We DROVE to the ARCTIC OCEAN! (Driving the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk in Canada)
We DROVE to the ARCTIC OCEAN!
The Dempster Highway is an almost 900 km (one way) UNPAVED drive through two of Canada’s territories and is one heck of an adventure. Between the insane mountain views and nonstop scenery, seeing some wildlife, interacting with locals, crossing into the Arctic Circle, trying local cuisine, doing a polar bear plunge into the Arctic Ocean, and checking off a bucket list item by seeing the Northern Lights, it is hands down one of the best things we have EVER done! It wasn’t fully without unexpected surprises, but the experience is one we will cherish forever and we are so excited to share our journey on this road!
Read our detailed guide to driving the Dempster Highway: adventuresofaplusk.com/drivin...
Watch our previous videos in the Yukon ⬇️
Driving the Alaska Highway through the Yukon: • Our EPIC drive through...
Exploring Dawson City in the Yukon (The heart of the Klondike Gold Rush)!: • Exploring Dawson City ...
EPIC day hike to Grizzly Lake at Tombstone Territorial Park (Canada's Patagonia 😍) in the Yukon!: • EPIC day hike to Grizz...
🔗Links
Watch our Adventures in Alaska: • Adventures in Alaska (...
Missed our drive to Alaska? See the journey here: • Journey to Alaska (2022)
Our camera + hiking gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:20 About the Dempster Highway
01:48 Starting off with a van issue
03:00 History of the Dempster Highway
06:28 Thoughts on the drive so far
08:18 A hike we hoped to do
09:30 Fueling up in Eagle Plains!
10:56 We made it to the ARCTIC CIRCLE!
12:27 Crossing into the Northwest Territories
13:47 Seeing the NORTHERN LIGHTS!!!
17:38 Ferry crossings in the Northwest Territories
20:22 Our first (and only) bear!
21:02 Paved roads, baby!!!
21:42 The largest town on the Dempster: Inuvik
25:00 Camping at the Jax Campground in Inuvik
25:30 Driving to Tuktoyaktuk
27:21 We made it to the ARCTIC OCEAN!!!
28:30 Polar Bear plunge in the Arctic Ocean!
30:00 Exploring Tuk + a local encounter!
33:23 Kayaking at the Pingo Canadian Landmark
36:40 Trying muktuk at Grandma’s Kitchen
39:06 Camping on the Arctic Ocean
39:54 Starting the drive back
40:08 We had van engine troubles…
42:23 Unexpected twist: a bridge is closed
49:37 We survived the Dempster Highway!
50:05 Final thoughts on the Dempster Highway
📍Locations in this vlog
Boondocking spot by the Northwest Territories border: www.ioverlander.com/places/17...
Boot Lake in Inuvik: goo.gl/maps/334nrPU8xQmeUPa99
Jak Campground in Inuvik: goo.gl/maps/tszcthFKAPZw5ZhTA
Pingos Canadian Landmark: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nt/pingo
Grandma’s Kitchen: goo.gl/maps/m5EjCogrvi3NKkQ77
Tuk Campground: www.ioverlander.com/places/62...
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📷 See ALL of our gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
🚐 Our Van Life products: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/v...
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🌎 See everywhere we have been + view our blogs and travel guides:
adventuresofaplusk.com/
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👋🏼 About us
Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, KZhead videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!
This video was filmed in early September 2022. Read our detailed guide to driving the Dempster Highway: adventuresofaplusk.com/driving-the-dempster-highway Keep Canada beautiful and PLEASE follow Leave No Trace principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles/ Watch more videos from Canada! kzhead.info/channel/PLZKRTK1yCEM5Ezia234soDoJp0NIvtFSu.html Our camera + hiking gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
😆 Did the same 3 weeks after you and it was awful. Good on you for timing it perfect.
Nice to see the Java kai mug on your video at the end of the road! It's a long way from Kaua`i!
@@gregc8861 what made it awful for you?
