Alaska Highway Yukon Guide: Km Log, Campgrounds, Fuel

The Alaska Highway is the Yukon’s main road and one of the great drives in North America. It runs from Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, and about 930 km of it crosses the southern Yukon as Yukon Highway 1. This guide covers that Yukon section, from the B.C. border near Watson Lake through Teslin, Whitehorse and Haines Junction to Beaver Creek and the Alaska border, with notes on the B.C. and Alaska gateways at each end.

The road is paved and open all year. In summer it is a road trip past big lakes, the Kluane Ranges and roadside wildlife. In winter it is a long, cold drive with short daylight. Either way, the distances between communities are long, so plan your fuel, food and overnight stops before you go.

Alaska Highway: key facts

Length today	About 2,232 km (1,387 mi), from Dawson Creek, B.C., to Delta Junction, Alaska. Fairbanks is about 158 km (98 mi) further on the Richardson Highway.
Highway numbers	B.C. Highway 97 · Yukon Highway 1 · Alaska Route 2
Yukon section	About km 968 (B.C.–Yukon border near Watson Lake) to km 1902 (Alaska border north of Beaver Creek). About 930 km. East of Teslin the road crosses in and out of B.C. several times.
Kilometre posts	Yukon kilometre posts count from Mile 0 in Dawson Creek. Alaska uses mileposts. The U.S. border station is at Alaska Milepost 1221.8.
Yukon communities	Watson Lake · Teslin · Johnson’s Crossing · Whitehorse · Haines Junction · Destruction Bay · Burwash Landing · Beaver Creek
Surface and season	Paved (asphalt and chipseal) and open year-round. Expect summer construction with short gravel sections, and frost heaves on the permafrost stretch toward Beaver Creek.
Best time	May to September, when daylight is long and most lodges, campgrounds and visitor centres are open.
Government campgrounds	Ten Government of Yukon campgrounds sit on or just off the highway, from Watson Lake (km 984) to Snag Junction (km 1850), plus Takhini River, 15 km down Kusawa Lake Road. See the campground table below.
Border crossing	Beaver Creek (Canada) and Alcan (U.S.), at Yukon km 1902 / Alaska Milepost 1221.8. Both the Canadian (Beaver Creek) and U.S. (Alcan) ports are open 24 hours a day for travellers.
Road conditions	511 Yukon (Yukon) · DriveBC (B.C.) · Alaska 511 (Alaska)

Yukon communities by Alaska Highway kilometre (northbound)
Community	Approx. km	Distance from previous
Watson Lake	980	12 km from the B.C. border (km 968)
Teslin	1244	≈ 264 km
Johnson’s Crossing	1296	≈ 52 km
Whitehorse	1419–1426	≈ 125–130 km
Haines Junction	1578	≈ 154 km
Destruction Bay	1684	≈ 106 km
Burwash Landing	1700	≈ 16 km
Beaver Creek	1871	≈ 171 km
Alaska–Yukon border	1902	≈ 31 km

Kilometres are approximate and follow the Government of Yukon kilometre posts, which count from Dawson Creek. Last updated: November 2026.

Planning your drive

Distance and driving time

Watson Lake to Whitehorse is about 440 km, Whitehorse to Haines Junction about 154 km, and Haines Junction to Beaver Creek about 292 km. Travel Yukon allows about 2 hours for Whitehorse to Haines Junction and about 4 hours for Haines Junction to Beaver Creek. The whole Yukon section can be driven in two long days, but most people take three to five days to stop at the lakes, museums and viewpoints. Travel Yukon’s Alaska Highway road trip itinerary splits the drive into Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Beaver Creek legs.

Fuel and services

Fuel, food and lodging are available in Watson Lake, Teslin, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Destruction Bay and Beaver Creek. Services at Johnson’s Crossing and Burwash Landing are limited. The longest stretches between communities are Watson Lake to Teslin (about 264 km) and Burwash Landing to Beaver Creek (about 171 km). There are lodges in between, but many are seasonal or have closed, so do not count on them. Fill up in each community, especially outside summer, and carry water, snacks and warm clothes.

