National park · Canada
Tombstone Territorial Park
Drive the Dempster from Dawson City (about 1 h to the gate) and give it a full day: Goldensides for a 5 km (3.1 mi) return hill walk, or the 6 km (3.7 mi) return Grizzly Lake viewpoint if you have 3–4 h. No entry fee; the Dempster is gravel past km 8 (mile 5).Drive the Dempster from Dawson City (about 1 h to the gate) and give it a full day: Goldensides for a 3.1 mi (5 km) return hill walk, or the 3.7 mi (6 km) return Grizzly Lake viewpoint if you have 3–4 h. No entry fee; the Dempster is gravel past mile 5 (km 8).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,200 km² (849 sq mi)849 sq mi (2,200 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 2,200 km² (849 sq mi)849 sq mi (2,200 km²)
- Roughly 2,200 km² of the northern Ogilvie and Tombstone ranges; boundary figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Tombstone Territorial Park protects about 2,200 km² of the northern Ogilvie and Tombstone ranges, where Arctic tundra, permafrost pingos and granite peaks sit within a road drive of Dawson City. The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in have used this country for at least 8,000 years, and the park has been jointly managed by the Government of Yukon and the First Nation since it was established in 2000. There is no entrance fee and no lodge: you come for the day on the Dempster Highway, or you camp — 51 serviced sites beside the interpretive centre, or three permit-only backcountry lakes under Mount Monolith. The Dempster is paved for its first 8 km and gravel after that, there is no cell service, and the interpretive centre is staffed only from May to September.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2000.
Size and age
2,200 km² (849 sq mi)849 sq mi (2,200 km²) · national park since 2000
Roughly 2,200 km² of the northern Ogilvie and Tombstone ranges; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- Tundra, permafrost pingos and granite peaks reachable by road, about 100 km (62 mi) from Dawson City.Tundra, permafrost pingos and granite peaks reachable by road, about 62 mi (100 km) from Dawson City.
- Six maintained trails from a 500 m boardwalk to a 13 km (8.1 mi) one-way climb to Grizzly Lake.Six maintained trails from a 500 m boardwalk to a 8.1 mi (13 km) one-way climb to Grizzly Lake.
- Caribou, grizzly and Dall sheep country with no light pollution for hundreds of kilometres.
- Jointly managed by the Government of Yukon and the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation since 2000.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep cold; visitor centre closed; no services
- FebCold and dark; winter travel only with full kit
- MarLong daylight returns; still winter conditions
- AprCampground serviced from late April; snow on trails
- MayCentre opens; snow patches, wet ground
- JunLong days, wildflowers, all trails open
- JulWarmest; mosquitoes at their worst
- AugBerries, caribou moving; cool nights
- SepFall colours on the tundra; first snow possible
- OctCampground serviced to early October; centre closing
- NovWinter; no services, short daylight
- DecPolar night edge; only for prepared winter travellers
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcupine caribou herd (winters in the region)Oct–Apr · Migration timing shifts year to year; ask at the centre. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Hart River caribou herd (year-round)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Grizzly and black bearsMay–Oct · Carry bear spray and make noise on blind corners. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Dall sheep and mooseMay–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Birds, including gyrfalcon and golden eagleMay–Aug | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Dawson City
Klondike Highway 2 east 40 km (25 mi), then north on the Dempster Highway; the first 8 km (5 mi) of the Dempster are paved, the rest gravel.Klondike Highway 2 east 25 mi (40 km), then north on the Dempster Highway; the first 5 mi (8 km) of the Dempster are paved, the rest gravel.
1–1.5 h
From Whitehorse
Drive the Klondike Highway north to Dawson City, then the Dempster.
6.5–7.5 h
Open the page →
From Eagle Plains
Continue south on the Dempster from the Northwest Territories side.
3–4 h
From Inuvik
Full Dempster Highway drive south; fuel and food planning essential.
