The scenic Top of the World Highway links Dawson City to Tetlin Junction in Alaska. After the free Yukon River ferry crossing at Dawson City (depending on weather conditions, open mid-May to mid-Oct), this 282km (175-mile) paved or chip-sealed road rapidly climbs above the tree line where it follows meandering ridge tops -- hence the name. The views are wondrous: Bare green mountains undulate for hundreds of miles into the distance; looking down, you can see clouds floating in deep valley clefts.
After 106km (66 miles), the road crosses the U.S.-Canadian border; the border crossing is open mid-May through the first weekend in October, 8am to 8pm Pacific Time (note that the time in Alaska is an hour earlier). There are no restrooms, services, or currency exchange at the border.
The free ferry at Dawson City can get very backed up in high season; delays up to 3 hours are possible. Peak traffic in mid-summer is from 7 to 11am and 4 to 7pm. Commercial and local traffic has priority and doesn't have to wait in line. The Top of the World Highway isn't maintained during winter; it's generally free of snow April to mid-October.
