RoadAtlas
Top of the World Highway — Canada — Scenic
North America

Top of the World Highway

Canada

Point-to-point
Dawson City Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost

In short: Top of the World Highway is a 174 km / 108 mi plus ferry; about 190 km with Midnight Dome scenic road trip in Canada, typically driven over 2 days, best in June-September. Highlights: Dawson City, Midnight Dome, Top of the World Highway Lookout.

Distance
174 km / 108 mi plus ferry; about 190 km with Midnight Dome
Duration
2 days
Best Season
June-September
IconicModerateScenicOff-road sectionsBorder crossing

Climb out of Dawson City onto a high alpine ridge where gravel pavement traces the Yukon–Alaska divide for miles above treeline. The drive delivers vast 360-degree views, gold-rush history, and a dramatic descent to the remote border crossing at Poker Creek and then into Chicken, Alaska.

Practical notes
The free George Black ferry is the route’s first operational dependency and normally runs mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting; check 511 Yukon. Confirm the seasonal Little Gold–Poker Creek border window and hours, carry passports and customs documents, account for the one-hour Yukon–Alaska time difference, and fill up and provision in Dawson. Gravel, rain, sparse services, no cell coverage, and no winter maintenance require a full spare and closure fallback.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Dawson City, George Black ferry, and Top of the World ridge

Midnight Dome Viewpoint · George Black ferry · Bon Ton & Co. Bakery

Day 2Border crossing to Chicken, Alaska

Yukon–Alaska boundary at Poker Creek · Poker Creek - Little Gold Creek Border Crossing · Chicken Creek Outpost Café

Stops along the route

Dawson City — Departure — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Departure
Dawson City
Gold-rush streets and riverfront views mark the launch point. Fuel up here before the remote climb east.
Hotels
Chicken — City — Top of the World Highway — Canada
City
Chicken
A tiny gold-mining outpost with rustic charm and a frontier feel. It is the first real stop after the border.
Hotels
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost — Arrival — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Arrival
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost
Historic cabins and a road-trip base close out the route. The arrival feels wonderfully remote and old-timey.
Hotels

Things to Do

Midnight Dome — Landmark — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Landmark
Midnight Dome
A steep hilltop lookout above town with sweeping views over the Yukon River valley. A classic first climb before the highway.
Top of the World Highway Lookout — Nature — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Nature
Top of the World Highway Lookout
High ridge pullouts open to endless tundra and mountain horizons. The road feels suspended above the treeline here.
Yukon–Alaska boundary at Poker Creek — Landmark — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Landmark
Yukon–Alaska boundary at Poker Creek
The international boundary and its roadside markers sit beside the remote seasonal border post. Stop only where directed and check crossing hours before leaving Dawson City.
Poker Creek - Little Gold Creek Border Crossing — Landmark — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Landmark
Poker Creek - Little Gold Creek Border Crossing
The remote border post sits in a stark alpine setting. Check hours and documents before the descent into Alaska.
Midnight Dome Viewpoint — viewpoint — Top of the World Highway — Canada
viewpoint
Midnight Dome Viewpoint
Drive or hike up for a broad look over Dawson City and the Yukon River. It is one of the best warm-up views on the route.
Top of the World Highway Scenic Drive — scenic drive — Top of the World Highway — Canada
scenic drive
Top of the World Highway Scenic Drive
Follow the ridge-top gravel road for constant alpine and tundra views. The open terrain makes the highway feel huge and remote.
Show 2 more
Poker Creek Little Gold Creek Border Crossing — border crossing — Top of the World Highway — Canada
border crossing
Poker Creek Little Gold Creek Border Crossing
Pause at one of the most isolated border crossings in North America. The setting is as memorable as the paperwork.
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost Historic Area — historic site — Top of the World Highway — Canada
historic site
Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost Historic Area
Explore old mining cabins, artifacts, and rustic outbuildings. It gives a quick sense of the Klondike-era boomtown past.

Where to Eat

The Drunken Goat Taverna — Greek — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Greek
The Drunken Goat Taverna
A popular Dawson City stop for hearty plates before the drive. Good for a relaxed meal and a final coffee in town.
Klondike Kate's Restaurant — Canadian — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Canadian
Klondike Kate's Restaurant
A classic Dawson City dining room with big portions and a historic setting. Handy for breakfast or an early dinner.
Bon Ton & Co. Bakery — Bakery — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Bakery
Bon Ton & Co. Bakery
A good place to grab pastries, sandwiches, and road snacks in Dawson City. Stock up before the sparsely serviced highway.
Chicken Creek Outpost Café — Cafe — Top of the World Highway — Canada
Cafe
Chicken Creek Outpost Café
A verified seasonal Chicken cafe for baked goods, soups, and sandwiches; contact it for current hours and still carry food and water.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Top of the World Highway drive?

The Top of the World Highway covers 174 km / 108 mi plus ferry; about 190 km with Midnight Dome from start to finish.

How long does the Top of the World Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Top of the World Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Top of the World Highway?

The recommended season for the Top of the World Highway is June-September.

Where does the Top of the World Highway start and end?

The Top of the World Highway runs from Dawson City to Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost.

What are the main stops on the Top of the World Highway?

The Top of the World Highway passes through Dawson City, Midnight Dome, Top of the World Highway Lookout.

How difficult is the Top of the World Highway to drive?

The Top of the World Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Do I need a 4WD for the Top of the World Highway?

Yes — the Top of the World Highway includes off-road or rough sections that require any vehicle.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Top of the World Highway?

Yes — the Top of the World Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: The free George Black ferry is the route’s first operational dependency and normally runs mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting; check 511 Yukon. Confirm the seasonal Little Gold–Poker Creek border window and hours, carry passports and customs documents, account for the one-hour Yukon–Alaska time difference, and fill up and provision in Dawson. Gravel, rain, sparse services, no cell coverage, and no winter maintenance require a full spare and closure fallback.

Is the Top of the World Highway safe to drive?

The free George Black ferry is the route’s first operational dependency and normally runs mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting; check 511 Yukon. Confirm the seasonal Little Gold–Poker Creek border window and hours, carry passports and customs documents, account for the one-hour Yukon–Alaska time difference, and fill up and provision in Dawson. Gravel, rain, sparse services, no cell coverage, and no winter maintenance require a full spare and closure fallback.

What scenic tier is the Top of the World Highway?

The Top of the World Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.