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The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Alaska Highway in 2024

Last updated on May 13th, 2024

Driving the Alaska Highway is the ultimate North America road trip! In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know before driving the Alaska Highway, based on our experience! In 2022 our big goal was to drive from Austin, Texas to Alaska, which for us, was an over 5,000 mile journey, as we drove through the southwest, up the west coast, and through all of British Columbia and a good chunk of the Yukon Territory. And hands down the biggest highlight of our entire journey to Alaska was driving the Alaska Highway. This scenic drive takes you through remote areas of Canada, through smaller towns and cities, and by unique attractions, with plenty of epic mountains and wildlife sightings along the way. 

Watch our entire drive along the Alaska Highway, including the British Columbia portion , as well as through the Yukon Territory !

We thought that driving the Alaska Highway would be a once in a lifetime experience for us, but we loved it so much that we plan to do it many more times in our lifetime! While the long trek may scare many away from driving to Alaska, it is truly one of the best things we have ever done and we cannot recommend it enough to those who have the ability to take the time for it. The drive, while long at times, went by so quickly because the scenery was always incredible. Everyday we found ourselves being a bit sad that the drive was over. And in this guide our goal is to share all of our tips, favorite stops, and important things to know before tackling driving the Alaska Highway. WARNING: This is a very long guide, but our goal was to make it as comprehensive as possible, so that if you only used this guide, you’d have a successful trip. We have a table of contents feature below if you’d like to skip ahead to any section. Want an ad-free, downloadable version of this guide that you can save to any device or print? Check out our Alaska Highway eBook !

Looking for more things to do in Canada and Alaska? Check out our guides and vlogs!

• The ULTIMATE 10 day Alaska road trip (3 itinerary options!)
• How to spend 7 days in Alaska (4 itinerary options!)
• RVing Alaska: Our top tips & things to know!
• The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List
• The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska
• 12+ FUN things to do in Valdez, Alaska
• The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Kenai Fjords National Park
• Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43)
• The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean
• 17 FUN things to do in Dawson City, Yukon
• How to have an EPIC 10 Day Vancouver Island Road Trip!
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip: The Best Stops from Vancouver to Whistler (+Itineraries!)
• Watch our Canada vlogs and Alaska vlogs !
• All of our Alaska guides

About the Alaska Highway

How to get to the alaska highway, when to drive the alaska highway, important things to know before driving the alaska highway.

• What to bring to drive Alaska Highway

Our Exact Alaska Highway Itinerary

A complete breakdown of the alaska highway, dawson creek, bc (mile marker 0), dawson creek to fort nelson, bc (mile marker 0 to 283), fort nelson, bc (mile marker 283), fort nelson to stone mountain provincial park, bc (mile marker 284-371.5), stone mountain provincial park, bc (mile marker 371.5 to 380.7), stone mountain provincial park to muncho lake, bc (mile marker 380.7 to 409.2), muncho lake, bc (mile marker 437.3), muncho lake to liard river hot springs provincial park, bc (mile marker 444.9 to 477.7), liard hot springs, bc (mile marker 477.7), liard hot springs, bc to watson lake, yukon territory (mile marker 477.7 to 612.9), watson lake, yukon territory (mile marker 612.9), watson lake to teslin, yt (mile marker 612.9 to 776.5), teslin to whitehorse, yt (detour on the klondike highway), whitehorse, yukon (mile marker 887.4), whitehorse to haines junction and kluane national park, yukon (mile marker 887.4 to 985), kluane national park and reserve, yukon (mile marker 985), kluane national park to the alaska border (mile marker 985 to 1186.3), the alaska border (mile marker 1186.3), alaska border to tok, ak (mile marker 1186.3 to 1279.2), tok to delta junction (mile marker 1279.2 to 1387).

The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, runs 2,232 km (1,387 miles) from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, through the Yukon, and ends in Delta Junction in Alaska, before connecting with the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks. While a popular drive for tourists looking to experience Canada and Alaska, the road was actually created to protect the United States. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was increasing concern about how the US could defend Alaska, which finalized the decision to create a land route between the lower 48 and Alaska.  An agreement between the US and Canada was soon made where the US would fund the cost of the road construction and maintain it through the duration of WWII, plus an additional 6 months, and then Canada would take over its portions of the road. The construction began in March 1942 with the scouting of the route and mobilizing thousands of pieces of equipment and by June, over 10,000 American soldiers had poured into Canada. The life of a soldier working to build the road was a grueling gig. They would work 7 days a week, with sometimes 16 hour days, and battle below zero temperatures in the winter and mosquitoes and black flies in the summer, all while being fueled by subpar food and harsh living conditions.  Along with the help of 16,000 Canadian and American civilians, they completed the Alaska Highway just 8 months after construction started. While the road technically opened in November 1942, it wasn’t open to the public until 1948 and over time it has gone through many improvements to make it what it is today!

While driving the Alaska Highway is a road trip in itself, you will also have to road trip to get to the start of the highway. The Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek in British Columbia, which is on the eastern side of the province, about midway between the United States border and Yukon territory border. And to get there, you can either drive through British Columbia or through Alberta.

Through British Columbia

To get to the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek from Vancouver you have three options!  For those starting near Vancouver, the most westerly option is to drive Highway 97 up British Columbia. And to get to Highway 97 from Vancouver you can either drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), which is what we did, or the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to where it dead ends just north of Cache Creek. Both routes will take about 4-4.5 hours to get to Highway 97. And from there it’s a little over 9 hours along Highway 97 to Dawson Creek.  If you’re starting more east or want to experience two provinces along the way, another route you can take is up Highway 5 up through Kamloops and then cross into Alberta, going near Jasper National Park, before taking a mix of highways to cross back into British Columbia and getting to Dawson Creek. Vancouver, BC to Dawson Creek, BC via the Trans-Canada Highway: 13 hours (1,185 km | 736 miles) Vancouver, BC to Dawson Creek, BC via the Sea to Sky Highway: 13 hours, 30 minutes (1,155 km | 718 miles) Vancouver, BC to Kamloops and up through Alberta: 14 hours (1,319 km | 820 miles) We personally recommend the Sea to Sky Highway route, as it is incredibly scenic and offers a ton to do on its own! To see some of our favorite stops along the drive, read our guide to the Sea to Sky Highway and watch us drive the Sea to Sky Highway . And for ideas of things to do once you get on Highway 97, check out this video !

Stewart- Cassiar Highway

Another way to get to Alaska is via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, which starts along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), near Kitwanga, BC, and goes north to just west of Watson Lake, YT. This highway is a spectacular drive filled with tons of amazing scenery and things to do along the way, including glaciers (like Salmon Glacier pictured above!) and seeing grizzly bears! However, our recommendation is to take the Alaska Highway on your way up to Alaska and then take the Stewart-Cassiar Highway on your way back down to the lower 48. In our opinion, doing it this way will give you the classic or nostalgic experience of driving the Alaska Highway, especially if it’s your first visit to Alaska.

Check out our guide to driving the amazing Stewart-Cassiar Highway ( coming soon )!

From Alberta

If starting in Alberta, specifically near Calgary, the most scenic route will be to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Banff National Park, then drive the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to Jasper National Park, before taking a mix of highways to cross back into British Columbia and getting to Dawson Creek. We have visited Banff National Park before and driven the Icefields Parkway and it is one of the most epic drives in North America, plus offers tons of hiking and sightseeing along the way! To see some of our suggestions, check out our guide to exploring Banff National Park , which includes a 3 day itinerary! Calgary, AB to Dawson Creek, BC: 10 hours 30 minutes (945 km | 587 miles)

While the Alaska Highway can technically be driven year round, the highway is mostly traveled by tourists between May and September, when it’s snow free! Additionally, many businesses and attractions in this part of the world operate seasonally, so if you’re traveling outside of the months between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, you might encounter some closed businesses. We drove the Alaska Highway the first week and a half of June and it was perfect! While one hike we wanted to do was still snowy (it didn’t stop us though…more on that later!) and some of the lakes still had some ice on them, the roads were 100% clear of any snow or ice and the crowds were pretty low. There were times that we didn’t see another vehicle for several hours and we had no issues finding campsites. Another huge perk of driving the Alaska Highway in the summertime is how long the days are. With ample daylight, you can knock out a lot of miles and have enough time for stops along the way, without driving in the dark. 

How much time do you need to drive the Alaska Highway?

We spent 7 full days driving the Alaska Highway and it was a good amount of time to be able to experience the road’s major highlights, plus do some hikes that took a decent chunk of the day.  At almost a 23 hour drive without stops, you could hypothetically do the drive in 2 long days, but unless you’re driving the Alaska Highway purely out of necessity, the whole point of the drive, in our opinion, is to enjoy its beauty! We would suggest a minimum of 7 days to drive the highway, but closer to 10 would allow more time for hikes, shorter driving days, and rest days. We will be listing our exact itinerary later on in this guide, plus what we’d do differently next time!

Cell Service + Internet

Cell service and internet were hands down the hardest part of this drive for us, as we work full time on our business from the road. Cell service was spotty to non-existent during much of the drive, especially in the British Columbia portions, and we found the WiFi in towns to be too slow to upload YouTube videos (but likely fine for those who do not need to do that). Later on in this guide we will break down each section of the drive and note when we did and did not have cell service, plus information about WiFi when applicable, but below is some information on our setup and experience with connectivity on the Alaska Highway.

Our internet set up

As of 2022 when we did the Alaska Highway, we relied solely on data plans through cell phone providers to have internet on the road. We have Verizon Wireless for our phones and were able to connect to Canadian providers for free with our plan, utilizing the same text and talk allowances (unlimited) we have back in the United States. But for data, Verizon Wireless only gave us 0.5 GB of high speed data per day, per device (we have two cell phones, plus a Verizon hotspot device), which ran out quickly, as we rely on data for work. After the 0.5 GB was used, we could pay for an additional 0.5 GB ($5) or use the throttled speeds, which basically did not work. However, as of writing this guide in January 2023, Verizon has now increased this daily data allowance to 2 GB for Canada and Mexico. We also have an AT&T hotspot device, but unfortunately it was not eligible for any international data, so we couldn’t use it at all. In the past when we had AT&T phones, we were able to use our phones normally in Canada, unlimited data and all.

Have Starlink? You’re in luck! As of 2023, Starlink now has coverage all the way up British Columbia and in Alaska. During our visit in 2022, Starlink only covered about halfway up British Columbia and had no coverage in Alaska, so it was not worth the investment for us. Due to the lack of cell service and strong enough WiFi for us to work, we had to go faster than we would’ve liked through Canada. But now that Starlink is an option, we could definitely see ourselves taking this drive much more slowly, since we could work in places that were not possible before!

Although the Alaska Highway is a remote drive, we found there to be adequate services along the way, although they are spread out and it is important to prepare for them. As we break down each section of the drive further down in this guide, we will share what services are available, including fuel, water fill up and dump stations, grocery stores, and laundry. But here are some general rules and tips!

A general rule of thumb for fuel on the Alaska Highway is to never let your tank get below half full. There will be plenty of opportunities to refuel, but if you keep pressing on to look for better prices (you likely won’t find that) or thinking you’ll be fine to make it to the next stop, you may run the risk of running out of fuel. To get an idea what fuel prices are in an area and to find fuel stations, we use the GasBuddy app . This app may not be accurate in remote areas, as it’s more user generated, but we have found that it helps with finding stations and saving money in most places around North America. Also, keep in mind, fuel in Canada is more expensive, is sold by the liter versus the gallon, and you’ll be paying in Canadian dollars. This will likely be your biggest expense of your trip!  Something you may want to consider is bringing extra fuel. As we mentioned, there are plenty of places to refuel, but in case your vehicle has a small fuel tank, you lose track of your fuel level, or the gas station you were banking on is unexpectedly closed, it might be a good idea to carry extra fuel. We brought 2 two gallon Rotopax fuel canisters for our adventures, but never had to use them. Although, we do have a 24 gallon diesel tank and get about 20 MPG, so we can go for long distances without needing fuel.

Grocery stores 

There are a handful of towns along the way that have grocery stores, but they range in quality. As you may expect, the more remote you are, the less selection you may have and the higher the prices may be. We found the grocery stores in Dawson Creek and Whitehorse to be pretty solid, but in smaller towns like Tok (Alaska), the selection was not as great.

Depending on how long you spend on the Alaska Highway, you may have to do laundry along the way. Make sure to have cash on you, both Canadian and American, as the laundromats we went to did not take cards.

You will likely see lots of wildlife along the highway, so make sure to stay alert and slow down if you notice any near the road. During our time on the Alaska Highway we saw 17 black bears, 1 grizzly bear, 3 moose, too many bison to count, 3 caribou, 4 porcupines, 5 stone sheep, 1 elk, and quite possibly the coolest of them all…1 WOLF! We saw a wolf walking in the road (after it had tried to approach a cyclist…SCARY!) and after knowing the cyclist was okay, it was a pretty majestic moment.

One thing you may hear a lot about when heading north to Alaska are mosquitoes. However, we didn’t find them to be too bad overall. In fact, the mosquitoes were much worse for us in the Yukon Territory than they were in Alaska. This could’ve been the result of a variety of factors, like weather and the exact timeframe we visited. We also did take some precautions that may have helped, which we will share below. We do hear that the more northern area of Alaska, like Fairbanks, has a lot of mosquitoes and we personally did experience a lot more on our way out of Alaska in Tok. But our drive on the Alaska Highway, minus near Kluane National Park in the Yukon, was relatively bug free. 

Road conditions

The Alaska Highway is a two lane, paved road (minus construction) and from our experience in 2022, was in pretty good condition!  Some sections were perfectly paved, while others were a bit bumpy with potholes, frost heaves (explained below!), and construction. Most of these rough spots will be marked with an orange flag or cone, but not all, so stay alert! Another thing to remember when driving in Canada is that the speed limit and distances will be in kilometers per hour instead of miles, BUT the mile markers for the Alaska Highway are listed in miles.

Construction

Because of the harsh environments, there is always at least one section of the highway under construction and these sections can be as small as a few feet or as long as many miles. Summer is when all the construction happens and we quickly learned there are two seasons in the north country…winter and construction season! Oftentimes in these stretches that are under construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane and this can lead to long wait times, so make sure to plan for a bit of extra time than Google Maps may tell you.  You’ll want to keep these two websites, 511 Yukon and DriveBC , bookmarked so that you can check the construction and road conditions frequently. These websites provide updates on current projects, info on future projects, and some cameras.

Frost Heaves

In Canada and Alaska the extreme winter weather causes frost heaves in the road, which are like speed bumps in the middle of the highway. As you can imagine, hitting a speed bump at 60 mph will not be good for your vehicle. Frost heaves are a big reason for lots of construction. Again, stay alert and watch for these. We personally did not find the frost heaves to be bad, but we had upgraded our suspension on our van and drove slowly, but we know some RVs find them very unenjoyable.

What type of vehicle do you need for the Alaska Highway?

Any vehicle, minus electric vehicles, will work fine on the Alaska Highway! Since the road is paved (minus construction) and there is no off roading required, it is suitable for both small cars and also large RVs. We know of people who have done the Alaska Highway with huge Class A RVs, plus tow vehicles. We personally think this is the ultimate RV/van life road trip! By having a home on wheels, you can be super flexible in where you drive everyday and will be able to have more comfort along the way! However, you could also do this drive in a passenger vehicle and just stay in a tent or at different lodges/hotels along the way.

Crossing the border

Depending on where you’re starting your Alaska Highway journey, you will cross at least one border, so you will need your passport and to know these important things below!

COVID rules

As of January 2023, you no longer have to be vaccinated to enter Canada and the ArriveCan app is no longer required.

What not to bring

To be honest, it’s very confusing what you can and cannot bring. You can find the rules for the US here and the rules for Canada here . But our rule is to try to always cross with an empty fridge. Besides firearms, meat and produce are the items they will ask about the most. We tried to have an empty fridge when we crossed into Canada and also into Alaska, so we had no issues.  But when we crossed back into the US months later, we misjudged how much we could eat beforehand and had some produce and eggs in our fridge. We declared them and our fridge had to be searched and they took a variety of items. So to play it safe, we’d suggest bringing no produce, meat, or eggs with you. If you do have those items, make sure to declare them. You cannot get penalized for having items if you declare them (they’ll just get taken), but if you do not tell them and you get caught later, you can get fined. Also, you are NOT allowed to bring pepper spray into Canada. It is considered a weapon. You can, however, bring bear spray. We have this bear spray and made sure to declare it when crossing.

Crossing with pets

If you’re bringing a pet, you will need to declare them at the border. You’ll also need to make sure you have a copy of their rabies vaccination and that you only bring dog food in its original packaging, which has to be less than 20 kg (44 lbs).

NEW as of August 1, 2024: There are new CDC requirements to bring dogs (NOT cats) back into the US from Canada. In addition to a NEW rabies vaccination form (provided by vets), you will also need a CDC dog import form, proof of an ISO-compatible microchip, and good health. Dogs must also be over 6 months old. To see what exactly applies to your dog, check out DogBot , which will walk you through the process based on your situation.

For US Citizens, we highly recommend getting NEXUS , which makes crossing the border a breeze! However, you will only be able to use this crossing into Canada, as the Alaska border does not have a NEXUS line.

Where to sleep

Since this is a road trip, your lodging will likely change every night. It seems that most travelers on the Alaska Highway are RVers or van lifers, so you will stay in your home on wheels, but the location of your home will vary. There are lodges, campgrounds (for tent campers), and hotels along the way if you’re driving a car and cannot just pull over on the side of the road like we can. If you plan on staying in many hotels and motels on your journey, be sure to make reservations ahead of time so that you can ensure you have a room. We will list recommended places to stay for each section of the drive, including free camping options, developed campgrounds, and lodges and hotels.

Curious how we find free campsites? Check out our detailed guide to free camping to learn which tools we use, rules to follow, and other tips! 

What to bring to drive the Alaska Highway

​​Tire repair kit and a spare

You’ll be driving thousands of miles and getting a flat tire or having engine trouble, especially in areas without any services or cell service, is a concern.  Make sure you pack a tire repair kit , have at least one spare tire for your trip, bring an emergency tool kit , and carry any fluids you might need to keep your vehicle running smoothly (like DEF for the diesel folks out there!).

Enough food and water

There are some places to eat and get groceries along the way, but with a long road trip like the Alaska Highway, you never know what may happen. For example, in 2022, just weeks after we got into Alaska, a washed out bridge caused part of the Alaska Highway to close, which stranded many travelers, caused three day long detours, and also limited semi trucks from delivering food to the more remote communities along the way. With that said, it’s a good idea to carry more food (and water!) than you think you need, especially non perishable items, just in case you break down, you decide to spend more time in one area, or a bridge gets washed out. 

The Milepost 

The Milepost is known as “the bible of North Country travel” and is a large, annual travel guide to all of the routes to and in Alaska, with mile by mile descriptions and information about lodging, where to eat, things to see and do, and tons more.  Anytime you mention driving to Alaska, you will be told to buy The Milepost. Some people had told us they had it open as they drove and followed along mile by mile, but we never opened it once while driving.  In our opinion, while The Milepost is useful, it is also very overwhelming and includes much more information than we felt we needed, which caused us to spend a lot of time sifting through it for the information we wanted. We’d still buy it again and suggest you do the same, but we personally used it more as a research tool before driving the Alaska Highway, not during. However, we are very much planned travelers, so spontaneous travelers may feel differently.  We spent many hours before driving the Alaska Highway researching things to do, checking the hours of the businesses, and making a day by day itinerary, including where to stop for fuel. And The Milepost did help us figure out stops to make and where to get fuel, but we also found many more stops by watching YouTube videos and reading blogs (like ours!). 😃

Download offline maps & documents

Since you may not have cell service for multiple days of the drive, we highly suggest downloading offline maps (both Google Maps and AllTrails maps), plus any documents you may need before you hit the road. We kept our itinerary on a Google Sheet, so we made sure to have that downloaded, plus the routes for any hikes we wanted to do.

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Garmin inReach 

We always carry our Garmin inReach Mini when we hike or backpack and it has come in handy several times on our adventures, mostly to text family (not for SOS reasons thankfully)! But it was also a useful tool for this drive! We used it daily to keep our family updated on our drive, when we didn’t have cell service.

Hiking Gear

If you’re doing any hiking, make sure to bring the appropriate hiking gear with you (see what all we take here !). We also always recommend having the 10 essentials on you, which can come in handy both for hiking or for your road trip!

You’re likely to see lots of wildlife along the highway and having binoculars is a must! Adam got these Bushnell H20 Roof Prism binoculars for his birthday in 2021 and we love them!

Bear spray 

There is plenty of wildlife to see when driving the Alaska Highway, especially bears. While we mostly just saw black bears, which are less aggressive than grizzly bears, we know of others who encountered more grizzlies. Regardless of the bear type, we always carry bear spray in bear country, just to be safe. As we mentioned earlier, you can purchase bear spray in the US and bring it with you over the border or you can find it at many stores along the highway.

Bug repellant 

Although we didn’t experience much of a problem with bugs and mosquitos compared to what we expected, there is a reason they joke that the state bird of Alaska is the mosquito. For our trip we bought a Thermacell and brought bug spray with DEET .

Swimsuit 

You might not think to bring your swimsuit to Alaska, but along the way you’ll want your swimsuit to dip in Liard Hot Springs, one of our absolute favorite spots along the Alaska Highway!

Podcasts and music to listen to

No road trip is complete without some groovy tunes and fun podcasts! We recommend a podcast called Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet , which is a podcast where they read negative reviews in a dramatic fashion. Make sure to download any podcasts or music for offline use!

You will definitely want to bring a camera with you on this adventure! The best camera is the one you have at the moment, but if you’re curious what cameras and gear we use, check out our gear list .

Since you’ll be crossing international borders, you’ll need your passport! 

Many of the campgrounds and some businesses along the way only take cash, so make sure to have some Canadian currency on you! We will be noting the cost for many places on this guide and these prices will be in the currency of the place we are talking about.

Below is our exact Alaska Highway itinerary, with the hours of driving for each day noted, which we hope is a good starting point to hopefully help you figure out how to organize your days driving the Alaska Highway. Day 1: We arrived in Dawson Creek after spending days driving up from Vancouver. Day 2: We spent the morning in Dawson Creek and drove just past Fort Nelson to the KM 536 Rest Area. (5 hours, 40 minutes) Day 3: We drove from the KM 536 Rest Area to Muncho Lake, with a stop on the way at Stone Mountain Provincial Park. (2 hours) Day 4: We dove from Muncho Lake to Teslin, Yukon, stopping at Liard River Hot Springs, the Sign Post Forest, and some other sights along the way. (6 hours, 40 minutes) Day 5: We drove from Teslin, down to Carcross, and up to Whitehorse. (2 hours) Day 6: We spent half of the day in Whitehorse and then headed to Kluane National Park. (2 hours) Day 7: We spent the day exploring Kluane National Park, plus had an unplanned detour to Long Ago People’s Place. (3 hours, with 2 hours being the detour) Day 8: We made it to Alaska, ending our drive in Tok! (4.5 hours) As you can see, only a couple days required driving over 5 hours, so overall, this was a very doable itinerary and allowed us to experience a lot of what the highway had to offer. However, when (not if!) we do the Alaska Highway again, we do hope to spend longer than 7-8 days.

Our favorite stops on the Alaska Highway

We will be diving deeper into the Alaska Highway below, but here’s a quick look at our top highlights along the drive!

British Columbia

• Tetsa River Lodge Cinnamon Rolls
• Stone Mountain Provincial Park
• Muncho Lake
• Liard River Hot Springs

Yukon Territory

• Watson Lake Sign Post Forest
• Carcross Desert (slight detour)
• Emerald Lake (slight detour)
• Whitehorse 

Long Ago Peoples Place

• Kluane National Park

What would we do differently?

In the future, we’d like to extend our time in the region between Stone Mountain Provincial Park and Liard Hot Springs, so that we could go on more hikes in Stone Mountain Provincial Park, as well as Muncho Lake, plus spend more time at Kluane National Park, which was a HUGE highlight for us. We also enjoyed Whitehorse, but were able to spend more time there on the way back from Alaska, which regardless of which route you take, will be on your itinerary, so you can always save some things to do there for the way back.

For the next and final part of this guide, we will break down the Alaska Highway by each section, with details on what to expect, amenities and services, things to do, and places to stay.  We have also created this custom Google Map above, which you can download to access on your phone, which will include the majority of the stops we are listing below. 