@@azzkikin1 my comment was lacking some details. Long story short, the road was terrible almost from one end to the other. Potholes big enough to hide a small car in and rough. The scenery was top notch, just had to get beat up to see it. 😉
@@gregc8861 oh that's good to hear it was just bad roads and the scenery was still awesome. Thanks for the reply.
I can’t even begin to thank you for painting the Canadian North in such a positive light. So often, people say it’s too cold or too rugged or too remote. You are clearly getting a true experience of what the great Canadian North is - gorgeous, vast, quiet. Thank you so much and I’m so glad that you are enjoying your trip.
Oh the rugged, remoteness, and vastness were our favorite qualities of the North! We had a blast up there and can't wait to come back! There is so much more to see! We're glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!
Your video lifted the spirists of a 82 year old in ways I did not know I had thank you
That's awesome to hear! Thanks for watching, David!
We’re so very proud of y’all! Thanks so much again for all the incredible content! You guys are our favorite content creators on KZhead, my family watches every new video you release religiously 😂Can’t believe you literally made it to the Arctic ocean! 😱🤩
We’re the same. These two are our favorites. But that engine trouble part gave me anxiety. I’ve been in situations kind of similar and you feel so helpless.
This was my favorite of your adventures up north, getting to see the northern lights, beluga whales, and dipping into the Arctic Ocean. Man, you guys packed a bunch in on this leg of your journey! So glad you took us along via youtube, most of us will never experience such things. Great scenery, drama, this had it all! Safe travels to you both.
It was an epic adventure indeed! So many bucket list items checked off! Thanks for watching, Corey!
My thoughts exactly! This is the best video yet!
This has to be one of my all time favorite episodes!!! Kudos to you both for undertaking this adventure. The northern lights were just magical and I can't even begin to imagine what it was like in person. Safe travels!
It was a fantastic journey! We're thankful we were able to complete it! The northern lights were so incredible!
And that water looked SO cold.
I can't thank you enough for putting this together, including your detailed driving guide. We'll be referring to it a lot when we go there this year!
That's awesome to hear! Thank you!
Yay A+K+K! Omg, I got tears in my eyes seeing how joyful you were! I am so proud of you all for following your dreams. Thank you sooooo much for taking us on your adventures. Gorgeous territory.
It was a crazy adventure! Thank you!
Fantastic! A good choice going to the Arctic Ocean in Canada rather than Alaska. Having been to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska twice, you really made the better choice. The oil camps are interesting in their own ways but not as scenic and cultural as Inuvik and Tuk. It would be interesting to know how your northern adventures have changed your perspectives (if at all) about traveling around the continent.
Ya we weren't too stoked on having to pay for a tour to get to the ocean. it seemed like there was more to do along the way on the Dempster also. We've got a much better appreciation for how people who live that far north survive and thrive! We've also loved learning about the indiginous and First Nations
What an incredible adventure! I can’t imagine what it felt like to tackle that journey! The colors were so brilliant and stunning! Glad y’all hit it at just the right time!! So proud of what y’all are accomplishing! Glad we get to come along!!
It was an incredible journey and adventure and it was a huge relief when we made it off the road safely! And we're thankful for all the wonderful memories along the way! Thanks for watching!
I have watched your videos for the past year, and this is my favorite!!!! It's awesome you drove to the Arctic Circle AND the Arctic Ocean. Thank you for taking us along.
Thank you so much, Glenda! It was an epic adventure!
Wow a 50 min video! You two are going to spoil us. 😁 But on a serious note, thank you for your Alaska/Canada videos. My wife is battling breast cancer right now, but when she beats it we are planning on taking the same type of trip. Those videos are really helping for planning it.
We hope your wife beats it and gets better soon! Y'all definitely need to do an Alaska trip! We a string of lengthy videos coming up! Thanks for watching and we're glad we can provide some joy!
You guys are so good telling your travel journey and giving helpful info for those of us that get inspired by some of your destinations.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing your adventure! I loved all the scenery-spectacular!!
