Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay, and Dempster
 

Hi, I rode the Dempster and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highways (gravel roads) this past August, dipped my front wheel in the Arctic Ocean. That's all 3 of Canada's Oceans in two summers, not bad.

But I am hearing that public access to the Arctic Ocean from Deadhorse, end of the Dalton, is now restricted with gates and you have to use a tour org. to get to the saltwater. True?

Also, anybody who has done both the Dalton and the Dempster/ITH highways have an opinion on which is the overall "best" ride?

Thanks.

Larry

Hi Larry, this has been true since long before the Haul Road was even legal to drive on. The oil companies control access to the water.

Mark

Hi Mark, how you doing? It seems some bikers have gotten around this policy? Or is it that you have to pay a tour company to guide you the last bit to the ocean? I saw a picture from a guy who rode the Dalton this year and his bike was at the ocean.

There are security checkpoints into the area that control access to the oil fields. They seemed to take security very very seriously.

Not sure how someone would have arranged to get their bike past security. We were told specifically that no private vehicles are allowed.

Heya Larry, unless the rider had a foot in the door, paid HUGE beer money or worked there you won't get out on the moto, been like that for many years.

As Lonerockz pointed out they are heavy on security.

To answer your question Ellen and I much prefered the Dalton, a little more scenic, we had snow on the Dalton then 36 deg C on the Dempster, the snow defo make for a nicer setting and the passes more interesting

Cheers Andi