Dempster Highway — Dawson City to Inuvik via the Richardson Mountains and Peel Plateau (Classic Full North Traverse)

The Dempster is the real thing. Named after NWMP Inspector William Dempster, who patrolled this wilderness on dogsled in the early 1900s, the highway opened to vehicles in 1979 and immediately established itself as one of the continent’s great overland challenges. Out of Dawson City the gravel starts within kilometres and doesn’t quit until Inuvik. The route climbs through the Tombstone Territorial Park highlands — one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in North America — then descends to the broad tundra of the Blackstone Plateau before crossing the Eagle Plains and punching through the Richardson Mountains via a series of exposed ridge crossings. Two ferry crossings break the trip: the Peel River crossing near Fort McPherson and the Arctic Red River crossing near Tsiigehtchic. In winter those ferries are replaced by ice roads. The gravel is sharp, angular Yukon aggregate — it eats tires for breakfast.

Carry two full-size mounted spare tires minimum. There is no fuel between Eagle Plains and Inuvik — a 370 km stretch — so top up every chance you get. Eagle Plains Hotel is the lone outpost at roughly the halfway mark, fuel, food, and a bed if you need it. Best season is June through September for open ferries and unfrozen ground; winter travel is possible but requires full cold-weather preparation down to -50°C. No permits required. Cell service is essentially nonexistent beyond Dawson City. Satellite communication is not optional on this highway — it is how search and rescue finds you.