The North Star Trail

Forget the standard tourist route to the Yukon. The North Star Trail is a challenging, unforgettable 4-day road trip that follows the Alaska Highway, covering over 2,450 kilometres from the coastal mountains of Vancouver to the vast northern landscapes of Whitehorse. This journey is designed to connect you not just with the epic scenery, but with the rich cultural history of the First Nations communities along the way.

This itinerary is specifically designed as a 4-day/3-night expedition, balancing long stretches of driving with unique cultural stops. It aims to deliver those well-known epic stops while dedicating time to the unique hook—a rare opportunity for cultural engagement in the far north of British Columbia.

Day 1: From Coastal Peaks to Prince George

Your journey begins in Vancouver, quickly transitioning into the high-alpine environment of Whistler, BC. This is your first epic stop, where you can either take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for high-alpine views or explore the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s First Nations heritage before heading north.

Fuel up with coffee and artisanal baked goods from Purebread Bakery, and make any final supply stops for outdoor gear at The North Face. The long drive concludes in Prince George, where you will stay at the Indigenous Peoples House Hotel, a comfortable stay that begins the cultural focus of the journey.

Day 2: Milestone Markers and Northern Wilderness

Day two pushes deep into Northern BC toward the Yukon. The first major stop is Dawson Creek, the official Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway. Here, you should take a photo at the Mile 0 Post and visit the Alaska Highway House museum to understand the route’s history.

Before the vast wilderness stretches out ahead, grab some classic road trip food from the Northern Lights Diner. After a lengthy but scenic drive, you will stop for the night at the Muncho Lake Lodge, offering an essential northern experience with views of the vibrant green Muncho Lake in the provincial park.

Day 3: The Unique Hook and Kaska Lands

Today is the dedicated cultural highlight of the trip: a diversion to Tuchilaq, a remote Kaska First Nation settlement accessed via the Nahanni Range Road. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the Kaska Dene people and their history in the Nahanni Mountain Range.

It is highly recommended you pre-arrange a visit to the Kaska Heritage Centre to attend a storytelling session or workshop. Any shopping should focus on supporting local artists at the Kaska Heritage Centre Gift Shop for crafts and art.

Your overnight stay will be at the nearby Tuchilaq Gateway Cabins, providing a rustic and authentic isolated northern experience that few travellers ever encounter.

Day 4: Into the Yukon and Kluane National Park

The final day is the majestic sprint to Whitehorse. Your last epic stop is Kluane National Park, located near Haines Junction, Yukon Territory. The park is home to some of the largest, non-polar icefields in the world.

Take a short hike to Kathleen Lake or visit the Kluane Visitor Centre to view exhibits on the park’s glaciers and wildlife. A final stop at Kluane Gas & Deli for trail snacks is necessary before you reach your final destination, Whitehorse.

Ready to Plan Your North Star Expedition?

This road trip is a powerful exercise in trade and cultural connection, highlighting how deeply interwoven the land and its First Peoples are in the Canadian North.