Yukon along the highway

A little report from the front lines in the battle of high fuel prices and RV travel to the Yukon. It’s now day 10 we were a little side tracked which is what the trip is about…getting sidetracked and enjoying the journey. We visited Elk Island National Park on the way to Edmonton, hopefully we can stop on our return trip as we have yet to canoe that lake. Night one was spent at St. Albert Walmart, not an easy one to get to, that’s probably why we were the only ones in the lot that night (thank you Walmart). After this trip to the Yukon we will probably not be able to sleep without the lulling sound of semi’s and jacked up half tons with the original exhaust removed and noisemakers added for maximum effect. Our little cabin is way too quiet.

Day two we arrived in Hythe, Alberta stopping at Hythe campground. Oour apps informed us it would cost $20 without services. This was great as we did not need any services. We were informed that we had to take them and the cost would be $52.50. We naturally left this campground. It is right along the main highway to the Yukon and very noisy. Searching on iOverlander we found a campground at Spring Lake 26 km away on a forest service road. It is located beside a small lake, no power boats allowed, nestled in the forest away and quiet, a beautiful well kept campground. Sites featured no power or water but a picnic table and firepit, wood supplied in the cost of $27. We would go back and spend more time there for sure.

Day three we arrived at a friend’s farm near there and joined a few friends for the next four days. A peaceful, enjoyable stay. While we were there we were told about an area to the south of us called Tumbler Ridge Global Geo Park. News reports coming from the Yukon at that time said travel not recommended due to the large number of forest fires close to the highways. Our son, a cook for camps, was flown from Kelowna to Pelly Crossing to cook for the fire crews. He beat us to the Yukon and had not even planned to be there. The washout of the main highway was detoured and traffic was moving again so we thought perhaps we would play in northern BC for awhile then head north.

Day 7, Sunday afternoon we travelled to Dawson Creek, BC Mile Zero of the Alaska highway and again where we spent the night at the local Walmart. That evening friends who we met at the farm Jess, Tanis and Josh joined us for a surprise visit bringing Ice Cream from Walmart of course.

Day 8, the next evening we had reservations at Mile Zero campground in Dawson Creek, time to shower up, dump tanks and fill with water. Great campground. We camped in overflow or tenting area with a large number of groups travelling by motorcycle and some in overland vehicles. Would recommend this park without services picnic tables only but use of the showers and dump site included $27. We toured Dawson city visited the gallery and visitors center.

Day 9, mileage 1459 km left Dawson Creek on Highway 59 south to Tumbler Ridge 168 km away. Tumbler Ridge is set in the mountains and is a mini Banff or Jasper with many services and the usual tourist stuff. The park is billed as a Global Geo Park. Geoparks are specially designated places that are recognized for their international geological significance by UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations). The 34 accessible geosites include mountain peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, caves, karst formations dinosaur trackways and fossils. Also within the park boundaries are wind farms, mines and forestry operations. No matter what outdoor recreation you’re into from mountain climbing to snowmobile or ATV or less motorized travel the park has it all. We realized it would require many more days to properly explore this park and we were not set up for the hikes so it is on our bucket list as a must try and get back to, perhaps on our return.

Again there is a lot of history here we checked out many sites along highway 29 to Gwillim Lake Provincial Park situated as the name suggest on Gwillim Lake. The sites were as most of BC’s provincial parks clean spacious and offered no hook up services. As most of BC’s provincial parks and why we like them there are no reservations, its first come first served, $20 per night cash only as there is usually not internet service. The bears at Gwillim were an added feature if you don’t mind bears. Would also definitely recommend this park. We enjoyed a campfire in our campsite overlooking the lake and debated spending another day there to do some kayaking, however the winds were even stronger the next morning and the lake was rough.

Day 10, 1665.9 km traveled left Gwillim Lake for Charlie Lake through 374 km of very beautiful and extremely hilly mountain roads in the Peace River country. Saw the Peace River Dam and the extensive 2.6 km berm they are constructing along with dozens of very high long bridges. Visited Hudson Hope museum, a very nice community in the valley. The old Ford did very well in the high steep climbs and deep descents very impressed with our 6.2 gas. One thing to remember when travelling this highway and these areas a lot of time it is cash only.

Ten days of our travels is enough to burden one with so will leave it there with a few images. Subscribe to be notified of posts and we look forward to seeing you down the road in the studiowest.ca Northern Lite. Lots of truck campers in this country, we are not unique here.