North to the ocean on the Dempster

The Dempster Highway, one of Canada’s most remote and iconic roads, offers overlanders a unique path through the wilderness. Stretching 740 kilometres (460 miles) from Dawson City, Yukon, to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, this all-weather gravel road is a testament to engineering ambition, completed in 1979 to connect the Arctic Coast to the rest of Canada. Tackling the Dempster in our INEOS Grenadier ‘Iggy’ was a challenging yet unforgettable experience.

The journey tested us from the start, with two days of relentless driving rain and howling winds that turned the road into a slick and unpredictable challenge. Mud clung to every surface, and washboard sections made for slow, grueling progress. Iggy’s rugged build and capability were critical, helping us navigate conditions that would have stopped lesser vehicles in their tracks.

Despite the difficulties, the Dempster rewarded us with its raw beauty and incredible wildlife. The sight of moose in the wild, majestic and unbothered by our presence, was a highlight we’ll never forget. This vast and untamed landscape - a mix of rolling tundra, jagged mountains, and endless sky - captures the essence of the Canadian North.

The Dempster is not for the faint-hearted, but its challenges forge a deep connection to the land and the journey itself. For overlanders like us, it was a reminder that the most rewarding adventures are those that push us out of our comfort zone, leaving us with stories to tell and memories to cherish.