Over the ice road and to the Arctic Sea

This journey brings together the beautiful nature and wildlife of Northern Canada with the fascinating history of the region and its Indigenous Peoples. From Whitehorse to the Arctic Ocean you will experience the varied landscapes of the far north - from impressive mountain ranges to the frozen tundra. From Whitehorse, the route 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 dancing Northern Lights. Learn all about the life of the Indigenous Peoples 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, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in downtown. During an afternoon meeting, you will get to know your group and go over the itinerary and your equipment with your guide. Afterward, you will experience the highlights of Whitehorse on a city tour and get to know its special charm. You can use the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own, whether that be for shopping or sightseeing. 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. Your journey takes you through the Yukon interior, at times closely following the Yukon River valley and at times moving farther away from it. In the morning, stop for a coffee at the popular Braeburn Lodge, which is known for its giant cinnamon buns. In the next few hours, you will drive along the Klondike Highway past some small villages and settlements. As you make your way to your destination, you will have great views of the famous Five Fingers Rapids. About an hour from Dawson, you will make a last stop at the Tintina Trench overlook, which offers you a view of the Yukon interior and its mountainous landscape. After checking in at your hotel in Dawson and enjoying dinner, keep an eye out for the magical Northern Lights, which can often be seen directly over the town if conditions are right.

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Day 3: Dawson City
Today, you will explore Dawson City. Home to the world’s greatest Gold Rush, some 50,000 gold seekers arrived here in 1898 making it 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. You will travel up Bonanza Creek Road to the claim where gold was discovered in 1896. Visits to other attractions in Dawson round out your day. In the evening, share your experiences with your fellow travelers in the authentic bars and let the day end while relaxing with a drink in hand.

Day 4: Dawson City - Eagle Plains
You start early in the morning on the Dempster, one of the truly great Canadian roadways and head towards Eagle Plains. The drive is incredibly scenic, partly because you cross the Tombstone Territorial Park with its jagged peaks to the west. On your way, look out for wild animals such as foxes, wolves, or caribou. Along the way, you will stop for a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful scenery along the Dempster Highway. In the late afternoon or early evening, you will arrive at Eagle Plains, which is the only place for miles around. Warm-up in your hotel and - if the sky is clear - spend your evening searching for the Northern Lights.

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. Today's destination is Inuvik, a relatively young community with an ancient history. In the 1950's, the Canadian government commissioned its construction because the nearby traditional village of Aklavik was slowly sinking into the river delta. Also resettled were Inuvialuit people from various locations along the Arctic coast. 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
It's finally time to head to the Arctic Ocean! At the river's entrance into the Arctic Ocean, the road continues along the coastline to the village of "Tuk" as known by the residents. Near the village, you will come across the first "pingos", which are mountains of ice that are pushed upward year after year by the cycle of freezing and thawing. Once you arrive at your destination, you will be greeted by local guides who will show you their unique village. If you'd like, you can even dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean. You will then be invited into the home of a local resident, enjoying a traditional lunch and getting a display of Inuit clothing. In the late afternoon you return to Inuvik and relax at the end of the day.

Day 7: Aklavik Visit
Today, the route takes you to the town of Aklavik on the Peel River, near the foot of the Richardson Mountains, which is accessible only via the winter ice road constructed out of the frozen waters of the Mackenzie River and the Arctic Ocean. To this day, it remains a gathering place and home for the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Peoples, and many of its residents still follow a traditional way of life based on hunting, fishing, and trapping. The town was once the center for trapping, trade, and transportation in the Mackenzie Delta before this role shifted to Inuvik following its founding. However, many locals refused to relocate there and therefore proudly refer to their home as "the town that wouldn't die". In the afternoon, you will return to Inuvik.

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 or can add an optional night in Whitehorse.

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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