My Tips for driving the Dempster (+Dalton) Highway - Including the one nobody talks about!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- Last year, I took "Doughboy", my Storyteller Overland Classic van on an epic road trip to the Arctic Ocean on the Dempster Highway in Canada. There is a similar highway in the US called Dalton Highway.
I have been fortunate enough to drive both highways. While this may not be the definitive guide, I've gathered some valuable lessons along the way that I believe will be immensely helpful if you ever decide to embark on these adventures yourself. However, I encourage you to conduct thorough research of your own and view this video as a supplementary resource to ensure a truly rewarding journey.
See my hike to Grizzly Lake on the Dempster Highway: • Sun, Rain, Snow, Hail,...
See my climb to the top of King's Throne from the same trip: • Epic Kings Throne Hike...
#dempster #dempsterhighway #arctic #arcticocean #canada #northwestterritories #storyteller #storytelleroverland #overland #overlanding #sprinter #sprintervanconversion #sprintervanlife
Products mentioned in this video:
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00:00 - Cold open.
00:25 - Intro.
02:03 - The basics.
02:31 - Deciding on which road to take.
03:57 - Deciding on when to go.
05:36 - Leave some time buffer in your plan.
06:56 - Tires.
08:32 - Fuel.
09:59 - Water.
13:18 - Backups for your most important needs.
13:51 - Communications.
15:00 - Bears and other wildlife.
16:40 - Slow down.
17:27 - Look out for each other.
18:45 - Miscellaneous tips.
20:15 - Outro
Correction: At 00:31, I made an error in my statement. My trip actually took place from late August to early September of 2022. Thanks to @breunigscott for pointing that out. On another note, I regret to inform you that Storyteller vans are not currently equipped with time travel capabilities. I apologize for any false expectations that may have arisen. Thank you for your understanding.
We drove their last July 2023 and yes we had a two flat tires between Arctic Circle and Ft McPherson. Thanks to the couple from Chicago whose husband is a mechanic for helping us along the highway and to the two local lady pumping gas and buying groceries at Ft McPherson. They gave us the contact number of a local Guy named AJ who knows how to fix tires but doesn't sale brand new tires. lastly, to AJ, your a hero. By the way, Ft McPherson residence are very friendly.
Is it the gas station where you have to climb up the stairs to pay? If so, it was the same ladies who were feeding us road closure updates.
Great video, and spot on. I've done the Dempster about a quarter way twice, and then did the full journey to Tuktoyaktuk in 2022. I'm glad you advised folks to give industrial traffic the respect it deserves. When pulling to the side to let traffic pass be extremely careful of the road edges, and they can be very soft and you can bog down. The road is 8 feet of gravel on top of permafrost, so the edges can be mushy, especially in wet weather. Also, if travelling in summer the going can be very dusty, so some wet towels placed along the inside bottom of doors can help - otherwise everything inside gets coated in a fine miasma of dust. I will be up again in 2024, but probably just base camp at Tombstone and do day journeys from there. Safe travels, everyone.
Are you from Canada? Very jealous you can make so many trips up there. 😁
@@IAmATravelAddict Yes, from the Vancouver area, but it's still a 6 day drive just to get to Dawson City!
Yeah, I remember the first time crossing into Yukon. I felt so accomplished and had to take a photo with the sign. Then I looked on the map and there's still half a country above me, lol.
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Thank you for this, Mr. Addict.
Thank you! Glad you liked it. 😀
I drove the Dempster last year and can attest: this video is spot-on. An example is the tip about the diesel nozzle adapter. As for water: several of the provincial campgrounds on the Dempster do have potable water. We were there in Late September and had no problem in this regard, but we overnighted mainly at such campgrounds. Thanks for the great video!
That's good to know. I just assumed the campgrounds were non-potable water since most campgrounds we checked out in Northern Yukon had a boil water alert. Although now I think about it, there was a city campground near the airport in Inuvik that did have water.
Very useful info, thanks for sharing
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Awesome
Thank you!
Very nice video. Maybe you should take a look at Living the Van Life, he drove the Dempster in the winter it was a nice video. Thanks for the info. Travel safe.
I'll check it out, thanks for the tip!