To download this map, you will want to click the rectangle in the top right corner of the map, which will open it on your Google Maps app. However, this will not automatically populate the map on your phone anytime you have Google Maps open, so to access it again in the future, click “saved” on the bottom part of the app, then “maps”, and you should be able to see it as a saved map.

Note: This information below is all based on our visit in 2022 and we cannot guarantee that things will be the same for future years. 

You have made it to Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway! Dawson Creek is the jumping off point for your grand adventure and is the best opportunity to load up on groceries, water, use a dump station, and make any last minute adjustments to your rig or get any maintenance completed.  It’s here in Dawson Creek where thousands of troops stepped off the train in 1942 to begin working on the Alaska Highway. Dawson Creek was an important town for supplies and construction of the highway and makes for an exciting first stop on the journey!

Things to do

If you have a little extra time to spend in Dawson Creek before hitting the road, here are some things to do in town. 

Photograph this exciting occasion!

The #1 thing you MUST do in Dawson Creek is take a photo with the “World Famous Alaska Highway” sign ! After over a year of dreaming about this trip, getting to stand at this sign and snap a photo was surreal! There is also a Historical Milepost 0 marker just a quick walk away that you can snap a photo at. 

Visit the Visitor Centre

We highly recommend popping into the visitor centers in the major towns along the Highway if you’re interested in getting more information, plus up to date information on the weather and road conditions ahead of you. The Visitor Centre in Dawson Creek had helpful information, plus Alaska Highway souvenirs.  Also in the Visitor Centre is the NAR Station Museum, which is accessible by donation ($5/person). This was a great place to visit to learn more about the history of Dawson Creek! 

Walter Wright Pioneer Village

The Walter Wright Pioneer Village is a replica pioneer village with a general store, church, and school house that shares the history of the pioneers who settled in the Dawson Creek area. Admission is by donation!

Places to eat

During our time in Dawson Creek we grabbed breakfast and coffee at beans&barley , which is a super cool spot! Not only do they have delicious food and coffee, but they also have an indoor golf range! What a combo! The inside is large with a rustic, yet modern design and they served the coffees in beautiful mugs on a wooden platter, which were little touches that just added to the overall vibe and presentation. As for the food and drinks, we got an Americano and butterscotch latte, a breakfast burrito which was top notch, and the Cobb Bowl, with delicious homemade dressing.  They do offer WiFi, but if we remember correctly, it was through Telus or another Canadian provider and we had a hard time accessing it. 

More places to eat in Dawson Creek:

• Browns Socialhouse
• Le’s Family Restaurant
• The Chopped Leaf
• Spicy Fusion
• Stuie’s Diner

Cell Service: Cell service is great in Dawson Creek!  Fuel: There are many fuel options here in town to choose from. Water fill up and dump station: Dawson Creek has a FREE town dump station on the east side of town. There are 4 dump stations and potable water. We used this spot to fill up water and it was pretty busy, so expect a small wait. There is also a free dump station at the Mile 0 Campground. WiFi: Free WiFi is available at the Visitor Centre and there is also a library in town! Grocery Stores: Safeway (we went here and it was nice!), Dave’s NOFRILLS , Save-On-Foods   Laundry: GCM Wet Cleaner and Laundromat . If you stay at the Mile 0 Campground, there is laundry there as well.

Where to stay

Campgrounds.

Mile 0 Campground We stayed at the Mile 0 Campground and it was perfect for one night right before we hit the road! This is a large campground with RV sites with full hookups, ranging from 15 to 50 amp, as well as a dry camping area. We camped in the camping area which is basically a big grassy lot where you can park or set up your tent wherever you’d like.  There is coin laundry (it was $2.50 for wash and $0.25 to dry for 12 minutes when we stayed), free hot showers, and WiFi that really only works in the main building where the laundry and showers are.  The campground is open May 1 to October 1 and we did request a spot in advance, but there appeared to be spots available, as it seems like mostly a one night stop for people. Northern Lights RV Park Another option in town is Northern Lights RV Park. They have RV sites with full hookups (30 and 50 amp), cabins, and tent sites. They offer laundry, WiFi, and showers. 

The Holiday Inn Express is the best option hotel-wise in the area! If you don’t want to stay the night in Dawson Creek, you can also drive an hour north to Fort St. John. We will list some hotels there in the next section! A Staybridge Suites will also be open soon and would be a great option if you want a kitchen!

The first big leg of the drive, at least for us, when leaving Dawson Creek is the stretch to Fort Nelson. Along the way you’ll pass Fort St. John, another decent sized town about an hour north of Dawson Creek, and then from there to Fort Nelson you’ll experience just uninterrupted nature. Before driving the Alaska Highway we had read that this stretch was pretty boring. And while it may not be as scenic as later parts of the drive, it was a lot more beautiful than we thought it would be!  We booked it through this section so we could knock out miles and spend more time in the areas with more things to do, but we did enjoy this stretch from the van window! It had tons of trees and some mountain views along the way.

As for driving conditions, this stretch of the Alaska Highway was very straightforward. The road is mostly straight with not many curves and one thing we loved is that the trees are set back from the road a bit, which made it feel safer with the risk of wildlife running out. We found the Peace River District part of the drive (the majority of this section) to be very smooth, but once we entered into the Northern Rocky District, the road was a bit rougher and had more construction. 

As mentioned, there isn’t much to do along this stretch of drive. One cool thing to check out though is Kiskatinaw Provincial Park , which is a few miles off the highway. This little detour will take you on a portion of the old original Alaska Highway and the 531 foot Kiskatinaw Bridge, which is the only original timber bridge built along the Alaska Highway still in use today.  Make sure to check its status in advance though. It was closed during our visit due to landslide risk.

Cell Service: We had cell service basically this entire drive! Fuel: There are a couple places to get fuel between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. Fort St. John has multiple options, plus you can find fuel at Race Trac Gas and Buckinghorse River Lodge in Pink Mountain, BC and at the Sikanni River Campground & RV Park (gas only). Water fill up and dump station: There is a dump station with potable water in Taylor if you forgot to fill up and empty in Dawson Creek. Sikanni River Campground & RV Park

If you want to knock out an easy hour of the drive from Dawson Creek, you can stay in Fort St. John along this stretch. There are a handful of hotels here including:

• Home2 Suites
• Best Western Plus
• Microtel Inn & Suites

Duhu Lake Recreation Site This recreation site at mile marker 154.5 has 7 dry campsites next to Duhu Lake. Like most recreation sites in Canada, there is no fee and no reservations required! Sikanni River Campground & RV Park Located at mile marker 159.4 is the Sikanni River Campground & RV Park. They offer RV sites with hookups, cabins, as well as dry campsites. Amenities include coin operated showers, laundromat, WiFi, and a convenience store.  Buckinghorse River Lodge The Buckinghorse River Lodge is located at mile 175, about halfway between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, and has a restaurant, fuel station, motel, and campground. Andy Bailey Regional Park   This dry campground is just a few miles south of Fort Nelson. It costs $17 CAD (cash only) per night for a site and is just a short drive off the highway and would be great if you need a quick one night stay. 

Boondocking

On this stretch of the drive there are lots of places you can pull off for a night. Many of them are highway pull outs or rest areas. One of the best options is Loon Lake , which even has an outhouse! We suggest looking at iOverlander for other options as well.

Fort Nelson is the next major town along the Alaska Highway. It began as a fur trading post for the North West Fur Trading Co. and remained a “pioneer community” until the 1950s, when it finally gained electricity, running water, and other modern day conveniences. This will be the largest town before making it to Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory and you’ll find most of the services and necessities you’ll need here, along with an interesting historical stop.

Fort Nelson Heritage Museum This museum has tons of small and large artifacts and equipment that detail the history of the Fort Nelson town and area. You’ll be able to view the vintage car collection, many of which are from the World War II era when the highway was being built, as well as loads of items from the different industries, including forestry, fire fighting, mining, trapping and hunting, and so much more. This is a great stop for families to learn about Fort Nelson and stretch your legs!

We didn’t eat in Fort Nelson, but Northern Spice Pizza & Donair looks yummy! There are also many popular food chains like Subway, Boston Pizza, Domino’s, A&W, and Tim Horton’s.

Cell Service: There is good cell service in Fort Nelson. Make sure to take advantage of it, as it’ll soon be gone! Fuel: Fort Nelson has a handful of fuel options to choose from. Water fill up and dump station: There is a free dump station next to the Visitor Center WiFi: There is free WiFi at the Visitor Centre (open daily 8 AM to 7 PM in the summer). Grocery Stores: IGA Fort Nelson , Save-On-Foods , Down to Earth Health Stop Laundry: Kacee’s Koin Kleeners & Sukhi’s Coin-Op Laundromat

Triple “G” Hideaway This campground has sites with full hookups (most are 30 amp), plus coin operated laundry and shower facilities. And most importantly…ice cream!

Woodlands Inn & Suites Lakeview Inns & Suites

From here you’ll traverse through the Rocky Mountains, yes those Rocky Mountains! This stretch of the drive is home to the Northern Rocky Mountains, which is considered by some to be the northern terminus of the longest mountain range in North America. Others argue that they actually go up into Alaska, but regardless, this stretch of the Rockies is very beautiful and is one of the best parts of the drive!  The road conditions were pretty good along this stretch of the highway with some steep inclines to navigate, winding roads, and of course the possibility of construction projects! Even though there was still lots of snow in the mountains, there was no snow or ice on the roads.

Get cinnamon buns 

Cinnamon buns are a very popular food item on the Alaska Highway. We aren’t 100% sure why and we tried researching it, but couldn’t find a solid answer. We are not mad about it though! Some of the most highly touted cinnamon buns are said to be from the Tetsa River Lodge (Milepost 375), who claims to be the “cinnamon bun centre of the galactic cluster.” We couldn’t pass up a claim like that, so we decided for our one cinnamon bun on the drive, we’d enjoy theirs. And we are so glad we did. They were super tasty and HUGE!  We also read that these are made in small batches throughout the day so that the buns are fresh as people arrive! During our visit, they opened at 7 AM, so it’s a good spot to grab an early bite to eat and some coffee before a long day of driving. While we only tried Tetsa River Lodge’s cinnamon buns, we made friends along the drive who tried multiple and they voted that Tetsa River Lodge had the best…so don’t miss these! But if you want some other options, here are a couple other popular spots: Johnson’s Crossing Lodge (Milepost 836 | 930 km) Double G Service (Muncho Lake)

Cell Service: As soon as we left mile marker 335.7 (KM 536 Rest Area) we lost cell service until Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory. For us, this was 2 days of driving without any cell service or connectivity.  At Tetsa River Lodge you can find a cafe, campground, fuel, fresh water and a dump station, and WiFi. Fuel: If you forgot to fill up in Fort Nelson, the Tetsa River Lodge has fuel. Water fill up and dump station: The Tetsa River Lodge has water and a dump station, but we are not 100% sure if it is open to the public. WiFi: The Tetsa River Lodge also has WiFi in their lodge! Grocery Stores: There are no grocery stores along this stretch. Laundry: Tetsa River Lodge

We stayed at the KM 536 Rest Area our first night on the Alaska Highway and it was a good spot! It helped us get a bit past Fort Nelson and closer to the next day’s activities. It’s just a pull off on the side of the highway, but is very wide and has a safe distance from the road. And despite there being some trucks, it was a quiet night’s sleep. The rest area is also known as Steamboat Mountain Summit and has restrooms, garbage bins, and a viewpoint to check out, if it isn’t fogged over like it was when we stayed!  Just after this rest area you will likely lose all cell service until Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. If you need to download any last minute maps or information, this is your last chance.  Another boondocking option nearby is the Muskwa River Recreation Area , about 40 minutes west of Fort Nelson.

Tetsa River Lodge Not only do they have super popular and delicious cinnamon buns, but they also have a campground, cabins, cafe, and fuel. There are 30 RV sites with full hookups, including 15 amp power, for $30 per night and tent sites for $20. There are showers and a washroom for guests as well.  Tetsa River Regional Park Campground The Tetsa River Regional Park is a small campground on the Tetsa River just a short drive off the highway. There are 25 dry campsites that cost $20 per night, with taxes and firewood included!

One of our favorite stops and portions of the drive on the Alaska Highway was Stone Mountain Provincial Park. This park is more than 25,000 hectares of mountain wilderness, rivers, and lakes, where you can camp, hike, fish, canoe or kayak, and more! And if you’re lucky, you may spot a caribou (or two or three!) while here.

Flower Springs Lake Trail

During our time in the park we hiked the dog friendly (on-leash) Flower Springs Lake Trail , which is about 10.3 km (6.4 miles) with 318 km (1,043 feet) of elevation gain.  The trail begins from the Summit Lake Campground right on the highway and for the first part, you’ll hike along an unpaved access road and after about 1.4 miles you’ll reach the official trailhead (don’t forget to register!). From here it gets better and better! 

Once getting to the official trailhead, the hike gets better and better! You go from being mostly surrounded by trees on the unpaved road to having sweeping views the entire rest of the hike! You will cross some creeks, go over some bridges, be surrounded by mountains, and if you’re lucky, see some wildlife. We saw a caribou on the trail, plus stone sheep off in the distance, climbing on rocks. 

However, one very important thing to be aware of is snow. When we hiked in early June there was still a lot of snow and ice along the trail. We knew that safety wise we were fine (no avalanche threats), so we hiked anyways, but there were moments where we postholed to our knees. While some may not enjoy that, we had a blast and it only made the hike more memorable. Another hurdle on our hike was the weather. The day we hiked it was foggy and we weren’t very optimistic that we’d see the magnificent views this area has. We decided to hike it anyway and lucky for us as we got closer to the lake, the clouds began to part and we were treated to epic snowy mountain scenery!

Normally Flower Springs Lake has gorgeous, turquoise water, but it was iced over during our visit. However, we could tell that the color was vibrant underneath the ice. The ground was also a bit brown due to the recent snowmelt (later in the summer would be more green). But even so, it was still such a stunning hike. And the best part? We had it all to ourselves!  This hike was proof that you shouldn’t let cloudy and foggy weather stop you, because the weather in the mountains can change quickly (for better or worse!) and you may still luck out with some views!

Other trails to hike

We would love to have more time here in the future, so we can hike more trails. Some trails we’d like to check out next time are: Baba Canyon Trail   Distance (round trip): 6.3 km | 3.9 miles Elevation gain: 330 m | 1,085 feet This hike takes you through a canyon, to a gorgeous, bright blue swimming hole, surrounded by mountains! Summit Peak Trail Distance (round trip): 7 km | 4.3 miles Elevation gain: 744 m | 2,440 feet This hike offers some great views of the Northern Rockies! 

Kayak or canoe on Summit Lake

Next time we’d love to bring out our kayak and paddle on Summit Lake. When we were there it was still frozen over, so we had fun skimming rocks across the icy surface instead! 

Cell Service: There is no cell service in or near the park. Fuel: None. Water fill up and dump station: Water pumps are available in the Summit Lake Campground, but there are no dump stations. WiFi: None. Grocery Stores: None. Laundry: None.

Summit Lake Campground The park is home to the Summit Lake Campground, which has 28 first come, first served sites at $20 per night (cash only). It is open early May to mid September and during our visit, the campground was pretty empty.

The BEST stretch of the Alaska Highway, in our opinion, is the drive from Stone Mountain Provincial Park to Muncho Lake. The scenery was STUNNING, with gorgeous mountains, waterfalls off the side of the road, rivers, and more. It’s everything we hoped for when driving the Alaska Highway!

Cell Service: There is no cell service. Fuel: At the Toad River Lodge you can find most services including fuel and propane, plus tire repair, laundromat, post office, and more! Water fill up and dump station: None. WiFi: The Toad River Lodge has WiFi for guests, as well as for a small fee per device for others. Grocery Stores: None, but there is a restaurant at the Toad River Lodge ! Laundry: Toad River Lodge

Toad River Lodge   The Toad River Lodge has an RV campground with full hookups, plus a lodge and cabins. Poplars Motel and Campground The Poplars Motel and Campground is another option nearby, with an RV park with full hookups, plus cabins.

Quite possibly the most popular and gorgeous stop on the Alaska Highway is Muncho Lake! This massive, gorgeous turquoise colored lake gets its name from the Kaska language, where “muncho” means “big lake.” And that is an accurate description! It is 7.5 miles long and a mile wide and is reported to be 730 feet deep at its deepest point! When you leave Muncho Lake be sure to stop at the overlook on the north end of the lake. It’s an incredible view with some information boards about the lake and Kaska people.

At Muncho Lake Provincial Park you can camp, fish, kayak, and hike. The park encompasses more than just the lake and provides habitats for tons of wildlife including caribou, moose, stone sheep, mountain goat, bear, and tons of other animals. 

Go kayaking!

One of the best ways to experience the lake is on the water. There are multiple places to launch a kayak, including right from your campsite at the Muncho Lake Provincial Park campgrounds, which we HIGHLY recommend staying at, or at Northern Rockies Lodge, which has rentals too!

Stone’s Sheep Trail

The Stone’s Sheep Trail is a 6.1 km (3.8 mile) round trip hike with just under 305 km (1,000 feet) of gain up the wash of a mountain stream. This looks like a fun hike with interesting rock formations along the way, a river, and you’ll find a waterfall if you keep going a couple hundred meters past the end of the AllTrails trail. It is very rocky, so make sure you can handle a rocky trail and bring some poles!

Mineral Lick Trail

Just north of Muncho Lake is the Mineral Lick Trail , which is a short trail (1.1 km/0.7 miles) with views of the amazing rocks, mountains, and the Trout River. With all the minerals in the surrounding rocks you’ll have a good chance of seeing goats, caribou, elk, and sheep on the trail!

Cell Service: There is no cell service in the park. Fuel: At the Northern Rockies Lodge you can find most services including fuel and just before you get to Muncho Lake you’ll find Double G Service which has fuel as well, plus postal service.  Water fill up and dump station: There is a dump station at the Northern Rockies Lodge , if you choose to stay there, plus the RV sites do have water. WiFi: The Northern Rockies Lodge has WiFi, but we hear it is VERY slow. Double G Service   also has WiFi, but we wouldn’t count on it either 😊. Grocery Stores: Double G Service has a convenience store, cafe, and giant cinnamon buns, and there is a restaurant at the Northern Rockies Lodge . Laundry: Northern Rockies Lodge

There are two campgrounds in Muncho Lake Provincial Park to choose from. Both campgrounds have water (not for filling up RVs, just to fill up bottles or pots/pans), toilets, and trash cans. And from what we saw, almost all campsites are right on Muncho Lake. If you’re in an RV, van, or tent, staying here is a MUST! These are both first come, first served campgrounds and during our visit in early June, we had no issue getting a spot in the afternoon. We are pretty confident it wasn’t 100% full, but if you go later in the summer it likely will get busier.  You will pay the fee for the campground in cash to one of the park rangers, who will come by at night to pick up the fee and also sell firewood. We weren’t sure if they sold firewood and wanted a fire earlier than they arrived, so we bought some from the lodge down the road for $14 CAD.  Strawberry Flats Campground This campground is on the south end of the lake and has 15 first come, first served dry campsites for $20/night. We did not stay here, but heard great things! It is very similar to the MacDonald Campground, so you could stop here first, see if you like a site, and if not, continue on! MacDonald Campground The MacDonald Campground is located toward the north end of Muncho Lake and has 15 first come, first served dry campsites. This is the campground we stayed at (site #9) and it’s one of the best campsites we’ve ever had! Most of the campsites are set right on the water’s edge and it’s just an incredible scene. 

Hotel/Lodge

Northern Rockies Lodge The Northern Rockies Lodge has an RV campground, motel, hotel, and lakeshore chalets , which all range in price and are a great option if you are traveling by vehicle and need somewhere more comfortable to stay than a tent. Double G Service Double G Service has a motel that you can stay at as well!

This stretch of the Alaska Highway leads to one of our favorite stops along the drive and while it doesn’t offer a ton to do, it does offer something pretty unique…bison! This stretch of the highway is a common spot to see a small herd of Wood Bison. In the early 1900s, all the Wood Bison in Northern British Columbia were killed off, but in 1995 the Canadian government reintroduced a herd of 49 Wood Bison at Nordquist Lake, east of the Alaska Highway.

You now have a VERY high chance of seeing these from the road (you will 100% see evidence of them on the road…if you know what we mean! 💩) As neat as it is to see these giant bison, be careful as you drive through the area, as they spend a lot of time near the highway and have caused many vehicle collisions. And NEVER EVER get out of your car and approach a bison. They can and will hurt you if they feel threatened.

There are no services between Muncho Lake and Liard River Hot Springs.

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a MUST when driving the Alaska Highway! It’s the perfect stop to rest and relax after a long journey so far and to get ready for the many miles ahead! These hot springs are the second largest in Canada and the public portion is called the Alpha Pool, which ranges in temperatures from 42ºC to 52ºC (107ºF to 125ºF). When looking at the pool, starting to the right is the hottest temperature and then it progressively cools down as you go to the left. We thought the optimal temperature was just a shade toward the hot end from the middle. This is where lots of people tend to congregate so we weren’t the only ones! 

Some logistics for visiting the hot springs

• The park opens at 7 AM and we HIGHLY recommend going early!
• There is a $5/person fee to visit during the peak season.
• Getting to the hot springs requires a short walk on a boardwalk.
• Make sure to bring bear spray! Bears DO hang out around here and there have been incidents in the past, so please carry bear spray and do not go to any areas that are prohibited. There are electric fences to keep you safe and there will be a ranger at the hot spring to monitor the pool and for bears. We didn’t see any bears!
• There are changing rooms and toilets by the hot springs, which are designed in very nice, wooden modern looking buildings.

The hot spring is a fun and relaxing experience on its own, but what made it even better was chatting with others in the pool, learning where they are from, and swapping travel stories. This was the first time on our entire Journey to Alaska that we got to chat with others who were also driving to Alaska and it was a blast to finally be with people who were on the same journey as us. We even met a couple at the hot springs that we ended up becoming friends with and saw several times during our time in Alaska, both coincidentally and on purpose! After soaking in the hot spring, make sure to make the super quick walk to the hanging garden to see some waterfalls!

Cell Service: There is no cell service. Fuel: The Liard Hot Springs Lodge has fuel. Water fill up and dump station: The Liard Hot Springs Lodge has a dump station and water, although recent reviews on Google had many people complaining that the campground was on a boil water notice and it wasn’t safe to drink in 2022.  WiFi: The Liard Hot Springs Lodge has WiFi, but it is remote and we hear it sometimes does not work. Grocery Stores: The Liard Hot Springs Lodge has a convenience store with some grocery items for sale.  Laundry: Liard Hot Springs Lodge

The Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is the best campground option in the area. It has 53 sites, which cost $27 and includes the hot springs fee, but there are no hookups or dump stations. You can reserve most of them in advance, with some being first come, first served. However, it typically fills up everyday in the summer, so plan ahead! Can’t get a site? You are not out of luck! They have an overflow parking area for RVs, which costs the same amount, but has no amenities. This isn’t ideal, but it is an option! We did not personally stay here, as we wanted to stay at Muncho Lake instead (about 50 minutes south), but if you have the time, we’d suggest a night at Muncho Lake, plus a night here, as you will be able to access the hot springs multiple times by camping here!

Liard Hot Springs Lodge At the Liard Hot Springs Lodge they have sites for RVs and tents, cabins, and a motel.  In the campground there are showers, toilets, and a dump station. There is also a restaurant on site with a convenience store. 

This is the final stretch of drive in British Columbia! You will actually hop in and out of BC and the Yukon a couple times, before reaching the official Yukon crossing right by Watson Lake. At this point, you may be eager to get to Watson Lake and the Yukon Territory, but if you have a little bit of time, there are a couple cool stops to make along the way.

Smith River Falls

Smith River Falls is a huge 35 m high (115 feet) and 10 m wide (33 feet) waterfall accessed by a 2.6 km (1.6 mile) one lane gravel road, which is not suitable for RVs. Once you get to the small parking area you’ll walk down some stairs to get to the river level.  There used to be a boardwalk here to give you a better view of the falls, but there was a wildfire in 2009 that caused the boardwalk to be removed. Without the boardwalk, the only way to get to the falls is to skirt along the river, which did NOT feel safe to us. So unless the boardwalk is rebuilt, we’d suggest skipping the trail and just viewing the falls from the parking area, which is still impressive!