Road surface

The whole highway is paved, much of it with chipseal. Summer construction can bring pilot cars, short gravel sections and loose stones. On the northern stretch toward Beaver Creek, permafrost under the road causes frost heaves and dips, so slow down where you see warning flags or signs. Watch for wood bison, caribou, moose, elk and bears on and near the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

When to go

May to September is the main travel season. Daylight is long, the government campgrounds are serviced (most from early or mid-May to October 1), and the visitor centres are open. In spring, thousands of swans stop at Marsh Lake. In winter the road stays open, but expect snow, ice, extreme cold and few open services, and plan each day’s drive around daylight.

Cell coverage and emergencies

Cell service is mostly limited to the communities and their immediate area. There are long stretches with no coverage, including most of the Kluane region. Parks Canada says cellphones do not work in most of Kluane National Park and Reserve and recommends a satellite phone or satellite messenger. Tell someone your plans if you travel in winter or late in the day. To report a forest fire, call 1-888-798-3473.

Alaska Highway road log: Watson Lake to Beaver Creek

Kilometres below follow the Government of Yukon posts. Many sites are taken from the Government of Yukon wildlife viewing guide and campground pages.

B.C. border to Junction 37 (km 968 to 1003)

Km 968, B.C.–Yukon border. The highway enters the Yukon for the first time. From km 964 to 976 it crosses the winter range of the Horseranch caribou herd, a high-collision area. Slow down.
Km 971, Lucky Lake and Liard Canyon. The Lucky Lake day-use area has a beach and ball diamonds. From the same parking lot, the 2.2 km Liard Canyon trail leads to a view of the Liard River canyon.
Km 980, Watson Lake. Home of the Sign Post Forest, started by a U.S. Army soldier during the building of the highway, and the Northern Lights Centre. The Robert Campbell Highway starts here. The Wye Lake trail circles a small lake in town.
Km 984, Watson Lake Campground. 1.5 km off the highway on the south shore of Watson Lake.
About km 992 to 1003, Upper Liard and Junction 37. The Stewart-Cassiar Highway (B.C. Highway 37) heads south from Junction 37, about 22 km west of Watson Lake.

Junction 37 to Teslin (km 1003 to 1244)

Km 1024 to 1044, Little Rancheria caribou range. Caribou are often on the road from December to April.
Km 1042, Big Creek Campground. A small creekside campground with an open gate year-round.
Km 1112, Rancheria Falls Recreation Site. Day-use site with a 0.5 km boardwalk to the falls. The Government of Yukon has closed the boardwalk trail until further notice because of structural damage. Check before you plan on it.
Km 1120, Continental Divide. A rest stop with panels on the watersheds that drain to the Pacific through the Yukon River and to the Arctic through the Mackenzie.
About km 1152, Swan Lake (B.C.). A pullout overlooking the wetland. The highway dips back into B.C. along this stretch.
Km 1204, Morley River Recreation Site. A riverside day-use site with picnic spots and shore fishing.
Km 1242 to 1244, Nisutlin Bay and Teslin. The Nisutlin Bay bridge leads into Teslin. The bay is part of the Nisutlin Delta National Wildlife Area, an important fall stop for swans and geese.

Teslin to Whitehorse (km 1244 to 1426)

Km 1244, Teslin. A Teslin Tlingit community on Teslin Lake. Visit the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre and the George Johnston Museum, with its photographs of Tlingit life and George Johnston’s restored 1928 Chevrolet. Supplies at Nisutlin Trading Post, and rooms and meals at the Yukon Motel.
Km 1248, Teslin Lake interpretive site. A deck with panels overlooks the lake.
Km 1258, Teslin Lake Campground. Lakeside sites and a fall bird-banding station.
Km 1295 to 1296, Canol Road and Johnson’s Crossing. The Canol Road heads north just before the Teslin River bridge. Johnson’s Crossing Lodge is across the bridge. Cliff swallows nest under the bridge.
Km 1316, Squanga Lake Campground. Lakeside campground with a bat house and nesting ospreys.
Km 1342, Jake’s Corner. Junction for the Atlin Road to Atlin, B.C., and the Tagish Road to Tagish and Carcross.
Km 1379, Marsh Lake Campground. A popular beach and campground with reservable sites. Marsh Lake has cabins and a community centre nearby.
Km 1382, Swan Haven. In April, thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans gather at M’Clintock Bay. The interpretive centre opens for the spring swan festival.
Km 1393, Yukon River bridge. A viewing deck overlooks the start of the Yukon River.
Km 1404, South Klondike Highway. The South Klondike Highway (Carcross Road) heads south to Carcross and Skagway.
Km 1408, Wolf Creek Campground. Trails, a salmon fishway and reservable sites at the south edge of Whitehorse.

