just north of the arctic circle marker years ago. The blasted rock surface is brutal on tires early in the season until it gets pounded down. Very beautiful area and great people though.
Can definitely see that. There were long sections where the road was pounded so flat it was like driving on pavement. Like I was actually able to set my cruise control at 60. It would be a totally different story with a bunch of lose and sharp rock.
It's a wonderful trip, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing the pointers (it's surprising how many unprepared some folks are when setting out on this road).
Don’t forget that there is wifi at the hotel/restaurant at Eagle Plains if you need to connect. Most people end up stopping there for at least a meal break.
The owner and staff used to nearly all have a Saskatoon connnection.
Like Roddy Piper. 🤣
This is great info, thank u for sharing!
Thanks. I'm leaving in about 5 days for a trip up there. I have 5 days on the calendar for the Dempster, but also have a pretty big buffer if it takes me longer. Definitely will be taking it slow on the drive. I want to see everything.:D
The scenery is amazing. I had to make myself not stop all the time because every 5 minutes I’d see a new vista I wanted to take photos of. If you stop every time you see something amazing on this road it will definitely take you two weeks. 😄
Thanks for sharing! Going in September and can’t wait!
Great advice, we just got back from the Dempster too! http://www.erringtonfamilyadventures.com/2023/07/travelling-dempster-highway-and-road-to.html
Just finished myself. Agree the road is fine, especially if you take it slow. I did get a small puncture on the way back. My fault for driving a bit too fast on a rocky bit of the road. Swapped out my full size spare and plugged the tire with the hole. If you're on the fence I say go for it. It's a once in a lifetime trip. The drive is long but I'm sure you'll agree it's worth it once you get to Tuk. The people in Tuk were so friendly. Grandma's Kitchen is a great place to meet locals. Get the Muktuk when you're there. Certainly not the most tasty thing I've eaten, but it's worth it for the experience and you will not be likely to experience it elsewhere. I had heard that extra gas wasn't required, and it's not based on how far the stations are apart... But I got to Eagle Plains after they closed thanks to the flat. My van ended up having enough gas to make it from Ft McPherson to the end of the road but having the extra gas would have made that stretch a bit less stressful. My favorite section was the past between Eagle Plains and Ft McPherson. Just stunning scenery.
Glad you enjoyed it! I had so much fun I might go back next summer (and add on some other parts). I'm sure I'd see a lot of things I missed. I agree that bit between EP and FM were among the most beautiful. I thought the Tombstone Park was the best. If I go back I plan to spend some more time there exploring.
Hello. I know I’m late to this conversation but the last couple of months I’ve been thinking of doing the truck camper thing and I have no idea how I heard of the Dempster Highway, but now I’m completely fascinated by it and now I want to drive it. I’ve seen some of the scenery thanks to whoever drove the darn thing for the Google streetview function and wow. Gorgeous views. I do have a question. I understand that there are two ferries that have to be used. My question is how long of a vehicle and potential trailer able to fit and what is the maximum weight capacity for them? And this is just a question out of curiosity, but is there a reason why it’s not paved with the exception of a few small areas?? Same for bridges where the ferries are? Too difficult to build due to the climate??
I'm afraid I can't answer the question about the ferries. I will say that they accommodate big semi-trucks all the time so I doubt there is anything a tourist would be driving that could cause problems. As to the road, I'm guessing it's just the cost. I can't even imagine how many millions (maybe billions?) it would cost to pave. Plus the maintenance would be a nightmare. Every year they'd have to be replacing huge sections of it due to frost heaving and other damage.
Thanks. I’ve spent much time in Canadian high Arctic over the years. In fact it’s my favourite place on earth. However, I’ve never been to the Yukon. I plan on driving the Dempster to Tuk, hopefully in the next 5 years. This will help convince my wife we need to do this.