Whirlpool Canyon/Whitewater Canyon

Whitewater Canyon is a quick stop off the highway that leads to a scenic area overlooking a swirling area of the Liard River. You’ll see tons of logs and debris floating and swirling in the river. It’s one of the best displays of just how powerful water can be! A local we met at the Liard River Hot Springs suggested we stop at this spot and told us that years back river boats would attempt to travel through this area and depending on which slot between the rocks they’d go through, they would have a difficult time and some would capsize and be destroyed, losing all their cargo and many lives!

Cell Service: We had no cell service in this area until close to Watson Lake, YT. Fuel: There are a couple options, including Coal River Services (gas and diesel) and Contact Creek Lodge (gas and diesel, they claim to have the best prices in the surrounding area). Contact Creek Lodge also has vehicle services, like tire services, towing, etc. Water fill up and dump station: Both the Coal River Services and Contact Creek Lodge have water and dump. WiFi: Coal River Services and Contact Creek Lodge also have WiFi. Grocery Stores: Coal River Services has a convenience store if you need any small items. Laundry: Coal River Services

Coal River Services At Mile marker 513.9 is Coal River Services, formerly Coal River Lodge & RV. The lodge has been here in a couple different iterations since 1949 and is under new management who is looking to improve and upgrade the experience for travelers. They offer full hookup RV sites, tent camping, motel rooms, washrooms and laundry facilities.  The Coal River Cafe offers what they claim is the “best bison burger on the highway,” desserts, and breakfast all day.  Contact Creek Lodge Located just across the Yukon border is the Contact Creek Lodge. They do not have a campground, but you can stay in their lodge and if you need a place just to park for the night we read that they do allow you to overnight in their parking lot. They also have a coffee shop, fuel, and a convenience store. 

Welcome to the Yukon Territory! Growing up, we never thought we would make it to the Yukon, so seeing the huge sign welcoming us to the territory was such an exciting moment for us on this journey! After crossing into the Yukon, you’ll be in Watson Lake, which has all the necessities you might need until Whitehorse, plus a very unique attraction!

Sign Post Forest

One of the most unique stops, not only on the Alaska Highway, but in all of our travels is the Sign Post Forest.  The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake was created during the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. A U.S. soldier named Carl Lindley spent time in Watson Lake recovering from an injury and was tasked with repairing directional signposts. When completing the job, he added a sign that showed the direction and mileage to his hometown of Danville, Illinois.  Eventually others followed suit and there are now over 91,000 signs here from all over the world, ranging from city and street signs, to homemade signs, to so much more!

You are able to add your own sign and the town adds more posts as they fill up, so we decided to make our own sign to add to the collection! We struggled to find something to make the sign out of, so we got a Beware of Dog sign and flipped it over, put a big sticker of our logo, and drew our van, Kona, and some scenery. If you visit the Sign Post Forest, try to go find it (you can get some hints as to where it is in this video ). The Watson Lake Visitor Centre has hammers to borrow, nails, and paint and the Watson Lake Home Building Centre in town can sell you wood for a sign if you need one!

Check out the Visitor Centre

The staff in the visitor centre is very friendly and can help you with any questions you may have about the highway or area. Inside there are helpful brochures and maps, as well as displays about the Yukon and Alaska Highway and its construction.

Northern Lights Center

The Northern Lights Centre is the only planetarium in North America that focuses on the northern lights! It has a 100 seat domed theater that shows a 1 hour film called Yukon’s Northern Lights . The film is offered every day in the summer, with several showings throughout the day. You can also see exhibits on the science and folklore of the aurora borealis and about the Canadian Space Program.

Watson Lake Recreation Centre

Watson Lake has a recreation centre that is open to the general public. There is a fitness room, swimming pool, bowling alley and more! 

We did not personally eat in Watson Lake, but Laurie’s Bistro & Coffeehouse , which is located in the recreation center, looks to be like the best option.

Cell Service: We had cell service in Watson lake, but it goes away very soon after leaving. Don’t worry, you will get it back! We actually found the Yukon to have much better cell service than most of the BC part of the Alaska Highway.  Fuel: There are quite a few options including AFD Cardlock , Petro Canada Cardlock , Petro-Canada , and TEMPO Tags Watson Lake (we refueled here). Water fill up and dump station: You can fill up and empty your tanks at Downtown RV Park and Wye Lake Park (free). WiFi: Watson Lake Visitor Centre and Watson Lake Community Library both offer WiFi. Grocery Stores: Watson Lake Foods Ltd is the only grocery store in town. Laundry: There is no laundry to our knowledge. Vehicle Services: If you need any help with your rig after the long drive up BC , Eramie Trucking can help you out!

Hotel/Motel

A Nicer Motel Air Force Lodge Cozy Nest Bed & Breakfast

For a free camping option there is a spot along the Liard River that has cell service!

Downtown RV Park The Downtown RV Park is a gravel lot with RV sites with full hookups, bathrooms, showers, WiFi, and an RV wash! Watson Lake Campground This campground is just north of the town of Watson Lake and has 40 campsites ($20/night) with 8 of them being pull through. One bonus item to know about in the Yukon is that most of the government campgrounds come with free firewood! This is a huge perk in our opinion, even though we didn’t use it much. Keep in mind the wood is usually in a covered bin, but it could be wet and we noticed the wood was usually not broken down for you, so you’ll need an ax to split it. We unfortunately only had a small, dull hatchet so we couldn’t take advantage of this perk very often.

Right after leaving Watson Lake you’ll be back in remote areas, with tons of nature surrounding you. The drive starts out in the trees, but opens up to epic mountain views. It was a bit rainy and foggy for us, but even so, we were able to see so many stunning views! This part of the highway is interesting for a couple reasons. Similar to on the way to Watson Lake, you’ll pop back into BC for a bit, before getting back into the Yukon, for good this time. Also, between Rancheria and Swift River, at mile marker 699.4 you will be on the Continental Divide.  When we did this stretch, we had to book it a bit because we had already had a long day and were trying to get to a stopping point by dinnertime, but there are some things to do along the way! 

Rancheria Falls Recreation Site

There is a short trail leading to an overlook of Rancheria Falls . This is a good leg stretcher to take a break from the road! This is a day use only recreation site, so no camping is allowed.

Stop at the Continental Divide

At mile marker 699.4, you’ll be on the Continental Divide ! From here, water that flows west eventually drains into the Yukon River and then finally into the Bering Sea and water that flows east eventually drains into the Mackenzie River then flowing north and draining into the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean. There is a pullout here with information signs, outhouses, garbage, and a great view!

George Johnston Museum (Teslin)

The George Johnston Museum shines light on a man named George Johnston who was a Tlinget and was known for his trapping and photography. He shipped a vehicle to Teslin on a paddlewheeler, 13 years before the Alaska Highway was built, and would hunt in this car on frozen Teslin Lake in the winter. With his camera he captured images of inland Tlinget people near the towns of Atlin and Teslin. The museum has a small entry fee ($6/adult) and here you can see George’s car, a 1928 Chevrolet, lots of trapping equipment, learn about Tlinget culture, and see other family artifacts. 

Teslin Tlinget Heritage Center (Teslin)

Located on Teslin Lake, the Teslin Tlinget Heritage Center shares Tlinget culture through exhibits, traditional demonstrations, food, and knowledgeable staff. They also sometimes offer homemade bannock with berry jam. We tried this at Long Ago Peoples Place (more on that soon!) and it is a nice little treat!

Cell Service: We had pretty decent cell service in this stretch. At the Teslin Lake rest area we had 3 bars of cell service. Fuel: There are a handful of options including the Continental Divide Lodge , Yukon Motel & Lakeshore RV Park , and Nisutlin Trading Post . Water fill up and dump station: The Continental Divide Lodge offers water and dump for guests. WiFi: The Teslin Public Library offers free WiFi. Grocery Stores: The Nisutlin Trading Post has a small amount of groceries.  Laundry: The Yukon Motel & Lakeshore RV Park has laundry!

Teslin Rest Stop We stayed one night at this rest area right before you get to the village of Teslin. It has a really great view of the small village and the Nisutlin Bay Bridge. It’s just a gravel lot, but there is an outhouse and we had cell service, so it was a win for us! Morley River Recreation Site There are 4 sites at this free recreation site, which is located in the BC portion of this drive.

Big Creek Government Campground There are 15 sites ($20/night) with some on the river’s edge and since this is a government campground, you can expect free firewood as well. Teslin Lake Government Campground This campground has 27 sites (6 pull through) and a kitchen shelter. The cost is $12 per night and firewood is included! Continental Divide Lodge The Continental Divide Lodge offers a campground, with hookups.

Yukon Motel & Lakeshore RV Park Nisutlin Trading Post

On this part of the drive you have two options. You can keep going on the Alaska Highway or detour onto Tagish Road to the Klondike Highway, which is what we did and would recommend! To take this detour you’ll turn left (south) near Jake’s Corner onto Tagish Road (Yukon 8) then once you get to Tagish you’ll turn right (north) onto the Klondike Highway (Yukon 2) which will take you back to the Alaska Highway, with some fun stops along the way.

This detour is about 107 km (66.5 miles), whereas going the Alaska Highway from the Tagish Road turnoff to where the Klondike Highway meets back up with the Alaska Highway is only 62 km (38.5 miles). So it’s not much more driving and it really adds to the experience, in our opinion! Note: During our visit in early June 2022, a lot of the road to Carcross was gravel, but doable in any vehicle.

Visit the world’s smallest desert

Here is something you may not expect to see in the Yukon…a desert! The Carcross Desert is known as the smallest in the world at 1.6 km². However, we read that technically it isn’t a desert because the area receives too much precipitation and that it is really just a collection of dunes. Even so, it’s still impressive as it’s one of the few dune systems in northwestern North America! It formed after the last ice age, when ice melted and glaciers retreated, leaving deep valleys. Massive lakes formed around the glaciers then shrank, leaving beaches in between the mountains. Wind picked up sand from those beaches and carried them to this area, which formed the dunes. In fact, sand from the nearby Bennett Lake still helps form these dunes! There is a parking area with restrooms where you can park and get out to explore the dunes. The surrounding forested mountains add to a pretty unique and interesting landscape! We had a blast here climbing to the top of the tallest dune and seeing incredible views of the surrounding area and Bennett Lake.

Admire the views of Emerald Lake

Just ten minutes north of the Carcross Desert is Emerald Lake . This is a gorgeous lake with striking blue and green colors. There is a huge pull off (with some informative signage) that makes for the perfect spot to admire the lake, as well as have a picnic lunch in your van or RV!

Drive to Skagway!

For an even better detour, you can continue about 1.5 hours south of the Carcross Desert to Skagway, Alaska, which looks like a beautiful town. We didn’t do that this time, but it’s on the list for the future!

The Bistro (Carcross) Caribou Crossing Coffee (Carcross) Wolf’s Den Restaurant (just southeast of Whitehorse)

Cell Service: We had pretty good service from Teslin Lake to Carcross! Fuel: A few options include Johnson’s Crossing Lodge , Jake’s Corner , and Montana Services . Water fill up and dump station: Caribou RV Park has water and Johnson’s Crossing Lodge has a dump station. WiFi: There is WiFi for guests of the Caribou RV Park , but we hear it’s weak. Convenience Store: You can get some items at Johnson’s Crossing Lodge and Jake’s Corner , but if you can hold out for Whitehorse you’ll have many more options! Laundry: Both the Johnson’s Crossing Lodge and Caribou RV Park have laundry for guests.

Johnson’s Crossing Lodge Just after you cross the Teslin River you’ll find Johnson’s Crossing Lodge, which is said to be one of the original lodges on the Alaska Highway. They offer motel rooms, an RV park and campground, and a cafe. We’ve read this is one of the better places to get a really good cinnamon roll. Squanga Lake Government Campground This is another Yukon government campground with 16 sites and offers free firewood for $20 per night on the shore of Squanga Lake.  Marsh Lake Campground This is another Yukon government campground with 66 sites and offers free firewood for $20 per night. It is popular on the weekends and fills up quickly.  Six Mile River Resort   The self proclaimed “Yukon’s Finest Campground” is the Six Mile River Resort. They offer cabins, a campground, and a restaurant known as the River’s Edge Dining Room. The restaurant does not operate daily so if you’re hoping for a meal here, call ahead or check their Facebook page to find out when they will offer meals. Caribou RV Park This highly rated RV park and campground also offers cabins to stay in. There is a restaurant, walking trails, sundeck with music, car wash, dump station, and many other amenities.  Wolf Creek Campground This is a busy campground just south of Whitehorse. It costs $20 per night for a site. In the park there is a boardwalk to an overlook of the Yukon River.

Northern Lights Resort & Spa This is definitely the nicest hotel option in the area! The rooms are modern and the property itself is beautiful. And if you visit during the very late summer through winter, you may get to see the Northern Lights! Spirit Lake Motel, Restaurant and RV Park Spirit Lake has an RV campground, motel, restaurant, and ice cream!

You have made it to Whitehorse,the largest city in the Yukon! Whitehorse is named after rapids on the Yukon River, which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses. While the area was home to First Nations for many years, it experienced a rush of prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush and the area grew as a staging and distribution center. The area boomed again during the construction of the Alaska Highway, as one of the largest camps on the road.  Today it is the capital of the Yukon, taking the title from Dawson City in 1953. In 2021, Whitehorse’s population was 28,201 and that makes up about 70% of the entire population of the Yukon!

Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge

One of our favorite stops in Whitehorse was Miles Canyon . This canyon is located on the Yukon River, which is the second longest river in Canada at 3,190 km (1,982 miles) long.  First Nations used the nearby area as a fishing camp, and referred to it as Kwanlin, meaning “running water through canyon.” Later on, Gold Rush prospectors called it the Grand Canyon, and used it as the main thoroughfare when traveling North during the Gold Rush. Today it has a suspension bridge you can walk across to check out the canyon as well as other trails that follow the canyon!

Yukon Visitor Centre

At the Yukon Visitor Centre you can get all the information you may need about what’s happening in Whitehorse or for the road ahead. You can also use their free WiFi and enjoy a 15 minute film about the Yukon.

Check out a local event

Whitehorse boasts several festivals and events throughout the year including the Yukon River Quest Canoe and Kayak Race (mid June), Yukon River Trail Marathon (first sunday of August), and in February Yukon Quest which is a 1,000 mile dog sled race between Whitehorse and Fairbanks. You can see the event schedule here !

Walk the Millenium Trail

We loved walking the Whitehorse Millenium Trail during our time in Whitehorse. This waterfront trail traces the mighty Yukon River and connects several parks in town. It is a 2.3 mile loop, but during our visit, part of the west side of the trail was closed due to a recent mudslide so we walked back the same way we came. It’s a lovely walk and our pup Kona very much enjoyed it!

Yukon Beringia Centre

The Yukon Beringia Centre is a natural history museum focusing on the Bering Strait, which was once a 2,000 km wide connection between Asia and North America, allowing animals and humans to travel between the two continents.  Here you can learn about this incredible landmass through exhibits and other displays. One of the most fascinating things to see here is the body of a 7 week old wolf pup named Zhùr. The permafrost in this part of the world is a great preserver of paleontological finds like this wolf pup that lived 57,000 years ago! It costs $6 per adult and less for kids and seniors, making it an affordable activity while in the area!

Yukon Transportation Museum

The Yukon Transportation Museum provides an interesting look at the history of transportation in the rugged and remote area of the Yukon. You can see a variety of automobiles, planes, and train cars!  This museum costs $10 per adult and less for kids and seniors.

SS Klondike National Historic Site

The SS Klondike National Historic Site is a must in Whitehorse! The S.S. Klondike is a sternwheeler boat that ran freight between Whitehorse and D awson City along the Yukon River. There were two Klondikes that ran over the years, with the first hitting the water in 1929, and it was the first sternwheeler on the Yukon River large enough to handle cargo in excess of 300 tons without having to push a barge. It originally hauled ore, but over time began to haul passengers and cargo as well. However, the first S.S. Klondike hit a rock wall and sank in 1936 and a second S.S. Klondike was built in 1937 to resume the tasks of the first. The second is the one you see here today and she was moved here from Dawson City in 1967. Sternwheelers were a huge part of life for people who lived in the north country in the early days and during the gold rush as they were the only connection people had to the outside world. When the sternwheelers would pull up there would be crowds of people waiting to learn all they could about the world.  You can admire the sternwheeler from the outside for free or go on a tour with Parks Canada for a small fee. We didn’t go on this tour, but we did go on others in Dawson City, Yukon and they are WELL worth the very small price. 

The MacBride Museum

Located right on the banks of the Yukon River, The MacBride Museum provides an encompassing look at the history of the Yukon. It is housed in the Government Telegraph Office, built in 1900 with over 40,000 artifacts and many galleries showcasing stories from Yukon First Nations, the Klondike Gold Rush, and so much more.  This museum costs $12 per adult and less for kids and seniors.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

At the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre , which is free to visit, you can learn about the First Nations’ history, traditions, and culture.

The Horse of Whitehorse

Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Horse of Whitehorse ! It is a bit weird to get to, but if you drive down Range Road and turn right behind the fire department, you can park there and snap a photo!

Whitehorse is hands down the best food city you’ll encounter when driving the Alaska Highway! Here are some of the places we tried during our time in Whitehorse that we loved! Klondike Rib & Salmon (CLOSED) If you only eat at one place in Whitehorse, make it Klondike Rib & Salmon! It is housed in the two oldest buildings still in use in Whitehorse and is a very popular restaurant. They focus on northern foods, like Fresh Northern Ocean Fish, smoked meats, and wild game meats. We tried the Klondike burger and a full rack of ribs. Both were super delicious and filling!

Night Market During our time in Whitehorse we also ate at Night Market (a spin off of Wood Street Ramen ), which offers Thai inspired dishes including Pad Thai, Green Curry, and other rice and noodle dishes. We highly recommend this place and if you go be sure to get the Bucket o Belly! It is, as the name suggests, a small bucket of pork belly with chicharones drizzled in sweet chili sauce…it is heavenly!  Also, the inside has a really cool decor theme with huge murals on the walls, string lights, bamboo, and other fun decor!  Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters We also popped into Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters one afternoon and grabbed a couple iced coffees and they hit the spot! They also offer a large variety of whole beans!

Next time we’d love to visit:

• Miner’s Daughter/Dirty Northern
• Bullet Hole Bagels 
• KITA Japanese Kitchen + Bar

Cell Service: We had full bars of cell service in Whitehorse, but once you get a bit out of town it goes away quickly! Fuel: There are many options for fuel to choose from in town. Water fill up and dump station: You can find water at Integra Tire and Auto Centre (they offer water for customers with RVs and other campers), plus Tags Food and Gas . Pioneer RV Park & Campground has a dump station! WiFi: The Whitehorse Public Library  is perfect for those who work on the road and just need WiFi for surfing the web and other low data requiring work. For content creators like us, the upload speed was very slow for our YouTube video uploading needs. Because of our need to upload videos while in town, we tried basically every place with WiFi, including Tim Hortons and Yukon Visitor Centre , but found the best WiFi to be at Starbucks . We were actually able to upload a video here in a reasonable amount of time, plus use our stars to get some free drinks! Grocery Stores: Whitehorse has tons of options for groceries, including Walmart , Save-On Foods , Real Canadian Superstore , and Wyke’s Your Independent Grocer . Laundry: There are a couple laundromats in town, including Norgetown Laundry & Dry Cleaners and Public Laundromat . We used the Public Laundromat on our way back from Alaska and WARNING: the dryers are extremely hot! I had it on the lowest setting and I remember folding my clothes and some of the clothes were very hot to the touch, almost burning hot. Unfortunately a few items of our clothes shrunk, melted, or were ruined in their dryers. So maybe try Norgetown instead or just air dry your clothes!

There are a handful of options for boondocking near Whitehorse, but only a couple we could find that had cell service and were very close to the town. If those things aren’t important to you, there are plenty more to choose from.  Gravel parking lot on Fish Lake Road We stayed here a couple nights and it was good for one or two nights. It is basically just a parking lot, which overlooks the area (the views rock!), but it does have a bit of slope to it, so you’ll want to pick your spot carefully to navigate that. It did have cell service though! There are also trash cans, but for some reason people think it’s better to just leave their trash on the ground…please don’t do that! 

Pioneer RV Park & Campground Campground and RV park just south of town with full hookups, dump stations, laundry facilities, showers, store, high pressure RV and car wash, and more! Hi Country RV Park This RV park is located close to Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway and offers full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, cafe, and more.  

Edgewater Hotel Best Western Gold Rush Inn Raven Inn Whitehorse

After leaving Whitehorse, the next stretch of the drive along the Alaska Highway will take you to Haines Junction, where you can find Kluane National Park. This stretch of the road, at least for us, was off and on gravel, but it was manageable. And the views are phenomenal! 

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

If you’re looking for another hot spring experience (or a more luxurious one), check out Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs , just a 13 minute drive north of the Alaska Highway after leaving Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway and Takini Hot Springs Road. 

Long Ago Peoples Place is a recreation of a traditional First Nations village where Champagne and Aishihik First Nations member Harold Johnson and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation member Meta Williams share the history and culture of the Southern Tutchone people. And it was a HUGE highlight of our drive! During the cultural tour they walk you through the forest and teach you about the different structures, including how they were built and used throughout the year. The tour will transport you back to a time when only wood, stone, and animal parts were used for everything they needed. And the best part is that it does not feel touristy at all! Tours can be booked ahead of time by calling them or emailing them. Our visit was a very last minute decision and they were super kind and accommodating to allow us to go on a tour, but please contact them in advance to book. It was $41.50 (during our visit) per person, which included some bannock and tea as well!

Da Kų Cultural Centre

At the Da Kų Cultural Centre you can learn about Champagne and Aishihik First Nations way of life and culture through exhibits, tours, and artifacts.   Also in the Da Kų Cultural Centre is the Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre . This is where you can get all the information you’ll need for any adventures you’re planning on in the park. 

Dezadeash River Trail

The Dezadeash River Trail in Haines Junction is a great option if you’re short on time or aren’t going to Kluane National Park and Reserve. During this 3.2 km (2 mile) round trip hike you’ll get decent mountain views, walk through a forest, and walk along the river. 

Village Bakery & Deli Bean North Coffee Roasting Co Ltd

Cell Service: We had off and on cell service in this area, with it mostly being off Fuel: For fuel you can stop at Otter Falls Cutoff , Haines Junction FasGas , Petro Express , and Race Trac . Water fill up and dump station: You can find water and dump at Otter Falls Cutoff , Petro Express , and Haines Junction FasGas . WiFi: You can get WiFi at the Village Bakery & Deli !  Grocery Stores: After leaving Whitehorse grocery stores will be hard to come by until Tok, AK. You’ll find plenty of convenience stores attached to gas stations, but only one grocery store, The Little Green Apple in Haines Junction.

Pine Lake Campground This is a Yukon government campground with 42 dry sites for $20 per night. Amenities include firewood, outhouses, drinking water, and good fishing in the lake.  Otter Falls Cutoff The Otter Falls Cutoff offers a motel and RV campground with full hookups and dump station.  FasGas RV Park The FasGas station in Haines Junction offers an RV park with hookups during the summer.

Hotels/Motels

Wanderer’s Inn Backpackers Hostel   Parkside Inn   Raven’s Rest Inn  

Kluane National Park (pronounced “clue-on-knee”) is a stunning park that covers over 20,000 square kilometers of mountain wilderness, tons of wildlife, the largest non-polar icefields in the world, and the highest peak in Canada and second highest in North America, Mount Logan at 5,959 m (19,551 ft).  It is one of the most jaw dropping sections of the Alaska Highway and is well worth spending a day or two. The park itself is both on the Alaska Highway, west of Haines Junction, as well as south of Haines Junction and we will share things to do for both of these regions below.

The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre is located in Haines Junction. This is a large facility where you could spend an hour or a whole day learning about the park and its history. You can check out the 3D topographic map, watch the park film, see footage of the first mountaineers climbing Mount Logan, join in interactive exhibits, speak with the friendly park staff, and more.

Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake is a beautiful, easy to access lake with an epic mountain backdrop, where you can fish, kayak, and hike. If you only have time for one spot, this is a good one, as it’s very quick!

King’s Throne Peak

Distance (round trip): 12.7 km | 7.9 miles Elevation: 1,373 m | 4,507 feet Reviews & Current Conditions At 12.7 km round trip (7.9 miles) and 1,373 meters (4,507 feet) of elevation gain, the King’s Throne Peak Trail is a beast, but don’t be discouraged by the height and distance. One great thing about this trail is that you don’t have to make it all the way to the end to have amazing views! 

