Over the ice road and to the Arctic Sea

This journey brings together the beauty of the Yukon, the thrilling Native American history, breathtaking landscapes, and the wildlife of Canada. From Whitehorse to the Arctic Ocean you will experience the most varied landscapes of the far north - from impressive mountain ranges to the frozen tundra. From Whitehorse, the trail takes you via Dawson, Eagle Plains, Inuvik, and Aklavik to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. You will cross the Arctic Circle during this journey, and if you are lucky, you will see the magical Northern Lights. Learn all about the life of the indigenous people in the coldest regions of the world and immerse yourself in their culture and way of life.

Over the ice road and to the Arctic Sea: The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival in Whitehorse, your guide will welcome you. On your way to the hotel, you will experience the highlights of Whitehorse on a city tour and get to know its special charm. In the afternoon, get together in your travel group and get information about the tour programme. You can use the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own, whether that be for shopping or museums. Look forward to the eventful days that lie ahead of you!

Day 2: Whitehorse - Dawson City
Prior to the late 1950’s, the only way to travel to Dawson City in summer was on a majestic paddlewheeler like the SS Klondike. Today, you’ll cover the 550km distance in just a few hours. For the majority of this journey, you will follow the Yukon River Valley and be enchanted by the sheer expanse of the landscape. In the morning, stop for a coffee at the popular Braeburn Lodge, which is known for its giant cinnamon rolls. In the next few hours, you will drive along the Klondike Highway past some small villages and indigenous settlements. As you make your way to your destination, you will have the best view of the famous Five Fingers Rapids rock formation. About an hour from Dawson, you will make a last stop and enjoy the views from the Tintina Trench Viewpoint, which offers you a generous view of the stunning Yukon and its mountainous landscape. After check-in at the hotel in Dawson and a hearty dinner, look out for the magical Northern Lights, which often dance directly over the city in the night sky.

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Day 3: Dawson City
Are you ready for a thrilling day exploring the city of Dawson? Home to the world’s greatest Gold Rush, some 50,000 gold seekers arrived here in 1898 making Dawson City the largest town west of Winnipeg and North of Seattle (USA) at that time. The special charm and romance of this place is still noticeable today and is sure to enchant you. Unpaved streets and wooden boardwalks characterise the cityscape and make it easy for you to imagine how it was in the past. Explore Bonanza Creek Road, a place where gold was discovered in 1896 and made the city famous. In the evening, share your experiences with your fellow travelers in the small authentic bars of the city and let the day end while relaxing with a drink in hand.

Day 4: Dawson City - Eagle Plains
This day will be full of nature and breathtaking scenery. You start early in the morning on one of the largest Canadian roads — the Dempster and head towards Eagle Plains. The drive to Eagle Plains is incredibly scenic, particularly as you cross the Tombstone Territorial Park with its rugged peaks to the west. Breathtaking views of the wild Yukon are also offered by the Ogilvie Mountains. On your way, look out for wild animals such as foxes, wolves, or caribou. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Eagle Plains, which is the only place for miles around. Warm-up in your hotel and spend your evening watching the Northern Lights dance across a clear sky.


Day 5: Eagle Plains - Inuvik
Look forward to a very special highlight on this day, as you will cross the Arctic Circle. Toast together with a glass of champagne and then continue your journey north of the Arctic Circle. During this drive towards Inuvik, you will marvel at the impressive landscape that passes you by. A mountain range and two rivers provide the backdrop to your adventure and run through the vast wilderness of the north. En route you will stop for a visit to the First Nations community of Fort MacPherson, a former Hudson Bay trading post and burial site of the famous Lost Patrol. The destination of today's trip is the town of Inuvik, with a young community and ancient history. The natives of this country, the Inuit, moved here from the coast and the nearby traditional village of Aklavik in the 1950s. A short tour of the village on the way to the hotel will give you some insights into this culture, and in the evening you will have time to explore the area on foot.

Day 6: On the Ice Road to the Arctic Ocean
Another day characterised by Canada's history and culture follows during your journey through the far north. Head northeast along the Arctic Ocean to the village of Tuk. Here you will be greeted by a local guide who will introduce you to life in this beautiful yet desolate place and will tell you interesting stories about the people, the culture, and the landscape in the area. You will be invited into the home of a local, enjoying a traditional lunch and get to know the inhabitants and their way of life. In the late afternoon you return to Inuvik and relax at the end of the day.

Day 7: Aklavik Visit
You will visit the town of Aklavik, which in winter can only be reached via the ice road, constructed out of the frozen waters of the Mackenzie River and the Arctic Ocean. The locals were supposed to be relocated to Inuvik, but refused! You will return to the city of Inuvik and take full advantage of the afternoon and evening to explore the surroundings on your own.

Day 8: By Plane to Whitehorse
From Inuvik, you will fly back to Whitehorse, where the travel programme will end. You will start your journey home with many unique memories under your belt.

Accommodation:
During your trip you will stay in hotels along the route. You will stay 1 night in Whitehorse, 2 nights in Dawson, 1 night in Eagle Plains and 3 nights in Inuvik.

Meals & beverages:
Meals and beverages are not included unless explicitly mentioned in the description.
 
Tour Dates:
Please note that depending on the dates, the route can also be driven in the other direction. For the Inuvik - Whitehorse route, the itinerary is in the opposite direction to the description.
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