Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk

[JLURD]

Moved back to Alaska from New England over the last couple weeks. Part of the 6150 mile run in my 2020 JLURD was a detour of 1100 miles to run the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk and back to Dawson City, then AK via the Top of the World Highway. Having done the Dalton to Deadhorse a couple summers back, I was interested to compare the two. Other than being significantly longer, the Dempster on the NWT end is without question the most well-built and smoothest piece of dirt road I’ve seen anywhere in the world. I’m talking cruise control at 65mph for 20-30 mile stretches. The Yukon end wasn’t even close in quality but the Fox 2.5 DSC setup with 37” KO2s at 20psi was plenty to keep pace in the 50-60mph range down there. Other than the expected smashing of my gorilla glass windshield from a golf ball sized stone that was tossed by an 18-wheeler, the JLURD ran like a top without issue, right around 22mpg. If you had to choose between the Dalton and the Dempster, the latter has the prettier scenery and the sweeter northern terminus at the water, though they’re both off the charts as road trips go. Top of the World Highway is easily the most picturesque border crossing between these two countries and is well worth the detour for those otherwise just running the Alcan.

Sponsored

 

[Mos.Jeep]

OMG my dream trip! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Wulfgang]

How cool is that?

 

[RicRecon]

Moved back to Alaska from New England over the last couple weeks. Part of the 6150 mile run in my 2020 JLURD was a detour of 1100 miles to run the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk and back to Dawson City, then AK via the Top of World Highway. Having done the Dalton to Deadhorse a couple summers back, I was interested to compare the two. Other than being significantly longer, the Dempster on the NWT end is without question the most well-built and smoothest piece of dirt road I’ve seen anywhere in the world. I’m talking cruise control at 65mph for 20-30 mile stretches. The Yukon end wasn’t even close in quality but the Fox 2.5 DSC setup with 37” KO2s at 20psi was plenty to keep pace in the 50-60mph range down there. Other than the expected smashing of my gorilla glass windshield from a golf ball sized stone that was tossed by an 18-wheeler, the JLURD ran like a top without issue, right around 22mpg. If you had to choose between the Dalton and the Dempster, the latter has the prettier scenery and the sweeter northern terminus at the water, though they’re both off the charts as road trips go. Top of the World Highway is easily the most picturesque border crossing between these two countries and is well worth the detour for those otherwise just running the Alcan.

Bucket list. Thanks for sharing

 

[Chile1]

Definitely on my bucket list but I’m also planning to drive all the way down to Ushuaia and back..

 

[wibornz]

I have unsuccessful tried to make this trip last year and this year. Family has derailed the Alaskan trip both times. Hoping 2024 will be the year of Alaska.

What did you see for fuel prices along your trip?

 

[ilmostro]

Run the Canol Rd. from Whitehorse up into the NWT. Once you cross the Ross River it gets extra amazing.

 

[INCRHULK]

Moved back to Alaska from New England over the last couple weeks. Part of the 6150 mile run in my 2020 JLURD was a detour of 1100 miles to run the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk and back to Dawson City, then AK via the Top of World Highway. Having done the Dalton to Deadhorse a couple summers back, I was interested to compare the two. Other than being significantly longer, the Dempster on the NWT end is without question the most well-built and smoothest piece of dirt road I’ve seen anywhere in the world. I’m talking cruise control at 65mph for 20-30 mile stretches. The Yukon end wasn’t even close in quality but the Fox 2.5 DSC setup with 37” KO2s at 20psi was plenty to keep pace in the 50-60mph range down there. Other than the expected smashing of my gorilla glass windshield from a golf ball sized stone that was tossed by an 18-wheeler, the JLURD ran like a top without issue, right around 22mpg. If you had to choose between the Dalton and the Dempster, the latter has the prettier scenery and the sweeter northern terminus at the water, though they’re both off the charts as road trips go. Top of the World Highway is easily the most picturesque border crossing between these two countries and is well worth the detour for those otherwise just running the Alcan.

I'm planning to run from Toronto to Tuk next summer and dragging a few of my club members in with me. 6800 km one way. Fantastic pictures!

EDIT: Tuk is as far north as you can drive in the world.

 

[Russ Chung]

Where can you get fuel on the Dempster? Or do you have to carry it with you?

 

[Chile1]

There are only three gasoline stops along the Dempster. Make sure you start off with a full tank and carry some spare fuel, just in case. There are gas stations at the southern end of the highway at Klondike River Lodge, at Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, and Inuvik.

 

[Jeepn’]

Driving from California to Alaska has become a dream of mine, hope to do it in about 3yrs! Love watching posts like these and glad it went well for you!! don't be afraid to photo-dump more pics! lol

 

[JLURD]

Definitely on my bucket list but I’m also planning to drive all the way down to Ushuaia and back..

Yea after watching the expedition overland trip through the Andes, that road seems like a must as well. Much more logistically complicated but doable.

 

[JLURD]

I have unsuccessful tried to make this trip last year and this year. Family has derailed the Alaskan trip both times. Hoping 2024 will be the year of Alaska.

What did you see for fuel prices along your trip?

After USD and gallon conversion, basically $5.60-$7/gallon for diesel. Didn’t pay much attention to gas prices. My setup will go around 900 miles between stations if needed so this area of the world is fairly stress free when it comes to who is open at what times. That said, even a 392 without aux fuel could manage the dempster.

 

[JLURD]

I'm planning to run from Toronto to Tuk next summer and dragging a few of my club members in with me. 6800 km one way. Fantastic pictures!

EDIT: Tuk is as far north as you can drive in the world.

My GPS reading where I turned around in Deadhorse suggests otherwise regarding North America and the road to Anabar Bay in Russia is over 72N. Tuk ends at 69.456N

 

[JLURD]

Driving from California to Alaska has become a dream of mine, hope to do it in about 3yrs! Love watching posts like these and glad it went well for you!! don't be afraid to photo-dump more pics! lol

I have a drone video and dash video up on IG but the forum isn’t so good with video posts. Happy to PM the IG info for anyone interested.

Sponsored