Whitehorse (km 1405 to 1441)

The highway runs along the top of the city, above the Yukon River. Miles Canyon (km 1416) is about 800 m down Miles Canyon Road. Two Mile Hill and Robert Service Way lead down to downtown. Beside the airport, right on the highway, are the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and the Yukon Transportation Museum. RV parks on the highway include Caribou RV Park on the south side of town. At km 1437, the North Klondike Highway heads north to Dawson City.

Whitehorse to Haines Junction (km 1441 to 1578)

Km 1468 to 1503, Takhini valley. The Takhini salt flats (km 1468) and the open slopes between the Takhini River bridge and the Mendenhall River are good places to look for elk. A viewing platform at km 1487 overlooks the 1958 Takhini burn.
Km 1489, Kusawa Lake Road. A gravel road south to Takhini River Campground (15 km) and Kusawa Lake Campground in Kusawa Territorial Park.
Km 1546, Otter Falls Cutoff and Aishihik Road. A rough gravel road leads north to Otter Falls (about 28 km) and Aishihik Lake Campground (about 42 km). Wood bison live in this area.
Km 1572, Pine Lake Campground. Sandy beach, boardwalk and mountain views, just east of Haines Junction. Reservable sites.
Km 1578, Haines Junction. The gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve. The Da Kų Cultural Centre houses the Parks Canada and Yukon visitor centres. The Haines Road heads south to Haines, Alaska.

Haines Junction to Beaver Creek (km 1578 to 1871)

Km 1597, Spruce Beetle Trail. A 2 km loop with panels on the spruce beetle and its impact on Yukon forests.
Km 1614, Sulphur Lake. A pullout with access to a lake used by thousands of waterbirds in late summer.
Km 1636, Kluane Lake viewpoint. Your first view of Kluane Lake, the Yukon’s largest lake, about 81 km long.
Km 1649, Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre and Soldier’s Summit. The Parks Canada centre, open in summer only (about late May to early September), has spotting scopes for Dall sheep on the mountain Thechàl Dhâl. The 1 km Soldier’s Summit trail, 1 km north, climbs an original section of the highway to the site of the 1942 opening ceremony.
Km 1666, Congdon Creek Campground. The largest campground on the highway, on Kluane Lake. Tents are allowed only inside the electric fence because of grizzly bears.
Km 1684, Destruction Bay. A small lakeside community with fuel and lodging, including the Talbot Arm Motel and Destruction Bay Suites.
Km 1700, Burwash Landing. Home of the Kluane First Nation and the Kluane Museum of natural history (km 1701).
Km 1726, Kluane River overlook. Chum salmon spawn below the deck in August and September.
Km 1791, Lake Creek Campground. Some sites are along the Koidern River.
Km 1802, Pickhandle Lake Recreation Site. A day-use site on a large wetland, good for birds, moose and beaver.
Km 1850, Snag Junction Campground. The Yukon’s most westerly campground, about 15 minutes from Beaver Creek, among small permafrost lakes.
Km 1871, Beaver Creek. The last Yukon community, with fuel, lodging, the Beaver Creek Visitor Information Centre and the Canadian customs station.

Campgrounds and recreation sites

The Government of Yukon runs these campgrounds and day-use sites on or just off the Alaska Highway. Most are first come, first served. Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek and Pine Lake have reservable sites. When the service season ends, some gates stay open: register your stay (no payment), bring your own firewood and toilet paper, and pack out your garbage. Check the campground status page for gate closures and fire bans.

