Fuel & Range Planner
Check your tank against the long fuel-free stretches on the Dempster and Top of the World highways, and see how much extra fuel to carry.
The roads out of Dawson cross long, remote stretches with very few places to fill up — and running out of fuel here is a real danger, not just an inconvenience. Enter your tank size, your vehicle's fuel use and how much you want to keep in reserve, and this works out the longest stretch with no fuel on each road and how much extra fuel to carry.
How much fuel your tank holds when full.
Highway figures from the handbook are optimistic out here — soft sand, corrugations and a loaded vehicle use far more. If unsure, enter a higher number.
Fuel you want to arrive with, never run down to. 20% is a sensible minimum.
Dempster Highway — to Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson & Inuvik
≈740 km · gravel · the only fuel for the first ~400 km is at Eagle PlainsLongest stretch with no fuel: Dawson City → Eagle Plains — 409 km
- Longest fuel-free stretch
- 409 km
- Your usable range on one tank
- 462 km
Your tank should cover this stretch.
That is the maths on the figures you entered — not a promise. Always carry a reserve and check the road report before you set out.
Top of the World Highway — to the Alaska border, Chicken & Tok (summer only)
gravel · summer only (about 22 May – 15 Sep 2026) · needs the George Black ferryLongest stretch with no fuel: Dawson City → Chicken, Alaska — 171 km
- Longest fuel-free stretch
- 171 km
- Your usable range on one tank
- 462 km
Your tank should cover this stretch.
That is the maths on the figures you entered — not a promise. Always carry a reserve and check the road report before you set out.
Gravel and cold burn more fuel than you expect
The Dempster ferries are summer only
Top of the World Highway is summer only
Before you set out
- Top up your tank at every fuel stop, even if you think you have enough.
- Carry extra fuel in approved containers for the long gaps — above all Dawson to Eagle Plains.
- Carry two full-size spare tyres; the gravel is hard on tyres and help is far away.
- Bring food, water, warm clothing and a way to stay warm if you have to stop overnight.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive — mobile coverage is patchy to none.
- Check the road and ferry report before you leave.
Check the roads first
- Live Dempster and Top of the World conditions, plus the George Black ferry. Phone 511, or 1-867-456-7623.
- 511 Yukon — road and ferry conditions
- Peel River and Mackenzie River ferry status on the NWT section of the Dempster.
- NWT highways & ferries