Edmonton to the Yukon...follow the Overland Route of the 1898 Gold Rush through Alberta!

Dreams about heading to the Yukon (and Alaska) began more than 100 years ago with the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek in the Klondike. This started the Klondike Gold Rush – the largest of history's great gold stampedes. One hundred thousand fortune-seekers headed for the Klondike, including 1,500 who arrived by train and were outfitted with supplies in Edmonton.

While the gold-seekers of the past had to brave a roadless wilderness for ten weeks by horseback or boat, today's adventurer can drive a car or RV on all-weather highways through scenic northern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia to the Yukon Territory.

Start your adventure in Edmonton and spend at least two days to experience the highlights of Alberta’s capital region. Step back in time at the Provincial Museum of Alberta, one of Canada’s top museums, and tour the renowned Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture. Ride the historic Edmonton, Yukon, and Pacific steam train at Fort Edmonton Park and experience what life was like in four different eras: 1846, 1885, 1905 and the 1920s. For some of the best wildlife viewing and scenic hiking trails, visit Elk Island National Park, just 45 minutes drive east of Edmonton.

Pan for gold, paddle a canoe, or take a paddlewheel riverboat ride on the North Saskatchewan River. Your visit to Edmonton would not be complete without enjoying the attractions and shopping at West Edmonton Mall – the world’s largest shopping centre according to the Guinness Book of World Records!

North of Edmonton on Highway 2, stop at Father Lacombe Chapel Provincial Historic Site at Mission Hill in St.Albert.

When you reach Perryvale General Store, stop for a break and then drive via the scenic route through the Tawatinaw Valley.

Marvel at the breathtaking view of the river valley in the historic town of Athabasca. Take a self-guided walking tour or book a jet boat ride on the Athabasca River. Stroll the Riverfront Trail where you'll see colourful murals and interpretive signage. Athabasca Landing was a meeting place of First Nations, Metis and European traders and the transportation hub for the Hudson’s Bay Company between 1880 and 1910.

Alberta's largest car-accessible lake, Lesser Slave Lake, is encircled by sandy beaches and a choice of accommodation and visitor services. Camping, fishing, birding, hiking trails, festivals, fairs, rodeos and native cultural activities are available.

On the way from the town of Slave Lake to Dawson Creek, the highway passes by several unique towns. Falher, with the world’s largest bee, is the Honey Capital of Canada. McLennan, the Bird Capital of Canada, is on the shores of Kimiwan Lake, which supports thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl. Grouard was a gathering place for native people and an important route during the Klondike Gold Rush.

From Mile 0 at Dawson Creek, BC, continue along the Alaska Highway into the Yukon. There are a number of interesting place to stop en route to Whitehorse and Dawson City.