Site	Km	Details
Liard Canyon Recreation Site	971	Day use. 2.2 km trail to the Liard River canyon from the Lucky Lake parking lot.
Watson Lake Campground	984	40 sites, 8 pull-throughs. Boat launch, playground, Telegraph Trail. 1.5 km off the highway.
Big Creek Campground	1042	15 sites, 7 pull-throughs. Gate open year-round.
Rancheria Falls Recreation Site	1112	Day use. Boardwalk to the falls closed until further notice.
Morley River Recreation Site	1204	Day use. Picnic sites by the river, shore fishing.
Teslin Lake Campground	1258	27 sites, 6 pull-throughs. Boat launch, bird observatory in fall.
Squanga Lake Campground	1316	16 sites, 4 pull-throughs. Boat launch and dock. Gate open year-round.
Marsh Lake Campground	1379	66 sites, 9 pull-throughs. Reservable. Beach and day-use area. Fills on weekends.
Wolf Creek Campground	1408	46 sites, 11 pull-throughs. Reservable. Trails, playground, salmon fishway.
Takhini River Campground	1489 + 15 km	12 sites. On Kusawa Lake Road. Gate open year-round.
Pine Lake Campground	1572	62 sites, 7 pull-throughs. Reservable. Beach, boardwalk, group site.
Spruce Beetle Trail Recreation Site	1597	Day use. 2 km loop trail.
Congdon Creek Campground	1666	103 sites, 26 pull-throughs. Tents only inside the electric fence (20 tent sites).
Lake Creek Campground	1791	27 sites, 13 pull-throughs.
Pickhandle Lake Recreation Site	1802	Day use. Wetland viewing deck.
Snag Junction Campground	1850	15 sites, 5 pull-throughs. Gate open year-round.

Private RV parks and campgrounds are in Watson Lake, Teslin, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Destruction Bay and Beaver Creek. See the listings below.

Side trips and connecting highways

Robert Campbell Highway (km 980, Watson Lake): a mostly gravel road north to Ross River, Faro and Carmacks.
Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Junction 37, about km 1002): the western route south through B.C.
Canol Road (km 1295, Johnson’s Crossing): a summer-only gravel road north to Ross River.
Atlin Road and Tagish Road (km 1342, Jake’s Corner): to Atlin, B.C., and through Tagish to Carcross.
South Klondike Highway (km 1404): to Carcross and Skagway, Alaska.
North Klondike Highway (km 1437): to Carmacks and Dawson City, and on to the Top of the World Highway for the Klondike Kluane Loop.
Haines Road (km 1578, Haines Junction): south to Haines, Alaska, and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry.
Kluane National Park and Reserve: trailheads, flightseeing and the Thechàl Dhâl centre along the highway between Haines Junction and Kluane Lake.

Gateways: northern B.C. and Alaska

From the south: Dawson Creek to Watson Lake

Most drivers start at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek and drive about 980 km through northern B.C. before Watson Lake. The B.C. section passes Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, then climbs into the Northern Rockies past Toad River and Muncho Lake, where Northern Rockies Lodge sits on the lakeshore. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a popular stop before the Yukon border. Fuel stops are far apart in this section too, so fill up in Fort Nelson. Use DriveBC for road conditions.

To the north: Beaver Creek to Tok and Delta Junction

Past Beaver Creek, the Canadian customs station is just north of town, and the U.S. Alcan port of entry is about 30 km further at the border. In Alaska the road becomes Alaska Route 2. Tok is the first town, where the Tok Cut-off leads to Glennallen and Anchorage. The Alaska Highway officially ends at Delta Junction, and Fairbanks is about 158 km further. Use Alaska 511 for conditions on the Alaska side.

History of the Alaska Highway

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the United States and Canada agreed to build a road to Alaska as a joint defence project. It would link the airfields of the Northwest Staging Route and give the U.S. a land route to Alaska. Construction began in March 1942. U.S. Army engineers and civilian contractors pushed the pioneer road from Dawson Creek to Big Delta, Alaska, in under 10 months, often following existing trails with the help of local First Nations guides.

The road was officially opened at Soldier’s Summit, above Kluane Lake, on November 20, 1942. Parks Canada says that by the end of 1943, Dawson Creek and Fairbanks were linked by 1,523 miles of all-weather road. In 1946 the Canadian section came under Canadian control, and the highway opened to unrestricted civilian travel in 1948.

Its first names were the Alaska Military Highway and the Alaska-Canada (Alcan) Highway. Rerouting and straightening since the 1940s have cut its length to about 2,232 km today. The highway changed the Yukon for good. Whitehorse grew into the territorial capital, new communities grew up around highway camps, and First Nations ways of life changed quickly. Parks Canada recognizes the highway as a National Historic Event, with plaques at Contact Creek, B.C., and at Soldier’s Summit.

