Tombstone Territorial Park

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Tombstone Territorial Park

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Discover Tombstone Territorial Park

Rugged mountains that stretch out for kilometres on end in one of the Yukon's most isolated and untouched regions characterize Tombstone Territorial Park. Nestled in the centre of the territory, the park can feel so far away from civilization yet only be 100 km (62 mi) from Dawson City. The Tr'ondek Hwech'in and other First Nations peoples have been present in the region for at least 8,000 years. More than 78 archaeological sites bear witness to the continuous use of the region by the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

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What to Experience in Tombstone Territorial Park

a mountain range with trees and bushes in the foreground

a mountain range with a body of water in the foreground

Grizzly Lake Trail, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon, Canada

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Taste of Tombstone Territorial Park...

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History

A Rich Past

Explore the historical roots that shaped Tombstone Territorial Park into what it is today.

The Tr'ondek Hwech'in and other First Nations peoples have been present in the region for at least 8,000 years. More than 78 archaeological sites bear witness to the continuous use of the region by the Indigenous peoples of Canada. When the conservation areas movement began worldwide in the 1970s, that's when Tombstone Territorial Park was first eyed. In particular, two sensitive Indigenous sites were found by scientists in 1972. After this, the park was identified as an area to be protected by the now Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The park was finally established in 2000 in agreement with the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation. Today, the park is now jointly managed by the Government of Yukon and the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin. The scenic mountains remained a hidden gem and still are not-so-well-traversed owing to the park's desolation. Over time, the number of tourists has increased, with the park now receiving tourists from all over the world. Only time will tell whether the park's pristine environment will be able to sustain the number of tourists. The landscape of the territorial park is characterized by permafrost soil with pingos (small hills with a core of ice) and palsas (peat mounds) and wide, spacious valleys covered with tundra. The cold air from the Arctic Ocean has spread Arctic tundra into the northern reaches of the park....

Weather

Climate

The park's climate resembles a mish mash of Subarctic and Arctic climate, though it's still cold, to say the very least. Temperatures commonly range in the single digits, and it frequently hits the negatives, as with the rest of the Yukon. Make sure to bring good clothes that protect you from the extreme cold. Winter tires are also necessary during the colder months. Tombstone TP is, at its closest point, 64 km (40 mi) north of the junction between Highway 2 (Klondike Highway) and Highway 5's (Dempster Highway) southern terminus. The southern 8 km (5.0 mi) of the Dempster Highway is paved, but north of that, the road becomes unpaved. The junction is 40 km east of Dawson City via Hwy 2. The next closest settlement to the park is Eagle Plains, 254 km (158 mi) to the north of the East Blackstone River bridge, also via the Dempster. The Dempster continues northeast into the Northwest Territories, passing Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.

Plan Your Trip

Essential Information

Getting There

Multiple Options

Tombstone TP is, at its closest point, 64 km (40 mi) north of the junction between Highway 2 (Klondike Highway) and Highway 5's (Dempster Highway) southern terminus. The southern 8 km (5.0 mi) of the Dempster Highway is paved, but north of that, the road becomes unpaved. The junction is 40 km east of Dawson City via Hwy 2. The next closest settlement to the park is Eagle Plains, 254 km (158 mi) to the north of the East Blackstone River bridge, also via the Dempster. The Dempster continues northeast into the Northwest Territories, passing Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. If you're doing a multi-day drive along the Dempster all the way up to the Arctic Ocean, consider stopping by Tombstone TP. There are no fees for entering Tombstone TP. However, you will need a licence or permit for certain activities such as fishing or camping – enquire at the visitor centre for these licences....

Travel Tips

Getting Around & Staying

Getting Around

There is one main road in the park, the Dempster Highway that runs north–south. It's the only practical way to get around the various different regions of the park. Some of the lakes and mountains are only accessible via hiking. In addition, it's easier to walk between the various points of interest around the visitor centre. By far, the thing to do in Tombstone TP is hiking. The park is home to six hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Some are no more than a kilometre, while others can take hours. In addition to the six hiking trails, there are also two trails but are not trailheads; both are practically continuations of the Grizzly Lake Trail. These two trails are much more difficult and poorly marked. The three closest trails to the visitor centre are the North Klondike River Trail (coloured on map) and the Edge of the Arctic Interpretive Trail (coloured on map), which are 3 km (1.9 mi) and 500 m (1,600 ft) respectively.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Tombstone Territorial Park is, to say the very least, limited. There is no lodging within the park, and the closest settlement that does have accommodation is Dawson City, about an hour southwest. However, if you want the real wilderness experience, camping (whether it's in a campground or backcountry camping) is always an option, although it requires a lot more effort, and keep in mind that Yukon's weather can be unforgiving at times – it can get really cold, especially during the winter months. Practice leave-no-trace camping; by doing so, you protect the park's pristine environment. The park only has one proper designated campground, 64.5062-138.21991 Tombstone Mountain Campground, 500 metres to the north of the visitor centre (on km 72). It is also the only place to rest your head that's road-accessible and open year-round, as all other sites are for backcountry camping.

Money & Budget

The only shop of any kind in the territorial park is the gift shop at the visitor centre. The visitor centre does not sell food. All food will need to be brought with you. If you're considering camping, Wikivoyage's article on camping food might be of some use. Accommodation in Tombstone Territorial Park is, to say the very least, limited. There is no lodging within the park, and the closest settlement that does have accommodation is Dawson City, about an hour southwest. However, if you want the real wilderness experience, camping (whether it's in a campground or backcountry camping) is always an option, although it requires a lot more effort, and keep in mind that Yukon's weather can be unforgiving at times – it can get really cold, especially during the winter months.

Stay Safe

Safety Information

Safety Overview

There is no cell/mobile service nor is there Wi-Fi at the visitor centre in the park – make sure to be adequately prepared and let someone know about your trip. Make sure to bring enough food and water to last for the duration of your trip. If you are driving, bring a spare tire and consider whether you need a winch or other emergency equipment. Anything can happen on unpaved roads, there may be nobody nearby to help, and your cellphone won't work. Beware of wildlife collisions. If you're making the rather bold move to visit the park in winter, make sure you're prepared. The visitor centre and all backcountry campgrounds will be closed – some of the tips listed on winter driving, cold weather or camping may be of some use. There are no polar bears in this region, but there are many grizzly bears. You need to take adequate precautions; see Wikivoyage's advice on dangerous bears. Your only options are to continue on along the Dempster Highway.

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