The beginning of the trail goes through the woods along Kathleen Lake with limited views of the water, but after about 1.4 miles you’ll begin to climb and be treated to wonderful views of the lake and mountains in the distance. The trail is VERY steep and the terrain is slick gravel, so you’ll want to have shoes with good grip. We knew we wouldn’t make it all the way to King’s Throng during our hike, as we were still a bit early in the season and the upper part of the trail was snow covered. However, on the way to King’s Throne you’ll come across the “seat,” which is a popular spot to stop if you don’t want to go all the way to the top and is about 10 km (6 miles) round trip.

Our goal was to make it to the seat, but there was some weather rolling in and we could hear thunder in the distance, so we decided to turn around early, which we were bummed about, but even going about 3.2 km (2 miles) up the trail the views were insane! And now we just have more reason to go back! 😃

Soldier’s Summit Trail

The Soldier’s Summit Trail is a short trail (3.5 km / 2.2 miles) that follows an old stretch of the original Alaska Highway and takes you to a viewing platform where the Alaska Highway ribbon cutting ceremony was held in 1942. At the viewing platform there are information boards with audio tracks that tell the story of the construction of the highway from different perspectives.  While the historic significance of this trail is worth visiting on its own, it also has great views of Kluane Lake and is home to the iconic red chairs that are placed within Canada’s national parks.

More trails to check out

While we can’t speak to these trails personally, some others that we were interested in hiking were:

Saint Elias Lake Distance (round trip): 7.7 km | 4.8 miles Elevation gain: 324 m |1,062 feet Sheep Creek Trail Distance (round trip): 12.9 km | 8 miles Elevation gain: 730 m | 2,395 feet

Take a flightseeing tour over Kluane National Park or Icefield discovery

Kluane National Park is absolutely massive and almost all of it is inaccessible by foot so to get the ultimate view of it, a flightseeing tour would be epic and a bucket list experience!  There are a handful of operators who offer flightseeing tours including Kluane Glacier Air Tours Ltd . Another life changing experience would be to go with Icefield Discovery and stay a night or more at their Glacier Camp. The experience will teach you how to travel safely on glaciers, how glaciers work, and their importance to the environment. Yes, it is pricey, but wow it would be incredible!

There are no services in Kluane National Park and Reserve and cell service was very limited, to non-existent. The closest services will be in Haines Junction, which we listed in the previous section.

There are many boondocking options to choose from along Kluane Lake and a couple near Kathleen Lake. Below are the two we stayed at. Camping near river We camped at this spot one night and it was spectacular! You can drive onto the rocks right next to the river and it feels like you’re camping on the river bed. Either direction you look up or down the river you have amazing mountain and forest views. It’s a very quiet and peaceful spot that is easy to get to!   Kluane Cove We stayed at this spot for our final night in the Yukon. It’s located right on Kluane Lake, has amazing views of the Ruby Range mountains, and is easy to access! Kluane Lake is the largest lake in the Yukon and covers over 154 square miles.  Many people had reported seeing grizzlies here around the time we went, but we did not see any. But please keep a clean camp, keep your pets on a leash, and make noise in order to not startle any bears.

Kathleen Lake Campground The Kathleen Lake Campground is located in Kluane National Park and Reserve and is the only established campground in the park. There are 38 campsites with drinking water taps, firewood, bear-proof storage lockers, and outhouses. Sites are $26 per night and are first come, first served. If you do plan on having a campfire, you’ll need to purchase a campfire permit for $9.25 per site per day. oTENTik Another fun accommodation in Kluane National Park are oTENTik rentals. These are a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin that looks like a glamping experience and they look super cool! When you arrive at the site your bed and campsite are already set up for you! These are great for a small group of up to 6 people with 3 sleeping areas including 2 queen size mattresses and 1 double. Also inside is a table and chairs, wood-burning stove with wood, 2 burner propane stove (propane not included), and other amenities! There are five of these available in Kathleen Lake Campground. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Backcountry Camping

You can also camp in the backcountry in the park, which would be an amazing experience! You’ll need to purchase a backcountry camping permit if you’d like to pursue this option and you can learn more about the rules and requirements at the park website . 

This was a very exciting part of the drive for us. After a week of driving the Alaska Highway, we left Kluane Lake bright and early to finish the drive to Alaska! And as if the excitement of getting to Alaska wasn’t enough, we had three of our best wildlife sightings ever on this stretch of the drive. Shortly after leaving our campsite at Kluane Lake, I somehow noticed a grizzly bear off in the brush on a hillside (our first grizzly ever! ). We also encountered a mama black bear and her adorable cubs right on the side of the road, but in between the two encounters was quite possibly the coolest of them all…we saw a wolf! We noticed two cyclists in the road, one of which was off his bike, and we were a bit confused. And then we noticed a lone wolf walking in the road. The cyclist later told us that the wolf started to approach him and he got off his bike with his bear spray ready. Absolutely terrifying!

Beyond the wildlife sightings, this stretch of the road was the worst stretch of road we had in Canada on the Alaska Highway. When we drove it there were some frost heaves, but we didn’t find them to be too bad, although others may disagree. Over the years this stretch of drive has been very challenging for construction teams. The road is built on permafrost which if that melts can cause the road to sink down, then when it refreezes it expands and causes the frost heaves and cracked pavement. The technology for repairing the road has improved so it isn’t as bad as it has been before, but there are still always repairs that need to be made and are currently being worked on so keep your eyes out for orange flags on the side of the road and slow down. 

There isn’t much to do on this stretch other than admire the mountainous and lake filled scenery and at this point you’ll most likely just want to get to Alaska since you’ll be so close! 

Cell Service: There is not much cell service past Haines Junction to the Alaska border. We had just enough service after leaving Kluane Lake to get a very exciting text message from friends that their daughter was born, but it almost immediately went away and we didn’t have reliable service until Tok, Alaska. Fuel: There are quite a few fuel options on this stretch, including FasGas (Destruction Bay), Talbot Arm Motel Fas Gas (Destruction Bay), Kluane Energy (Burwash Landing), Fas Gas Plus (Beaver Creek), and 1202 Motor Inn (Beaver Creek). Water fill up and dump station: The Beaver Creek Visitor Centre has water and the Beaver Creek RV Park & Motel has both water and dump. WiFi: Beaver Creek Visitor Centre Grocery Stores: None Laundry: Both Discovery Yukon Lodgings and Buckshot Betty’s have laundry for guests.

Congdon Creek Campground This is a popular Yukon government campground with 62 first come, first served sites for $20 per night. If you are tent camping you are required to camp in one of the 20 sites within the electric fencing, which will keep you safe from bears. Lake Creek Campground The Lake Creek Campground is a Yukon government campground with 27 sites for $20 per night. Snag Junction Snag Junction Campground is a Yukon most westerly campground and has 15 sites for $20 per night. 

Mount Logan Lodge Mount Logan Lodge is located in a gorgeous setting beneath the nearby mountains and offers a variety of really nice accommodations that range from luxury lodge rooms to outdoor experiences. They offer a variety of packages for almost anyone’s preferences.  Destruction Bay Lodge This is a no frills RV campground and motel near Kluane Lake. Discovery Yukon Lodgings This establishment offers cabins, RV sites with full hookups, hot showers, tent sites, and more.  Buckshot Betty’s   Located in Beaver Creek Buckshot Betty’s offers motel rooms, WiFi, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and has a restaurant on site. 

WELCOME TO ALASKA!!! There are no words to express the feelings we had when we caught our first glimpse of the Welcome to Alaska sign. After 5 months of driving through the United States and up Canada, we FINALLY made it! It was an emotional moment and one we will cherish forever. After getting your obligatory photo with the Welcome to Alaska sign, it’s time to head to US customs! This is a very simple border. During our visit, there was only one lane and one person working, so it did take a bit of time, but it went smoothly for us. The agent asked us about citrus, tomatoes, peppers, and raw chicken/meat. He didn’t care if we had pears or cooked chicken and beef, but we did see a bucket of produce that others had to leave behind. 

For those of you with NEXUS, like us, you will not be able to use it here, so be prepared to wait in the regular line. NOTE: Once you cross the Alaska border you’ll need to roll your clocks back 1 hour because the time changes to Alaska Standard Time. 

After crossing into Alaska, the rest of the drive was pretty quick for us. We were too exhausted from the many long days of driving to really stop and do anything (plus, it didn’t appear there was that much to do). The scenery on this part of the drive was a lot different than the last part of the Yukon. It’s more densely forested and boggy, with mountains in the distance. The road on this stretch was also the worst, in our opinion. It felt like as soon as we crossed into Alaska the road was much worse. There were lots of potholes and we also got stuck in a long construction delay.

Tok will be the first little town you’ll encounter in Alaska and has most of the necessities you’ll need to restock and be ready for the road ahead. We stayed here for a few days once we got to Alaska and on our way out of Alaska, mostly to just have some amenities, but other than that, it doesn’t offer too much to see or do.

Need a bite to eat in Tok? Fast Eddy’s Restaurant always looked busy and Soho Thai Takeaway & Espresso Cafe looks tasty!

Cell Service: We had good cell service in Tok on both AT&T and Verizon. Fuel: The Naabia Niign gas station on the way to Tok is a good option and said to be cheaper. Once in Tok you’ll have a plethora of fueling options, including Shell , Tesoro , Chevron , and Vitus Energy . Water fill up and dump stations: The Chevron in Tok has a dump station and water. WiFi: The Visitor Centre / library has WiFi, but we cannot speak to how strong it is. Grocery Stores: Three Bears Alaska is the only grocery store in town. It is a small town grocery store with a decent selection, but much higher prices and the variety is limited. So you may need to be flexible on what you eat! Laundry: Vitus Energy has a public laundromat, but many of the campgrounds offer laundry facilities as well.

Campgrounds 

Tok River State Recreation Site   The Tok River State Recreation Site is located on the Tok River east of town. There are 27 dry campsites that cost $20 a night.  Tundra RV Park   This is a large RV park with 78 sites with hookups, showers, dump station, vehicle wash, and more.  Sourdough Campground We stayed here our first few nights in Alaska. We were there in mid June and it was a very quiet campground. They have all the usual amenities like showers, laundry, a communal space for a campfire and an RV wash. Normally they have a fun pancake toss at night where you can win free breakfast, but it was unfortunately not happening during our visit.  Alaskan Stoves Campground   On our way out of Alaska we stayed here a few nights and liked it better than Sourdough Campground. It was not very busy at the end of August and they have all the usual amenities, including showers and laundry. What we also liked about it was that each site came with a grill! The price was also the cheapest in the area!

A Hyde Away Inn B&B This bed and breakfast is pet friendly. 

Fox ‘n Fireweed Cabins Burnt Paw Tok RV Village Campground & Cabins

HOORAY! You made it to the end of the Alaska Highway! We ended our Alaska Highway journey in Tok, but did eventually drive the Tok to Delta Junction portion. While we did not stop and do anything along the way, we can say that this is a beautiful stretch of drive.

Cell Service: We had very limited cell service when out in this area. Fuel: You can find fuel at the Silver Fox Roadhouse , Delta Petro-Wash , and USA Gasoline . Water fill up and dump stations: The Delta Petro-Wash has a free dump station and water. WiFi: The Delta Visitor Centre and Delta Community Library have WiFi, with the libraries working 24/7. Grocery Stores: The grocery options are VERY limited out here. They used to have a store, but it appears to be closed. Laundry: Snowed Inn has laundry for guests!

The Fire Big Delta Brewing Co. Buffalo Center Drive-In (known for their buffalo burgers!)

Delta State Recreation Site Located just outside of town, the Delta State Recreation Site offers 25 dry campsites.  Quartz Lake State Recreation Area This large, popular campground is located on Quartz Lake and has 103 sites split between 2 camping areas, Lake Campground and Lost Lake Campground, both cost $15 per site. Snowed Inn RV, Campers & Tents This campground offers RV sites with full hookups, dump station, laundry, shower facilities, and more. They are only open seasonally May-September.

Alaska Frontier Inn Trophy Lodge Kelly’s Alaska Country Inn

Ready to tackle the Alaska Highway?

Pin this guide to driving the Alaska Highway to help you plan!

get the behind the scenes scoop!

14 thoughts on “ the ultimate guide to driving the alaska highway in 2024 ”.

Thank you for creating and sharing this with your readers. I watched every episode of your journey and loved every minute. You two make a great team.

Thank you so much for reading Steve!

Great travel information! Can’t wait to do this epic drive.

It’s the best! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

This is AWESOME!! Thanks so much for all the details. I love that you shared your exact google map with spots marked. This is such a great bonus. For some reason this trip just seems so daunting to me and I don’t usually have trouble planning trips. This helped make it seem doable. You two are so much fun to watch and offer entertainment mixed with such solid travel destinations. YOU ROCK!

We are so glad you found it helpful! It is a very daunting trip, we struggled too! But it is SO worth it 😍😍

Thank you for this super helpful resource. I am planning a trip to Alaska this summer and found all of your detailed information super useful. The only thing that would make it better is a printer-friendly version so I could print out the most helpful parts to bring along on the journey (unless I missed it and you already have that). Thank you again for the great YouTube videos and super helpful blog posts!

Hi Kate! We are hoping to create an eBook of this in the future, but just don’t have the bandwidth currently to make it happen. We are glad you found it helpful!

Thank you for the great information. I’m planning a motorcycle trip to Alaska, and this was great reading.

Thank you for reading! Enjoy Alaska!

Amazing content, myself and significant other are planning on pursing the Alcan come next year and had a quick question. How did you go about charging your devices along the way? I’ll be bringing along a DJI drone and some photo equipment. Thank you in advance!

Hi! We are able to charge devices in our van with the electrical set up in our van, which includes batteries and an inverter. You can learn more about our van here: https://adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/van-conversion-cost-tour-mistakes

Good day. You do mention of a Starlink type of solution which I don’t think you use (at least in the videossssss that I have seen so far.

As we are planning to visit Canada (including NWT / Yukon and Alaska) in the coming year followed by the US the following years, is this something you envision acquiring1/using ?

Thanks. Keep up the good work

Hi! We actually got Starlink this year (we share a bit about that here ) and LOVE it! We have used it the entire summer in Canada and it has been a lifesaver. It definitely will make a future trip to Alaska and BC, Yukon, and NWT a LOT easier in the future!

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The Ultimate Alaska Highway Guide: Driving the Alcan between Canada & Alaska

Updated January 2024, The Ultimate Alaska Highway Guide: Driving the Alcan between Canada & Alaska was originally published in June 2023

Driving the Alaska Highway, or the  Alcan  as most of us who have grown up in Alaska or are longtime Alaskans call it, is one of the biggest bucketlist scenic road trips in the world.

But the Alaska Highway is no small undertaking. At 1,387 miles, it’s quite the journey extending between Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Delta Junction, Alaska.

As someone who was born and raised in Alaska and was a lifelong Alaskan until I decided to try new things and the home base finally in the fall of 2022 to go see what Lower America (as I like to call it) has to offer (it still, in my opinion, is paling in comparison to Alaska!), I’ve driven the Alcan more than once. And as many of you have been reading on here for a while already know- I am also no stranger to wildly remote road trips.

Though, for most of you reading this, the Alaska Highway will be a once-in-a-lifetime journey (or more than likely twice as you’ll probably be driving back home to wherever you came from afterward- unless you’re moving to Alaska permanently or shipping your vehicle back to or from Alaska ). 

So buckle up and get comfy cause you’re gonna be here for a while. This is a MEGA guide to the Alaska Highway. It is extremely long and quite comprehensive based on many years of experience.

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About the Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway, as mentioned above is a 1,387 mile long road that begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and extends through the Yukon Territory before crossing into Alaska where it ends in Delta Junction.

When & Why Was The Alcan Built

The Alcan was built in reaction to the 1941 Attack of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with the United States quickly realizing that it needed access by road to its Territory of Alaska to defend the nation. 

This reaction wasn’t completely unwarranted either as we would go on to see the Japanese occupations of both Attu and Kiska in 1942 and 1943 as well as an attack on Dutch Harbor.

Relatively quickly an agreement when the US and Canada were reached which have the US the green light to begin construction of the Alcan in March of 1942.

The Americans funded it with the promise to maintain the Alaska Highway throughout the duration of WWII and another 6 months after the war’s end. Once the war concluded Canada would then be handed over the portions of the Alaska Highway in their country.

Over 10,000 US soldiers were sent to Canada in the spring of 1942 to begin construction working grueling hours with no break in sight as they trudged on 7 days per week. 

Additionally, 16,000 civilians of the US and Canada worked to help complete the Alaska Highway which was finished in November 1942 for use by the military to move supplies.

It wouldn’t be until 1948 that the Alaska Highway was opened to the public. 

How to Get to the Start of the Alcan

Since the Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek, there is more than one way to get there including via British Columbia or Alberta. 

Via British Columbia

If you’ll be coming from Vancouver (or further south beyond) as many of you will be you have a couple of options for getting to the start of the Alcan in Dawson Creek. 

This will be via either the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) or the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Both these routes will tie into Highway 97 which leads to Dawson Creek.

The Sea to Sky Highway: Highway 99

The Sea to Sky Highway is a great option for first-timers on the Alaska Highway as it blends some of British Columbia’s most stunning landscapes from coastal gems to mountain escapes- it does cut through Whistler after all. 

The Sea to Sky Highway is also the shortest option as it will get you from Vancouver to Dawson Creek in 718 miles. Total drive time is about 13 hours 30 minutes not including stops.

The Sea to Sky Highway meets Highway 97 just north of Cache Creek where you’ll remain on Highway 97 to Dawson Creek.

Trans-Canada Highway: Highway 1

The quickest (though not shortest) way to get from Vancouver to Dawson Creek is via the Trans-Canada Highway. 

This route cuts more inland in BC and isn’t quite as scenic as the Sea to Sky Highway but does offer different scenery.

Like the Sea to Sky Highway, the Trans-Canada Highway goes to Cache Creek and from there you’ll join Highway 97 which will take you the remainder of the way to Dawson Creek.

The total drive time via the Trans-Canada from Vancouver to Dawson Creek is 13 hours and a distance of 736 miles.

From Cache Creek to Dawson Creek: Highway 97

Once you hit Cache Creek, whether you opted for the Sea to Sky Highway or the Trans-Canada Highway, you will end up taking Highway 97 to reach Dawson Creek. 

Via Alberta

If you’re coming up from more eastward such as Montana , Utah , Colorado , or so on, you may want to consider cutting through the stunning Canadian Rockies.

The highlight of this option is that you will get to pass through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park .

I have a thing for wild mountain landscapes, so this was the route I took when I moved out of Alaska and so far it was my favorite route I’ve taken through Canada. 

I’m going to start this one from Calgary for simplicities sake (there are numerous ways to get to Calgary of course!).

From Calgary take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Banff National Park.

Once to Banff, you’ll get onto the spectacular Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) which leads up to Jasper National Park. 

Once you’ve exited Jasper you can take several different routes to reach Alaska but the main ones are to either take Highway 16 to the west to Prince George where you will meet with Highway 97 to reach Dawson Creek. 

Alternatively, once out of Jasper, you can also take Highway 16 east and then onto Highway 43 and then Highway 2 to reach Dawson Creek. 

If starting in Alberta, specifically near Calgary, the most scenic route will be to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Banff National Park, then drive the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to Jasper National Park, before taking a mix of highways to cross back into British Columbia and getting to Dawson Creek.

The total drive time between Calgary and Dawson City is 10 hours 30 minutes throughout 587 miles. Though to be honest, you will want to take a few days for this route if possible because there is so much to do and see in both Jasper and Banff!

A Detour From the Alaska Highway: The Cassiar Highway

An alternative to part of the Alaska Highway is to take the Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) which we all grew up calling the “logging road” for obvious reasons. 

To reach the Cassiar, you’ll need to veer off Highway 97 at Prince George, taking Highway 16 to the west.

The Cassiar officially begins in Kitwanga and ends near Watson Lake. 

The Best Time to Drive the Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway can be driven any time of year as it is open year-round, but some times of the year are better than others. 

Undoubtedly, the best time of year to drive the Alcan is between May and September due to the harsh and cold climates of both Alaska and Canada.

May through September, particularly starting Memorial Day Weekend and ending Labor Day Weekend, the Alaska Highway is generally snow-free.

Weather along the Alcan can be erratic as this is the Pacific Northwest after all, so you can expect some rain in the May-September summertime season and potential for snow at the periphery of that time.

One huge advantage of the summer months is the long days. Especially between June-August, it’s daylight the majority of the time at these far north latitudes (I mean, you are headed to “the land of the midnight sun”, after all).

Many of the businesses along the Alcan are only open seasonally too, usually adhering to the Memorial Day to Labor Day dates, though some do stay open later/earlier or even year-round.

I’ve only driven the Alaska Highway in the summer and fall myself, though I have friends and family that have driven it in the spring and winter and have said it’s generally fine. Just quite cold with short days (daylight hours are incredibly short further north in the winter) and not much to do and see en route unless you have serious winter gear with you, of course.

Extra caution should be exercised if traveling between October and April due to snow and ice on the roads and extreme cold as temps can easily plummet below -40° (Fahrenheit and Celsius meet at -40° by the way 😂).

This past journey I took down the Alcan I left Alaska on September 17, 2022, and took about a week to reach the US border in Montana (I treated it as a vacation to myself, because- why not?). 

I found that even in mid to late September that many businesses were still opening such as shops and fuel stations.  

It was a beautiful fall in 2022 as I drove down the Alcan and stayed mostly snow-free until early October so I think some businesses may be opting to stay open later in the season on years when the weather is pleasant. 

Where Does the Alcan Start & End?

The Alcan officially begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. 

As mentioned above, there are several routes through Canada to reach Dawson Creek. 

Beyond Delta Junction in Alaska, you can take the Richardson Highway to continue to Fairbanks , or before reaching Delta, take the turn onto the Tok Cutoff in Tok. The Tok Cutoff goes to Glennallen where you can take the Glenn Highway toward Anchorage or the Richardson to Valdez or Fairbanks. 

Is the Alaska Highway Open for Travel Year-Round?

Yes, as mentioned above, the Alaska Highway is open year-round. 

How Many Days Does it Take to Drive the Alaska Highway?

How many days it takes to drive the Alcan is highly dependent on your interests and plans are en route. 

The total drive from between Dawson Creek and Deta Junction is 25 hours, so while it is possible, in theory, to do the drive in a day or two, you probably won’t want to.

Ideally, a week is a good minimum amount of time to spend on the Alaska Highway to give yourself time to explore without feeling like you spent the entire time in the car.

Those that do have tighter time constraints can still drive the Alaska Highway and make nice scenic stops without feeling too rushed with 4-5 days.

If you have more time, you can squeeze in some hikes in national parks, make some detours from the main Alcan Highway, and make other stops of interest.

Alcan Road Conditions

The Alcan is mostly paved (I say mostly because you’ll likely go through a few sections of construction where they are working on the road and it’s down to dirt). 

Depending on the year, the Alaska Highway can either be smooth sailing or it can look like a potholed, bombed-out road in a warzone (trust me, I’ve spent a lot of time on those too!). I’ve seen the Alcan in both extremes of conditions.

Largely, the conditions of the Alcan will be determined by if the highway was recently grated and maintained and by how bad of cold snaps happened the winter/s prior- these lead to sometimes giant  ice heaves  (buckles in the road if you will). 

On my most recent drive on the Alaska Highway in September of 2022, the entire route was the best I have ever seen it in my entire life!

Bar a couple of sections of road construction last year (the last 50 miles on the Alaska side of the border and near Ft. Nelson), the Alcan was in excellent condition in 2022.

What Type of Vehicle to Drive Along the Alaska Highway

You could drive anything along the Alaska Highway if you’re determined.

I’ve driven in trucks, cars, and SUVs. You will see some motorcyclists out there too.

On my move out of Alaska in 2022 I took my old 2012 Kia Soul down the Alcan without any issues. So for reference, if you’re not sure about this car, it’s a low-clearance 2WD hamster mobile.

Canada Uses Metric Measurements, While Alaska Uses Imperial Measurements

Canada’s road signs will list distances and speed limits in metric (kilometers). Note that gasoline will be sold in liters.

Once you cross into Alaska you will have to switch to the imperial system (I really really wish the US would change to metric as it would make many parts of my life much easier!)

So, this means distances and speed limits in Alaska will be in miles and gasoline sold by the gallon.

Accommodation Options Along the Alcan

Good news! There are a vast array of options for accommodation as you travel the Alaska Highway (I mostly am meaning if you’re traveling in the summer months though).

There are heaps of campgrounds, RV parks, motels, hotels, and lodges en route along the Alcan.

