Wheels to the Arctic – 12-Day Winter Vanlife Expedition

Travel in basic comfort in a converted original American school bus, your wilderness lodge on wheels.

• Comfortable sleeping area with cozy bedding
• Small washroom with a toilet for convenience
• Kitchen facilities with a stove, cooler, and cookware
• Solar-powered lighting and USB charging ports
• WiFi, on occasional moments
• Seating and lounge area for relaxation
• Woodstove for cozy vibes and warming up on chilly nights
• Rooftop deck for stargazing, sunset views, and bonfire nights

Your Arctic adventure kicks off in Whitehorse, where we’ll scoop you up in the mighty Squatch Bus—our cozy, woodstove-heated basecamp on wheels. First things first: a full gear check, expedition briefing, and a little time to get to know your fellow adventurers. This crew’s going to feel like family by the end.

We’ll swing by town for any last-minute gear, trail snacks, or that one thing you forgot (don’t worry, it happens). Then we hit the road—first stop: Fish Lake for an epic dog sledding experience. Feel the thrill as your team of huskies takes off through the snow-covered backcountry. It’s fast, wild, and 100% unforgettable.

As the day winds down, we roll into Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, where the steam rises into the frozen night. We’ll set up camp right there, soak our travel legs in natural hot pools, and toast to day one in true Yukon style.

And just like that—the best expedition of your life is officially underway.

Rise and shine—today we head north to Dawson City on one of the most scenic winter drives in the Yukon. Endless frozen landscapes, snowy forests, and not a soul in sight. Just us, the Squatch Bus, and the road stretching into the wild.

We’ll stop at the legendary Braeburn Lodge to refuel with one of their famous cinnamon buns—seriously, it's the size of your face and absolutely worth the mess. Then we swing by Five Finger Rapids, a historic viewpoint with sweeping river views and a great spot to stretch the legs.

By evening, we roll into the gold rush town of Dawson City, where things get fun. Grab a drink at the local dive The Pit, or—if you’ve got the guts—take the Sourtoe Cocktail challenge. Yes, it’s a real human toe. Yes, you have to let it touch your lips. Yukon rite of passage? Maybe.

We’ll camp out just outside town at a spot with a killer view—fingers crossed for a sky full of northern lights above the snowy hills.

Before we leave Dawson behind, we make one final pit stop to stock up on groceries and any last essentials. This is your last chance to grab what you need—after this, it’s just us and the wild. Rumour has it, you might even be able to pay with a little leftover gold in your pocket (hey, this is Dawson after all).

Then it’s time to hit the legendary Dempster Highway, the gateway to Canada’s true Arctic. We head straight into Tombstone Territorial Park, where jagged peaks rise from the snow like something out of a movie.

This is where the expedition vibe really kicks in.

We’ll strap on snowshoes and head out for our first winter hike—a proper Yukon-style introduction to backcountry travel. Crisp air, deep snow, and epic views all around.

Tonight, we’ll park the Squatch Bus and set up camp at a wild spot right off the highway. No cell service, no lights, no noise—just the deep quiet of the north and a star-filled sky overhead.

We keep pushing north on the Dempster Highway, deeper into no-man’s-land and one step closer to the edge of the Earth (or at least that’s how it feels). Endless tundra, snow-blanketed valleys, and that surreal quiet that only the far north can offer.

Our goal? A wild camp near Eagle Plains, just shy of the Arctic Circle. Up here, road signs become rarer than moose tracks, and every kilometre feels like a milestone.

We’ll roll into camp, set up the Squatch Bus, and soak in the stillness. No noise, no neighbors, just the low hum of the wind and maybe a wolf howl if we’re lucky. With a bit of luck and clear skies, auroras might stretch above us like glowing ribbons on fire.

This is real Arctic territory now. And we’re just getting started.

Today we hit a major milestone: the Arctic Circle. We’ll stop at the iconic sign—because if you don’t take a photo here, did it even happen?

But we’re not stopping there.

We push further north, crossing into the Northwest Territories, where the adventure kicks into high gear. The road carves through the rugged Richardson Mountains, a surreal landscape of frozen peaks and vast plateaus.

Then comes a true expedition moment: our first ice road river crossing—the mighty Peel River. Yes, we’re driving straight across the frozen surface like it’s the most normal thing in the world (it’s not, and it’s awesome).

Right after, we roll into the remote Gwich’in community of Fort McPherson—a small town rich in northern history and culture. It’s the perfect stop to stretch out, warm up, and get a glimpse of life this far north.

From there, we descend into the sprawling Mackenzie Delta, where snow, sky, and silence go on forever.

Few make it this far. You did.

Cultural Experience: Today’s all about connection. We start the day in Inuvik, the biggest town in the Canadian Arctic and a hub of northern life. Here, we take time to dive into the rich cultures of the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples—learning directly from the community through stories, art, and lived traditions. This isn’t just a stop—it’s a chance to understand the land through the eyes of those who’ve called it home for thousands of years.

