Exploring the Canol Road
In 1943, during WWII, it was determined that a source of fuel was needed to supply air fields and other equipment along the Alaska highway. A plan was hatched to pipe oil from Norman Wells, NWT to a refinery in Whitehorse, Yukon through a 4-inch pipeline. A road was needed to service the pipeline and so what became known as the Canol road was built. Oil didn’t start to flow until 1945 by which time the war was coming to an end and it was determined that using this pipeline was not practical as tankers could bring oil to Alaska cheaper. The pipeline was abandoned. What was left behind is a narrow road winding through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the Yukon. Come with us on an overnight journey as we explore the southern portion of the Canol road where we will be witness to vast areas of pristine Yukon wilderness.
Participants: minimum 2/maximum 6
Price: $3000 CAD + 5%GST
Includes: motorcycle rental, fuel, breakfasts/lunches/dinners, full basecamp, support vehicle and crew, overnight accommodation in basecamp, liability insurance for motorcycle
Not included: flights to and from Whitehorse, travel insurance, comprehensive motorcycle insurance (optional), alcoholic beverages, riding gear (helmet/jacket/pants/boots/gloves), remote emergency evacuation insurance(required before attending the trip)
Day 0: Arrive in Whitehorse (food and accommodation are not included)
Day 1: Meet at headquarters in the morning and ready ourselves for the journey ahead. Ride 350km up the stunning South Canol road from Whitehorse to Ross River, YT where we’ll stay at the lovely Raven’s Nest Lodge.
Day 2: Get ready for a big day on the North Canol. We will ride along this incredible route as far as our fuel, energy, and skills will allow before heading back to Ross River and our cozy accommodation.
Day 3: Choose our own adventure back to Whitehorse. We will either retrace our steps back down the South Canol road or take the Robert Campbell and north Klondike Highways back to Whitehorse.
All in all, this will be 3 big days of riding punctuated by incredible scenery, historical points of interest, and short visits to Yukon communities along the way.
THIS TRIP IS FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RIDERS. THE CANOL ROAD WILL CHALLENGE YOUR RIDING SKILLS. EXPECT ROUGH STRETCHES, LOOSE SECTIONS, DUSTY SECTIONS, AND SLICK SECTIONS. WE COULD GET WEATHER OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES AND THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR INTERESTING SIDE TRIPS BASED ON GROUP ABILITY.
