Artic Road Trip -my Planning ideas

Gang, I'm starting this thread here, and seeing where it goes.

To Start - I will be planning / doing a Dempster run to Tuktoyaktuk (likely next year due to schedule) but want to get info, share info & experiences etc. I Guess this thread could apply to any arctic road trip, knowing that the Dempster is kinda its own entity! My expectation is the trip will be close to 1 month long from Home to Home again to do it right.

For me this will be a driving trip from Ontario. I have always (for some crazy reason even as a kid) wanted to go to Tuk! I think every kid has that exotic sounding place that you hear the name and want to go. Clearly I had no idea where it was when I was a kid Alas it has remained on my bucket list ever since. I have driven coast to coast in Canada, and been to every province by road. Road tripping, I am good with. All my previous trips did include the inlaws and kid in tow (once when still in a car seat!) so it was a different animal than what this will be as it is going to be purely selfish, as this time it will be just me & wife, or me and a buddy possibly depending on other issues. I did fly to Yellowknife once in March for the Northern lights.

I am a tent camper, back country canoe guy but all my gear is packed deep in storage now ( too long of a story for here) and have limited interest in dedicated overlanding, however I want to take advantage of the freedom to camp/boondock along the way as I choose or hotel as i choose for this future trip. I am leaning toward an in-bed tent for this reason.

To keep what costs down that I can, I am going to go with a power pack and plug in cooler for fresh food / snacks and self sustaining beverages as desired so at night I can power the cooler and recharge during the driving time.

I am planning self repair / sufficiency as much as I can, so will have a good windshield repair, tire repair, tools etc onboard. I have been looking into this for a few weeks / month already making notes on others experiences.

For now that is it, I just want to put this out there, and see if others have done, are wanting to do and share advice, tips, finds etc. Depending on the feedback, I will keep this thread updated as I go through my process, but given my timelines I wouldn't expect daily updates. But if this proves helpful for anyone now or in the future than its what these forums are about. Advice sharing and learning / helping.

 

Wife and I would love to travel up that way some day but not sure when or how.

This may or may not be helpful as it's different scenarios but there are a few threads on this forum about traveling to Alaska with an RV.

https://rvforums.com/threads/alaska-2022.10930/

A few recommendations I recall reading off the top of my head:
Have a few different ways to communicate in an emergency if needed, including sat phone.

Take more tools and repair items than you think you'll need. One spare tire may not be enough.

 

It's back from when the trip wasn't done as often, but good inspiration from Scott, Pasquale and Chris: https://expeditionportal.com/arctic-ocean-expedition-a-solo-vehicle-adventure-to-lands-end/

 

2 great links, Tks guys! I’ll go have a read of them later & see if there is any stuff I can glean! ( I really mean steal haha)

 

Sweet! Sounds like a great trip. Subscribed

 

Tks guys, I have a list going of all the ‘extras’ I hear being reasonably recommended & will narrow down the list later based on my ‘ risk tolerance’ or cost benefit for me. Since I have a full year to plan - unless something changes in my life schedule this year, I’m going slow & easy spreading out purchases & ideas,so I can save $$, as the fuel budget alone would be in the $5k range (well over 6k km one way from my place not accounting for side trips)

I read the Winter trip report, & it was good & fair but a very different experience & road between then & now. No more ice road, and I will be going in one of 2 seasons. Bug season or fall so my planning is for that.

Bug season will be if I’m looking to have the midnight sun, so will be June, and fall for the colours & less bugs - happy wife scenario - so mid aug / sept. For reference.

 

I've kicked a similar idea around a bit but never pulled the trigger. By motorcycle would be the most 'epic', but to take the truck would provide more in terms of safety, shelter, gear, etc. Just sold my GoFast camper last year since I wasn't using it much, and wasn't sure if/when this trip will have a chance to come together.

I'm in NW MT and can cross into BC via Roosville. Get to Fairbanks then take the Dalton to Prudhoe Bay. Late August into September for the same reasons. 3-4 weeks, solo. That's about as far as my 'plan' has gotten.

Hope yours comes together so I can read about it.

 

Well, I have decided to do a “short test run” this sept! Since my work has pushed me a year, Wife & I are planning on doing the Trans Taïga to give a remote experience that isn’t as far away for us, but still an epic road to experience - 666kms of hydro Quebec dirt roads one way. Classed as the most remote road in North America I think.

So far we have our gps communicator, Bluetti ( for future 12v fridge) and have to dig out out camping gear from deeep in storage this summer. Probably going to try out a truck bed tent as I’m not into a rooftop tent setup for our needs/ uses. And a ground tent ( our current normal) may be uncomfy boondocking on that taïga ground

 

Here's good read from back a few years, lotta good info from a guy that readied his truck and hauled a trailer from TX to Alaska. He did several other threads too, dialed in a lot of truck prep. This one is pretty good though, motivating:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/outside-air-temp-probe-location.17857/

 

Sub'd. I'm looking to do a similar run starting on the east coast once the kiddos get a little bigger.

