Cycling in the Arctic
One of the greatest cycling challenges in the world
The Northwest Territories offers challenging biking, with few paved roads and remote landscapes. You'll cycle through alpine tundra and majestic forests, and may come across a variety of wildlife. Biking routes include the Mackenzie Highway out of Alberta, the Ingraham Trail east of Yellowknife and the challenging Dempster Highway, a 434 mile (700-km) gravel road (part of the Trans Canada Trail), which connects Dawson City to Inuvik.
Bicycle tours to spectacular, untarnished Nunavut, will require you plan ahead. There are few roads, which makes it perfect for mountain bikers and a real wilderness challenge. The only way to reach most of the communities, however, is by plane, so you'll have to transport your bike by air. Most places offer local outfitters or guides to help you with logistics, transportation, nature interpretation and safety so you can have an incredibly unique biking vacation.
Biking in the Yukon will be a test of stamina. The Yukon has many mountain biking adventure opportunities. Bike the famed North Canol Road, a wilderness mountain trail with challenging terrain, but watch out for washed-out bridges that leave streams to be forded. Pedal across the Carcross Desert, known locally as the world's smallest desert, or bike the Top of the World Highway across a spine of mountains, taking in the stunning views and fresh air.
In Yukon tradition, add your own sign to Signpost Forest at Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway, home to over 42,000 signs from hikers, bikers and other adventurers before you.
