Canol Road Tour (11 Days)

 
Venture by bike to the northern fringe of the Rocky Mountains in the remote Northeast Yukon!
The Canol Road takes you to some of the most isolated and beautiful territory in North America.  Ride on a historic WW II pipeline access road to the border of Northwest Territories.

Cost: $2,450 pp (Single Supplement $500)

Duration: 11 days

Distance: 35-65 miles/day  Rating: Strenuous

Restrictions: Call for minimum, maximum 8 people per departure, minimum age is 14, passport required

 


    Cycle through a remote region of North America to the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Canada's Yukon Territory!

    During WW II the US army constructed a road to bring oil from the Mackenzie River in Northwest Territory to a refinery in Whitehorse.  Two years after completion the 176 million dollar project was abandoned.  The dirt road is still seasonally maintained by the Canadian government.  The winding route takes you through some of the most beautiful northern country in this hemisphere.  Bike past pristine lakes with loons calling.  Observe relics of the road's WW II past.  View the scenic splendor of the autumn colors in vibrant reds and golds.  Watch the northern lights put on a show while a wolf howls in the distance. 

    Your journey starts in Skagway, Alaska for travel by van to the town of Johnson's Crossing, YT and the start of the Canol Road.  After a restful night in a motel you mount your bike and head north past beautiful lakes and into the Pelly Mountains.  From the Village of Ross River you continue north to the Itsi Range, the continental divide, and the border with Northwest Territory.  On the return trip you make a stop in Whitehorse, YT for a visit to a relaxing hotspring before returing to Skagway.

    This tour is fully supported and consists primarily of comfortable wilderness camping and basic hotel stays.  Camping is the only option for exploring this part of the world but that does not mean a lack of comfort, (See our camping experience).  We dine on Alaskan specialities like grilled sockeye salmon and halibut curry.  We provide you with a senior local guide who informs you about the region and provides for your needs.  This tour is a true northern adventure and wilderness experience! 

    TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

    • Enjoy an intimate touring environment.
    • Experience the pristine wilderness of Northern Canada.
    • Autumn colors and cool nights with Northern lights!
    • Our most remote tour in a seldom visited region of North America.

    Notes: Price includes a mountain bike, helmet, camping gear, lodging, and meals from day 1 dinner through day 11 lunch.  Participants must be confident riding a bicycle with hand brakes.  Helmets are required.  A passport and other necessary immigration documents are required for this tour.   For information about travel to Alaska and recommended gear see our trip preparation link. 

     

    The following daily itinerary is an outline of our activities. The schedule may vary due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please contact us with any questions.

     

    Day 1 - You arrive in Skagway, Alaska.  After an orientation and bike fitting the van heads north into Canada to Johnson's Crossing.  You stay in a motel for the night.

     
    Day 2 - You hop on the bikes, make adjustments and loosen up your cycling legs on some uphill sections of the winding dirt road.  During the evening you relax by a campfire at a quiet Yukon lake, 47 miles.
     
    Day 3 - Black spruce and willow line the road as you skirt by small lakes and rivers heading into the Pelly Mountains.  The quiet and solitude of this country prevails.  The night is spent camping on the shore of Lapie Lake.  Sitting by the fire brings Robert Service prose to life, 54 miles.
     
     
    Day 4 - The route descends into the Lapie River Canyon as you near the end of the South Canol Road.  You turn left on the Campbell Highway and pedal your way to the village of Ross River.  The night is spent in the only hotel in this community, 40 miles.
     
     
    Day 5 -  You board the Pelly River ferry and cross with the van to the opposite shore where the North Canol Road begins.  You shuttle by van to the Northern end of the road and camp with a view of the Rocky Mountains.
    Day 6 - Today is spent exploring the area and relaxing in camp while enjoying the fall colors.  For those wishing to venture further by bike on a day trip, the route continues to the NWT border, 40 miles RT.
     
     
    Day 7 - Back on the bikes you drop into an open valley with the Itsi Mountains to the east.  Rusty vehicle relics from the WW II era line the road.  Tonight you camp overlooking the Macmillan Valley, 50 miles.
     
    Day 8 - The road traverses the remains of an old forest fire that swept through the region.  Fireweed lines the way as you leave the Continental Divide behind.  You camp by a Lake, 35 miles.
     
    Day 9 - The last day of riding returns you to to Ross River where your hotel room awaits and a hot shower.  You reflect on the wild country you've traveled through, 65 miles.
     
    Day 10 - Early in the morning you board the van for the drive to Whitehorse and a much anticipated soak in a natural hot spring.  If you desire there is great cycling on the local trails.  After exploring the Canadian nightlife, you retire to your hotel room.
     
     
    Day 11 - After breakfast the van heads for Skagway and the scenic drive on the Klondike Highway.  You reflect on your Yukon adventure and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the historic White Pass.  You can fly south to Juneau that afternoon or make a hotel reservation for the night and extend your adventure in Alaska.
     

     

     

    2012 Dates: August 24 - September 3

    2013 Dates: August 28 - September 7

    Cost: $2,450 pp Single Supplement $500

    Besides camping, guests will stay in motels in Johnson's Crossing, Ross River, and Whitehorse.  Visit our camping experience to learn more.

     

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