One thing to note is that if you plan to drive the Alaska Highway in winter (October-April) many lodging options will be shut for the season so plan ahead and make your bookings strategically so that you’re not left stranded trying to find a place open each night.

What to Pack for Your Road Trip On the Alaska Highway

Driving the Alaska Highway is no joke so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepped and have all the necessities with you.

These are mostly all car-related (you know because s*** can and will happen along the way!).

Spare Tire, Tire Jack, & Tire Repair Kit

I think I can solidly say that I’ve never driven the Alcan without getting a flat. It just comes with the nature of this journey.

I drove through a long section of construction just before reaching Ft. Nelson and got a flat just on the other side of town. I pulled out my little repair kit, patched the tire, and drove a few kilometers back to Ft. Nelson to a tire shop.

They found a screw in there (no surprise after driving through a construction zone). They laughed when I asked if that construction zone was keeping them in business all year and said yes. 

I did have a spare with me too but figured since I was so close to a town I might as well get the current tire taken care of. (Don’t worry the spare came in handy later in my trip down in Montana after a mishap).

Moral of the story: plan for the worst and bring a spare , a jack , and a tire repair kit .

A gas can used to be an absolute must for driving the Alcan in the past, but not so much these days- but I still recommend carrying a full gas can just in case. 

On my drive down the Alaska Highway in September 2022, I rarely dropped below half a tank of gas in the Kia before running across another fuel station (I still have memories of driving the Alcan in years past when fuel stations were few and far between). 

So the safest bet is to fill up every chance you get and pack a gas can for the worst-case scenario.

Vehicle Fluids

Make sure and top up your windshield wiper fluid, that your oil has been freshly changed, and any other fluids and lubricants to keep your vehicle running smoothly have been topped up before you go. 

Along with that, I would recommend carrying extra bottles of wiper fluid , oil , etc. to refill en route just in case.

Jumper Cables

Running your battery dead does happen, so I would recommend bringing some jumper cables in the event it happens to you. That way you can flag down another car and ask them for a jump. 

Alternatively, you can look into a portable car jumper .

Passports & Cash

It goes without saying that you will need your passport for your Alaska Highway road trip to cross the border, so don’t leave home without it!

Many campgrounds are paid in cash only, so make sure and hit an ATM in Canada or Alaska to have the proper currency in order to pay.

Alaska Milepost

Not an absolute must but a copy of the Alaska Milepost does come in handy when taking on the Alcan.

Food & Water

As there are shops in the towns and cities you’ll pass through you can easily replenish as you make your way north along the Alaska Highway. 

I’d recommend having a cooler to store food, drinks, and snacks in.

This is even more important if you’ll be driving the Alcan October-April as there won’t be as many shops open along the way. 

Will I Have Phone Reception on the Alaska Highway

In some places, you will have coverage, in others you will not. Of course, as you near towns and cities you will pick up mobile coverage but when you’re on those remote sections of the Alaska Highway expect to have no service.

That said, I would recommend carrying a satellite messenger like the Garmin Inreach or a sat phone if you’re concerned about having coverage in the event you need to make contact.

Info About Crossing the Alaska-Canada Border

Crossing the border is pretty straightforward. 

Once you arrive just follow the signs explaining what to do. Sometimes you’ll receive many questions other times not so much.

When I last drove the Alaska Highway in 2022 registering on the ArriveCan App was still required to enter but this was no longer the case after October 2022 (these were all pandemic travel requirements). There is no longer a requirement for Covid testing either.

You will likely be asked if you have any fresh meat, produce, pets, firearms, or marijuana with you (I was). I simply said no, and I was welcomed into Canada (note that I was going in the opposite direction as most of you will be). 

Crossing the Border with Food Items

Note that fresh meat and produce will pose issues at the border, so make sure to cross without them. If you declare them they will likely just make you toss them out. If you risk it and don’t declare them and they search you at the border you risk being fined).

Generally, packaged food should be fine to cross the border with.

If you need more info on what’s allowed into the  US (Alaska) here  and into  Canada here .

Crossing the Border with Pets

You do have to provide documentation if you are bringing pets and/or firearms across the border. 

Find everything you need to know about entering the  US with pets here  and  entering Canada with pets here .

Crossing the Border with Firearms

If you will have any firearms with you, you will need to declare them and provide documentation.

Find the rules for entering the  US with firearms here  and for  entering Canada with firearms here . 

The Alaska Highway Itinerary

Now, this isn’t a strict Alaska Highway itinerary per se, it’s more of a list of stops en route along the way so that you can mix and match to create your own itinerary to suit your interests and time frame.

Since this is an insanely long post (it’s over 10,000 words at this point), I’ve not included many photos in order for the page to load a bit more quickly (I know you all have google and can search the destinations listed here anyway).

Note that prices listed in this Alaska Highway Itinerary are in CAD in the sections between Dawson Creek and the Alaska-Canada Border, from the border to Delta Junction prices are listed in USD.

Mile 0: Dawson Creek

Your adventure along the Alaska Highway has begun!

Dawson Creek provides a great opportunity to stock up on all the odds and ends you’ll need for traveling the Alcan. 

So fuel up, grab some groceries and snacks, load up on water, and so on before you depart.

Places to Stay in Dawson Creek

Dawson creek campgrounds & rv parks.

• Mile 0 Campground :  Has RV and tent sites. Tents are $28 per night and RV sites range from $28-46 per night.
• Northern Lights RV Park :  Also has RV and tent sites. Tents are $30 per night and RV sites range $52-60 per night. Cabins are also available for $125 per night.

Dawson Creek Hotels

• Comfort Inn
• George Dawson Inn Conference Center

Where to Grab A Bite to Eat in Dawson Creek

• Drunken Goat Taverna
• Sourdough Joe’s
• Spicy Fusion
• Brown’s Social House

Things to do in Dawson Creek

• World Famous Alaska Highway Sign:  Snap your photo with the famous sign marking the start of the Alcan (don’t laugh but I still do not have a picture with the sign somehow!).
• Dawson Creek Visitor Center:  Gives out useful information on Dawson Creek and the surrounding area, as well as updates on the Alaska Highway. You can also pick up a souvenir or two here at the visitor center.

Services Available in Dawson Creek

• Fuel (several stations to choose from)
• Grocery stores (several to choose from)
• Vehicle repair
• Dump station and water fill up

Mile 1-46: Dawson Creek to Fort St. John

There isn’t a lot to see in this short stretch extending between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway, but there are a couple of places worthy of a quick stop. 

Mile 17: Kiskatinaw Provincial Park:  Located a few miles off the main Alcan Highway and home to the Kiskatinaw Bridge, a timber bridge that is the only original one built along the Alaska Highway still in use to this day.

To get to the Kiskatinaw Bridge you’ll need to turn off the Alcan at Mile 17 onto 220 Road and follow it a few meters and then turn left onto Kiskatinaw Road which will bring you to the original Kiskatinaw Bridge.

Mile 34: Taylor:  A small town home to 1200 residents. There are fuel, groceries, and restaurants here. Noteworthy things to check out include Peace Island Park.

Mile 47: Fort St. John

Fort St. John is only a short distance from Dawson Creek, so most won’t stop here (plus there aren’t any major attractions).

That said, if you do find yourself here in Fort St. John on your trip along the Alaska Highway, here are a few things to help you plan your time there.

Where to Stay in Fort St John

Fort st. john campgrounds & rv parks.

• The Humestead :  Located northwest of Fort St. John, past Charlie Lake (off of RD 287). Reserve in advance. Tent and RV slots are available. $35 per night
• Home 2 Suites by Hilton
• Northern Grand Hotel

Where to Eat in Fort St. John

• Olive Tree Mediterranean Grill
• Brown’s Crafthouse Fort St. John
• North Bar & Grill (inside the  Northern Grand Hotel )

Things to do in Fort St. John

• Fort St. John Peace Museum :  Learn about indigenous and contemporary history in and around Fort St. John. 
• Fort St. John Visitor Information Center:  Here you can find useful information about the city and surrounding area.

Services Available in Fort St. John

Mile 48-282: fort st. john to fort nelson.

Again, Mile 48-283 isn’t the most exciting stretch of the Alaska Highway but there are a couple of stops en route between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.

Mile 53: Charlie Lake Beatton Provincial Park:  Beatton is a 320 hectare park offering walking trails, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor recreational activities. It’s located around Mile 53 along the Alcan. This will also give you access to Charlie Lake.

Mile 153: Pink Mountain:  Pink Mountain is a small community of about 100 residents. The views of the Rocky Mountain Foothills near here are quite nice and worth a quick top to stretch your legs. 

Mile 173: Buckinghorse River Provincial Park:  A gorgeous area on the shore of the Buckinghorse River that has a campground.

Places to Sleep Between Fort St. John & Fort Nelson

• Duhu Lake Recreational Site:   Located at Mile 154. 7 campsites and the best part is that camping is free. First come, first serve.
• Sikanni River Campground & RV Park :   At Mile 159 and has both RV and tent sites and cabins. Tents are $30 per night, RVs are $30-$50 per night, and cabins are $75-90 per night.
• Buckinghorse River Lodge :   Features a motel, cabins, and 15 camping spots. Located at Mile 175.
• Andy Bailey Regional Park :  Located at Mile 265 (and about 12 kilometers off the Aaska Highway). Features 13 camping slots. $17 per night, cash only.

Mile 283: Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson got its origins as a fur trading post for the North West Fur Trading Company. 

It remained little more than an outpost until the 1950s when more development rolled in as a result of being located along the Alaska Highway.

Much like Fort St. John, there aren’t many major attractions in town, however, Fort St. John provides a nice place to bed down for the night and grab something for dinner. 

Fort Nelson is the largest town you’ll cross through on the Alcan until you reach Watson Lake, so it’s a great place to stop and stock up on any groceries and other necessities.

Places to Stay in Fort Nelson

For nelson campgrounds & rv parks.

• Triple G Hideaway Campground :  Features RV and tent sites. 

Fort Nelson Hotels

• Lakeview Inn & Suites
• Woodlands Inn & Suites

Where to Grab Food in Fort Nelson

• One Restaurant (inside  Woodlands Inn & Suites )
• Northern Spice Pizza & Donair
• P & T Restaurant

Things to do in Fort Nelson

• Fort Nelson Heritage Museum:  Check out the array of artifacts from the Fort Nelson area on display here at the museum and learn about the history of the town. There’s even a vintage car collection on display.
• Old Fort Nelson:  Just a little off the main route on the Alaska Highway find the original town site of Fort Nelson. 

Services Available in Fort Nelson

Mile 284-437: fort nelson to muncho lake.

This section of the Alcan gets a lot more interesting as you bend toward the west from Fort Nelson and traverse the northern stretches of the Rocky Mountains. 

Mile 300: Highway 77 Junction:  Those wanting to take a detour from the Alaska Highway can opt to veer north at Mile 300 onto Highway 77 (also known as the Liard Highway between the junction and Fort Liard and then the MacKenzie Highway from Fort Liard to Fort Simpson) which will take you into the uber-remote Northwest Territory. 

The highway officially opened in June of 1984 and is a decent condition gravel road most of the time, though do enquire about conditions at the Fort Nelson Visitor Center before departing. This goes into a fairly remote area with limited services so go in prepared.

Mile 319: Muskwa River Park:  Located just off the Alaska Highway and makes for a good break point. 

Mile 342: Tetsa River Regional Park:  Another good breakpoint on the Alcan. There is a campground here for those wanting to spend the night. If not camping you can check out the Testa River Lodge. 

Mile 371-380: Stone Mountain Provincial Park:  Stone Mountain Provincial Park provides a great opportunity to get out and stretch your legs along the long journey up the Alaska Highway.

With beautiful sceneries, hiking trails, potential for wildlife spotting, kayaking, and more you can easily spend a few hours or even an overnight here.

At Mile 371 you will find Summit Lake which has a campground and is a great place to stay for the night and take some time to explore the outdoors here at Stone Mountain Provincial Park.

Scattered throughout this 9 mile span of the Alaska Highway that cuts through Stone Mountain Provincial Park you’ll find its handful of trails including Baba Canyon Trail, Summit Peak Trail, and Flower Springs Trail.

Mile 409: Folded Mountain:  Worthy of a stop to appreciate the strange geology of Folded Mountain with its striated and wavy appearance. There is a pull-off here and interpretive signs. 

Places to Stay Between Fort Nelson & Muncho Lake

Tetsa river.

• Tetsa River Lodge :  Features a campground for tents and RVs and, cabins, RV slots are $30 per night and $20 for tents.
• Tetsa River Regional Park Campground :  Features 25 camping sites and costs $20 per night.

In Stone Mountain Provincial Park

• Summit Lake Campground :  Inside of the park, only open from May 1-September 15. $20 per night, cash only.

Between Stone Mountain Provincial Park & Muncho Lake

• Toad River Lodge :  -Features RV and tent camping in addition to their cabins. Open May 15-October 10. Cabins are $125+ per night.
• Poplars Motel & Campground:  Features both cabins and an RV park.

Mile 437: Muncho Lake

Meaning “big lake” in the Kaska language, it’s easy to see how Muncho gained its name- the lake is over 7 miles long and 750 feet deep.

Muncho Lake is one of the prettiest stops along the Alaska Highway route with its dazzling turquoise waters. Make sure not to miss soaking in the Muncho Lake views at one of the pull-offs overlooking the lake. 

It’s also a great place to get out of the car and into the outdoors with potential for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and more.

Places to Stay around Muncho Lake

Muncho lakes campgrounds .

• Strawberry Flats Campground :  On Lake Muncho. Open May 1-September 15. $20 per night.
• MacDonald Campground :  Open May 1-September 15. Also located on Muncho Lake. $20 per night.

Where to Get a Bite to Eat by Muncho Lake

• Double G Services Motel
• Northern Rockies Lodge  (also features an RV campground in addition to their motel and lake chalets)

Things to do at Muncho Lake

• Kayaking on Muncho Lake:  Canoeing is available as well. A good way to break up your Alcan journey and get out on the water.
• Muncho Lake Viewpoints:  There are several great places for viewing the beautiful lake tucked into the Canadian Rockies along the Alaska Highway.
• Stone’s Sheep Trail:  A gradual uphill hike covering 3.8 miles/6.1 kilometers that will take you to some interesting rock formations and a waterfall.

Services Available in Muncho Lake

• Fuel (2 stations: Double G and at Northern Rockies Lodge)
• Grocery stores (More like convenience stores that are found inside the Double G Fuel Station and inside the Northern Rockies Lodge)

Mile 443-474: Muncho Lake to Liard Hot Springs

It’s a short jaunt along the Alaska Highway between Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs with some hiking on offer. 

Mile 452: Red Rock Canyon Trail:  A 3.7 mile/6 kilometer out-and-back trail that follows the course of the Red Rock Canyon here just north of Muncho Lake. A good spot for wildlife viewing. 

Mile 453: Mineral Lick Trail:  A good and short walk at 0.7 miles/1.1 kilometers. It’s a great chance for viewing wildlife.

Mile 477: Liard Hot Springs

Liard Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax for an afternoon or so, lapping up the warm waters range in temperatures from 42ºC to 52ºC.

Places to Stay in Liard

• Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park : Costs $27 per night to camp here and this will waive the $5 per person hot spring entrance fee, but there are no hookups or dump stations. 
• Liard River Hot Springs Lodge

Things to do at Liard Hot Springs

• Soak in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park:  An obvious choice if you’re planning to stop through Liard. Read more about visiting here in my post on Liard Hot Springs .

Things to Know Before Going to Liard Hot Springs

• There is a $5 per person fee to visit between April 1 and October 31, outside this time it is free to enter.
• The park opens at 7 am.
• There are pretty nice modern facilities here with changing rooms and toilets right next to the hot springs.
• You’ll need to go on a short walk along a boardwalk for about 10 minutes to reach the hot spring.
• Bears are a common sighting here, especially along the boardwalk, so stay alert and bring some bear spray with you.

Services Available in Liard

• Fuel (at Liard Hot Springs Lodge)
• Grocery store(Also inside Liard Hot Springs Lodge)
• Dump station and water fill up Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park Campground

Mile 478-611: Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake

This is your last stretch of the Alcan through British Columbia! There are a couple of stops of interest along this part of the Alaska Highway before your grand entrance to the Yukon Territory at Watson Lake.

Mile 491: Smith River Falls:  Here at Mile 491 find a gravel road meandering off of the Alaska Highway. It will lead to a parking lot at Smith River where you can take a 1.6 mile/2.5 kilometer hike to view 115 foot/35 meter high Smith River Falls.

Mile 516: Whirlpool Canyon:  Stop off here for a great view of the whirling waters of the Liard River. This area is known for being treacherous as many boats capsized here in the past trying to navigate this crazy canyon.

Mile 603: Welcome to Yukon Sign:  You’ve crossed into the Yukon Territory so snap a pic to take home with you. 

Places to Stay Between Liard Hot Springs & Watson Lake

• Coal River Services :  Offers a Tent and RV campground in addition to their motel. Located at Mile 513 of the Alaska Highway. Campground is open from May 15-late October and the motel is open year-round. Also sells fuel and has a cafe.
• Contact Creek Lodge:  Located at Mile 590 of the Alaska Highway, about 40 miles south of Watson Lake. Lodge only. Sells fuel and features a convenience store too.

Mile 612: Watson Lake

Watson Lake is where you’ll get your first warm welcome to the Yukon Territory (although the Alcan does go up in the Yukon before, bends back into BC, and then again turns north to re-enter the Yukon). 

With that all said, Watson Lake is the first bigger town you’ll reach in the Yukon Territory and you’re more than likely overdue to get out and stretch your legs anyways.

What Watson Lake is most famous is of course the Watson Lake Sign Forest which makes for a fun little wander. 

Places to Stay in Watson Lake

Watson lake campgrounds & rv parks.

• Downtown RV Park:  A simple RV park in the middle of town.
• Watson Lake Campground :  Located on the southern shore of Watson Lake. Slots start at $18 per night.

Watson Lake Hotels

• Airforce Lodge
• A Nicer Motel
• Cedar Lodge Motel

Where to eat in Watson Lake

• Nugget Restaurant
• Laurie’s Bistro & Coffeehouse

Things to do at Watson Lake

• Watson Lake Sign Forest:  The Watson Lake Sign Post Forest is the most famous site in Watson Lake. It came about during the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 when Carl Lindley, a US soldier who was recovering from an injury in Watson Lake was given a job of repairing signposts.
• Watson Lake Visitor Center:  Offers some insight into the history of the Watson Lake area and offers brochures and maps of the area. The staff can also help you with information on the Alcan. 
• Northern Lights Center:  A planetarium featuring a domed theatre that is centered around the northern lights. 

Services Available in Watson Lake

• Fuel (several stations)
• Grocery stores (several stores)

Mile 613-775: Watson Lake to Teslin

There are a few stops to check out here on the southern end of the Yukon Territory to break up this leg of the journey from waterfalls to lakes, and even the cut-off to take the alternative to the Alaska Highway through the Yukon. 

Mile 628: The Junction for the Cassiar Highway:  Those wanting to take this alternative route to the Alaska Highway will need to turn off here.

Mile 691:  Lower Rancheria River: Features a short walk that will bring you to an overlook of Rancheria Falls.

Mile 699:  The Continental Divide: The Alcan crosses this ridge that separates the two largest river drainages in North America and at this point, this narrow ridge separates the Swift River flowing westward and eventually into the Bering Sea, and the Rancheria River flowing eastward and eventually into the Beaufort Sea.

Mile 772:  Teslin Lake & Nisutlin Bay Bridge: Stop here for great views off of the Nisutlin Bay Bridge to Teslin Lake, a lake that spans across the border into both Yukon and BC.

Mile 776: Teslin

Sat on the shores of Teslin Lake within Nisutlin Bay this pint-sized town of 125 residents has a few services for passersby. 

Places to Stay near Teslin

Campgrounds & rv parks in and around teslin.

• Big Creek Government Campground :  Sat at the shore of Big Creek. Features RV and tent camping. $18 per night.
• Continental Divide Lodge :  Located at Mile 721 and features RB and tent camping.
• Teslin Lake Government Campground :  A nice campground off of Teslin Lake featuring both Tent and RV camping. $12 per night.
• Teslin Rest Stop:  A rest area close to the Nisutlin Bridge. Free to stay at and has outhouses.
• Yukon Motel & RV Park : As the name suggests, Yukon Motel & RV Park features RV camping in addition to their motel. Also has a cafe inside. 

Hotels in Teslin

• Nisutlin Trading Post

Where to eat in Teslin

• Inside the  Yukon Motel

Things to do in Teslin

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center : Learn about the local Tglinget People who originate from this area around Teslin as well as the geographical and landscape features of the surrounding area.

Services Available in Teslin

• Grocery stores

Mile 777-832: Teslin to Jake’s Corner

This is just a short section. The only stops really in this section are at Mile 805 for Johnson’s Crossing where you’ll find fuel and food and at Mile 817 for Squanga Lake. 

Mile 833: Jake’s Corner & the Detour to the Klondike Highway to Carcross (or onto Skagway!)

This is a popular detour from the Alaska Highway and in my opinion much worth it for the chance to visit a tiny oddity- The Carcross Desert . 

From Jake’s Corner take Tagish Road (Yukon 8) which will take you to Carcross where you’ll have the chance to visit one of the world’s tiniest deserts. 

At Carcross, you’ll reach the Klondike Highway (Yukon 2) where a turn to the north will route you back to the Alaska Highway.

Those wanting to cross the border into Alaska here and go to Skagway will take the Klondike Highway to the southeast at Carcross. 

In total, the detour from the Alaska Highway to go to Carcross is 66.5 miles/107 kilometers. The Klondike Highway meets back with the Alcan at Mile Marker 872 on the Alaska Highway.

Places to Stay in Carcross

• Carcross Tagish First Nation Campground :  Right in the middle of Carcross and features tent and RV sites. $12 per night. 
• Conrad Historic Townsite & Campground :  A few miles outside of Carcross along the Klondike Highway to the south. Tent and RV camping are available.
• Montana Services RV Park:  Also in the heart of Carcross. It is a fuel station but features RV camping and has a grocery store on site.

Where to eat in Carcross

• Caribou Crossing Cafe

Things to do in & Near Carcross

• Carcross Desert:  The Carcross Desert is a small 1 mile x 1 mile dune field- something you probably wouldn’t expect to come across this far north. Plan you own visit with my quick guide to visiting the Carcross Desert .
• Emerald Lake:  A drive 10 minutes north of Carcross on the Klondike Highway will take you to dazzling Emerald Lake. It’s a picture-worthy stop.
• Skagway:  Those wanting to take the ferry onwards to other locations in Alaska or just want to check out the little seaside Alaskan town can cross the border and visit Skagway. It’s about 90 minute drive time from Carcross to Skagway.

Services Available in Carcross

• Fuel (Montana Services Station at Carcross Crossing)
• Grocery stores (Carcross Crossing- in the same building as the above-mentioned fuel station)

Mile 872-886 Caribou RV Park-Whitehorse

Not much to see in this short section. Beyond the Klondike Highway-Alaska Highway Junction at Caribou RV Park, you come across Wolf Creek Yukon Campground at Mile 875 which offers a good place for an overnight or just a stop to check out the trails nearby. 

Mile 887: Whitehorse

Welcome to the largest city and capital of the Yukon Territory (they actually took the status from Dawson City to the north in 1953). Fun fact: 70% of the Yukon Territory’s population lives here in Whitehorse!

Whitehorse gained its name from the Yukon River rapids in this area reminiscent of the mane of a white horse.

The history of Whitehorse stretches back eons being home to indigenous peoples before it experienced its first surge in population during the old gold rush days. The city experienced yet another boom with the construction of the Alaska Highway as it served as one of the largest worker camps along the route.

Where to Stay in Whitehorse

Whitehorse campgrounds & rv parks.

• Hi Country RV Park :  An RV park close to town and features tent and RV camping. Tents are $37.50 per night, and RVs are $42.50-57.50 per night.
• Pioneer RV Park & Campground :  Right in town, tents are $20-23 per night and RVs are $32-37 per night. 

