Klondike Highway
Canada
In short: Klondike Highway is a 715 km historical road trip in Canada, typically driven over 4 days, best in May–Sep. Highlights: Skagway, White Pass Summit, Carcross.
Climbing out of Skagway over the White Pass where pack animals collapsed in their thousands during the Gold Rush, the Klondike Highway follows the prospectors' footsteps through steely lakes and abandoned roadhouses to Dawson City, a boomtown frozen in 1898.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Skagway and White Pass Summit corridor
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway · Lower Reid Falls Trail · Skagway Brewing Company
Day 2Carcross and Whitehorse
Carcross Desert · SS Klondike National Historic Site · Caribou Crossing Coffee
Day 3Whitehorse to Dawson City via Five Finger Rapids
Five Finger Rapids viewpoint trail · Pelly Crossing and river rest stops · Whitehorse road provisions
Day 4Dawson City and the Klondike Goldfields
Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site · Midnight Dome · Klondike Kate's Restaurant
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Klondike Highway drive?
The Klondike Highway covers 715 km from start to finish.
How long does the Klondike Highway take to drive?
Most travellers spend 4 days on the Klondike Highway, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Klondike Highway?
The recommended season for the Klondike Highway is May–Sep.
Where does the Klondike Highway start and end?
The Klondike Highway runs from Skagway to Dawson City.
What are the main stops on the Klondike Highway?
The Klondike Highway passes through Skagway, White Pass Summit, Carcross.
How difficult is the Klondike Highway to drive?
The Klondike Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Klondike Highway in a regular car?
Yes — the Klondike Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Klondike Highway?
Yes — the Klondike Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Carry a passport for the Skagway–Yukon crossing. Check and reserve the White Pass railway and Dredge No. 4 on their current operating calendars, plan fuel north of Whitehorse, and drive in daylight for wildlife. Whitehorse to Dawson is a full 530 km transfer and should not share a day with Dawson attractions.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Klondike Highway?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Klondike Highway, based on its 715 km length.
Is the Klondike Highway safe to drive?
Carry a passport for the Skagway–Yukon crossing. Check and reserve the White Pass railway and Dredge No. 4 on their current operating calendars, plan fuel north of Whitehorse, and drive in daylight for wildlife. Whitehorse to Dawson is a full 530 km transfer and should not share a day with Dawson attractions.
What scenic tier is the Klondike Highway?
The Klondike Highway is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.