I just watched your video for the second time in preparation for my road trip this July from Vermont to Tuk and then on to Alaska for the fourth time. I’ve watched a bunch of videos about the Dempster hwy but this one has the best & most useful information. I’ll be driving a RAM 4 wheel drive pickup and plan to camp both up & down the Dempster. Thanks for a very timely and informative video.
Glad you found it useful. Sounds like an epic trip, hope you have a great time!
go Peng! what a trip
Thank you! It was, and very doable. I highly recommend it!
My trip on the Dempster was in 2007, well before they made a road to Tuk. We went via an air carrier and the views from the air were spectacular. Once there we were taken to the Arctic ocean for a toe dip😊. I drove a one ton Chevy diesel truck with a full size camper, boobdocking all the way. It was a rainey trip up so we were covered in Dempster mud when we arrived in Inuvik. 10 bucks bought unlimed time with a high pressure truck washer and i considered it to be the best value in town. Your tips are all solid and obviously you know about travel in the North country. Take two spares, 10 ply tires a must. The scenery on the Dempster is stunning. One little ribbon of road in a vast wild land, very humbling.
Thank you for sharing your story. Very cool to hear about your experience before they extended the road to Tuk in 2017. The view of endless landscape in all directions is truly humbling!
Your video on the Dempster was, by far, the most informative and useful of any I've seen. I have been thinking about the Dempster since acquiring my Storyteller LT. I drove the Dalton years ago and loved it.
Do it! There are fewer trucks, you'll love it even more than Dalton!
I'm on the fence about it. Most videos include at least one disconcerting event/breakdown. You were lucky not to have a 30 day delay. I'd be anxious the whole trip. I know the Storyteller is capable but I'm reluctant to beat it up.
In 2016 I rode my motorcycle up the Dempster to the Arctic Circle. An amazing journey. Surprised to hear it is partially paved now. Brought back many great memories. BTW, even then I was told how tough it would I didn't ride a trail bike or sport bike but a Honda Goldwing which is a Cadillac of motorcycles. It rained much of the way, too. And I was 65 at the time. The summer solstice at the Arctic Circle will never, ever be forgotten. Truly excellent video. Hope it inspires many to make the trip.
Glad you enjoyed the video, and very cool to hear your story, thank you for sharing. Dempster is still unpaved (except in the city of Inuvik). Dalton Highway in Alaska is the road that's now partially paved.
I’m in Inuvik right now 7/23 and been up to Tuktoyaktuk. There wasn’t any paved road that I was on other that from Inuvik airport to Inuvik. Much of the road was rutted and I used 4WD especially in the rain.
Its only paved the last few miles before getting to Inuvik.. Can't really say its partially paved
I mentioned Dalton Highway is partially paved in the video. Not sure why everyone thinks I said Dempster. 🤷♂️😅
Lots of great sceneries in this video.. 😁😁
Thank you! It's a beautiful road!
I live near the base of the Dempster Highway. I have always been curious as which was actually best to drive, the Dalton or the Dempster. My gut feel was the Dempster is a better drive being wilder, longer, and suited for regular vehicles rather than big trucks. I was worried that I was biased because I live here! I liked hearing from someone who has done both.
Officially, I must say this is purely based on personal preferences and both roads are great! Between you and I...yup, you guys have the better road. 😂
Brilliant video, thanks so much for your info!
Glad it was helpful!
Eagle planes campground, on the end of the motel/hotel building close to the campground, they had an outside water spigot, which we used in 2019.
Thanks! I totally forgot to mention that one!
That was great thanks. We drive #905 to Saskatchewan far north every summer, you're advice applies here also, slow down, yeild to big trucks, help you're neighbors on the road.
Very few people venture on this road, so the terrific scenery and camping make it a great trip.
There are so many roads to explore in northern Canada. I might have to spend a year driving around once I retire!
hey lets use really sharp shale for the road. and make sure the diesel adapter is not a standard issue item. on another note you made a great video. very informative and right to the point.
The truck nozzle is just a friend. All jokes aside This is really useful.
Thank you, glad you found it useful!
2019 MB Revel I used two stainless steel skewers in Eagle Plains .
Theres two pawls .Placed one on each side of nozzel.
