I will add my nod to the earlier post about True North bikes in Kitchener. Hugh built a 26" tourer this past spring. It is has been a great bike so far and would love to tackle the Dempster more that its rider. I know this is an ever lasting debate but I think 26" wheels will have an edge for strength and durability. Schwalbe Marathon XR tires look to me to be the tire of choice for the ugly roads. One thing to keep in mind about a custom frame is the cost. Everyone is tossing around the $1400 figure but that is just the frame. Once you build it up you are looking at about $3000-3500CDN. Not the Cheapest thing in the world but for me it was worth it. Like someone else said: you dont buy a custom because you have to, you buy because you want to. You are likely too late anyway for a custom frame for a tour early this coming summer.