Whitehorse Hotels

• Midnight Sun Inn
• Edgewater Hotel
• Raven Inn Whitehorse

Where to Grab a Meal in Whitehorse

• Miner’s Daughter & Dirty Northern
• Antoinette’s Restaurant
• Belly of the Bison  (inside the  Edgewater Hotel )
• Night Market

Things to do in Whitehorse

• Whitehorse Visitor Center:  Find out what all there is to do in and around Whitehorse, any upcoming events happening, or info on the remaining section of the Alaska Highway to the Alaska Border. There’s also a short film about the Yukon the center will play for you if interested.
• Whitehorse Millennium Trail:  This 2.3 mile/3.7 kilometer loop follows the banks of the Yukon River and connects some of Whitehorse’s parks.
• Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge:  Crossing the Yukon River, the Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge is worthy of a stop for the views of the canyon. You also will get access to trails that wind up the canyon here as well. 
• Yukon Beringa Center :  Those wanting to learn more about the natural history of the Yukon and the Bering Strait will love popping into this museum. 
• Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre :  Learn more about the history and culture of the Kwanlin Dün People who have inhabited this area of the Yukon for centuries. 
• SS Klondike National Historic Site:  Sternwheelers were a major form of transport in northern areas such as Alaska in the Yukon back during the gold rush days. The SS Klondike was a sternwheeler boat that ran freight on the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City and began operation in 1929. In 1936 the SS Klondike hit a rock wall and sank and by 1937 a second SS Klondike was built. The second SS Klondike is the one on display in Whitehorse here.
• Yukon Transportation Museum :  Learn more about the history of transportation in remote Yukon and the considerations that came along with its extreme weather and long winters. There is a $10 entry fee to enter. 
• MacBride Museum :  Learn about the history of the Yukon right on the banks of the river. There are over 40,000 artifacts stored here showcasing the Klondike Gold Rush, the First Nations People of the Yukon, and more. There is a $12 entry fee.

Services Available in Whitehorse

• Fuel (several to choose from)

Mile 888-979: Whitehorse to Haines Junction

Mile 896:  Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs :  Just a little beyond Whitehorse take a turn around Mile 896 toward the north onto the Klondike Highway (Highway 2) before turning west onto Takini Hot Springs Road and following it to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. This is a luxurious hot spring and spa to relax at.

Mile 937:  Dan K’e Ventures (Long Ago Peoples Place) :  At about Mile 397 you’ll take a turn onto Champagne Access Road to visit Dan K’e Ventures which translates to the Long Ago Peoples Place. The cultural tour ($41.50 per person- do call or email ahead to book) is recommended to get more insight into the Southern Tutchone People’s culture, traditions, construction techniques, and more.

Mile 943: St. Elias Lake Trail:  St. Elias Lake actually sits within Kluane National Park. You can find details about the hike in the Kluane National Park section below. 

Mile 980: Haines Junction

Haines Junction is a small town located at the junction of the Alaska Highway and the Haines Cutoff (Highway 3) which leads to the border crossing to Haines, Alaska (this would be of use if you plan to take the ferry the remainder of the way to Alaska). 

The town of Haines Junction is flanked by the St. Elias Mountains, giving the town a beautiful backdrop.

Those that plan to go deeper into Kluane National Park than where the Alcan brushes up against it further afield will surely find themselves in Haines Junction as this is the place to make arrangements for flightseeing and backcountry trips into the national park. 

Mountaineers planning to ascend Mt. Logan, Canada’s highest peak, will usually make a stop here in Haines Junction as well.

Where to Stay in Haines Junction

Haines junction campgrounds & rv parks.

• FasGas RV Park:  Gas station with a convenience store in Haines Junction that also features RV camping.
• Pine Lake Campground :  Tent and RV campground. 3 miles outside town to the north of Haines Junction. $20 per night. 

Haines Junction Hotels

• Alcan Motor Inn
• Parkside Inn
• Wanderer’s Inn Backpacker Hostel

Where to Eat in Haines Junction

• Village Bakery & Deli
• Mile 1016 Pub

Things to do in Haines Junction

• Da Kų Cultural Centre :  Showcases artifacts and the history of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.  
• Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre:  Attached to the Da Kų Cultural Centre. The Kluane NP Visitor Center can provide information and tips for anyone planning to visit the remote national park as well as display historical information about the park, exhibits, and footage about the first mountaineers who summited Mount Logan.
• Dezadeash River Trail:  Those wanting to get out of the car and take a hike can opt for the 2 mile/3.2 kilometer Dezadeash River Loop Trail that starts right from Haines Junction. 

Services Available in Haines Junction

• Grocery stores (Little Green Apple, otherwise convenience stores attached to gas stations)

Mile 1020: Kluane National Park & Preserve

Kluane National Park is a massive park spanning over 20,000 square kilometers of raw nature that butts up against Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve on the Alaskan side of the border. 

Home to an array of wildlife, the largest icefield in the world outside the polar regions, as well as the second-highest peak in North America after Denali (and thus Canada’s highest peak). 

Kluane National Park runs along a stretch of the Alaska Highway that passes by Kluane Lake where you will have the easiest access to the national park, otherwise, the remainder of Kluane National Park is extremely remote and usually requires booking an air taxi to fly you in.   

In my opinion, Kluane is the most beautiful section of the road trip along the Alaska Highway hands down. 

If you have the time to spare I would suggest setting aside a couple of nights to explore around some of these easier-to-access areas of the national park close to the Alcan.

Kluane National Park is exceptionally beautiful in September at the end of the main season when leaves turn vibrant yellows, golds, and oranges; berry bushes low down deepen into a vibrant red; and termination dust (snow) starts to creep down the peaks around the park.

Where to Sleep in Kluane National Park

• Congdon Creek Campground :  Located about halfway between the southern end of Kluane Lake and Destruction Bay. Sites are first come, first serve. Both tent and RV camping are available. Tents are required to use the 20 sites with electric fences (because bears!). $20 per night. 
• Destruction Bay Lodge :  Located at Destruction Bay as the name suggests and features RV camping. 
• Kathleen Lake Campground :  Tent and RV camping, first come, first serve. Sites are $26 per night. Located south of Haines Junction at Mile 136/Km 219 of the Haines Cutoff Road (not the Alaska Highway).
• Kluane Cove:  Located right on Kluane Lake at Destruction Bay. Free to camp at. Watch out for grizzlies. 

Things to do in Kluane National Park

• St. Elias Lake Trail :  This epic 4.8 mile/7.7 kilometer out and back trail through the first to reach St. Elias Lake. The trailhead begins near Lake Dezadeash at about Mile 943 on the Alaska Highway, a bit south of Haines Junction. St. Elias Lake still sits within Kluane National Park (it’s a bit confusing until you look at it on a map).
• Kathleen Lake:  If you’ve only got a short time to dedicate to visiting Kluane National Park (aside from driving the Alcan through it), Kathleen Lake is a worthy stop. Kathleen Lake sits at Mile 136/Km 219 of the Haines Cutoff Road, so it’s a bit south of Haines Junction, but the lake still sits within Kluane National Park like the nearby St. Elias Lake Trail.
• King’s Thorn Peak Hike :  This is a grueling summit but well worth the effort for the views. The 7.9 mile/12.7 (round trip) hike gains 4,507 feet/1,373 meters to reach the top. The trailhead to King’s Thorn Peak starts from the Kathleen Lake Campground.
• Kluane Lake:  50 mile long Kluane Lake is impossible to miss as you’ll drive alongside it on the Alaska Highway for quite some time. It’s a beautiful milky turquoise owing to it being glacially fed, though Kluane Lake unfortunately is incredibly vulnerable to our ever-changing climate. You can take boats, kayaks, and canoes out onto Kluane Lake though do take caution as the waves can get massive on the lake.
• Silver City:  At Mile 1016 of the Alaska Highway take a detour 3 miles/5 kilometers to the east down a gravel road to visit the ghost town of Silver City. It originally was a trading post and featured a roadhouse. This route led to some of the gold mines back during the Klondike days.
• Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Center :  Sat in the ‘Ä’äy Chù Valley is the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Center which is reachable by turning off the Alaska Highway at Mile 1024. The visitor center features exhibits about the flora and fauna of the area as well as the First Nations People that have inhabited the Kluane area.
• Sheep Creek Trail :  Just a little further beyond the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Center is the start of the Sheep Creek Trail. It’s an 8 mile/12.8 kilometer out-and-back trail that gains 2,395 feet/730 meters.
• Ä’äy Chù (Slim’s River) West Hike :  Also starting from the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Center, this is a long 27.4 mile/42 kilometer (round trip) trek that takes most anywhere between 2 and 4 days to complete. The trek is relatively easy, just long, and offers grand views of Kaskawulsh Glacier. 
• Soldier’s Summit Trail:   If you’re looking for a nice and gentle hike that won’t eat up too much time, the Soldier’s Summit Hike is a nice option at 2.2 miles/3.5 kilometers. The hike provides grand views of Kluane Lake and follows an old section of the original Alaska Highway. The trailhead is signposted on the Alcan and is located at Mile 1025.

• Destruction Bay:  Located at Mile 1046, Destruction Bay is a small community on the shores of Kluane Lake. The small outpost gained its name in the 1940s when the construction camp here on the Alaska Highway was destroyed in a bad windstorm. Nowadays it’s mostly a convenient stop for visitors passing by on the Alcan for fuel, groceries, and accommodation.
• Kluane Museum of History :  Located at Mile 1056 of the Alaska Highway is the Kluane Museum of History. Features wildlife exhibits, gemstones and minerals from the Yukon region, and tools and weapons of the Southern Tutchone people.
• Quill Creek:  Located at Mile 1073 of the Alaska Highway, it was once home to the Wellgreen, a nickel mine owned by Hudson’s Bay Company that closed in 1973.
• Lake Creek:  A campground and recreational area located at Mile 1112.
• White River:  White River is more or less the northern end of Kluane National Park at about Mile 1129 of the Alcan. The Yukon Discovery Lodge is located here.
• Flightseeing in Kluane National Park:  One of the best ways to access the remote areas or just get a different perspective on Kluane National Park is to take a flightseeing tour. There are a scattering of flight operators, mostly based in Haines Junction, however, there are some further north in Burwash on the shore of Kluane Lake. 

Mile 1130-1201: Kluane National Park to Beaver Creek

There isn’t much to get out and do along this section of the Alaska Highway as it truly is bumf*** nowhere (and I mean that in the nicest possible way.) 

If you were determined you could try to trudge into the backcountry out here I guess, though I wouldn’t recommend it since this area along the Alcan is teeming with wildlife.

So that brings me to- keep some binoculars handy and photographers have their telephoto ready because this is one of the best stretches of the Alaska Highway to spot wildlife.

Where to Stay Between Kluane National Park & Beaver Creek

• Lake Creek Campground :  Located on the White River and just off of the Alaska Highway. Tent and RV camping are available for $20 per night. Open May 19-October 2.
• Snag Junction Campground :  Campsites are $20 per night. Located about 15 minutes outside of Beaver Creek. Open May 19-October 2.
• Discovery Yukon Lodge :  An ecotourism camp along the White River. Offers tent and RV camping and a lodge.

Mile 1202: Beaver Creek

With a tiny population of 100, Beaver Creek has all the trappings of a dusty border town. Beaver Creek is Canada’s westernmost city and is home to the White River First Nation.

The border crossing into Alaska is just beyond, so if it’s late you may want to consider spending the night here, as well as fill up on fuel. 

Places to Stay in Beaver Creek

• Buckshot Betty’s Restaurant & Rooms
• 1202 Motor Inn

Where to Get Something to Eat in Beaver Creek

• Ida’s Motel & Cafe

Things to do in Beaver Creek

• Snap a photo with the ‘Welcome to Beaver Creek” sign:  This is about the only attraction here in Beaver Creek for most travelers. 

Services Available in Beaver Creek

• Fuel (Fas Gas Station)
• Grocery stores (A couple of convenience stores)

Mile 1203-1225: Beaver Creek (Canadian Border Post) to the Alcan Port of Entry (US Border Post) 

About 1 mile outside of Beaver Creek you’ll pass the Canadian Border Post, you do not need to stop here (if you’re leaving Canada and going into Alaska, if you are coming from Alaska and into Canada you  will  stop here). 

Beyond that, you’ll pass through a long stretch of no man’s land between the two countries (nearly 23 miles to be exact). 

At Mile 1225 you will reach the US side of the border and will proceed through immigration and customs. See my previous post about the Alaska Highway to read all the details you need to know in order to cross the border between Alaska and Canada (note that if you are leaving Alaska and entering Canada, you will not stop here at the US border post and will continue to the Canadian border post). 

Note that Alaska is on Alaska standard time and Yukon is on Pacific standard time, so you will go back an hour entering Alaska and you will go forward an hour entering Canada.

Mile 1226-1313: The Alcan Border Crossing to Tok

Much like the Canadian side of the border, there isn’t much in the way of stops along the section of the Alaska Highway between the border and Tok.

The Alcan cuts through a portion of the Tetlin Wildlife Refuge, so keep an eye out for wildlife. Further on you will pass the Northway Junction (an access road to the community of Northway), views of the Tanana River, and the Tetlin Junction where it’s possible to head north along the Taylor Highway and up to the fun little mining town of Chicken. 

Note that the prices listed in the Tok and Delta Junction sections are in USD.

Mile 1314: Tok

Welcome to Tok, your first glimmer of civilization after entering Alaska on the Alaska Highway. 

Tok is a tiny town and there isn’t much in the way to do around here but there is a visitor center, fuel stations, a grocery store, and campgrounds/accommodation.

Note that many of you will not continue to the end of the Alcan in Delta Junction as I know most of you will be heading to the Anchorage area from Tok. 

Where to Stay in Tok

• Alaskan Stoves Campground :  Features RV and tent spots in addition to a lodge and hostel. In the middle of Tok.
• Fox n Firewood Cabins : Cabins for rent in Tok.
• Hide Away B&B : B&B style accommodation in Tok.
• Sourdough Campground :  In the heart of Tok. Tent camping is on offer for $29 per night, RVs range from $45-60 per night, and rooms go for $129+ per night. 
• Tok River State Recreation Site :  4.5 miles east of Tok and features tent and RV camping. $20 per night.
• Tundra RV Park :  Just a hair east of the junction of the Alaska Highway with the Tok Cutoff. Tents go for $30 per night and RVs are $53-54 per night. Bar on site.
• Tok RV Village & Cabins : Located right by the Tok Airport and features both cabins and RV slots.

Where to Eat in Tok

• Fast Eddy’s
• Soho Thai Takeaway
• Sourdough Campground Cafe

Things to do in Tok

Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center:  There isn’t heaps to do in Tok (I know from experience, one of my cousins and my aunt lived there for a span of time in the 1990s) but if you’re looking to spend a little time there it may be worth popping into the visitor center for info. 

Services Available in Tok

• Fuel (several options)
• Grocery stores (Three Bears)

Mile 1315-1386: Tok to Delta Junction

For those bound and determined to complete the entire Alaska Highway, this is the final leg! 

There aren’t a lot of stops along the final portion of the Alcan here, but it is a beautiful drive, to say the least. 

Mile 1387: Delta Junction

You’ve made it alive to the end of the Alaska Highway- welcome to Delta Junction. Much like Tok, it’s a tiny middle-of-nowhere town. 

Where to Stay in Delta Junction

• Alaska Country Inn :  Small inn with good rooms and features a nice outdoor area.
• Alaska Frontier Inn :  Located outside of town and is a small inn with nice rooms on offer.
• Delta State Recreational Site :  On the north side of Delta Junction on the river. RV and tent slots are available. $20 per night.
• Quartz Lake Recreational Site :  14 miles north of Delta Junction. RV and tent camping are available. $20 per night. 
• Trophy Lodge :  Another good hotel option in Delta Junction

Where to Eat in Delta Junction

• The Cave Wine Bar
• Big Delta Brewing Company

Services Available in Delta Junction

• Fuel (several)
• Grocery stores (a couple)

Continuing to Fairbanks or Anchorage

To be honest, Delta Junction (or Tok) is still pretty much a tiny town in the middle of nowhere so surely it won’t be your final stop.

Most will continue to Anchorage from Tok or Delta Junction with places of interest including Glenallen, Matanuska Glacier, Lion’s Head, Matansuka River, Palmer, and Eagle River.

Others will continue to Fairbanks. There aren’t a lot of major stops between Delta and Fairbanks but the drive is scenic.

A small portion will opt to head on down to Valdez, taking the Richardson in the opposite direction than those headed to Fairbanks. Stops en route to Valdez include Chitina and McCarthy- the gateway to Wrangell St. Elias National Park (though both these are a bit off the main route), and Thompson Pass.

Ready to Take on the Alaska Highway?

Ask any Alcan-related questions in the comments section below.

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Visiting Byron Glacier

16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska

What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local

Anchorage’s best hotels: where to stay in anchorage.

Biking to Knik Glacier in the Winter

A Day Hike Into ANWR

Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks

Shrine of St. Therese In Juneau, Alaska

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska?

The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours

Wrangell St. Elias Road Trip, Alaska

A Quick Guide To Hope, Alaska

How To Get A Denali Road Lottery Permit

The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

Kayaker’s Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward

Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer

34 Best Things To Do In Alaska

Williwaw Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau

Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali

Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward

MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination

Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska

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15 Stops for the Ultimate Northern Road Trip on the Alaska Highway

2017 year marks a significant milestone for one of North America’s most prominent highway systems: The Alaska Highway, a historic corridor beginning at Mile 0 in British Columbia and snaking through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction in Alaska, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Completed on Oct. 25, 1942 — with the official ribbon cutting commencing on November 20 that year — the Alaska Highway is also known as the Alaska-Canadian or Alcan Highway.

1. Dawson Creek, British Columbia

Begin at Dawson Creek, also known as Mile 0, the official origin point of the legendary Alaska Highway. Get a photo at the destination’s famed Mile Post – locals say it’s a good luck tradition. While you’re there, brush up on your history at the Alaska Highway House and stop by the Dawson Creek Visitor Center, located in the old train station.

2. Kiskatinaw River Bridge, British Columbia

From Dawson Creek, drive until you hit mile marker 21. Here, you’ll find the Kiskatinaw River Bridge . The very first of its kind to be built in Canada, this curved timber bridge began construction in 1942 and served as a pioneer military road leading to Big Delta, Alaska. As the only one still functioning today, the 534-foot bridge is a perfect stop to stretch your legs and soak in views of the rolling forest and raging river below.

3. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum, British Columbia

Continue your journey to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum , which started with an antique car collection, echoed by the museum’s transportation theme. Originally curated by local legend Marl Brown, the museum features antique hand tools, mineral samples, and monuments dedicated to the men and women who helped bring the Alaska Highway to life.

4. Muncho Lake and Northern Rockies Lodge, British Columbia

Approximately three hours from Fort Nelson is Muncho Lake, the perfect respite for take a scenic hike to stretch your legs. Stop at Double G Service to snack on homemade baked goods and listen to colorful tales recounted by gregarious employees, and for a little European flair, head to the Northern Rockies Lodge . If you’re feeling daring, hire a local bush pilot for a floatplane adventure through the Rocky Mountains.

5. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, British Columbia

Next, stop at the Liard River Hot Springs , a must-visit site along the Alaska Highway. Summer is the most popular season to visit, but the springs are open to bathers year-round. Keep a look out for the area’s 14 species of orchids and wildlife like moose, bison, and bears. Don’t forget to bring snacks, bug spray, and cash to cover the park entrance fee.

6. Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake, Yukon Territory

Chris VR/Travel + Leisure

As you enter Yukon Territory, don’t miss the chance to represent your roots by taking part in the time-honored tradition known as Sign Post Forest. The ritual originates to the earliest days of the highway’s construction after a homesick American soldier posted his hometown sign of Danville, Illinois. Today, the forest boasts an estimated 72,000 signs, all from travelers journeying along the highway. Don’t worry if you arrive with no sign post of your own, as you can make one at the Yukon Visitor Information Center to officially leave your mark.

7. Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Make an educational pit stop at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre for a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Here, explore a fascinating exhibit dedicated to Beringia, the massive land bridge that once stretched from Yukon to Siberia. Learn about the first North American peoples who migrated from Asia more than 15,000 years ago and the wildlife that used to roam the land, including the woolly mammoth, mastodon, and American scimitar cat.

8. Continental Divide, Yukon Territory

As you continue to follow the winding highway through Yukon, you will eventually reach the Continental Divide of the Americas . Starting at Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, the Divide crosses into Yukon before zigzagging south through the United States, Central America, and ultimately ending in Patagonia. The ridgeline separates the two largest river drainage systems in North America and is clearly marked with dedicated signage. So be sure to pull over, stretch your legs, and snap a souvenir photo before continuing your journey.

9. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon Territory

Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate the striking beauty of Kluane National Park and Reserve . Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in all of Canada. Sweeping vistas reveal towering mountain ranges, glaciers, and icefields in the distance. Thrill seekers will be ecstatic with the assortment of activities offered onsite, which includes hiking, mountain climbing, boating, cross country skiing, backcountry camping and more.

10. Ice Field Mountains of St. Elias Mountains, Yukon Territory

The St. Elias Mountains comprise the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with Mount Logan claiming the top spot at 19,850 feet (second only to Denali in Alaska). Those interested in climbing Canada’s highest peak can do so, but not without first obtaining a mountaineering license at least 90 days prior. We recommend stepping around the red tape by booking a flightseeing tour for the best views of the ice fields from above.

11. Alaska/Canadian Border at Port Alcan’s Historic Milepost 1221, Alaska

Technically, this stop is mandatory, but it deserves a place on the list nonetheless. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection station will be found at Milepost 1221 and officially marks your entry onto American soil. Here, take a photo to mark your entrance into Alaska.

12. Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Bird enthusiasts will delight in the dynamic landscape of the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, an area in the upper Tanana River valley. Made up of expansive forests, wetlands, tundra, lakes, and glacial rivers, the refuge is bordered by the snow-capped mountains of the Alaska Range. It’s a major route for birds migrating to and from Canada, including geese, ducks, swans, cranes, and various songbirds. The refuge is dotted with mammals such as sheep, moose, and caribou herds.

13. Mainstreet Visitor’s Center in Tok, Alaska

Nicknamed the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska,” the town of Tok is home to Alaska’s unofficial welcoming committee. At less than 100 miles from the Canadian border, it’s long been considered a haven for travelers since it was established in 1942 (thanks to the construction of the highway). The visitor center is easy to spot, considering it’s a 7,000-square-foot log cabin.

14. Mukluk Land, Alaska

After gathering intel from the Mainstreet Visitor’s Center, take a short drive to Mukluk Land – a whimsical, one-of-a-kind theme park that can’t be missed. Originally a junkyard, the tourist attraction provides hours of entertainment with games like skee-ball, whack-a-mole, and an 18-hole mini golf course. They also specialize in peculiar collections, like rusted snowmobiles and a log cabin filled with hundreds of dolls. While you’re there, take a picture next to the world’s largest mukluk , a soft boot typically made of reindeer or seal skin, traditionally worn by Alaskan natives.

15. Delta Junction, Alaska

Last but not least, stop at Delta Junction, the official end of the Alaska Highway. From this point, the Richardson Highway takes over, bringing fleets of passengers to Fairbanks. There’s plenty to do here, but don’t miss Delta Meat & Sausage Co. , where you can find free samples of their signature buffalo and reindeer sausage. And as reward for completing this epic road trip, stop by the Smiling Moose gift shop to pick up a celebratory souvenir.

Related Articles

• Alaska Highway Complete Guide

The Alaska Highway, commonly referred to as the “Alcan” Highway (Alaska + Canada = Alcan) is a remote highway that stretches from British Columbia through the Yukon before it reaches Alaska. Along the way you’ll experience all sorts of wildlife, breathtaking views, hot springs, and more. While the drive is beautiful, it is a remote area of the world so some preparation will do you well. we’ve driven the AlCAN and took lots of notes along the way to help you on your own trip fully confident.

Like you, before we set off to drive the infamous AlCAN we had so many questions and we even had some nerves mixed in there. What if we ran out of gas? How often will we find grocery stores? Should we be worried about wildlife? If this sounds like you, keep reading.

For more information about prepping for your time in Alaska, checkout our Alaska: The complete guide article.

Looking for something specific? Jump to a section using the links below!

Choosing a route to alaska, what to pack for the alaska highway.

• Road conditions on the ALCAN
• Wildlife along the route

Towns and cities along the Alaska Highway

• Finding fuel along the ALCAN

Food and groceries along the route

• Attractions along the Alaska Highway ‍

Location : The Alaska Highway officially starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska Length : 1,387 miles (2,232 km) long Terrain : Mountains, prairies, and more. Trust me, you’ll see it all ! What Country is the Alaska Highway in? 1,182 miles (1902 km) are in Canada, and 240 miles (386 km) in the USA. unless you continue on the unofficial section of the AlCAN all the way up to Fairbanks which adds an additional 98 miles (157 km) past Delta Junction. How many people drive the Alcan every year? More than 300,000 people drive the Alaska Highway every year between May to September according to The Guardian .