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your trip!
Amazing trip Truly inspiring. I am from Argentina, so the Arctic Ocean is literally on the other side of the Planet. Thx for sharing Diego
Hey Diego! We're glad we could share this adventure! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Ahhhhh this video was so exciting!! We love getting to see your adventures ❤
That was a really great adventure. Loved the Northern Lights. Breathtaking.
Wow what an adventure. Thanks for sharing it.
How awesome! Congratulations what an experience. Thanks for sharing.
This video got me so hype!!! Thank you for sharing your journey! 🎉
LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Such and epic adventure. We can't wait to do this as well! Bravo!
Absolutely loved watching this! So happy for you guys.
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures, truly inspiring! My bucket list is growing
Air, fuel, spark are what you need so check easy stuff first like air box and plugs and work your way down the line. Most times it's something minor but to anyone wanting to road trip long distances I suggest a small kit with all tools needed for your vehicle and know your vehicle, don't let it surprise you on the road. These two did their research and had safety fallbacks in place which is excellent. It's so tragic to hear stories of people lost and scared who don't make it.
Yes it is definitely recommended to have a road side emergency kit with you!
What an incredible adventure! Thank you for sharing. Love it!
Thanks, Jose!
I loved every minute of this video! So happy for you guys and congratulations on the successful journey!
What an incredible trip! My favorite part of your Alaska trip. The landscape with the fall colors is soooo beautiful. 4 years ago I drove to the northern cape in Norway and it also blew my mind. And of course the northern lights... Been to northern Sweden and Norway in March to see the Aurora Borealis for the first time and it was absolutely mindblowing. The first night I was out there in the freezing cold for about 3-4 hours on a frozen lake. I just couldn't turn my eyes from this natural spectacle. Just pure magic Safe travels, Reiner
Oh we'd love to go to Norway someday as well! The northern lights are something else! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Nicely done. Excellent video. Very informative. Beautiful scenery. Thank you!
You guys are amazing and making memories that you'll never forget. Be safe.
You guys making to plan a trip for next year. Will keep you posted. Thanks for sharing lovely enjoyable trip.
Very nice drive and video. Thanks for sharing this 😊
This video: what a rollercoaster! So many amazing experiences. I'm glad you guys are safe and things worked out.
Such a great episode. I loved the aurora footage and the shot of Briscuit under the Northern Lights! What an adventure.
Holy gorgeous! So proud of you all chasing your dreams like that. Thanks for taking us with you!
We’re happy to share! Thanks for watching!
Wow! Amazing video - and amazing memories for the two of you (and Kona too)! Thanks for sharing it with us. Loved it!
❤️❤️
I agree with others, this must be my favorite video of yours! I'm just astounded at your ability to keep an attitude of gratitude throughout every thing that happened along the way. Your contagious smiles and sense of awe and wonder give me so much joy. I loved everything about this video, and thank you again and again for sharing your lives and adventures with us. Continue to stay safe and healthy. 🙂
Thank you so much! This was such a bucket list adventure!
Such an amazing adventure thank you for sharing it with us so proud you guys made it to the Arctic Ocean by driving that just blows my mind!!
We still can't believe it either!
Well done guys ❤❤ This Alaska travel series was amazing! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us 😊
Thanks and thanks for watching!
As always !Thank you A & K for taking us along all your adventures!!God bless you more!😘
Thanks for watching!
Simply a fantastic video. Watching it a second time.
Wow, incredible trip. Thanks for including the beautiful and the practical in every video. The excitement in your expressions tells the story.
Very well filmed and narrated, so glad to see that you both took a dip in the ocean and finally checked off a huge BUCKET list item from your plate...cheers all the way folks...safe travels!
Congrats on making it to the Arctic Circle!!!
I'm happy this experience was enjoyable for you two congrats on making it to the Arctic
Thank you!
Just catching up with you guys. Simply amazing!! Thanks for taking us all along for the ride!
