18 On the Road In the <strong>Yukon</strong> you’ll find 483,000 square kilometres of terrain, 20 communities and almost 4,800 kilometres of all-season highways. With seven spectacular scenic drives reaching all corners of the territory, this is a road-touring paradise. Explore one scenic drive, or loop several together for an extended <strong>Yukon</strong> tour. The Dempster Highway winds across North <strong>Yukon</strong>’s subarctic tundra near the Richardson Mountains — G. Fischer Plan your road trip travelyukon.com
Crossing the Teslin River – YG Getting Around With 11 diverse highways to explore, the <strong>Yukon</strong> is a driver’s dream. Whitehorse has complete RV and vehicle rental agencies, and most communities have vehicle service shops. Gas stations are located at regular intervals on most highways. On secondary roads, be sure to check where the next fuel stop is located before setting out, and consider carrying extra gas depending on the route you decide to take. Though most travel through the <strong>Yukon</strong> will be on paved roads, your vehicle should be in good mechanical condition. Be prepared to travel on hard-packed gravel roads when venturing off the primary highways. If you prefer to have someone else do the driving, guided coach and van tours are also available. Approximate Driving Times Watson Lake - Whitehorse 5 hrs Whitehorse - Burwash Landing 3.5 hrs Whitehorse - Dawson City 6 hrs Whitehorse - Faro 4 hrs Whitehorse - Haines Junction 2 hrs Whitehorse - Anchorage, Alaska 13 hrs Whitehorse - Fairbanks, Alaska 11 hrs Whitehorse - Skagway, Alaska 2 hrs Dawson City - Inuvik, NWT 12-14 hrs Dawson City - Tok, Alaska 5.5 hrs Average highway speed in the <strong>Yukon</strong> is 90 km/h (55 mph). Driver Fatigue Being tired can make it harder to judge speed, distance and traffic conditions. In summer, the sun stays up much longer in the North, so don’t wait until dark to stop! Drivers should take frequent breaks. Dawson City, YT Dawson Creek, BC Fort Nelson, BC Haines Junction, YT 969 1855 1402 298 1655 841 636 892 456 602 1152 871 185 1028 523 395 554 283 1934 1481 671 766 234 715 971 535 1201 920 417 476 145 444 603 332 453 1557 2620 1806 1475 963 1399 281 967 1628 1122 917 598 869 1104 2167 1353 1023 510 946 686 1346 841 635 317 588 1357 543 338 594 158 843 337 210 369 98 Safe Driving Tips 920 572 1401 871 1657 1029 1221 759 • Hand-held electronic devices used to 587 843 407 talk, text or email while driving in the 365 524 253 <strong>Yukon</strong> are prohibited. Fully licensed drivers are allowed to use hands-free cellphones and simple push-to-talk two-way radios while driving. 512 318 180 112 436 271 • Buckle up! It’s the law in the <strong>Yukon</strong> and applies to all vehicle occupants, including infants. • Drive according to road conditions. Many accidents happen in slippery conditions such as rain or when the temperature hovers around the freezing mark. Follow at a safe distance and drive defensively. • Don’t speed. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions only! When visibility is hindered by a bend, bridge or hill, please slow down. • Always drive with headlights on—day and night. It’s the law in the <strong>Yukon</strong>. • Watch out for wildlife at all times when driving on <strong>Yukon</strong> highways. Slow down in posted areas. • Watch for surveyors and flag persons. Reduce speed, obey signs and yield to workers and equipment. Inuvik, NWT Highway Reconstruction <strong>Yukon</strong> roads are no longer the rugged pioneer roads of legend. All major <strong>Yukon</strong> highways are paved and well maintained. But be prepared for potholes, frost heaves, road surface breakup and occasional washouts. In construction areas, flying gravel and dust can make it difficult to see clearly. Do not follow too closely, and take extra care when towing a vehicle or trailer. Please watch for surveyors and flag persons working on or near roads. Mayo, YT Skagway, AK Watson Lake, YT Whitehorse, YT Road Distances Beaver Creek, YT Dawson City, YT Dawson Creek, BC Fort Nelson, BC Haines Junction, YT Inuvik, NWT Mayo, YT Skagway, AK Construction zones are marked and speed limits reduced. Obey signage in construction zones. kilometres miles Watson Lake, YT To find out more about <strong>Yukon</strong>’s road system, including highway conditions and information about construction delays or closures, visit www.511yukon.ca or dial 511. Tour <strong>Yukon</strong>’s Scenic Byways Have you heard about a historic little road called the Alaska Highway? Today, this breathtaking journey follows a modern, paved highway to the North. From Whitehorse, tour around one or more scenic loop drives — Golden Circle Route, Southern Lakes Circuit, Campbell/ Canol Route — before venturing further north. Explore the historic Silver Trail, and take the time to drive the legendary Dempster Highway. String together many of <strong>Yukon</strong>’s top attractions with a drive around the Klondike/Kluane Loop. Turn the page to learn about our scenic <strong>Yukon</strong> drives, or visit sightsandsites.ca for more information about the historic locations and points of interest you’ll find on any route you choose for your <strong>Yukon</strong> driving experience. Canyon Creek Bridge along the Alaska Highway – YG Photo > On the Road travelyukon.com 19
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