On the way back I managed to stick nozzel in with out skewers. Wasn't easy.
GET FUNNEL you suggested.
Awesome trip, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
We also get our water at the territorial campground a few kms before Inuvic.
You mean Jak Territorial Park? I didn't know they have potable water. That's good to know. Thanks!
Yes, Jaks has water and showers. It's better than the campsite that's right in Inuvik.
I've done the Dempster and own a Trasharoo. You are correct. Do Not Leave it outside at night. Bears will be attracted to it. The Trasharoo itself cannot be sealed. However, you can place a Bear Barrel inside and seal that as you have in your van. This will be helpful. I just put it in the truck at night and locked my doors and windows. No issues.
Thank you, that's a great tip!
An extremely well thought out video. Great tips.
Thank you, glad you found it useful!
This is a very informative video. We drove the Dempster to the Arctic Circle in our Sprinter Class C RV in June 2019 right after the summer Solstice. We left from Dawson City and is subject to closure on a moment’s notice. It is an intense drive and we did not see that many vehicles. We did not see hardly any wildlife either, except for a fox at the Arctic Circle. The Midnight Sun was fascinating, but was obscured by overcast the night we spent at the Arctic Circle. We did not have any flats or windshield cracks on the Dempster. Totally agree on powerwashing your vehicle ASAP after you get off the Dempster. There was a washing station right near the start/end of the highway. Did you see the Aurora on your drive? We were at Fairbanks/North Pole, AK, the first week of Sept and saw almost every night.
Thank you. Yeah, we saw Aurora pretty much every night. I think they're pretty common as long as you don't mind going out in freezing temperatures at 2am, lol. The car wash at the Dempster Dawton junction was closed in 2022. Not sure if it's temporary. Dawson City does have one.
Thanks for great info; be safe, stay healthy.
Thanks for watching!
Hoping to some day to travel these two highways. Great info. Well done.
Thank you!
Really good video!! I love the way you pointed out how you have back ups for all of your systems, food, water, etc.... Good tips, good equipment list, good recs. Just a really solid video from beginning to end! Keep up the good work mate and thanks for your time and effort making this top quality!
I'm glad you found this helpful and thank you for the kind words! It really keeps me going!
Pretty smart system on the water. I use those bags in my STO in the cold months after I've winterized the system.
Thanks. I love those bags. I might get some smaller ones next time they run a sale, these 5.3 gallon ones are a little heavy for day to day use.
Famago did a video and drove all the way to the end of the Dalton and the artic ocean. Showed a convenience/supply store with a sign saying you've reached the end.
Great video and well presented. I got most of the way last year (Fort McPherson) on my motorcycle but wet sloppy roads and user error ended it there. I have to go back. It’s a must see for any outdoor enthusiast! You gained a subscriber btw.
Thank you for the sub! Sorry to hear you had to cut the trip short, but it wouldn't be an adventure if everything went smoothly. Best of luck on your next trip!
I’m planning a similar trip in a few weeks. California to Tuk and back. Thanks for the tips. I’ll make sure to being a brush to keep my wheels clean. 👍
Glad you found the tips useful, and good luck with the trip. Keep an eye on forest fire. Seems like quite a few going on in NWT right now.
@@IAmATravelAddict yeah - I just found out about the travel ban to BC so I think my trip will need to be postponed. I love you videos dude 👍
@@vitanksi Wow, I didn't know they had a travel ban. I'm sorry to hear that you have to postpone, but the Arctic Ocean will always be there, and I'm sure that when the time is right, you'll have an amazing trip. Thank you for your kind words about my videos. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for this video. I enjoyed it very much and find it helpful. I'm planning to drive to Banff and Jasper( 2nd time). And might continue up to Alaska. I'm also in a campervan, RAM Promaster 3500.
Glad it was helpful! That sounds like an epic trip! There's no "might", you MUST do it.😄
Thanks Peng for this great video. I am planning on our road trip to Tuktoyaktuk. Eying for this winter. But/maybe it is not a good idae compared with summer seasons.
Thanks for watching. Each season has their unique look, so whichever season you decide to do it in, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
How were the mosquitoes during Aug/Sept?
