CA West Canada Conquering the Dempster Highway: Road Trip to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

This will be a multi-week road trip with lots of off-roading, hiking, camping (including off-grid), pic stops...and.... lots of 'white-knuckle-holding-on-to-the-edge-of-the-seat' passenger reactions! (just kidding). We will also be dipping our toes in the Arctic Ocean.

View Rally Point

 

[Alanymarce]

Have fun! Take insect repellent (the Arctic Mosquitos have an international aerobatic team). If you're leaving soon you should see lots of aurora borealis. Say "hi" for me to Tuktoyaktuk - I was last there in 1989...

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

Have fun! Take insect repellent (the Arctic Mosquitos have an international aerobatic team). If you're leaving soon you should see lots of aurora borealis. Say "hi" for me to Tuktoyaktuk - I was last there in 1989...

Ha! Ha!
This is only for 2021, so lots of time to prepare. If you were there in 1989, lots has changed. You are definitely due for another visit *smiles*

 

[LowbuckLS]

That’s awesome, my son and I are planning on making the trip up the Dempster next summer.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

That’s awesome, my son and I are planning on making the trip up the Dempster next summer.

Great!
It is beautiful up there. I have driven the Dempster many times. Had it planned for this year again -- all the way to Tuk, but then Covid happened. Hope Covid will be gone by the time July/August 2021 comes around. This time, I'll be heading to Tuk for the first time
Hope you'll join the Rally in 2021.

 

[LowbuckLS]

Great!
It is beautiful up there. I have driven the Dempster many times. Had it planned for this year again -- all the way to Tuk, but then Covid happened. Hope Covid will be gone by the time July/August 2021 comes around. This time, I'll be heading to Tuk for the first time
Hope you'll join the Rally in 2021.

Same, I here the NWT is being pretty restrictive with their Covid regulations... I'm new here, what Rally is happening in 2021?

 

[Alanymarce]

Ha! Ha!
This is only for 2021, so lots of time to prepare. If you were there in 1989, lots has changed. You are definitely due for another visit *smiles*

I was first there in 1980.

Yes - we have a North American trip in long term planning, not sure when exactly - Montréal - Newfoundland - Key West - South Texas - San Diego - Alaska - Montréal (more or less). We have two Asia trips we'd like to do before then (one's on the shelf, and one's in planning), and may do others prior to NA. It will be good to visit again.

In terms of timing for your trip, I think I'd aim to be in Tuktoyaktuk at the end of September or early October - still lots of sunlight, fewer mosquitos, no concerns re recently melted snow/ice, it'll start getting colder mid-October. So you could aim for this and build around this timing for the rest of your trip - before and/or after.

PS: haven't been in Okotoks since 1990 - it was on the way to Black Diamond for the rodeo.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

I was first there in 1980.

Yes - we have a North American trip in long term planning, not sure when exactly - Montréal - Newfoundland - Key West - South Texas - San Diego - Alaska - Montréal (more or less). We have two Asia trips we'd like to do before then (one's on the shelf, and one's in planning), and may do others prior to NA. It will be good to visit again.

In terms of timing for your trip, I think I'd aim to be in Tuktoyaktuk at the end of September or early October - still lots of sunlight, fewer mosquitos, no concerns re recently melted snow/ice, it'll start getting colder mid-October. So you could aim for this and build around this timing for the rest of your trip - before and/or after.

PS: haven't been in Okotoks since 1990 - it was on the way to Black Diamond for the rodeo.

That is a great plan what you have in the works. I'll do the Maritimes in 2022 (which was actually supposed to be in 2021). Then, Arches/Moab in 2023. All just draft plans for now.
The dates will change in early 2021 (right now it's a placeholder), but they are dependent on many factors -- Covid for one, ferry/road opening/closures and then my work commitments. The pic used to announce the Rally was taken in early August. No pesky bugs with the exception of the Peel River crossing! They were nasty! After that, it was ok. Caught some snow on the way back to Eagle Plains, but not bad either (snows in Calgary in the summer time, so I'm used to it).
Thanks for the suggestion. It is appreciated.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

Same, I here the NWT is being pretty restrictive with their Covid regulations... I'm new here, what Rally is happening in 2021?

That is correct, Yukon and NWT Govs were very restrictive with their Covid regulations. NWT still has the border closed linked to the Dempster Highway. I am not surprised and do support it given the Aboriginal communities need to be protected. Only essential travel was allowed in: NWT Border Information | GNWT's Response to COVID-19

There are lots of events taking place in 2021. The one I am referring to is the one I posted. These events (trips/gatherings, etc.) once posted then become Rally points on the map. As a member, you have access to view the map showing Rally points all over the world. Have you tried the Member Map?

 

[LowbuckLS]

Thanks for the info, I have seen the member map but haven’t looked at it very closely, I will definitely check out these Rally events, thanks again!

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

Thanks for the info, I have seen the member map but haven’t looked at it very closely, I will definitely check out these Rally events, thanks again!

You are very welcome! Anytime.

 

[trikebubble]

Enjoy the trip. We drove to Tuk in July of 2018. It was magnificent and magical. Can't wait to explore North again.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

Nice! You went right after the road to Tuk opened. That is soo cool!
Did you dip your toes?

 

[naysjp]

This will be a multi-week road trip with lots of off-roading, hiking, camping (including off-grid), pic stops...and.... lots of 'white-knuckle-holding-on-to-the-edge-of-the-seat' passenger reactions! (just kidding). We will also be dipping our toes in the Arctic Ocean.

You have a message. :)

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

You have a message. :)

You do too

 

[Billiebob]

love the North in the winter

Canadas Navy under the Aurora Borealis in Arctic waters

 

[Terry Pickens]

Made it up to Tuktoyaktuk in 2019. Left Vancouver, WA July 21 and was gone for 3 weeks. It was a great trip. I hope to get back up there with my son and his family as soon as this lockdown is over.
Have a great time and leave yourself time to stop and enjoy some of the other sights along the way.

 

[Mrprez]

We are waiting to go there as well. Hoping for early august.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

love the North in the winter

Canadas Navy under the Aurora Borealis in Arctic waters

View attachment 188845

Amazing pic. Lived in Yellowknife for 4.5 years. It was quite the experience.

 

[Paula - Canadian Explorer]

We are waiting to go there as well. Hoping for early august.

Me too.... July/August (did you see the Rally?) if the borders open without the need for the 14-day isolation.