Whitehorse to Dawson City

This unassuming photo shows the highway that took us to the start of the DEMPSTER HIGHWAY. The photo shows the condition of the road, the weather and the traffic levels. 

Tree mortality as shown on the right in this photo was a common site during the trip. Sometimes it was due to fire (not pictured) other times due to insects, disease or other abiotic factors.

The distant mountains were a welcome site on this leg of the journey

Historic road house along the Dawson Overland Trail (Klondike Overland Trail) a 330-mile winter road connecting Whitehorse to Dawson City Yukon during the Gold Rush. It was a vital, direct overland route for transportation when the Yukon River was frozen, providing a winter link to civilization for the isolated Dawson residents. 

Roadhouses were large two-story structures, often with an attached shed at one end, and were a welcome refuge from the cold. A stage would stop at two or three roadhouses in a day and horses were changed at each post. Passengers paid $1.50 for meals and $1 for a bed for the night.

The kitchen and eating area were on the main floor and the bedrooms were upstairs. Two woodstoves provided heat. The inside of the building was lined with cheesecloth, both to lighten the dark interior and to prevent the moss and dirt chinking from falling into the rooms.

Chris standing at the start of the Dempster Highway, ready for action.

The 20 L Nato gas can and one of three spare tires sit waiting to begin the long journey down the Dempster. There were rumours at the start of the trip that this gas can would be riding shotgun while Shannon found a spot in the back. These proved to be concerning but ultimately untrue.

Happy faces

Tree mortality due to forest fire in previous years.