I just started putting together a travel and truck mod plan for a Banff/Jasper/west coast road trip.

Been researching NOBO 19.8 trailers and R-POD 193s. Perfect hitch weight IMO for our 1/2 ton trucks. I think I'd rent one versus purchasing at the moment.

Truck mods would be full skids for cat protection, full trans cooler (my 19 has a puck). Scangauge, and wish list items would be to add a supercharger and interior audio upgrade.

Been watching these guys some for some inspiration. https://youtu.be/K58IZntiiOk

 

Tks, @1UP i am moving ahead with my ‘Hudson’s Bay’ start as mentioned a few posts up - & in true HBC fashion I will drive as far up to the end of the road along James bay, and hitting the trans taiga while I’m up there. Planning a sept run.

Ive driven west a few times, but it was a while ago with younger kid & in-laws in tow. You will love the trip when you get to do it! We stayed in hotels when we did it, for in-laws sake - no camping genes in them!

My 2c is to get off the trans Canada often & check out the prairies en route. Depending on time of year the fields in flower are beautiful. Research is easier today with prolific internet searches. If you are not aiming for the coast, the jasper/ Banff trip is one we did. Took yellow head up into jasper, down ice fields parkway to Banff & back roughly along trans Canada. Lots of sightseeing detours & took a month to do it! You will love it!

 

Firstly, JEALOUS!
Both roads are on my bucket list too! I’d also like to drive the end of highway 138 in Quebec, passed Natashquan. Driven as far as Tadoussac. Flown into Sept Iles dozens of times. A much tamer trip, but it’s in our favourite province and offers beautiful scenery and people.
Secondly, have you watched Truck Kings YouTube videos on their two road trips?
What about Long Long Honeymoon’s YouTube video on their arctic road trip with their travel trailer?
One of my major concerns would be damage to the vehicle. I’d want to PPF the truck, get the best mud flaps, use throw away wheels and bring a robust jack and 2 full size spares, for starters.

 

Tks Man,
The 1st run (Quebec Tans Taiga) I'm planning for this Sept, was new to my list. I learned about it recently & figured it would be a great test run. More remote in some ways, and yet not in others. Certainly closer & less KMs, if I have an issue and need to turn back. About 1/3 shorter round trip.

I'm looking into getting a full PPF, and such, but the company I used for my windows may be out of business now, Maybe a covid casualty, but who knows. In any event it is $$$ to do a full truck, but I think worth it for the gravel rash. I am looking at adding longer rubber mud flaps in lieu of the stock ones for the same reason. I am going with a full sized spare, and debating a 2nd or just bring the donut spare too? Not sure yet.

I Saw Truck Kings 2 series, one driving older gens up to Labrador, & the more recent Tacoma to Tundra with 2 3rd gens. I had considered a converted cargo trailer camper until I saw that!!! Ive always been drawn to the North, so I love the scenery, the people & the solitude that it comes with.

I also want to the the drive up into Labrador, & ferry across to Newfie & continue on looping down through Cape Breton. (my designated retirement location)

 

Before COVID hit and they closed the border, I did Trans-Taiga 4 times. In 2005 Volvo XC70. The road is spectacular. Bring your canoe/small boat with outboard engine. Buy a small tent and portable toilet, otherwise you can't sh*t anywhere between Relais 381 km and Mirage Outfitter - black flies are that bad there. Bring in InReach for emergency for sure. Be aware of bears, they jump out in front of your vehicle. Cost me a bumper and fog light. And a pair of pants.

Privately owned unpaved Trans-Taiga was in a better shape than paved state-owned James Bay Road back in 2017. It is basically a very smooth gravel road up to Brisay. It gets worse when you go north around Caniapiscau Reservoir, and much much worse when you go south, he-he. On a south branch I saw no one for 3 days. It was a 8 degrees Celsius, drizzling weather, yet I managed to overheat both engine and transmission. It is that challenging for a mid-size wagon.

Honestly, I'm seriously, uttermost jealous for your plans...

 

Second half of June - it was rainy every day, snow piles laying along the road, icebergs floating (see pics above, it was June 21st IIRC).
End of August - very rainy, night snow in Brisay.

The best time is first half of August.

 

Just watched it

https://youtu.be/zNjuDVGP99A

 

Damn, that was one unlucky / cursed trip for them!