Not bad at all, especially the further north you go. My May and July AK trips were pretty miserable, especially because I attract mosquitoes. I was pretty much showering in deet, lol.
There is potable water available at Eagle Plains. Also, we were detained there in July due to wildfires.
Oh yeah, I forgot about Eagle Plains. Thanks for pointing it out! I hope you were not stuck there for too long or in any danger?
@@IAmATravelAddict It was closed only one day do to smoke from the tundra fires. We were never in any danger. Got to know Eagle Plains more than we wanted.
@@heartlandvieo Haha, I got to know Fort McPherson more than I wanted. Just glad I had the van. People who didn't had to drive back to Inuvik for accommodations.
Minor: I’ve heard 2different vids so far pronounce the destination wrong?- it is TUK TOY UK TUK. Otherwise: GREAT vid. Lots of good info. Plan to motorcycle there in July. Love your photo scenics…
Thanks for the info!
Hi this was very good. I've seen a bunch of videos regarding these drives and your's was the best! One thing I hear over and over is "slow down" what does that mean in mph? Safe and wonderful journeys!
Thank you, glad you found it helpful. Slow down is all relative and it depends on the road section. For example, the section that had really sharp rocks, with my set up (air down and soft suspension) I was going maybe 30-35mph. On a smooth, straight and wide section outside Inuvik with almost no traffic, I got up to 55mph. I think once you're on the road, you'll figure it out. Just remember, slowing down may take you an extra hour to get somewhere, but it's still faster than sliding off the road or hitting a moose because you couldn't stop in time.
@@IAmATravelAddict ThankYou Helpful!!
What make/model/ply tires did you have on your vehicle? Great tips! Thank you!
Thanks. It's BF Goodrich KO2. 10 ply.
Thank you for the tips.
I'm planning to do a road trip to Dead Horse Alaska sometime this summer or next summer.
Subscribe.
Very cool! Hope you enjoy your trip!
Very informative video! That's been my dream trip and hope I will have a chance to go with my STO LT!
What Siphon tube do you use? Mine was self-made with parts from Home Depot but the tube is too stiff.
Thank you. I have a 2021 and the siphon tube came with the van. They removed it after the 2022 redesign. I would check Facebook group history, I vaguely remember there was a discussion about it there.
I’m thinking about doing this next summer (2025). I’ll be 70, in good health. Any advice specifically for someone my age.
The only thing I can think of is to bring extra medication in case of road closure. It should be quite a milestone birthday trip, I hope you have a great time!
Listen to your lead-in. You said august and september of ...2023.
Yup, had brain fart on recording day. Thank you for pointing that out, I'll pin a note.
Are there lot of places to boondock? On google maps I don't see many side roads or turnoffs you can take off the highway.
Yes, plenty of places. Worst case, you can pull into a gravel storage area for the road maintenance crew, they have those every few miles.
How does ‘airing down’ your tires make them less likely to get punctured? Does it make them more “mushy”?
Less pressure puts less stress on the tire walls. It also slightly increases your contact patch for traction and makes the ride smoother. It will affect handling a little bit, but hopefully you’re not planning to drive 60 mph on gravel.
It also allows the tread rubber to flex a bit more over a sharp object avoiding a cut through the tire. Always done with 4 wheeling ansd I go down to about 15PSI@@IAmATravelAddict
Well done video! We did the dempster this July with a Bronco Sport and travel trailer. No problems except I developed a slow leak in one of the trailer tires which I plugged a few days after completing the Dempster. Every thing you mentioned was spot on. Six years ago we drove the Dalton Highway. Here are my two videos of that trip. th-cam.com/video/jQoumZP39Jk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/pF2-S34y4AU/w-d-xo.html I plan to make videos of this years trip.
That is an awesome pinto you got there! I hope you still have it!
@@IAmATravelAddict thank you! Yes I still have it. I bought it new, never selling it.
@@thewanderingpinto5979 Haha, I wouldn't sell it, either. My dad had a yellow Pinto, just the standard 2 door hatch version. They will always have a special place in my heart.
What's hanging from the grizzlies arse @ 15:24 ?
Ha, do you really want to know? It cannot be unread.