Top of the World Highway, Yukon Territory

From the Canadian Customs Station at LIttle Gold Creek, on the Alaskan border, it is 66 miles (105 km) to the first town, Dawson City, via the "Top of the World Highway." The route begins at an elevation of more than 4,100 feet and climbs higher. Much of it is above timberline at this northern latitude. The awesome views certainly give one a planetary feeling.

The road is winding and only partly paved with many stretches of gravel, so the going will be slow. Expect to take two hours to drive the 66 miles (105 km) from the border to Dawson City. Likely you will want to take even more time like I did to get out and hike some of the high open ridges across the tundra, revelling in the splendid views.

At the end of the Top of the World Highway you will descend to the Yukon River where a small free ferry, running 24 hours a day in season, will carry you across the river and into Dawson City.