Getting To Alaska
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The Alaska Highway, Mile 0 Dawson Creek, BC
There are only a few options when it comes to how to get to your contract in Alaska, and each one has it’s pros and cons: Fly, Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry), Drive The ALCAN
Fly: Unless your contract includes a car, you are renting one, or planning to ship your car ($2,000 -$3,000 from Seattle each way depending on rates, car size etc.) we wouldn’t recommend flying. Alaska has so much to see that is not accessible via tours/excursions and railroad schedules may not always align with work schedules for weekend trips.
Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham, WA: This is a viable option, but availability varies depending on time of year. Note it is also pricey (when we looked into it for 2 of us a dog and a jeep compass ~ $4000 + each way). If you are traveling with a dog, be aware, dogs must stay in the vehicle during the duration of the trip and you are allowed to let them out every couple of hours for 15 minutes. Check out the Alaska Marine Highway website for more information.
The ALCAN highway: The roadway connecting Alaska and Canada, is how a majority of travelers that do not have access to a car in Alaska get there and how we did too! Starting in Dawson Creek, BC and ending in Delta Junction, AK this 1,387 mile journey is one to remember, and the focus of this post. For the most up to date travel information check out the “Driving The Alcan” Facebook group.
Starting Your Canadian Adventure:
No matter where you are coming from in the lower 48, gas is more expensive in Canada, thus crossing in Montana or Washington is probably best. We crossed in North Dakota, and while we don’t regret it, the drive through Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta was quite boring, and there wasn’t anywhere great to spend a day or two UNTIL you get to Banff, AB.
View from the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Banff, Jasper and The Icefields Parkway:
Although a little bit out of the way, Banff is a must stop. Spend at least two nights if you can, no matter the season. It’s a great ski and hiking town and although expensive, the views and experiences were incredible. While you are there ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to take in all of the beauty from above. If you’ll be there in high season (late Spring through Early Fall) there are new restrictions in place for private vehicle access to some of the best places the Icefields parkway has to offer so make sure to book a shuttle service so you don’t miss out on these wonderful places! Although we were a little late in April, we would recommend The Columbia Icefield tour if you happen to be passing through in the winter. On your way North, you can spend a night in Jasper, AB at the North end of the Icefields parkway or continue on to Grand Prairie, AB or Prince George, BC. (We Went through Grand Prairie simply because we had Marriott nights to fulfill but found it to be a great last stop before embarking on more of a backcountry adventure.) **Alberta has winter tire and chain requirements to be able to drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter. Check our parks.canada.ca for more information.
Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway
The ALCAN:
Service is spotty, hotels may be a few hundred miles apart and road conditions can change in an instant. If you are traveling June through September, the need for preparation is less, since the road is heavily traveled and risk of getting stuck out in the cold or ending up in a ditch are much less. (However if you travel in busy season, be sure to book hotels in advance) Many people who live along the ALCAN say that the toughest times to drive are the “in between” seasons. Having done this twice, I would agree. During the day you may have sunshine and clear bare road and then with only 50-100 miles to go as the sun sets, you can be in a blizzard with no visibility unsure if you should continue on or turnaround. It’s the drive of a lifetime, with frequent wildlife sightings, serene and untouched nature and views you can only dream of. If you are properly prepared, no matter the season it’s a drive you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Our Recommended Stops and Potential Overnights:
Fort Nelson, BC: The Lakeview Inn was very accommodating. While the town doesn’t have too much to offer, it’s a good safe stop with a few hotels, and lots of rooms.
Watson Lake, YT: There are a few decent dog friendly hotels here, and the famous sign forest. Again, not a long stop but a safe place to rest. In the community center check out Laurie’s Bistro for some home cooked food and desserts! In the winter, this a great place for northern lights viewing!
Liard Hot Springs: Don’t bypass this one. A small parking lot on the north side of the highway, it’s easy to miss. You’ll pay 5 CAD, park and walk along about a 1/2 mile boardwalk that ends in a beautiful, natural hot spring (and changing rooms!). Keep your bathing suit and towel accessible, as you don’t want to miss the serenity of this magical place. (beware it may smell after!)
Whitehorse, YT: The largest city in the Yukon Territory! A great place to spend an evening with some good restaurants, coffee shops, hiking etc. (We ate at the Java Connection and Woodcutter’s Brewery on our stops!) Honestly, I wish we spent more time here, but we were trying to beat a storm on our way South.
Beaver Creek, YT or Tok, AK: Depending on the season/ weather, your driving tolerance and where you are headed, one of these stops may be necessary. Either one has a few places to stay, but don’t expect too much. When heading North, we found it nice to stay in Beaver Creek, as you wake up and are right on the border to cross back into the U.S.
Northern lights outside of Whitehorse, YT
Our recommended packing list:
A Satellite Communication Device: We used Saved by SPOT since it was a little bit cheaper then a Garmin device. If you intend to access the backcountry or hike alone in Alaska, it’s a good idea to have anyway. A satellite device like this will allow loved ones to track your movement, and allow you to send messages, including an SOS to authorities, in the absence of cell service.
Full Size Spare Tire: (And tire repair kit) We got a flat and you might too. Before our journey, we learned that some cars don’t even come with donuts anymore (did anyone else know this?!?!) I frantically went to a few local junkyards and luckily found a full size spare off of a totaled Jeep. Having a full sized spare allowed us to travel at regular speeds, stay (kind of) ahead of a storm and was much safer while traveling on icy roads.
SNACKS: A family member of ours gave us a huge bag of snacks before we left, and honestly we initially thought it was silly, but boy did those random snacks come in handy. If you get into some of the above towns late or intend to leave very early, this may suffice for dinner or breakfast. Don’t forget to always keep a few liters of water too!
Warm Clothes: Keep warm clothes or extra blankets accessbile. If you break down late at night and no one passes or stops to help, these may keep you alive! (This is especially important for travel in the offseason and if you are traveling alone)
Optional But Useful: Camera, Binoculars, a good book or offline entertainment (passenger). Extra keyfob battery (okay this one is silly, but ours actually died while we were on the ALCAN)
The most scenic flat tire ever
Deciding if the ALCAN the right choice for you:
Have you done long drives before? If traveling alone, how many hours have you driven in a day? Make sure to add at least an hour or so to expected travel time based on GPS estimations. With two drivers and so-so conditions we took 9 days from Massachusetts -> Anchorage and 6 days from Anchorage -> Dallas
Do you enjoy drives? Or is investing in shipping your car and flying a better option?
If you are going anytime from October - May, confidence in winter driving conditions is a must. Additionally Alberta and BC have tire and chain requirements, so be sure to check those out. We drove up in April and back in October and encountered snow and storms that altered our travel both ways. Some say it’s easier to drive in January and February because much of the road is just packed ice! Neither of us probably would have driven alone at those times of year.
Not sure if you can tackle the ALCAN, or have more questions about trip planning? Drop us a line at passportraveltherapy@gmail.com
**PRO TIP** Thinking about selling your car soon? Pack light and drive your car up to Alaska. Sell it before you leave and buy a new one after flying back to the lower 48. You’ll likely get at least 10-20% more for your used vehicle than you would in the lower 48. If we go back, this is probably what we’ll do!