There are lots of highway variations you can take to reach the start of the Alcan Highway. we’d recommend going one of two scenic drives: the Sea-to-Sky Highway through British Columbia, or up the Icefield Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta . 

While neither of those stretches of road will bring you straight to Dawson Creek, by incorporating them into your route you’ll be incorporating some of the most beautiful stretches of North American road into your road trip. If you have the freedom in your schedule to drive both routes, we’d recommend driving one way up and the other on your way back home.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway begins just north of Vancouver, BC and runs north until it crosses Highway 97. This 254 mile (409 km) section of Highway 99 winds through mountains, valleys, along calm lakes and rushing rivers. 

The Icefield Parkway begins in Banff National Park and runs north through Jasper National Park. This 144 mile (232 km) road winds along the continental divide and through some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world.

What we did: We began our trip in Vancouver, BC and drove the Sea-to-Sky Highway on the way north, then drove the Icefield Parkway on the way back south. From there we spent some time in Calgary and Montana after our time in Alaska, thus making the Icefield Parkway the perfect segway into our next leg of adventures. The choice is yours though! Whatever route you take, be sure to enjoy it!

We talk more about what to pack for Alaska over in our Alaska: What to know before you go blog, but here are a few items that are very specific to driving the Alcan Highway which we would highly recommend bringing with you on the road.

The Milepost – If you are looking for a mile by mile guide to all the main roads throughout Alaska and Canada’s surrounding provinces, definitely get The Milepost . We snagged this guide per a friend’s recommendation and we were so glad we did. This guide tells you everything along the way from picnic tables to gas stations to campgrounds and wildlife concentrated areas along the road. While our blogpost is meant to help by giving you our first hand experience, grabbing The Milepost will take a lot of stress off your shoulders when it comes to stressing about where the next gas station is.

Binoculars – We purchased these binoculars at REI right before we hopped onto the Alcan Highway and I’m so glad we did! You’d hate to drive all the way to Alaska and then only see a grizzly bear as a brown blob in the distance. If you haven’t already, invest in binoculars !

Bug spray – This is a MUST . Trust me, the mosquitos can be terrible, especially during the first half of the summer. You’ll need a good bug spray just about every time you step outside. 

Bear Spray – We counted over 50 bears along the Alaska Highway. Trust me, if you’re going to be stopping off on any sort of trail along the way, you’re going to need bear spray and bear spray holster.  Note: You’ll need to declare bear spray at customs when you cross the border both into the USA and into Canada. They won’t mind you having it, but don’t forget to include it when talking to border patrol.

[Optional] Extra gas can - We packed an extra 5 gallon fuel can , but truthfully, we never once needed it. Everyone’s car is different, so do what you think is best. For us and our 2019 Sprinter van, we never needed more gas than our tank could hold until the next station. If you plan on going way off grid while you’re up north and driving long stints away from gas stations, bring at least one of these because it’ll be a while until someone finds you.

Alaska Highway Road Conditions

First off, the Alaska Highway is open and maintained year around . If you’re curious what day it is guaranteed to be open by, that date doesn’t exist. This highway is a lifeline to people living all along it through British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska so the roads are safe to drive any time of year. However, if you aren’t used to driving in winter conditions (snow and ice), you might want to wait until spring to begin your journey.

The road conditions are mostly good on the Alaska Highway . In fact, we were pretty impressed by how well maintained it was, especially for being such a long, remote highway. That being said, the earlier in the season you go, the more likely you are to encounter sections of dirt road, larger potholes, etc. It takes a while for road crews to repair sections of the road that were damaged during the winter months (snow and ice are hard on roads), so be patient and prepared for anything.

We set out to drive the Alaska Highway in mid May 2019 so we were towards the front end of Alaska’s peak season. Our only bad section of road was in northern British Columbia and was about 20ish miles of dirt and gravel. While it made the outside of our camper van really dirty, the road itself wasn’t terribly bumpy. It was louder and we drove much slower, but it wasn’t that bad. 

Please keep an eye out for road crews working on the Alaska Highway . Drive slowly when passing them and be sure to give them plenty of space!

We saw more wildlife in our few days of driving the Alcan than we did our 5 weeks in Alaska. British Columbia and Yukon are full of bears, moose, buffalo, and more! Bring your binoculars and keep and eye out for wildlife along the roadway.

We can’t say enough how important it is to take your time driving the Alaska Highway so you can enjoy the views and wildlife. Allow yourself the freedom to stop for long lunches at pull offs and wait to see what wildlife is around you. Almost every breakfast, lunch, or dinner stop on the side of the road was accompanied by bears or moose. Sit quietly with binoculars and see what comes near as the wildlife forgets you’re there.

As soon as we started driving the Alcan Highway we began a running tally of how many of each animal we spotted during the drive. It turned into a fun Eye-Spy type game to keep both driver and passenger engaged during the drive. Drive: don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road! ;)

Important Note: Driving at night greatly increases your chances of potentially colliding with wildlife on the road. Try to avoid driving after dark if at all possible, but if you must, drive slowly and carefully. It’s also important to note that animals including bears and deer are most active at twilight and sunset so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the roadways during those times of day.

Let’s start at the southernmost point of the Alaska Highway and work our way north.

Dawson Creek, British Columbia

This is where the Alcan officially starts. This town is fully equipped with multiple gas stations grocery stores including Walmart. 

Fort St. John, British Columbia

Just an hour north of Dawson Creek and only 46 miles (74 km) into the Alcan is one of the largest towns along the Alaska Highway. Personally we found it easier to run all of our errands here rather than in Dawson Creek since the Safeway grocery store and Walmart were only a couple of blocks apart. 

We decided to stay the night in Fort St. John which worked really well as a nice launching point for the drive north. We arrived in town early enough to grab dinner and a beer at Might Peace Brewing , then grabbed coffee and wi-fi at Starbucks in the morning before buying groceries at Safeway and a few RV supplies at the Walmart. We were told if we had time we should checkout Artisan Farmhouse but unfortunately they were closed when we passed through. Note: A great way to be a responsible tourist is to support local businesses like Artisan Farmhouse and Might Peace.

Fort Nelson, British Columbia

About 4 hours (236 mi / 381 km) north of Fort St. John is Fort Nelson. This town is much smaller than Fort St. John, but will have all the basics you might need: fuel (gas and diesel) as well as an IGA and Save-on-Foods grocery stores.

Fort Nelson, British Columbia to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

There aren’t really any major towns between Fort Nelson and White Horse (591 mi / 951 km). This is (in our opinion) the most beautiful stretch of the Alcan Highway, but with the beauty comes the more remote surroundings. There will be plenty of places to grab fuel, specifically in Toad River and Watson Lake , but past a few small, seasonal, local establishments, there won’t be much by way of food. 

Some of our favorite attractions are also along this remote stretch of road, so keep reading for what we recommend along this stretch.

White Horse, Yukon Territory

Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon Territory and it definitely feels like a huge city after driving some pretty remote roads for several days through British Columbia and Yukon. I have to say we were pretty surprised by Whitehorse! It’s a great little town and a wonderful stopover on the long drive to Alaska. 

We spent a couple of days here grabbing some more groceries, diesel, and even met up with some friends for breakfast at Burnt Toast Cafe . After sitting in the car for several days, Whitehorse was the perfect place to stretch our legs along the riverwalk and even let our dog (Kramer) stretch his legs at the local dog park .

Delta Junction, Alaska

Delta Junction is the official end of the Dempster Highway. The drive from Whitehorse to Delta Junction is 494 miles (795 km) and covers a lot of beautiful territory. However, past Whitehorse there’s not much by way of cities. There will be towns that will have options for fuel, but that’s about it. Once you arrive in Delta Junction you will have access to a small IGA grocery store.

If you’re heading on to Fairbanks after Delta Junction, you’ll only have 95 miles (153 kms) to Fairbanks which will have far more options for groceries and other basic necessities: Walmart, REI, Safeway, and more. 

Fuel (Diesel/Gas) along the Alaska Highway

As we mentioned above in the cities and towns section on this blogpost, there are plenty of options for fuel along the Alaska Highway. If you are worried about your vehicle running out of fuel along the way, definitely pick up a copy of The Milepost as we mentioned earlier. Rather than us telling you every place we stopped along the route, checkout the guide to see how often you will drive pass fuel. 

Stores and fuel stations will change every year, even if it’s just their hours. General rule of thumb: when you see fuel, get fuel. Anytime we were anywhere near half a tank we would just go ahead and fill up and we never came close to running out. 

Most people (like us) drive the Alcan Highway in some sort of RV or camper van. Since we were traveling with a full kitchen on wheels with us, we never ate out along the route (with the exception of cinnamon buns at the Tetsa River Lodge  . Cooking your own food on the road really does allow you the freedom to stop at whatever beautiful pull off you come across along the way. 

If you won’t be traveling in a vehicle that has a kitchen, I’d strongly encourage you to at least pack a cooler with basic sandwich ingredients and lots of snacks because restaurants are few and far between on the Alaska Highway.

Attractions along the Alaska Highway

Alaska Highway Sign

Starting at mile 0 of the Alcan Highway, don’t forget the classic picture in front of the iconic Alaska Highway sign!

Address: Highway 2, 800 Highway 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3V8, Canada // Google Maps link

Cinnamon buns at Tetsa River Lodge

Located just 70 miles past Fort Nelson, BC heading north toward Alaska is Tetsa River Lodge which is home to these world famous cinnamon buns. If you’re like us, you’ll be passing Tetsa River Lodge in the morning making these the perfect breakfast treat. 

Note: You can also book a cabin or a camping spot at the lodge for a fee (showers are available for a smaller fee if that’s all you’re looking for). We didn’t stay there but it looks to be a nice, safe stop and BONUS: you could literally wake up to warm cinnamon buns! Does it get much better than that? 

Address: GPS Coordinates: 59 39’9″N  124 14’7″ // Google Maps link

Stone Mountain Provincial Park and Summit Lake

Just past the cinnamon buns you’ll come across Stone Mountain Provincial Park and Summit Lake . While this lake is relatively small, it’s setting is beautiful! The provincial park ( Stone Mountain ) is gorgeous and offers lots of hiking so be sure to stop if outdoor adventure is your thing. If you’re looking to just take in the views rather than hike, there’s a lovely provincial park campground ( Summit Lake Campground ) on the lake but reservations are not accepted. There will be a pay station that is cash only so be sure to have Canadian dollars on you if you’re planning to stay. Day parking is available if you’d like to stop and enjoy a picnic by the lake (highly recommend).

In our opinion, Summit Lake is the gateway to those iconic Alaska Highway views . From here you’ll begin to wind through the mountains along lakes and rivers so take your time and enjoy it!

Address: Mile 373, Alaska Hwy, BC, Canada // Google Maps link

Muncho Lake Provincial Park

Only 62 miles (100 km) past Summit Lake you’ll reach another breaktaking lake called Muchno Lake, which is also a part of another provincial park ( Muncho Lake Provincial Park ). This lake is larger than Summit Lake and offers plenty of pull offs along the road the entire time the road runs along the lake. Take advantage of this opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. 

Camping is also available towards the north end of Muncho Lake at MacDonald Campground. Like Summit Lake, this provincial campground is cash only so reservations are not accepted and American guests should be sure to carry extra Candian dollars on them if they wish to stay.

Address: Google Maps link

Liard River Hot Springs

These beautiful hot springs are a part of another Canadian provincial park: Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park . (Let me just say right here: all of the provincial parks we’ve visited in Canada whether basic or popular have all been wonderful!)

Located right on the Alaska Highway, these hot springs are the perfect stop in the middle of a long road trip. While the springs aren’t free to take a swim in, it’ll be the best money you spend the entire road trip, I promise. A dip in natural hot springs (likely surrounded by moose) will be the perfect way to relax a sore back after sitting for hours in the car. 

Cost of admission: $5 CAD per adult / $3 CAD per child / $10 CAD per family ( cash only )

There is also a campground here as well which looked very nice, but we didn’t stay here while driving the Alcan. Maybe we will next time though!

Address: 75100-81198 Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies B, BC, Canada // Google Maps link

Sign post Forest

Located in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, the Sign Post Forest is home to thousands and thousands of signs from all around the world. License plates, road signs, personalized yard signs, you name it, it’s there. For years people have brought signs from their home and left them in this “forest” as a way to mark that they made the drive up the Alcan Highway.

It’s right off the highway in Watson Lake and definitely worth the stop off for a walk around. It’s amazing how even in the midst of thousands of signs we both found signs from our hometowns all the way in Georgia and Kentucky! 

If you’re looking to stay in Watson Lake for the night, we’d recommend Watson Lake Campground . It’s another inexpensive, cash only , no reservation campground, but for a night or two it’s quite nice. Very quiet, clean, and on a beautiful little lake.

Address: Mile 635, Alaska Hwy, Watson Lake, YT, Canada // Google Maps link

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Whitehorse itself is a lovely little city with a quaint downtown right on the river. We weren’t sure what to expect in Whitehorse but we were very surprised all the same! We enjoyed multiple runs along the riverwalk which runs miles through town, we strolled the streets through downtown, visited the dog park for our pup to get a good run in, and even checked out the S.S. Klondike (a vintage sternwheeler ship located right on the riverwalk in town).

If you have the time to spend a few days enjoying Whitehorse and the surrounding areas, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center located right in town on Hanson Street . The Yukon Territory official website is also full of great suggestions so be sure and check that out HERE .

Address: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory // Google Maps link

Kluane National Park

Yukon amazed us the whole time we were in this province. From crossing the border out of British Columbia, all the way up to the border of Northwest Territory on the Dempster Highway, this province is incredible ! Driving along Kluane Lake on our way to Alaska we were caught in a sand storm right next to Kluane National Park. We were expecting snow capped mountains and glaciers and instead we got a Gatorade blue lake and a sand storm! 

Kluane National Park borders America’s Wranglle-St. Elias National Park and both are in fact home to glaciers and snow capped mountains like we expected. The sandy beaches along the lake were unexpected and a beautiful contrast against the snowy mountains in the distance. We’d recommend stopping into the visitor center and learning more about the history of the park and maybe even go for a hike up Sheep Mountain . 

Just past the visitor center you’ll come to Kluane Lake Viewpoint which is well worth the stop for a photo.

Address: Kluane National Park and Reserve, Alaska Hwy, Haines Junction, YT, Canada // Google Maps link

Alaska State Sign

You’ve driven for days over mountains, along lakes, across rivers and you’ve MADE IT TO ALASKA! Just like the picture you took in front of the sign at the beginning of the Alcan Highway in Dawson Creek, you need a good picture in front of the Alaska state sign. 

IMPORTANT: The state sign is actually on the left side of the road (heading north) just because you cross the official border and talk to border patrol. Keep your eyes open or you might miss it!

Address: Alaska Yukon International Boundary // Google Maps link

Final thoughts

The drive to Alaska can take as long as you want, or it can be breezed through in a matter of a few days each way. However fast you decide to drive the route, do be sure to allow yourself enough time to take in the moment. Half of the fun of going to Alaska is the process, time, and dedication it takes to get there so take it all in ! 

If you have a question, comment, or suggestion regarding driving to Alaska, be sure to drop it in the comments below and I’ll answer it ASAP. Happy trails and have fun!

Like this post? Checkout these other travel guides.

• Drive the Spectacular Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean
• Alaska Vacation Guide: What to know before you go

Head over to Pinterest for more travel inspiration!

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Road Trip To Alaska: Everything You Need To Know About Driving The Alaska Highway

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: April 16, 2024

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive the Alaska Highway?

Is it your dream to pile yourself, your partner, or your family in the car and head out on a road trip to Alaska? Are you curious about what grand adventures await for you in The Last Frontier?

In 2019, my 5 kids and I started in San Diego and drove all the way up to Denali National Park in our 30′ Class C motorhome. We’ve fulltime traveled for the past 9 years and this trip was one of our top 5 favorites.

If you love seeing wildlife, exploring vast areas of undeveloped land, and are ready to chase the feeling of adventure, then a road trip to Alaska is for you. In this blog I’m sharing all the tips I have from our road trip to Alaska.

If you decide to take a road trip to Alaska, you will want to buy this book . It was a great companion on our travels through Canada to Alaska!

Table of Contents

The Alaskan Highway Overview

Many people are confused when I tell them we drove the Alcan Highway but it’s the same highway as the Alaska Highway, just a different name. Psst, it stands for Alaska-Canada Highway….Al-Can 🙂

Where the Alaska Highway Starts

Dawson Creek, BC is 700 miles north of the US/Canadian border. Don’t confuse this with Dawson City which is near Alaska and north of Whitehorse.

Where the Alaska Highway Ends

The Alaskan Highway ends at Delta Junction, AK, which is right before Fairbanks. But many people who aren’t visiting Fairbanks choose to take the Tok cutoff which takes you down to Anchorage.

Length of the Alaska Highway

1,390 miles one way from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction.

Road Conditions on the Alaska Highway

The Alaskan Highway is a completely paved road and is open all year, although you do need to carry chains from October through April.

Almost all of the Alaskan Highway through Canada was great. There are some short sections though that are under construction and may be dirt roads or bumpy for a bit.

There are also a lot of logging and semi trucks driving the highway in some sections and between the construction areas and since it’s a two-lane highway, the big rigs would often spray up dirt and rocks making your vehicle/RV get very muddy and sometimes sending little rocks flying into the windshield.

Not to worry though, finding RV washes along the way is easy and inexpensive and due to the common windshield cracking issue, there are a variety of places to get minor repairs done quickly.

Tip : The first part of the Alaskan Highway, after you cross the border into Alaska, is a bit rougher and if you take the Tok Cutoff to go towards Anchorage, the road gets VERY rough and bumpy so you’ll want to take it slower.

Cities Along the Alaska Highway

The Alaskan Highway passes through a few major cities but mostly through really small towns.

From south to north, it passes through:

• Dawson Creek (Major town)
• Fort St John (Major town)
• Fort Nelson
• Waston Lake
• Haines Junction

Fort St John and Whitehorse are the two biggest cities, both having Walmarts, in case you need to restock along the way, as well as many options for food and lodging.

Fort Nelson was much smaller with a few grocery, restaurant, and lodging options. While Watson Lake and Tok are very small (we’re talking one block long) but big enough to fuel up, grab a bite, and find a place to stay if needed.

Depending on how you get to Dawson Creek , the start of the highway, you will probably pass through the very large cities of Prince George’s or Calgary, which will be great places to stock up in.

You should always fill up on fuel in these major towns: Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, and Tok.

Distance between Gas Stations

One of people’s biggest fears when driving the Alaska Highway is running out of gas. The truth is, it would require a hell of a lot of recklessness to actually run out of gas. You fill up at each town, then you drive, and you never skip filling up in a major junction.

All of the big towns have gas stations and there are a few gas stations in between but they will cost a lot more.

Gyms along the Alaskan Highway

There are a lot of recreation centers along the way, but not all of them are the best in terms of workout facilities. The larger the city, the better the fitness area tended to be.

Stopping at rec centers along the way was a great way to get my kids to burn energy swimming, gave us a chance to work and stretch, broke up the monotony of the drive, and was very affordable, usually costing less than CAD 20 for the entire family.

Is the Alaska Highway Dangerous?

If you asked me this when we finished driving it, I’d say no. There were many other RVers on the road and you never felt like you’d be waiting too long for someone to stop and help you.

But of course the roads are rough on this highway, and terrible winds and/or surprise weather patterns are very common, this is a bit of a stress but i don’t think it represents the Alaska Highway as dangerous

One thing I do tell friends when they ask me if I felt safe driving the Alaskan Highway is that some of the smaller towns felt very poor and run down and as always, you should let your instincts guide you. When we pulled into Watson Lake we were exhausted and ready to stop for the day, but I didn’t like the vibe there so we drove on to an area where I felt safer.

Another time I didn’t like the vibe was when we were parked across the street from Liard Hot Springs. I didn’t realize there was plenty of RV parking near the Springs and there was a huge dirt parking area where other RV’s were camped for the day to ride ATVs in the surrounding trails. While we were eating lunch, a couple in the RV next to us started getting into a very loud altercation and it took less than a minute for us to grab our belongings and get the heck out of there. It might’ve turned into nothing but better safe than sorry.

How Long It Takes To Drive The Alaskan Highway

It depends on your style of travel and what you are driving. For us, when we are on long road trips in our motorhome, we tend to average only 80kph (50mph). For the most part, the roads are good enough that a car can average 105 kph (65 mph).

While there are places you can stop along the way, the Alaskan Highway section only took us a total of 5 driving days, but this doesn’t include the detour we took driving the Golden Circle and to Valdez, plus, 3 of those were only half days of driving. Without those detours, I could’ve easily done it in 3 days–Dawson Creek to Muncho Lake, Muncho to Whitehorse, and Whitehorse to Delta Junction. I know some people could probably even do it in 2 days.

When we drove back, even though it was via the Cassiar and Yellowhead Highways, it only took us three days of driving–Anchorage to Whitehorse, Whitehorse to Dease Lake, and Dease Lake to Prince George.

When I was planning our trip I thought I didn’t want to drive more than 250 miles per day, which would be about 5 hours a day, and therefore figured it would take me 6 days of driving. I mapped out where we could stop and researched things to do each day to make it a perfectly balanced trip but…it took me about 5 minutes of driving the Alaskan Highway to realize that was a dumb idea.

Even though there are places you can stop along the way, there’s nothing worth stopping for plus, the hikes and bike rides I planned on doing weren’t going to be fun because it was raining on and off most days.

In the end, I saw the forecast for Whitehorse, sunny and seventy, and hightailed it there. (See my detailed itinerary at the end of this blog.)

Where to Sleep Along the Alaskan Highway

There are plenty of motels, campgrounds, and free camping opportunities all along the Alaskan Highway. If you like to drive during the day and stop in a campground or motel at night, you’re covered. We like to boondock as much as possible because not only does it save money, but it allows us to do more adventures during the day and get our driving done later in the evening, which worked well for us on this trip.

Except in the Yukon, where there are signs that explicitly say “No Overnight Camping”, there were plenty of dirt pullouts and rest areas to sleep at. The only two places we got a campground along the Alaskan Highway were Strawberry Flats Campground on Muncho Lake and High Country RV Park in Whitehorse both of which I highly recommend.

Strawberry Flats Campground: This is one of the most scenic campgrounds on the entire Alaska Highway. There are pit toilets and well water but not much else for amenities. Here, you’re coming for the beautiful lakeside sites.

High Country RV: I loved this campground and that is saying something because I rarely stay in campgrounds. I liked that it was reasonably priced, the showers were hot and free, there was a little store in the reception area that sold beer, and there was a dishwashing station.

Recommended Stops Along the Alaska Highway

You could easily drive the Alaska Highway straight through and just go have a blast in Alaska, but chances are you’ll need to stop occasionally to sleep or stretch your legs so here are the top 5 places I’d plan on doing that:

1 | Chill at Muncho Lake

The mountains surrounding Muncho Lake are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, although so are most of the mountains in Alaska. Camping at Strawberry Flats campground, which is at mile marker 437 when driving from Dawson Creek, was certainly a highlight for us mountain lovers.

2 | Swim at Liard Hot Springs

Liard Hot Springs is as gorgeous and relaxing as all the hype makes it out to be and it’s extra fantastic when you think about how few other things there are to do along the highway nearby. I would highly recommend trying to go early or late and camp at the campground adjacent to the hot springs.

3 | Eat Cinnamon Rolls at Tetsa River Lodge

While you don’t necessarily need to stay the night here, you absolutely must stop to try one of the cinnamon rolls, which the owner bakes fresh daily. They were out of this world delicious! And if you like knives, the store has a rad collection of knives for sale.

4 | Camp or Hike at Summit Lake

This was high on my list of places I wanted to camp and hike but it had too much snow in May so we had to skip it. The campground here is really pretty and a great place to stop for a night if it’s later in the season (or you have warmer blankets than we had).

5 | Explore Whitehorse

Whitehorse in itself is a great destination. While some of the towns on the Alaskan Highway are good to stretch your legs for a few hours, Whitehorse is a place you should plan on staying in for a few days . Detouring from here to the Golden Circle was a nice change of scenery for us.

Related Blog : Golden Circle: Guide to Whitehorse, Skagway, and Haines

Recommended Detours off of the Alaska Highway

While there isn’t a lot to see and do on the Alaskan Highway, if you detour less than a hundred miles off it in many directions you can find epic adventures. Here are a few detours you should consider when planning your Alaska road trip itinerary.

