Top of the World Highway

The road climbs out of Dawson City and then runs along the tops of ridges rather than through valleys, so for most of its length you look down on the country on both sides, which is where the name comes from. It is partly paved and partly gravel and reaches the Poker Creek border post, at about one thousand two hundred metres the northernmost land border crossing in North America and one of the most remote; it is open only in summer and only during daylight hours, and arriving outside them means turning back. Access from Dawson is by a free vehicle ferry across the Yukon River, which does not run in winter.

What you actually see

• The ridge running - a road on the tops with country falling away both sides.
• Poker Creek - the northernmost and most remote land border in North America.
• The Yukon River ferry - a free crossing that is the only access from Dawson.
• The autumn tundra - the ridges turning red and gold in late August.

When to go

June to September; the road, the ferry and the border post all close for winter and the border keeps limited daylight hours even in season. Autumn colour in late August is the best time.

Honest expectations

The border post has restricted hours and closes for the season entirely, stranding late arrivals. The ferry queues in summer. The road is gravel in sections and rough after rain.

Nearby

Dawson City lies east; Alaska is west over the border.