The YukonBeaver Creek is the last Canadian community on the Alaska Highway before the US border, 30 km further west. Population about 100, most of them working for the border, the highway maintenance crews, or the two motels. It’s a functional stop — fuel, food, sleep — not a destination. The White River First Nation has a presence here and their cultural centre is worth a look if it’s open (limited hours).
Historically Beaver Creek was where the Alaska Highway construction crews finished — the actual junction where the two crews met is commemorated at Contact Creek further south, but Beaver Creek benefits from the story. Today it’s a highway strip in the wilderness. Come here if you’re driving to Alaska. Otherwise, there’s very little reason. In winter it’s a lonely place; in summer the RV traffic keeps things lively-ish.
Where to stay in Beaver Creek
1202 Motor Inn and the Buckshot Betty’s complex are the main options, $130-180 in summer. Everything is on the Alaska Highway strip. Winter closures are common — always phone ahead October to April. Expect functional rooms with reliable heat and questionable wifi. The upside of Beaver Creek accommodation is that if you’ve been driving the Alaska Highway for two days, anything with a hot shower feels like paradise.
Nearest bookable stays
Real, reviewed rooms — booked at the same live rate through app.impt.io, one tonne of carbon removed per stay.
Things to do in Beaver Creek
Fuel and cinnamon rolls at Buckshot Betty’s
On the Alaska Highway in the middle of Beaver Creek. Cafeteria-style diner, oversized baked goods, and a gas pump out front. Not gourmet, but exactly what you want after 6 hours of driving. Cash and card. Open long hours in summer, shorter in winter.
Alaska border sign photo
30 km west on the Alaska Highway from Beaver Creek. The Canada-US border sign and the small park around it. Bring passport if you’re actually crossing. Otherwise, photo and turn back. Note: the US customs post is 30 km further west at Border City — you can’t just tap the sign and leave without paperwork if you cross.
White River First Nation Cultural Centre
Signed off the Alaska Highway in Beaver Creek. Small display of Upper Tanana Athapaskan history, language, and artwork. Hours seasonal and variable — phone ahead or check the door. Free or small donation.
Northern lights from the highway pullouts
Any pullout west of Beaver Creek toward the border. Extremely dark skies, no light pollution for 100 km in any direction. September, October, February, March best. Bring warm clothes and a red-light headlamp. Do not park on the highway itself — full pullout, hazards on.
Getting around & the essentials
On foot — Beaver Creek strip and river (2 km)
From the 1202 Motor Inn, walk the Alaska Highway shoulder west past Buckshot Betty’s, the border services building, and the White River First Nation offices. Cut down toward Beaver Creek itself (the actual creek) at the marked access. Loop back. Flat, easy, mostly a highway walk rather than a nature walk. 30-40 minutes.
By road
Drive from Whitehorse: 455 km on the Alaska Highway, about 5.5 hours. From Haines Junction 300 km, from Destruction Bay 180 km. No public transit whatsoever. The Alaska Highway is the only road; it’s paved but expect gravel patches and frost heaves. Fuel at Beaver Creek is essential before crossing to Alaska — the next reliable fuel is Tok, 180 km further. Border hours vary seasonally; the Beaver Creek-Alcan crossing is 24 hours in summer, reduced October-April.
Beaver Creek — Questions, answered
Do I need to stop in Beaver Creek if I’m driving to Alaska?
Yes — fuel up, use the bathroom, get food. From Beaver Creek to Tok, Alaska is 180 km of remote highway with limited services. Buckshot Betty’s is the last real meal until Tok. Also, if you arrive at the border after Canadian customs hours, plan accordingly.
Can I see the aurora from Beaver Creek?
Yes, exceptionally well. Very dark skies, wide open horizon to the north, and you can drive 5 minutes out of town to any pullout. The catch is winter temperatures — -35°C is common in January and February. Warm car, warm clothes, warm accommodation waiting for you.
Nearby areas
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