Thanks for watching!
Very good video. I like how you described and explained everything. I almost felt the cold water of the Arctic Ocean when you went in.
Wow. Incredible journey
I love watching your adventures and this one certainly did not disappoint! Seeing the Northern Lights is definitely a bucket list item for me! I love that your vlogs are informative, beautiful, and fun! Thanks for taking us along on your amazing adventures!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
This is def one of my favorite videos! Thank you for creating awesome content. The northern lights were amazing! So happy for both of you and glad you made it safely!
It was a bucket list adventure! Thanks for watching!
Oh my gosh, every minute of this video got better and better! Thanks for always sharing your adventures, it gives me so much inspiration, and it lets us see places we'd never otherwise know about!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, glad you took that trip!
Beautiful country and wonderful experiences you were blessed with! Glad you made it through safely. Thank you for sharing your trip with us so we can get hyped up to make the trip ourselves!
Thank you and thanks for watching!
so cool and cold enjoys all the scenery with you such an accomplishment knock off your bucketlist
We got to check off lots of bucket list items!
Wow! You’ve given us a new goal. What an a amazing adventure and video! Thanks!
What an epic trip! I eagerly watch for every new videos. You guys always look like you love what you do so much.
The behind the scenes (planning, editing, and writing) can get stressful sometimes, but we love what we do! Thanks!
Really enjoyed this video. The Northern Lights were one of the high points along with the dip in the Arctic Ocean. Those are the memories to share. Safe travels and God bless you! ❤
I've made the drive up the Dempster to the Arctic Ocean. Beautiful land and even more beautiful people. Glad you made the trek. Thanks for sharing and safe travels!
We love all your videos but we think this might be our favorite! This was so cool! Loved it all! Especially the Northern Lights!
The Northern Lights were something else! Thanks for watching!
Aside from the wonderful pictures, videos, and commentary, Adam earns the mobile RV repair award for diagnosing and repairing of the fouled EGR valve. Extra bonus points are available if you packed the carburetor cleaner needed for the repair for the trip.
🏆🏆 woo hoo! The carb cleaner wasn't packed specifically for this trip...I've had to do this job a few times now Thanks and thanks for watching!
Loved the video, you kids are so much fun to watch. We really appreciate the quality of your video and all the information you share. Thanks for the trip!
Thanks and thanks for watching!
What an amazing experience you are having. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. 😊
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Oh my goodness, kids! This was so good! I really enjoyed it. What an adventure you have had. Also your photography is getting better and better! Just keep them coming!
What a fantastic video! We are watching in preparation for our trip this summer, and you really helped us feel less nervous about the road conditions as everyone has been telling us how difficult it is! Enjoy your travels 🏕️
That’s awesome! You’re going to love it! Be sure to check out our website as well. We have an even more detailed write up on the Dempster and Alaska Highway. Plus tons of other Alaska content Thanks and thanks for watching!
Tuktoyaktuk is beautiful, thank you for show us!!
Excellent video ! Interesting, unique places, amazing high quality images. We really enjoyed watching this crazy once in a lifetime adventure !
Thank you so much!
Wow wow wow!! Amazing!! You got to see the northern lights and jump in the Arctic Ocean!! What a journey!! Loved it!❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
This is an all time great video, having watched All of them. This is a truly epic adventure.
Thanks, Jason!
Awesome video. Bucket list. Hoping sept 2024
WOW!!! The Northern Lights! That's exciting!
😍
I love, love love this episode! I loved everything about your experiences in this video, I'm gonna go back and watch it again!! Woo Hooo!!!
Thank you so much! 😀 wahoo!
The genuine excitement you both have for your adventures is almost as awesome as all the sites you share with us along the way. Cheers!
Thanks, Dave!
Wow what an amazing journey!!! Artic Ocean, Northern Lights, you can never top this journey!
It's been an amazing epic adventure!
Wow! Just looking at the map and how you guys got there is really amazing. Be safe on your travels ahead. God bless.