10–12 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretive centre and campground area | Visitor centre at km 71.5 (mile 44), Tombstone Mountain Campground, Beaver Pond and North Klondike River trails.Visitor centre at mile 44 (km 71.5), Tombstone Mountain Campground, Beaver Pond and North Klondike River trails. | Open with no entry fee; centre staffed May–September. |
| Goldensides and Grizzly Lake trailheads | The two main day-hike starts along the Dempster south of the centre. | Open; park at the signed pull-outs. |
| Backcountry lakes | Grizzly, Divide and Talus lakes below Mount Monolith. | Permit and reservation required; campfires banned. |
| Two Moose Lake and north end | Quieter highway section with a lake viewpoint and fewer facilities. | Roadside viewpoint only. |
Sketch map
- 1Dawson City · Town≈64.060, -139.433Map ↗
- 2Dempster Highway junction (Hwy 2/Hwy 5) · Gate≈64.037, -139.170Map ↗
- 3Tombstone Interpretive Centre · Headquarters≈64.503, -138.220Map ↗
- 4Tombstone Mountain Campground · Sleep≈64.506, -138.220Map ↗
- 5Tombstone Range Viewpoint · Viewpoint≈64.523, -138.246Map ↗
- 6Goldensides Mountain trailhead · Trail≈64.531, -138.189Map ↗
- 7Grizzly Lake trailhead (km 58.5) · Trail≈64.519, -138.257Map ↗
- 8Grizzly Lake campsite · Sleep≈64.426, -138.465Map ↗
- 9Divide Lake campsite · Sleep≈64.452, -138.493Map ↗
- 10Talus Lake campsite · Sleep≈64.424, -138.569Map ↗
- 11Two Moose Lake viewpoint · Viewpoint≈64.735, -138.365Map ↗
Take the points offline
11 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the Dempster Highway from the junction to Two Moose Lake; for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No entrance fee for the territorial park (check). |
| Tombstone Mountain Campground | CAD 20–30 (≈ US$15–25) | night | 2026 estimate per site; registration required. |
| Backcountry camping permit | CAD 0–20 (≈ US$0–15) | person per night | 2026 estimate; reserve online before you arrive (check). |
| Fishing licence | CAD 20–40 (≈ US$15–30) | person | 2026 estimate; available at the interpretive centre (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Campground registration permit or guide
Fishing permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- C$20–30≈ US$15–25
- C$20–40≈ US$15–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Government of Yukon — Tombstone Territorial Park before you go.
Park rules
- Campfires in the backcountry
- Banned at Grizzly, Divide and Talus lakes; use a stove.
- Backcountry camping
- Reservation and permit required; you cannot stay at Divide or Talus Lake on your first night.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out everything; a campsite should look untouched when you leave.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach bears, caribou or sheep; store food out of reach.check
- Dempster Highway driving
- Gravel surface north of km 8 (mile 5); expect dust, washboard and truck traffic.Gravel surface north of mile 5 (km 8); expect dust, washboard and truck traffic.
Where to stay
In the park
Tombstone Mountain Campground
51 sites 500 m north of the interpretive centre; serviced late April to early October; registration required.
In the park
Backcountry campsites (Grizzly, Divide, Talus lakes)
Three permit-only sites along the Grizzly Lake trail; no campfires.
Near the park
Dawson City
Hotels, hostels and campgrounds about an hour southwest; the only real lodging base.
Safety
No cell service or Wi-Fi high
Gravel-road breakdown medium
Bears medium
Cold and sudden weather medium
Mosquitoes low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Beaver Pond Interpretive Trail is the park's wheelchair-accessible trail, starting at the interpretive centre.
- The interpretive centre, campground and roadside viewpoints are reachable by car with short, level walks.
- Goldensides, Grizzly Lake and all backcountry routes are rough and steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Reserve backcountry sites so the park can cap use at the three lakes.
- Use a stove instead of a fire in the backcountry; wood is scarce and slow to regrow here.
- Keep to established trails on the tundra, which recovers very slowly from footprints.
- Buy fuel, food and supplies in Dawson City so the money stays in the region.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Tombstone Territorial Park?
There is no entrance fee for the territorial park (check). You pay for camping instead: a site at Tombstone Mountain Campground is roughly CAD 20–30 per night (2026 estimate), and backcountry permits are a small per-person charge. Fishing needs a Yukon licence.
What are the best hikes in Tombstone Territorial Park?
For a half day, Goldensides Mountain Trail (5 km return, about 215 m of gain) or the 6 km return to the Grizzly Lake viewpoint. For a full day or an overnight, the 13 km one-way Grizzly Lake trail continues to Divide and Talus lakes. The easiest options are the 1 km Beaver Pond loop and the 500 m Edge of the Arctic trail at the interpretive centre.
When is the best time to visit Tombstone Territorial Park?
June to early September. June and July give the longest daylight and warmest weather but the worst mosquitoes; late August and early September bring tundra colours and fewer people. The campground is serviced from late April to early October, and the interpretive centre is staffed May to September.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Yes for the backcountry. Reserve online, then collect your permit at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre — there is no Wi-Fi or cell service there, so print your reservation. Campground stays also need registration.
Can I drive the Dempster Highway in a normal car?
Yes, with care. The first 8 km are paved and the rest is gravel; a standard car can manage it in dry conditions, but carry a spare tyre and expect dust, washboard and long gaps between services.
Is there anywhere to stay inside the park?
Only camping. Tombstone Mountain Campground has 51 sites near the interpretive centre, and there are three backcountry sites at Grizzly, Divide and Talus lakes. The nearest hotels are in Dawson City, about an hour away.
Can I see the northern lights here?
Yes. There is no light pollution for hundreds of kilometres, so any clear, dark night from late August to April can work. The visitor centre and campground close in winter, so you need your own winter setup.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialGovernment of Yukon — Tombstone Territorial Park
- officialGovernment of Yukon — Tombstone Interpretive Centre
- officialGovernment of Yukon — Tombstone Mountain Campground
- officialGovernment of Yukon — Two Moose Lake
- officialGovernment of Yukon — Tombstone Territorial Park brochure (PDF)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Tombstone Territorial Park, revision 5283499 (CC BY-SA 4.0)