HIGHWAY STOP

Destruction Bay

Destruction Bay on Kluane Lake with the Ruby Range behind

Destruction Bay is a wide spot in the Alaska Highway on the east shore of Kluane Lake, named because a windstorm destroyed the original construction camp in 1942. Population 35, give or take. It exists to fuel up trucks driving to Alaska and to offer a place to sleep on the very long stretch between Haines Junction and Beaver Creek. The Talbot Arm Motel and a gas station is essentially it.

That said, the setting is genuinely spectacular — Kluane Lake is turquoise, huge, and hemmed in by the Ruby Range. Sunset over the lake from the highway pullout is one of the best free views in Yukon. If you’re driving through, stop for photos and gas. If you’re staying overnight, it's a functional bed with a view; adjust expectations for dining (there's one restaurant and it closes at 8pm) and accept the wind, which is constant.

Where to stay

Talbot Arm Motel is the main option — clean, functional, $130-170. A couple of small B&Bs and cabin rentals along the highway open seasonally. Everything is within 500 metres of the highway. Book ahead in July-August when the RV crowd fills the place. In winter most services close entirely; if you’re driving the Alaska Highway October-April, phone ahead or plan to push through to Burwash Landing or Beaver Creek.

Getting there

Drive from Whitehorse: 260 km on the Alaska Highway, about 3 hours. From Haines Junction it's 108 km further, 1.25 hours. Husky Bus and occasional shuttle services connect in summer but service is thin. No local transit; there's nothing local to reach. Fuel at Destruction Bay (expensive) or wait 15 minutes and fuel at Burwash Landing (still expensive but sometimes cheaper). Cell service is minimal — download maps ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stop at Destruction Bay?

If you’re driving Alaska Highway through, yes — fuel up and take the lake photo. Whether you stay overnight depends on your schedule. Whitehorse to Beaver Creek in one day is doable but long (5+ hours); breaking it at Destruction Bay or Burwash makes it civilized.

Is there anywhere to eat in Destruction Bay?

The Talbot Arm restaurant, and that's it. Standard highway food, closes by 8pm. In winter it may be closed altogether. Carry snacks, water, and don’t count on a hot meal outside standard hours. Groceries have to come from Haines Junction or Whitehorse.