Afterwards, it’s time to gear up for a true Arctic pastime: ice fishing. We’ll head out onto the frozen landscape, drill through thick northern ice, and drop a line into the cold silence below. Whether we catch dinner or just catch a chill, the experience is pure north.

As the sun dips low over the tundra, we’ll return to the Squatch Bus for a warm meal, good company, and—if we’re lucky—another show from the aurora overhead.

Time to leave pavement behind (again) and roll out onto one of the north’s most legendary routes: the ice road to Aklavik. This frozen highway winds through the vast Mackenzie Delta, a braided maze of rivers and lakes that transforms into a drivable dream each winter.

We’ll cruise through the icy stillness toward Aklavik, a historic Gwich’in and Inuvialuit community tucked deep into the Delta. With no road access in summer, it’s a place few get to visit—unless you’re flying in or doing exactly what we’re doing now.

Once there, we’ll settle in and soak up the quiet, spend time in the village, and maybe catch more local stories, sights, or snacks. We’ll stay the night in Aklavik, with the Squatch Bus as our base—parked in one of the most remote corners of the north you’ll ever set foot in.

Today we hit the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, the northernmost road in Canada—and the only one that leads straight to the Arctic Ocean. The drive alone is surreal: endless white tundra, frozen lakes, and the wide-open sky stretching to forever.

By day’s end, we roll into Tuktoyaktuk, a remote Inuvialuit community perched on the edge of the Arctic Sea. This is it—the end of the road, and the very top of the continent.

We’ll explore the iconic pingos, bizarre and beautiful permafrost landforms that rise out of the tundra like giant frozen blisters (some of the largest in the world are right here).

While in Tuk, we’ll also meet with a local Inuvialuit community member who will share stories and insights into their traditions, daily life, and the deep connection between culture and land in the far north. It’s a rare and authentic window into a way of life few travelers get to truly see.

To wrap it all up, we set up camp near the ocean—just us, the Squatch Bus, and the deep calm of the high Arctic. Stand on the frozen sea, take in the endless horizon, and breathe in the ice-crisp air. You’ve made it to the top of the world.

We begin the day with some time to explore the town of Tuktoyaktuk, soaking in the rich Inuvialuit culture and the unique Arctic environment. Take a leisurely stroll through the community, visit local landmarks, and maybe chat with residents for a deeper glimpse into life this far north.

Afterward, we make our way back to Inuvik via the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Another round of epic winter driving, snow-covered views, and that “we actually did this” feeling sinking in.

Back in town, we’ll gather for a final dinner together at a local, authentic spot. Expect Arctic char, a northern classic, and maybe even a taste of muktuk for the brave (yes, that’s whale skin and blubber—and yes, it’s a thing). This meal is all about great food, great laughs, and swapping stories from a trip we’ll never forget.

These days give us the flexibility that true northern travel demands.

In the Arctic, conditions decide the pace — weather, road access, and ice crossings all play a role.

These days allow us to:

• Increase our chances of reaching Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean
• Wait out storms or road closures if needed
• Spend more time in the places that deserve it

Whether it means pushing further north, staying longer in Tuk, or adjusting the route, this is what makes the trip an expedition, not just an itinerary.

All epic adventures must come to an end. This morning, you’ll catch your flight from Inuvik back to Whitehorse, trading ice roads for sky trails as you head south with a camera full of memories and maybe a bit of permafrost still on your boots.

We’ll be there at the airport to say goodbye—one last Squatch Bus hug before we hit the long road back ourselves. It’s not goodbye forever—just until the next wild adventure.

Thanks for being part of this journey to the top of the world. You crushed it.

This is a true winter expedition in one of the most remote regions of the North. Road closures due to extreme weather, snowstorms, or unsafe conditions can occur along the Dempster Highway and the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway. For this reason, access to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean is not guaranteed.

We have intentionally designed this itinerary with additional time and flexibility, rather than packing it tightly. These buffer days allow us to adapt to changing conditions, wait out weather systems if needed, and significantly increase our chances of reaching the Arctic Ocean.

If conditions still prevent us from reaching the coast, we will adjust the route and continue exploring other remote parts of the Yukon, ensuring you still experience a true Northern expedition.

In the Arctic, flexibility is part of the adventure.

A 25% deposit is required to secure all bookings.

Cancellation Schedule

• More than 90 days before departure: Full refund less a 4% payment processing fee and $100 CAD administrative fee
• 90 to 61 days before departure: 25% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
• 60 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable

If you are unable to attend your trip, please contact us as soon as possible. Subject to availability and operational considerations, we may be able to offer a trip transfer, participant substitution, or trip credit.

Please Note

Trips operate in remote wilderness environments where weather, wildfires, transportation disruptions, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances may impact itineraries or trip operations.

Yusquatch Mountain Adventures reserves the right to modify, delay, reroute, postpone, substitute activities, or cancel trips when necessary for safety or operational reasons.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and evacuation coverage.