Road conditions and safety

Check before you go. Use 511 Yukon, the Government of Yukon’s official source for road conditions, closures, construction and border information. You can sign up for email or text alerts.
Watch for wildlife. Bison, caribou, moose, elk, bears and sheep often stand on or beside the road. Slow down, especially at night. If you stop to watch, follow the Government of Yukon’s “Stop, Look, Leave” advice: pull well off the road, stay in your vehicle and move on after a minute.
Slow down for construction zones, pilot cars and frost heaves.
Prepare for winter. Use good winter tires, carry a winter survival kit and check the forecast. Plan each day’s drive around the short daylight.
Be bear aware. Store food properly at campgrounds, carry bear spray and make noise on trails.
Carry your documents. You need valid travel documents to cross into Alaska and back. Both border stations are open 24 hours. For service changes, check the CBSA office directory (Beaver Creek) and the CBP Alcan page.

Alaska Highway FAQ

How long is the Alaska Highway?

Today the Alaska Highway is about 2,232 km (1,387 miles) long, from Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. Rerouting and straightening since the 1940s have made it shorter than the original road. Fairbanks is about 158 km (98 miles) past Delta Junction.

How much of the Alaska Highway is in the Yukon?

About 930 km. The Government of Yukon maintains the highway from the B.C.–Yukon border at kilometre 968, near Watson Lake, to the Alaska–Yukon border at kilometre 1902, north of Beaver Creek. In southeastern Yukon the road crosses the B.C.–Yukon boundary several times.

Which Yukon communities are on the Alaska Highway?

Heading northwest, the Yukon communities are Watson Lake (about km 980), Teslin (km 1244), Johnson’s Crossing (km 1296), Whitehorse (km 1419 to 1426), Haines Junction (km 1578), Destruction Bay (km 1684), Burwash Landing (km 1700) and Beaver Creek (km 1871).

How long does it take to drive the Yukon section of the Alaska Highway?

Plan on at least two long driving days for the roughly 930 km between the B.C. border and Alaska, and three to five days if you want to stop and explore. Watson Lake to Whitehorse is about 440 km. Travel Yukon lists Whitehorse to Haines Junction at about 2 hours (154 km) and Haines Junction to Beaver Creek at about 4 hours (292 km).

Is the Alaska Highway paved and open year-round?

Yes. The highway is paved and open all year. Expect chipseal, summer construction with short gravel sections, and frost heaves on the permafrost stretch toward Beaver Creek. In winter, expect snow, ice, extreme cold and short daylight, and check conditions before you go.

Where can I get fuel on the Alaska Highway in the Yukon?

Fuel is available in Watson Lake, Teslin, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Destruction Bay and Beaver Creek. Services at Johnson’s Crossing and Burwash Landing are limited, so check before you rely on them. The longest gaps between communities are Watson Lake to Teslin (about 264 km) and Burwash Landing to Beaver Creek (about 171 km). Lodges between communities are often seasonal, so fill up in each community.

Where can I camp along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon?

The Government of Yukon runs ten campgrounds on or just off the highway: Watson Lake, Big Creek, Teslin Lake, Squanga Lake, Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek, Pine Lake, Congdon Creek, Lake Creek and Snag Junction. Takhini River Campground is 15 km down Kusawa Lake Road. Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek and Pine Lake have reservable sites; the others are first come, first served. There are private RV parks in most communities.

When is the best time to drive the Alaska Highway?

May to September offers the longest daylight, the best road conditions and the most open services. Government of Yukon campgrounds are serviced from May to October 1. Many lodges, campgrounds and attractions are seasonal, so in the shoulder seasons and winter, call ahead and plan your fuel stops.

How do I check Alaska Highway road conditions?

Use 511 Yukon (511yukon.ca), the Government of Yukon’s official source for road conditions, closures, construction and border information. You can sign up there for email or text alerts. For the B.C. section use DriveBC (drivebc.ca), and for the Alaska section use Alaska 511 (511.alaska.gov).

Where do you cross into Alaska on the Alaska Highway?

At the Beaver Creek and Alcan border crossing, at kilometre 1902 in Yukon (Milepost 1221.8 on the Alaska side). Both ports are open 24 hours a day for travellers: the U.S. Alcan port of entry at the border, and Canada’s Beaver Creek customs station just north of Beaver Creek, about 30 km south of the border, where southbound travellers entering Canada stop. Carry valid travel documents for both countries.