A Shortcut through the Yukon

Long-distance moving is rarely predictable. Routes change, weather shifts, and timelines tighten. But every once in a while, a move turns into something more. For Montell Beals of Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving, one recent long-haul trip became exactly that, a journey to the edge of the map.

Based in Calgary, Montell is a long-haul driver specializing in moves across Western Canada. His role is not just about getting from one place to another. It is about safely transporting customers’ belongings over long distances, often across provincial borders, while managing tight schedules, changing conditions, and the responsibility that comes with carrying someone’s entire home on the road. Preparation, safety, and consistency define his approach. Every load is carefully packed, protected, and balanced for highway travel, and every route is planned with attention to both efficiency and risk.

This trip, however, pushed all of that experience further than expected.

Montell wasn’t alone on the journey. He was joined by coworker and close friend Eric Latendresse, who rode alongside him through every leg of the trip. Having a trusted teammate in the cab made a difference, especially on long stretches of unfamiliar highway and in challenging northern conditions. Together, they shared driving responsibilities, navigated changing routes, and handled the physical demands of each move as a team. That kind of partnership is a big part of what makes long-distance moving with Two Small Men with Big Hearts work so well—experienced crews who know how to support each other and get the job done, no matter how far the road goes.

"I couldn't ever imagine doing a trip like this solo, and I luckily got to do this trip with Eric, who is one of my best friends as well as a coworker," says Montell. "Having a brother I have so much love for with me to conquer this monster trip, someone I can count on for any challenge and who keeps me sane and levelheaded and who gave me the chance to enjoy the experience that much more!"

The plan was straightforward: a nine-day run beginning in Calgary, moving through Kelowna, then Vancouver, and up to Dease Lake in northern British Columbia. From there, the crew would head to Grande Prairie, Alberta, wrapping up a demanding but familiar route. “The Yukon wasn’t even in the cards,” Montell says.

But long-haul moving has a way of rewriting plans. After completing their northern BC stop, the team faced a decision: backtrack south through Prince George or push further north and cut across through the Yukon before dropping back down into Alberta. At first, the Yukon option felt unlikely. Then it was ruled out entirely. Then, as timing tightened and pressure built, it came back.

“We were stressed we weren’t going to make it,” Montell recalls. “So I suggested we take the Yukon route.” It was the fastest option. It made logistical sense. And just like that, the plan changed.

By the time they reached Dease Lake, the decision was locked in. The crew would head north to Watson Lake, just across the Yukon border. The drive itself was short, about 30 minutes across the border before looping back into British Columbia, but the significance was not lost on the team. Montell and his coworker Eric became the first crew in company history to travel to the Yukon on a job.

“It was crazy,” he says. “There was never a plan for me to drive that far north.”

They arrived late, around 10 p.m., surrounded by towering snowbanks five to six feet high. The temperature hovered near minus 20. The roads were frozen, the air still, and the landscape felt completely different from anywhere else they had been. “It felt like ice road truckers,” Montell says.

That kind of environment is exactly where preparation and discipline matter most. Long-distance driving is governed by strict limits on hours behind the wheel, and staying sharp through long stretches of highway requires focus. Montell approaches each trip with that mindset, knowing when to push forward and when to slow down, always prioritizing safety over speed.

That night, after checking into a small hotel, they wandered next door and ran into a cast member from Highway Through Hell, a show known for capturing the realities of dangerous northern driving. “We actually talked for a bit,” Montell says. “He gave me some advice.” Out there, surrounded by long stretches of highway and deep cold, the line between mover and long-haul trucker felt thinner than ever.

From Watson Lake, the journey continued toward Grande Prairie, a 13-hour drive that demanded constant attention. Conditions shifted without warning. Ice turned to wet pavement, then back to ice again. Snowbanks lined the highways, and much of the driving happened at night on unfamiliar roads. “It was the most stressful, but most beautiful and fun trip I’ve ever done,” Montell says.

The landscape itself became part of the experience. A brown fox crossed the road, followed by another. A pack of caribou stood still in the distance, forcing the crew to slow and wait. Later, dozens of bison stretched along the highway. “We probably saw like 70 bison,” he says. “It was unreal.” It was a reminder that this was not just another route, it was a part of Canada few people ever experience firsthand.

Even with all that, the work never changed. Across the nine days, the crew completed four residential moves, each requiring care, coordination, and physical effort. One in particular stood out: a large wardrobe that had to be maneuvered upstairs. “It was a challenge,” Montell says. “But we got it done.” No matter how remote the location or how difficult the conditions, the priority stayed the same. Protect the customer’s belongings. Deliver on the promise.

That consistency is what defines Montell’s work. Long hours, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar roads are part of the job, but so is trust. Customers rely on that steady approach, knowing their belongings are in capable hands from start to finish.

By the time the crew reached Grande Prairie, they had driven the length of British Columbia, crossed into the Yukon, and pushed through some of the toughest conditions they had ever faced, and they still had one final load to complete.

Behind the scenes, the success of the trip relied heavily on the support and coordination happening off the road. A major part of that came from branch manager Lyndsy Richard, who worked closely with the crew to keep everything running smoothly. From booking hotels each night to constantly checking road conditions and adjusting plans in real time, her planning and on-the-fly problem solving were essential. With parts of the journey taking the team through areas with little to no cell service, the pressure was high, but Lyndsy’s dedication ensured the crew always had what they needed. It was a true team effort, and her support played a huge role in making the trip possible.

Trips like this change your perspective. “It exceeded my expectations,” Montell says. “I definitely want to do more of these.” For him, long-distance moving is not just about covering ground. It is about endurance, awareness, and doing the job right no matter where the road leads.

For Montell Beals, Eric Latendresse, and the team at Two Small Men with Big Hearts, this was more than a move. It was a reflection of what long-haul moving really demands, and what it can become when preparation, trust, and experience carry you further than expected.

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