Robert Campbell Highway is a remote yet delightful drive

Wanna get seriously off the beaten path? Then point your wheels toward the Robert Campbell Highway in the Yukon! Named after a pioneering Hudson's Bay trader, this route, finished back in '69, is a 583 km (362 miles) adventure that connects Watson Lake (off the Alaska Highway) to Carmacks (on the Klondike Highway).

Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Officially Yukon Highway 4, much of it is gravel – around 60% – and the conditions can change on a dime depending on the weather. Expect potholes! But hey, at least they mark the rough patches with little orange flags. Some sections are... questionable as to whether they deserve the title "highway". Flooding and washouts? Yep, those happen. Sometimes it's just a narrow track covered in rocks instead of gravel. The good news? You might drive for ages without seeing another soul, and you'll have all the roadside pull-offs to yourself. Expect to cross creeks and rivers galore, sometimes on one-lane wooden or metal bridges, or even log bridges!

But the real draw? This road plunges you deep into the remote, unspoiled Campbell Region of the Yukon. This is a lonely wilderness drive, so come prepared. That means a full tank of gas – the sign leaving Watson Lake reminds you the next fuel is 383 km away in Ross River!

While technically open year-round, winter can bring closures due to weather. It can get rough and slippery anytime. Don't tackle it after heavy rains.

Set aside about 10 hours to drive straight through, but honestly, why would you? The scenery is too incredible! Most people make it a two-day trip to really soak it all in.

Think endless forests, winding rivers, rugged canyons, and cool wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – porcupines, moose, beavers, birds... the list goes on. You’re traveling through one of the Yukon's least populated areas, offering a true escape into the solitude of the northern wilderness. The Lapie Canyon cliffs are a must-see! And if you're into fishing or wildlife watching, you're in for a treat.