My plan to drive to Dawson City, Yukon last year was scrapped thanks to last-minute commitments—and a sold-out ferry. But waiting a year turned out to be a blessing. Key charging infrastructure upgrades in British Columbia, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories have transformed this remote EV road trip into something achievable, exciting, and epic.
This time, I’m taking it all the way to the Arctic Ocean via the legendary Dempster Highway. Even better, I’ll be convoying with a friend driving an ICE vehicle for added peace of mind, support, and fun.
In this post, I’ll break down my full route, charging stops, packing tips for the rugged Dempster Highway, and must-see scenic detours—plus my tip on how to make this drive even more epic and shave off some mileage along the way.
The Route: Vancouver to the Arctic Ocean and Back
The total round trip from Vancouver to Tuktoyaktuk and back is just over 7,600km (4,722 miles), with the northernmost stretch—the Dempster Highway—covering nearly 740km (460 miles) one way. I plan to do it in far fewer kilometres thanks to a creative route tweak—more on that below.
The Dempster is Canada’s only all-season road to the Arctic Ocean and is famous for its remote beauty and harsh conditions. Tuktoyaktuk, recently featured on The Amazing Race Canada, is about as far off the grid as you can get. Tackling it in an EV? That’s a whole new level of adventure.
Charging Infrastructure: What a Difference a Year Makes
My original plan last year had me creatively patching together charging options in Northern BC. Now, BC Hydro fast chargers stretch to the Yukon border along two major routes including the Alaska Highway.
In the Yukon itself, thanks to territorial a federal government funding, fast charging coverage is very impressive. The territory is leading the way for EV friendliness in Canada. They are showing that if electric vehicles can make it there, they can make it anywhere.
The biggest development? Thanks to a couple Cybertrucks and their ArcticCybertrek Expedition, Tesla Destination Chargers have been installed along the Dempster Highway. Locations include Eagle Plains, Inuvik (2), and two in Tuktoyaktuk (2). While these are Level 2 and not ultra-fast, they’re a game-changer for driving to the Arctic Ocean.
What to Pack: Safety First
This trip isn’t one you wing in a normal vehicle, let alone an EV. As such, I’m going heavy on safety gear and redundancy:
- Starlink for both emergency comms and evening streaming (stay tuned for my Tesla Model Y Starlink setup post!)
- Walkie-talkies for convoying
- Cooler and camping gear
- Jugs for water (both for drinking and washing windows)
- Doubling up on J1772 and CCS adapters
- Nema adapters for all scenarios (14-50, 6-50, 14-30, TT-30)
- Extension cords
- Tape and dust caps for the charger port and covers for the mobile adapter and J1772 (learned this from keeping your Tesla protected)
- Door seal kit to keep the fine Dempster dust out
- Warm gear, stove, matches, blankets, and my Tesla bed setup (I opted for Tesmat over the Aerogogo inflatable mattress I recently reviewed to keep my sleep setup simple)
- Bike
- Full-size spare, jack, battery pucks, tire patch kit, tire pump, and firewood
- Sunscreen and bug spray
Leg 1: Vancouver to Juneau, Alaska via the Alaska Marine Highway
As I outlined in my Yukon EV Road trip plan last year, the Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham to Haines cuts out a large chunk of driving while offering jaw-dropping scenery. This bare-bones ferry is often called the “poor man’s Alaskan cruise,” winding through inner coastal waterways.
Camping on deck is an option, but I booked a four-person berth ($1,500 USD for the car, $800 USD for the room). It’s pricey but worth it. Pro tip: book early to save on room type.
Driving Distance: Vancouver to Bellingham: 80km (50 miles). Before boarding, I’ll charge to 80% and turn off Sentry Mode for the three-day ferry ride.
In Juneau, I plan to stay one night at the Four Points Sheraton as it is close to several L2 chargers, the old town, and local breweries. After checking out Mendenhall Glacier, going for a hike and bike ride, my Tesla will charge overnight before the next leg.
Leg 2: Juneau to Haines Junction, Yukon – 250km (155 miles)
Rather than continuing to Skagway and Whitehorse like I had originally planed, I’m offloading in Haines and driving the scenic 250km to Haines Junction. It’s a less-traveled route but stunning—borderline EV road trips off the beaten path like Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
No charging stations en route, so I’m relying on my Juneau top-up to get me to Haines Junction’s Yukon Flo charger.
In Haines Junction, I’m booked in at the Stardust Motel. While it doesn’t have a charger, it is a short walk to the Flo one in town.
Leg 3: Haines Junction to Dawson City – 659km (373 miles)
This is where things ramp up. Thankfully, Yukon’s EV infrastructure includes chargers in Haines Junction and intermediate stops like Carmacks. Scenic highlights include Kluane National Park and Five Finger Rapids.
I’ve booked two accommodation options in Dawson:
- Coast Hotel – downtown, comfort, and close to chargers
- Bonanza Gold Campground – cheaper, 14-50 plug access, and near the Dempster Highway turnoff
A charger is reportedly being installed at the turnoff, but it’s not active yet. I was able to contact the owner of the site, and he was kind enough to send me a photo and, hopefully, keep me updated on its status.
I’ve asked to pay and use a 110V plug at a nearby business, but haven’t heard back. He mentioned they had to shut off the breaker because others had been using it without permission—which is pretty disappointing.
If the charger is live by the time I arrive, I’ll stay in town. If not, I’ll save those few precious kilometres and stay at the motel instead to ensure I get the much-needed range for the next leg.
Fun in Dawson will wait for the return trip—I’ll be resting before hitting the Dempster Highway Arctic Circle route.
Leg 4: Dawson City to Eagle Plains – 410km (255 miles)
This leg is the nail-biter. It’s 410km on gravel roads with one Tesla Destination Charger at Eagle Plains Motel, located midway to Inuvik.
If I can charge at the Dempster turn off, this gets to a much more palatable 368Km.
Even with my recent Tesla battery health check showing 89% and 465km of range, range anxiety is real. I’ll be driving 50–60km/h to conserve power. Driving below 80km/h is recommended anyway as punctured tires are common on the Dempster HWY.
Notable Stops:
- Tombstone Territorial Park – must-see for Arctic tundra views
- Arctic Circle crossing – selfie spot
Charging Fun in Eagle Plains
There’s only one motel in Eagle Plains, where we’ve secured rooms for the way up. On the return trip, we’re planning to car camp, though I still need to confirm if that’s possible since the charger is located inside a garage.
I recently phoned the Eagle Plains Motel to get the latest on the EV charger status—when I interviewed Patrick Nadeau about his trip to the Arcitic, he mentioned it wasn’t working and needed a software update. The call itself was pretty comical.
At first, the motel staff didn’t even know they had EV chargers installed, which was a bit surprising given the population of nine—I figured it would’ve been big news when they arrived.
Eventually, they transferred me to the garage, where I spoke with Willis. He was blunt but helpful. He didn’t know if the chargers were working and said there was no real way to test them. That said, I’m welcome to charge in the garage, as others have done. You just need the right connector. From what I’ve seen in videos, it’s a 6-50 or 4-30 plug.
I mentioned the potential software issue, and Willis confirmed the charger was installed in a spot with no Wi-Fi, making updates tricky. I let him know I’ll have Starlink with me, so I might be able to help out when I’m in town.
Leg 5: Eagle Plains to Inuvik – 370km (230 miles)
I’ll start with a full charge again. Hopefully, this won’t be an issue. From there, it is another long day. I originally thought there was a donated Tesla wall charger in Fort McPherson, which would have made the day much easier, but no.
Scenic Highlights:
- Peel River ferry crossing
- Remote tundra landscapes
Inuvik is one of the largest communities in the Northwest Territories, offering decent services. We’re staying two nights at the Capital Suites and making it our base camp for a day trip to Tuk and the Arctic Ocean.
The Arctic Char Suites, which has two destination chargers installed, was not available on our dates.
I did reach out and was advised I could use the chargers for a steep $100/per session though.
Leg 6: Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk and Back – 150km (93 miles) each way
The final leg—driving an EV to the Arctic Ocean. Tuktoyaktuk, or “Tuk,” is a truly unique destination, though limited when it comes to visitor activities.
We’ll dip our toes in the Arctic Ocean and maybe check out a pingo—a rare permafrost-formed hill found mostly in the Arctic. I’ve actually been to Tuk before, though I flew in that time, so I’m excited to experience it again—this time by road.
There are two chargers in town, available for use for a steep $70-$100 fee. As such, I may get my monies worth in Inuvik and charge to 100% there.
Afterwards, it’s a celebratory drink before we reverse the route—back to Eagle Plains, Dawson City, and eventually British Columbia. I’ll follow up with my report including what I will be doing on my BC leg of this trip.
driving to the arctic ocean – Come Along
This is a trip I’ve been waiting to do with my Rivian R2, but hopefully my Tesla Model Y is up to the task. With smart planning, the right road trip accessories, and a bit of grit, driving to the Arctic Ocean is now within reach.
Follow me for updates as the journey unfolds. I’ll be posting live on Instagram: @myevtrips
driving to the arctic ocean FAQs
Can you drive to the Arctic Ocean in an EV?
Yes! With new Level 2 chargers along the Dempster Highway, it’s challenging but doable with careful planning.
How long is the drive from Vancouver to Tuktoyaktuk?
It’s over 7,600km (4,722 miles) round-trip depending on your route.
What should I pack for this EV road trip?
Safety gear, spare tire, adapters, camping supplies, Starlink, and backup comms.
Where do you charge along the Dempster Highway?
Level 2 Tesla Destination Chargers are in Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk.
Is the Dempster Highway paved?
No. It’s mostly gravel and conditions vary. It’s advised to drive slowly and be cautious.