 

Truthfully, most of their issues happened before or after they were on the Alaska highway.
I’ve watched most of their videos and the guy is not bright.
I’d never tow an Airstream on a gravel road of any kind for that long. We spent over 3 years researching our next TT. Airstreams are still my favourite trailer, and we came very close to buying one a few times, but in the end when we reviewed all of their known issues and really considered our planned usage we made the decision to go with a fibreglass 4 season trailer.
Plus, he’s driving a Ford. LOL

 

True, once I saw the Ford piece I chuckled. All I can think about is how Ford fraudulently kept the 250 and 350 problems from their buyers for years. Whole class action lawsuit about it where someone accidentally sent the owners emails proving the fraud by corporate.

Anyways, yes some of his breaks I scratched my head about also. Didn't seem logical. And yeah I was surprised they beat the hell out of their trailer on that road.

 

Oh, that’s great info - I may pick your brain later!

 

So in the getting gear etc category - remember all, from Canada so it can be more of a challenge.


I finally found the bedrug mat at action auto - not the full system just the mat! $260 out the door
Haven’t installed it with Velcro yet but seems like pretty decent padding & fits in the grooves on floor perfectly.

i got my backflip from auto eq - online Canadian retailer last year
I forget where I got my swing case from, maybe the same guys, also last year
Tailgater aluminum tire table from off grid wilderness - online from Edmonton I think to be delivered this week
Napier truck bed tent from Amazon, box sitting in the wife’s trunk right now $260 before tax

$299 Bluetti Eb3a , 268Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 2 600W (1200W Surge) AC Outlets, Recharge from 0-80% in 30 Min., Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping (Solar Panel Optional)

Bluetti Eb3a I think off the top of my head from Amazon. $320 before tax
Iceco fridge - vl pro 45 from Amazon, anniversary sale to be delivered this week approx $800 before tax
Garmin inreach messenger - bought & tested.
Subscribed to Gaia gps & IOverlander.

still gotta decide if I’m getting, but search & select skids.

that’s all so far, now gotta let credit card cool down a bit!

 

You need long and soft mud guards, to protect frame and body from flying gravel.

I would not advise cooking near the truck. Black flies are attracted by heat, they'll be swarming around until it cold down. At least expect spending an hour or more away from truck (and food) until they calm down.

Do not park on moss.

 

Tks, Coming from Ont, black flies are lifelong ‘friends’ lol! Actually, the black flies, like mosquitoes are attracted by co2, so it’s the exhaust gasses & our breath that attracts them as well. Deer & horse flies are visual predatory hunters, and the more you flail & swat at them the more you attract. That’s why bug spray doesn’t work on them. When we go camping in the summer, we always rolled into camp & waited in the truck to see how many deer flies are circling, & wait for them to disperse before getting out. They always chased the truck in!

the mud guards, I have the factory ones now, but am considering getting something to add onto or replace with. I haven’t started looking into that yet, but know I need to, as I can always get some rubber & cut to fit mounting points. Definitely help to minimize road rash. Also I’m considering getting a full ppf for it, $$ but may be worth it as I have at least 2 trips it will help with & likely a third ( trans Labrador)

 

I see you're prepared I usually cooked lunch in a windy spot. Dinner after sunset, when the flies hide back in moss.

I've driven slightly lifted Volvo, in 2 trips gravel ate about 1/2 of plastic under the belly despite the long mud guards. New trucks up there literally have holes in fenders.

5 of us will be doing Newfoundland this summer and Labrador the next It is probably not as cool as Route du Nord and Trans-Taiga, but my other family members are sort of beginners Wife got rid of her Volvo XC60 and replaced it specifically with the last year of V8 Sequoia, in TRD PRO trim, just for such trips.

 

Are you just doing the island this time? For how long? You will love it!

When I did it, I took the Argentia ferry (long one) from N Sydney, drove around the whole island, including up to St Anthony’s & L’anse aux meadows. Then down through gros morne to port aux basques (short ferry) back to Cape Breton. We did it in 17days & I could have easily done longer. It’s a big spectacularly beautiful place & people. I could live there!

 

Yes, just the island this time. Ferry from Cape Breton. We have only 2 weeks unfortunately, have to skip some parts. I'm not even sure how well our kids will handle that. Older ones are getting Nintendo Switch, but who knows for how long Peppa Pig will be able to neutralize their 1 y.o sister?..

 

i'll be waiting for your field report as a roadtrip to tuk is on my bucket list.

 

Subscribed, keep the posts coming! My Dad and I are doing this trip in late August ‘24 - If time and cash allow, I will drive from Ontario to Whitehorse, dad will fly in and we’ll continue north from there.

 

Hey, a few thing got in my way this past yr, so no training / practice runs have been done yet. But if schedule & budgets work maybe it could be on my schedule for then as well. Where in Ont are you? Im S/W but regularly in North GTA for family.