Top of the World Highway

Heading west toward Alaska, the Top of the World Highway crosses the Yukon River at the edge of Dawson. A free ferry, with room for up to eight regular-sized vehicles, crosses the Yukon River mid-May–mid-September, on demand 24 hours a day (except Wed. 5–7 a.m.). It’s a fun ride even if you’re not heading up the Top of the World Highway.

From the west bank of the Yukon, the highway climbs out of Dawson into the alpine tundra of the lower White Mountains, with vast vistas in which you can see the road running along the ridge tops in the distance. Civilization along the highway, however, is nonexistent until you reach Poker Creek, Alaska at Kilometer 106 (Mile 66).

With a population of two, this is the northernmost border station in the United States. It’s open for as long as the Dawson car ferry operates (usually mid-May–mid-Sept.), daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m. After crossing into Alaska, you must also turn your watch back one hour to Alaska Time (which means if you’re traveling to Dawson from Alaska, the border station is open daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m.).

Note: The Dawson ferry can get heavily backed up in mid-summer, with delays of up to two hours at the busiest times (7–11 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Don’t head off too late in the day if you intend to make the border crossing before it closes.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition