The Alaska-Yukon road trip is one of the most scenic and adventurous drives in North America, offering travelers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. However, not every stop along the way is worth your time. In this article, we’ll explore seven stops that you might want to skip to make the most of your journey. These places, while significant in some ways, may not offer the excitement or unique experiences that many travelers seek on such an epic road trip.
1. Whitehorse
Whitehorse is often touted as the central hub of the Yukon Territory, primarily because it offers the necessary amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, and accommodations. However, beyond these conveniences, Whitehorse might not live up to the expectations of travelers looking for unique experiences. The town’s main attractions, such as the SS Klondike National Historic Site, are interesting but can be quickly visited in a short stop. For those on a tight schedule, Whitehorse serves more as a logistical stop than a destination in itself.
If your goal is to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yukon, you might be better off spending more time in nearby Kluane National Park or continuing your journey towards Dawson City. The surrounding wilderness is where the true magic of the Yukon lies, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning landscapes that far outshine the urban sprawl of Whitehorse.
2. Watson Lake
Watson Lake is most famous for its quirky Signpost Forest, a collection of over 100,000 signs that began during World War II. While the Signpost Forest is an interesting oddity, there’s little else in Watson Lake that justifies a lengthy stop. The town is small, with limited activities beyond the signposts and a modest Northern Lights Centre, which offers a basic introduction to the aurora borealis.
For travelers eager to experience the wild, rugged beauty of the North, Watson Lake might feel like a detour that doesn’t deliver. The town is more of a quick stop for fuel and a photo than a place to explore in depth. Consider moving on to more adventurous locations that offer hiking, wildlife, and expansive natural scenery.
3. Teslin
Teslin is a small village along the Alaska Highway that sits on the shores of Teslin Lake. The village is rich in Tlingit culture, with a heritage center that showcases traditional art and history. However, for those not particularly interested in indigenous culture, Teslin may not offer enough to make it a must-see destination. The George Johnston Museum, another local attraction, provides historical context but is small and can be covered in a brief visit.
Teslin’s main appeal lies in its cultural significance, which may not resonate with all travelers. If your itinerary is packed, you might consider bypassing Teslin in favor of more dynamic locations that offer outdoor activities and more diverse experiences.
4. Dawson Creek
Dawson Creek marks the official beginning of the Alaska Highway, and while this milestone is historically significant, the town itself offers little in terms of attractions. The Mile “0” marker is the primary draw, but once you’ve snapped your photo, there’s not much else to see or do in Dawson Creek. The town has a few small museums and some historic buildings, but these are unlikely to captivate those looking for adventure or natural beauty.
Given its role as the gateway to the Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek is more of a symbolic stop. Many travelers find that it’s better to spend more time on the road, where the true allure of the Alaska-Yukon journey reveals itself through stunning landscapes and remote wilderness.
5. Delta Junction
Delta Junction is the counterpart to Dawson Creek, marking the official end of the Alaska Highway. Similar to Dawson Creek, Delta Junction is more about the milestone than the experience. The town itself is small, with limited attractions beyond the end-of-the-highway monument. While it might feel satisfying to reach the end of this legendary road, Delta Junction doesn’t offer much in terms of activities or sights.
For those seeking to maximize their time in Alaska, Delta Junction can be a quick stop before heading to more captivating destinations like Fairbanks or Denali National Park. The surrounding areas have much more to offer in terms of adventure and natural beauty.
6. Haines Junction
Haines Junction is often described as the gateway to Kluane National Park, and while the park itself is a treasure trove of natural wonders, the town of Haines Junction offers little beyond basic services. The village is small, with a handful of motels, gas stations, and restaurants, making it more of a pit stop than a destination. The real attraction is Kluane National Park, where visitors can hike, canoe, and explore Canada’s largest non-polar icefields.
Unless you plan to spend significant time in Kluane, Haines Junction might not warrant a long stay. It’s a convenient place to rest and refuel, but the town itself lacks the charm and activities that might keep travelers engaged.
7. Keno City
Keno City is a remote, former mining town that has largely turned into a ghost town. While it holds historical interest, particularly for those fascinated by the mining history of the Yukon, Keno City is not for everyone. The town is very isolated, with limited modern amenities and only a handful of attractions, such as the Keno Mining Museum and old mining relics scattered around.
The appeal of Keno City is niche, catering to history buffs and those with a penchant for ghost towns. For most travelers, the long detour to Keno City might feel like a journey back in time that could be better spent exploring more vibrant or naturally beautiful locations in the Yukon.
Conclusion
The Alaska-Yukon road trip is an epic adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. However, not every stop along the way is worth your time. By skipping these seven stops, you can focus on the true highlights of the journey—places that offer stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures that make this road trip one of the best in the world.
For those who are determined to make the most of every mile, skipping Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Teslin, Dawson Creek, Delta Junction, Haines Junction, and Keno City will free up time to explore more dynamic and visually stunning locations. Instead of spending hours in towns that may not offer much beyond basic amenities or historical markers, travelers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty that defines the Alaska-Yukon region. Whether it’s hiking in Kluane National Park, exploring the vast wilderness of the Yukon, or simply enjoying the journey along the Alaska Highway, the true essence of this road trip lies in its landscapes and the adventures that await beyond the towns.