Northern lights are a bucketlist for me. So awesome you got to experience it. Love your adventures
It was amazing! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Thank you guys. I have watched many videos of trips to the Artic. You guys provided such details, most importantly the tours are awesome. Thank you. This makes me want to plan my own trip there.
Great job as usual! Your drone footage and scenery are as good as it gets. You got to do what the majority of us will never get to do. Thank you for taking us along for the ride!I continue to pray for your safety as you travel.
This was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped it'd be and more! Thanks!
So happy for you guys.
I got chills when yall showed the Northern Lights!! So stinking cool! Thank you both for sharing your adventures with us. We love it and love yall!
The northern lights were magical!
Love this trip. So glad you got to see the Northern Lights! I did this in March and got to drive across the two ice bridges. Even more amazing was the drive to Aklavik along the ice road on the Mackenzie Delta. So amazing!
Your excitement for your journey to the Arctic Ocean in incredible! Then you were able to add the Northern Lights!! How awesome!! Such a really fantastic experience overall.
It was an incredible, bucket list experience!
Yay!!! Congratulations you guys. Just amazing content. One of the best videos that I have ever seen of youtube.
Wow, thank you!
I love the whole video, as usual, but especially appreciate the attitude of gratitude you expressed near the end. That always helps to put things in a better perspective. Love you guys.
Gotta keep things in perspective! Things could always be worse! Thanks!
This is awesome! So happy for you guys! I swear these videos deserve an Oscar! Very well put together and professional might I add! Safe travels!
Thank you so much!
your videos are so informative, and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work you two!
Thank you, Joan!
Wow!!! What an adventure. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment you guys must've felt making it to the Arctic Ocean and back. Your joy is palpable and I'm so glad you were able to make the drive with only a few issues. I know there are a few more videos to come, but thinking back to the very first video in your Journey to Alaska series and everywhere you guys have explored since then...this will surely end up as one of the most memorable years of your lives. Happy for y'all!
We were very excited to get there and did feel very accomplished! It was quite the journey! This summer flew by and it was the best one yet! Thanks and thanks for watching
U guys really saved the best for last! Thank you for taking us on this Alaskan Adventure! Katherine, The joy u express is soooo soulful ❤. Thanks again to u both!
This was an epic part of our Alaska and Canada adventures! Thank you so much, Denise!
OMG seeing the Northern Lights was so cool! Definitely something I hope to do one day, as well as going somewhere where the sky is clear enough to see the milky way. Thank you so much for sharing! 💖
This was such a bucket list adventure! So many amazing moments! We’re glad we could share it! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Wow what an awesome trip. You guys are awesome. I enjoyed the northern lights. Amazing
Thanks so much!
You guys are amazing!!! Great video...can't believe you took that cold dip in the ocean!
It was awesome!
Right on- congratulations. !
The foliage is breathtaking! Like Skittles!
Excellent Excellent!!!! Great work Thank you for all your hard work and extra efforts Thank You !!!
Thank you for watching!
That is so amazing you got to see the northern lights that is high on my list as well and I've been to Alaska twice but it's been in the summer. Awesome to see the Arctic Circle in all that area in the fall and your guise's excitement and joy is just catching. Happy trails
It was a fantastic adventure!
I love how Kona gets so excited right along with you guys
Awesome as always! My bucket list now :)
What an amazing adventure!! The northern lights!! Like wow!! I want to say my favorite, but you guys put out top notch videos every time. You’re literally teaching the world about the world, one wheel turn at a time.
Thanks so much!!
I"m so proud of you guys. What an accomplishment!
Thank you!
WOW!!! This video is AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL!!!!!! It brought tears to my eyes when you showed the Northern Lights, and, when you went into the Artic Ocean!! Thanks for this adventure!!!
Bucket list trip! Thanks for watching!
I’m so glad to have finally caught up on this series. The videography was stunning! Thank you for giving us such a phenomenal series.
Thank you so much and thanks for watching!