The YukonPelly Crossing is a Selkirk First Nation community of about 350 people on the Klondike Highway where it crosses the Pelly River, halfway between Carmacks and Stewart Crossing. It’s small, quiet, and functional — a gas station, a store, a school, a health centre. Historically the site is significant: Fort Selkirk, 60 km downstream at the confluence of the Pelly and Yukon Rivers, was a major Hudson’s Bay trading post and is now a heritage site accessible by riverboat or (for the ambitious) canoe.
For highway travellers Pelly Crossing is a stretch stop and fuel top-up. For anyone interested in Northern Tutchone culture and the Selkirk First Nation, the Big Jonathan House interpretive centre on the highway is a genuine highlight — small, well-curated, and often staffed by knowledgeable community members. Not a place to plan a long stay, but a worthwhile stop rather than just a fuel bar.
Where to stay in Pelly Crossing
There’s essentially no formal hotel in Pelly Crossing. A small motel-style operation and the occasional cabin rental serve highway traffic, $110-150. Most travellers pass through and sleep in Carmacks (100 km south) or Stewart Crossing (110 km north). If you want to visit Fort Selkirk, arrange a river shuttle in advance through Whitehorse-based outfitters and plan multiple days.
Things to do in Pelly Crossing
Big Jonathan House cultural centre
On the Klondike Highway in Pelly Crossing, signed. Selkirk First Nation heritage building with displays on Northern Tutchone language, seasonal harvesting, and the Fort Selkirk story. Free or by donation. Hours seasonal — best chance of being open in July-August.
Fort Selkirk riverboat expedition
Fort Selkirk is 60 km downstream at the Pelly-Yukon confluence. Access is by boat only — arrange a shuttle through Yukon-based outfitters, or paddle if experienced. Multiple restored HBC-era and First Nation buildings on site. A full day at minimum, ideally overnight.
Pelly River fishing
Access from the highway bridge or the boat launch below. Arctic grayling, northern pike, and (with more effort) chinook salmon in summer. Yukon fishing licence required. Cast from the bank or float in a canoe. Bear country — bear spray essential.
Getting around & the essentials
On foot — Riverbank and village loop (2 km)
From the Klondike Highway, walk down through the village to the Pelly River, follow the riverbank a short distance in either direction (no formal trail — just gravel bar), and return via the community road. Flat, easy, quiet. Mosquitoes savage in July. About 30-40 minutes.
By road
Drive from Whitehorse: 278 km north on the Klondike Highway, about 3.5 hours. From Dawson 250 km south. Klondike Experience stops on request in summer. No local transit. Fuel at the Pelly Crossing station — the next fuel north is Stewart Crossing 110 km further, south is Carmacks 100 km back. In winter phone ahead to confirm fuel availability, though this station is generally reliable year-round.
Pelly Crossing — Questions, answered
Is Pelly Crossing worth stopping at?
Ten minutes for fuel and a stretch: yes, always. Longer if the Big Jonathan House is open — an hour there is well spent. As an overnight destination, only if you’re launching a Fort Selkirk river trip. Otherwise sleep in Carmacks or push on.
How do I get to Fort Selkirk?
By boat — no road access. Whitehorse-based outfitters (Kanoe People, Ruby Range Adventure) run guided trips and shuttles. Independent paddlers can put in at Pelly Crossing and take out at Minto or Carmacks after visiting Fort Selkirk. Plan for 2-4 days on the water minimum.
Nearby areas
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