1 | Glacier National Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adventure Travel Family (@nomadswithapurpose) on May 16, 2019 at 10:33am PDT

Glacier National Park is one of our all-time favorite national parks for a good reason. There is a little bit of everything here. You can

• Stay at the lodge on Lake Mac Donald and enjoy gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, and boating.
• Ride the free shuttle to Logan Pass and enjoy the dramatic views of the mountains and wildlife.
• Do one of the many short hikes to glacier-fed lakes or past meadows filled with wildflowers?
• Photograph wildlife and wildflowers
• Take a backpacking trip and sleep beneath glaciers.
• Embark on an epic day hike to the most incredible glacier views.

If you choose to add Glacier National Park to your itinerary, be sure to read our blogs: Tips for Camping in Glacier National Park and 5 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park .

2 | Banff, Jasper + Icefields Parkway

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adventure Travel Family (@nomadswithapurpose) on May 21, 2019 at 6:21pm PDT

Driving through the Canadian Rockies is almost as incredible as Alaska itself and again, highly recommended if you can fit it into your itinerary. Banff, Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and Jasper are incredible but can be crowded and overwhelming. Take some time to plan out this section of the trip if you do go.

At the bare minimum, you should allow 3 days for this area. If you are looking to explore more of the Canadian Rockies, click here to read our Canada National Parks Road Trip Itinerary.

You can easily explore Lake Louise in one day and if you do, click here to get details on the best hike at Lake Louise . Next, take at least one full day to drive Icefields Parkway. There are many great overlooks and hikes to do along the road or click here to sign up for the Colombia Icefields Tour and do the Glacier Skywalk . Last, spend one day in Jasper National Park.

3 | Sea To Sky Highway

This is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. There is seriously a lifetime’s worth of hiking, climbing, off-roading, and mountain biking in these mountains. Plus, you have the rad town of Squamish and the hip town of Whistler , both of which you could spend days exploring and eating your way through.

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4 | The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle refers to the area of Whitehorse, Carcross, and Haines Junction in the Yukon, and Skagway and Haines in Alaska. You can combine all 5 towns into a great road trip and see the world’s smallest desert, go over the White Pass, which could easily be one of the world’s best mountain passes, and immerse yourself in gold rush history. There is so much hiking, mountain and road biking, fishing, and adventures at sea that this could fill weeks of your travel.

5 | Dempster Highway + Dawson City

While Dawson City just felt a bit too touristy for me, I was bummed that we weren’t prepared to drive the Dempster Highway. We hadn’t allotted enough days in our schedule and honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to drive our Class C on this just in case it did break down but I know I missed out on one epic adventure.

The Dempster Highway starts near Dawson City and in 736 km it takes you to Inuvik, which is only 100 km from the Arctic Ocean. Seriously off-grid! And at least 12 to 16 hours of driving each way. But if you’re brave and prepared, it could be an adventure of a lifetime.

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Getting To The Alaskan Highway

The Alaskan Highway doesn’t start at the US/Canadian border. There are four main routes that you can take to get to the start of the Alaskan Highway:

West Access Route: The West Access Route takes you from Seattle through Vancouver BC, Cache Creek, Williams Lake, and Prince George BC.  I highly recommend you take the detour on The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Cache Creek.  

East Access Route: This is the most direct route from Great Falls, Montana, through Calgary, AB and Edmonton, AB.  

Central Access Route: This route starts in Ellensburg, WA, and will take you through Kamloops. Probably the least scenic way in my opinion.

Canadian Rockies Route: We chose to get to the Alaskan Highway via the Canadian Rockies Route which starts in Couer d’Alene. If you are driving here through Idaho, click here for some inspiration on where to go on an Idaho Road Trip .

Alternate Routes: Driving the Cassiar Highway

We chose to drive the Alaskan Highway on the way up and the Cassiar to the Yellowhead to the West Access and Sea to Sky Highway on the way back and I can’t say enough how perfect this itinerary was.

You can combine the Yellowhead and Cassiar Highways instead of the Alaskan Highway to get through Canada on your way to Alaska.  The Yellowhead Highway runs east-west starts in Edmonton and ends at Prince Rupert.  Right before you get to Prince Rupert you can turn onto Highway 37, which is the Cassiar Highway.  The Cassiar runs north-south and connects the Yellowhead Highway with the Alaskan Highway near Watson Lake. 

The Cassiar Highway is a much narrower road, especially the section closest to Watson Lake. This part had no centerline and no shoulder and I would’ve hated to break down along this section because I think we only passed a handful of other cars between Watson Lake and Dease Lake.

Sightings like this are a regular occurrence on both the Alcan and the Cassiar Highway however on the Cassiar, you can just stop in the middle of the road

The Dease Lake to Yellowhead Highway junction route got busier; the Cassiar junction gas station had cheaper fuel overall.

Most of this highway is freshly paved though, so even though it’s a little windy and requires driving it at a slower pace (we averaged more like 45mph/70kph along the Cassiar), it was nice not worrying about potholes like we did on the Tok cutoff (seriously, that highway is horrible).

I wish it had a few more pull-offs because it is way more scenic than the Alaskan Highway. While driving the Alaskan Highway you are mostly in a constant sea of trees, the Cassiar Highway goes over and beside more rolling hills and a few mountain passes. The only problem, you can’t really stop and take it in.

The beauty and free camping opportunities at the top of some of these passes tempted me to stop and sit still for a few days to enjoy but I wasn’t prepared for it.

There aren’t many stores along this route nor gas stations, so it would be a good idea to stock up before you drive this in case you want to stall for a few days along the way.

Should I Drive The Alaskan Highway?

While it was easy to find blogs on How To Drive The Alaskan Highway and Stops Along The Alaskan Highway , I could never find anything on Should I Drive The Alaskan Highway when I was researching our trip.

I asked many people, most of whom happened to be retired, who all raved about how great it was. In retrospect, this wasn’t the best source of information, not because they were lying, it’s just, that they were probably more time-rich than me, and more importantly, they didn’t have 5 antsy kids riding with them .  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adventure Travel Family (@nomadswithapurpose) on May 29, 2019 at 3:47pm PDT

While the Alaskan Highway provides so many opportunities to learn about history, it’s not the driving force in my life right now. For this summer, I just want some epic scenery, solitude, and a nice challenging hike.

Driving the Alaskan Highway is LONG and in all honesty, BORING. However …

We saw 17 bears within five hours (on May 17th to top it off), but after sharing this with locals I learned that this is not the norm.   I’m starting to think the smell of our toilet attracted them *facepalm .*

Why I Chose To Drive To Alaska and Not Fly To Anchorage

Next time I will just fly up but I am so glad I drove it once for five big reasons:

1 | Self Sustained

Once I was in Alaska, I loved that I had my RV with me and all the things I needed for this adventure. We’ve flown to Europe and New Zealand with just a backpack on our backs and road-tripped through them but it was hard traveling so lightly. With this trip, I had my entire RV packed to the brim with necessities and non-necessities that made me feel prepared and I liked that sense of independence and security .

2 | Overall it Costs Less

From a financial standpoint, it saved me a good chunk of money by paying the gas to drive there and back instead of flying 7 people up and renting an RV.  

3 | Canada is So RAD

We were able to explore so many other incredible destinations in Canada on the way up and down, like Banff, Jasper, Whistler, and Squamish, that I would’ve been disappointed to miss if we had just flown straight to Alaska.

4 | The Wildlife

My kids will remember seeing 17 bears on May 17th for the rest of their lives. We didn’t see a single bear in Alaska. We saw plenty of eagles, sheep, caribou, moose, and foxes, but no bears. Although we did see about 40 bears in Canada just on the side of the road.

Now, if you have money to throw on some excursions in Alaska, I’m sure you can pay to see some incredible wildlife. But we travel on a budget and seeing this many bears for free was worth the cost of gas and long boring sections of open road.

5 | Peace, Solitude, Appreciation

I’d be driving for hours on end lost in my thoughts, half listening to my 8-year-old ramble on again about her birthday that’s 4 months away and half singing along to the same songs I’ve heard a thousand times on Jiraiya’s playlist while passing a sign that says 1000 km to Whitehorse and think to myself NO FRIGGIN’ WAY when all of a sudden a huge black dot interrupts the sea of trees that I’m immersed in (which btw is what allows me the luxury to half-heartedly listen to my beloved children while pondering the meaning of life instead of focusing on the road). I hit the brakes. It’s another bear.

I wish I was a better writer and could capture for you the excitement that builds in the RV as we get closer to that black speck on the horizon and we realize that it’s our seventeenth bear sighting in 3 hours and feel slightly glum that as rad as it is, it’s almost cheating because, from the comforts of my vehicle, there is no risk of harm.

The drive is long, but just like another pregnancy or childbirth, you endure it and look back so fondly at it.

By the time you get to Whitehorse (and then to the border and eventually to Anchorage or Fairbanks or Denali) and you spend a few days sitting still, allowing the vibration of the road to finally stop pulsating through your body, you actually start reminiscing about the solitude that the ALCAN provides and the peace you felt in those few days escape from the consumer driven rat race of the world.

Why I’d Fly To Alaska Next Time

The main reason I’d fly to Alaska next time is purely because the absolute best part of Alaska for us was the Kenai Peninsula . There are just so many great outdoor activities, camping opportunities, and other adventures in that small area that I could be happy for weeks, if not months, there.

There’s a reason the destination is Alaska.

While Northern BC was pretty, Alaska is so diverse and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The raw nature is incomparable to anywhere else in the world.

Do You Need The Milepost?

The Milepost is a book with mile-by-mile highway logs for 30 major routes and 60 side trips to and from Alaska. It has tons of information on campgrounds, hotels, excursions, and most importantly, over 100 maps. However, the book itself can be super overwhelming, making you feel more confused than you’d be without it.

If you love planning, and maps, want every detail of information on detours and alternative routes, or if you love history, I highly recommend buying it. I am an overplanner and enjoyed having it but you don’t NEED it.

If you aren’t the planning type and intend on just driving the Alaska Highway with no detours, you don’t need the book. Driving the Alaskan Highway is super easy, straight forward, and you’re never that far from a city or someone who can help out.

Our Road Trip To Alaska Itinerary

Day 1: dawson creek to muncho lake.

We pretty much drove the stretch from Dawson Creek to Muncho Lake in one day. We arrived in Dawson Creek only a few minutes before the visitor center closed, which I was thankful for so that the kids could get their “Driving the Alaskan Highway” certificate and so we could grab brochures to help us plan what detours we wanted to take.

After taking a picture in front of the famous Dawson Creek Mile 0 statue, we drove an hour up to Fort St John so that the kids could swim and we could work out at the recreation center there. When it closed at 9 pm, we drove just a bit further to a rest area to sleep for the night.

If you weren’t stopping at the rec center, this would be only about an hour and a half of driving and could easily be tagged on to what we drove the next day.

The next day I didn’t have the intention of driving so far, but there wasn’t anything that amazing to stop for except for the 17 bears we saw along the highway.

Other than stopping to admire the bears for a few minutes each time and refueling, we also stopped by Tetsa Campground for their famous cinnamon rolls. THEY WERE SO GOOD!!!

I had my sights set on camping that night at Summit Lake campground but we were too early in the season. The sites were snow-free but the lake was still frozen over and the hike we wanted to do there was still covered in snow. I was too worried that even if we tried to sleep there we’d freeze overnight so we drove on towards Muncho Lake.

If you are later in the season I highly recommend spending two nights at Summit. As we were driving along Muncho Lake we stumbled upon another gem of a campground. Strawberry Flats is one of the most gorgeous campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. It sits right on the turquoise lake that was still partially covered in ice and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It was heavenly!

Day 2: Muncho Lake to Teslin

We took our time getting going from Muncho Lake since the scenery at Strawberry Flats was so incredible. In retrospect, I would’ve stayed an extra night at Strawberry Flats and done a nearby hike that day.

Then we broke up the drive by relaxing at Liard Hot Springs for a few hours. It was a Sunday so it was a bit crowded and if you can coordinate getting here midweek or at least not mid-day, you will enjoy the experience much more.

We ended up spending this night at another rest area, but if I had known how nice the Teslin RV park was I probably would’ve pushed on to there.

Day 3: Teslin to Whitehorse

Teslin to Whitehorse was only three hours of driving for us. I wanted to make sure I got a campsite as close to town as possible since I was planning on spending a few days here.

Whitehorse was amazing and I highly recommend at least 2 days here. Whitehorse is part of the Golden Circle which encompasses Whitehorse, Carcross, Skagway, Haines, and Haines Junction. You definitely want to read our blog Golden Circle of Yukon + Alaska: Guide to Whitehorse, Skagway + Haines to get detailed information about Whitehorse and to help you decide if adding the Golden Circle to your itinerary is worth it.

Day 4: Haines Junction to the Alaskan border

This was also only a half day of driving because we had spent most of the day hiking King’s Throne near Haines Junction. This is a great hike and camping near here or even just spending a day on Kathleen Lake would be a great addition to your itinerary.

Tip for border crossing: I almost always time the crossings to be later in the evening just in case the wait is long. For crossing here by Beaver Creek it probably doesn’t matter but I know the border crossing by Skagway can get long with all the tourists off the cruise ships.

Day 5: Alaska + recommended detours

If you want off-the-beaten-path adventure, wildlife and gorgeous Alaskan scenery, I highly recommend checking out Valdez.

When we reached Tok we left the Alaska Highway, 100 miles before its official end. I really had no interest in Fairbanks for this trip and even though I was curious about Dawson City, I felt like I had had enough touristy things when we did the Golden Circle. I was ready for jagged mountains, glaciers, and epic hikes so we headed down to Valdez.

Valdez is a bit out of the way but you get to drive over the pass and one of my favorite parts of our Alaska road trip was all the passes we went over.

The mountains were still fully covered in snow so we couldn’t hike at the pass, but in the town of Valdez, we did a short hike to this incredible viewpoint and discovered a free camping area at the base of a glacier.

Another night we camped right on the water and saw many sea otters playing right in from of the campground.

From Valdez, we drove straight towards Anchorage and if you don’t choose to detour to Valdez or Wrangell-St Elias NP, then you can easily do the drive from the Alaskan border to Anchorage or Fairbanks in one day. One the way out of Alaska, we did Anchorage to Whitehorse in one day, but it was a long day of driving.

Between Valdez (or Tok) and Anchorage, there’s the Matanuska Glacier that you might want to hike. We only stopped to take a picture of it from the rest area because we had plans to visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords and Portage Glacier near Whittier.

If we had more time or weren’t doing the Kenai Peninsula, then I would have spent a little time in this area of Glacier View since there are a lot of other epic adventures you can do here like white water rafting, ATV riding, and zip lining, along with some great camping spot.

However, I would tell everyone to prioritize time on the Kenai Peninsula. Check out our blog 15 Things to Do on the Kenai Peninsula: Alaska’s Best Destination for help planning that part of your itinerary.

Just an hour past Glacier View you will arrive in Palmer. While the town itself isn’t something to write home about (though it was nice to be back in a lively civilization again), the area just north of it, Hatcher Pass , is something you shouldn’t skip. We included our two favorite hikes and an epic campground in Hatcher Pass in our blog 25 Epic Things To Do Near Anchorage.

How Much Our Road Trip To Alaska Trip Cost Us

All the prices below are in USD except for fuel.

Total Campgrounds Cost $900

This was our total cost for all the campgrounds we stayed at over our entire 4 months of travel. We only stayed in campgrounds for a total of 30 nights some were as little as $9 per night and others were as expensive as $70 a night. Honestly, most of this was in Whistler and Squamish .

Total Airbnb Cost $650

Throughout the 4-month road trip, we got an Airbnb for one night four times. Once in Kalispell, Palmer, Anchorage, and Squamish. It’s nice on long road trips to have a day in a big kitchen to cook huge meals, catch up on laundry, take long hot showers, and get WiFi to write blogs. But it ends up being a little exhausting and very expensive when you compare this number to the cost of camping.

Total Fuel Cost $3,800 + $300 Ferry

This was our total fuel expense from San Diego, California to Denali (including all our detours) and back. We also took the ferry from Skagway, Alaska to Haines, Alaska, which is only a one-hour boat ride but ended up costing almost $300 for 6 of us and our RV.

Fuel prices in Canada (CAD per liter) :

• Lake Louise $1.32
• Grand Prairie Costco $1.19 (everywhere else in Grand Prairie was $1.32)
• Fort Nelson $1.42
• Muncho Lake $1.89
• Watson Lake $1.37
• Teslin $1.41
• Whitehorse $1.37
• Haines Junction $1.42
• Junction to Highway 37 $1.48
• Iskut $1.50
• Meziadin Junction $1.55
• Junction of Cassiar and Yellowhead $1.26
• Prince George $1.32
• Pemberton $1.30
• Whistler $1.36
• Squamish $1.45

For US travelers: If you want to compare the price of gas from CAD to USD take the price per liter and multiply by 3.78 then multiply that by the current exchange rate of CAD 1 to the USD (at the time that was USD 0.76). Or simply…. multiply the Canadian liter price by 4 and take three-fourths of that. So in Grand Prairie, we paid about $1.20 per liter times 4 is $4.8, and 3/4 or that = $3.60 per gallon, which wasn’t much different than what we paid in the States. Okay, enough math!

Fuel Prices in Alaska (USD per gallon) :

• Glenallen $3.62-$3.78
• Costco in Anchorage $3.09-$3.34
• Wasilla $3.27
• Homer $3.28

Travel Tip: The cheapest gas in Canada was at the Costco in Grand Prairie but they don’t take Visa (only Master Card I believe) so we had to go inside to buy a Costco cash card with Canadian dollars.

If you made it this far, CONGRATS because you are going to have an epic trip up the Alaska highway with all the info you just read. I truly hope I helped you plan an amazing Alaska Highway road trip! This is a trip of a lifetime and most everyone who does it once wants to go back and do it again.

If I left any of your questions unanswered, don’t hesitate to comment on the blog and let me know!

Congrats! Now That You Made It Through The Alaska Highway, It’s Time To Plan Your Time In Alaska

• Watch all our Alaska YouTube videos here
• Plan your Denali Trip here
• Plan your Anchorage Trip here
• Plan your Kenai Peninsula Trip here
• Plan your Skagway & Haines Trip here

Before You Go

• If travel, adventure, and RVing excite you, download our free adventure resource bundle where you get all our pack lists, gear guides, inspirational stories from our travels, and more.
• If you love to hike or want to improve your hiking ability, download our free Fit To Hike Program .
• If trip planning overwhelms you, hire me to plan it for you.

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Saturday 9th of March 2024

We are planning another trip, our 5th maybe 6th, up to Alaska this year. We have reservations to go to Kodiak this time. Any good info about Kodiak for me?

Great info here, we've been to most all of these places. Just too old for the hiking!

Robyn Robledo

Sunday 17th of March 2024

I wish I could help you with this but unfortunately we didn't visit Kodiak.

Thursday 9th of January 2020

This is so perfect! I’ve been all over the internet trying to find exactly this...a post from a family, with and RV, and their actual route and recommendations. I laughed when you mentioned the gyms/rec centers because that’s totally one of my concerns. Ha! Truly. Thanks for taking the time to share so much info! Our family is considering a June trip and this blog will really help our process.

I'm so glad this helped you! It was really hard planning our trip last year because there wasn't enough info so I'm glad you found our blog. The rec centers were definitely life savers some days. The bears along the side of the road were the best part of the trip.

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Alaska Highway Travel Guide

Epic Road trip on the Alaska Highway: Dawson Creek, BC to Beaver Creek, Alaska Border

Table of Contents

The length of the Alaska Highway is 2,432 km . Of that, 1,048 km are in British Columbia, 907 km in the Yukon, and 477 km in Alaska.

More than 100 years ago, gold was the reason people headed north. Californian George Carmack and his Tagish Indian friends, Skookum Jim and Dawson Charlie struck gold at Bonanza Creek in the Klondike. This started the Klondike Gold Rush, which became to be the largest of history’s great gold stampedes.

Heading north you will follow the same route Jack London, Wyatt Earp and many of the old-timers took.

The Alaska Highway opened in 1948 and is one of the most iconic drives in the world. The road to adventure starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and travels through the Yukon to Delta Junction in Alaska. Driving the Highway is not the challenge it used to be since the road is now paved and many services have become available.

Stop at the excellent visitor centres and watch the historic videos. Driving the highway will have a different meaning once you learn about its construction and the workforce involved.

How to get to Dawson Creek – Mile 0

From grande prairie, alberta (two routes).

• Route 1 (132 km) – From Grand Prairie take Highway 43 West, which takes you into British Columbia. At the Alberta/BC border, Highway 43 becomes Highway 2, known locally as the Tupper Highway. This route takes you to Swan Lake Provincial Park and Pouce Coupe before arriving in Dawson Creek, Mile 0 on the Alaska Highway.
• Route 2 (174 km) – From Grand Prairie take Highway 2 north, then turn west onto Highway 49, known as the Northern Woods and Water Route. This route will take you to Dawson Creek, Mile 0 on the Alaska Highway.

From Prince George BC via Highway 97

• Head north on Highway 97 to Dawson Creek (400 km).

Provincial parks – Three provincial parks on this stretch of highway make it easy to break up the journey and stop overnight.

• Whiskers Point Provincial Park
• Pine Le Moray Provincial Park
• Moberly Lake Provincial Park

Alaska Highway Road Conditions

The tremendous length of the Alaska Highway, the remoteness, and the harsh Northern climate often result in big surprises along the way. All of the Alaska Highway is paved and in fair condition.

Still, expect some bad sections with chuckholes, deteriorated shoulders, bumps, and frost heaves. Because of constant improvement projects on the highway, be prepared to drive long stretches of gravel sections. The Highway is rarely closed because of a weather-related event and usually never for longer than a day.

It’s a good idea to inquire locally about the road conditions ahead and find out what facilities are available. In the off-season, many businesses are closed.

Useful link to check road conditions:

Dawson Creek Mile 0

Before setting out on your trip, have a photo taken at the Mile ‘0’ post in Dawson Creek, then explore the Alaska Highway House for an introduction to the highway’s history and get a good kick-start on the Alaska Highway. Drop in at the Visitors Centre to pick up maps, brochures, and information about campgrounds and gas stations. If you have spare time, go on a Downtown Historic Walking Tour, or tour the Dawson Creek Station Museum.

Dawson Creek to Fort St. John

30 km north of Dawson Creek you can do a side trip to the historic Kiskatinaw Bridge , built by the U.S. military as part of the Alaska Highway. The 30 m high bridge was the first curved wooden bridge built in Canada. Today, it is the only original timber bridge remaining on the highway. Camping is available at nearby Kiskatinaw Provincial Park.

Further up the Highway, the community of Taylor overlooks the mighty Peace River and offers a small-town charm. The town has motels, restaurants, and campgrounds for its visitors. From Taylor, it is a short drive to Fort St. John BC’s oldest non-native settlement.

Located in the heart of the Peace Country Fort St. Johns is the undisputed oil and gas capital of British Columbia and the largest BC city on the Alaska Highway. With many hotels, restaurants, and plenty of shopping Fort St. Johns is the ideal place to spend a night.

Enjoy the Fish Creek Community Forest Trails to stretch your legs. Watch migrating falcons, hawks, and eagles from the Beatton River Valley, 5 km from the city. Camp at nearby Charlie Lake Provincial Park.

Fort St. John to Fort Nelson

Back on the Alaska Highway head north from Fort St. John. You have a long road ahead of you, therefore you might want to have a few stops on the way.

4 km north of Fort St John, you arrive at Beatton Provincial Park with its long stretch of beach and excellent Walleye fishing. Charlie Provincial Park is located 6 km north and is popular for camping, hiking, and boating.

Mile 80 Rest Are a, a provincial rest area heading northward, is located by a river and has running water and flush toilets. Check the overhead message sign for road conditions further up the highway.

Pink Mountain

Halfway between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson is the tiny hamlet of Pink Mountain . Look west and you see the similarly named peak with a rosy glow at sunrise. For Pink Mountain Provincial Park turn west off the highway onto seasonal road #192.

Pink Mountain Campsite and RV Park is one of the nicest campgrounds on the Alaska Highway, located at mile marker 143. Here you find propane, gas, and diesel, along with Canada Post and BC Government liqueur Store. The campground offers shaded sites and fire pits, a laundromat, and clean hot showers and is open year-round.

Soon after leaving Pink Mountain, you arrive at Suicide Hill , one of the most treacherous hills on the original highway.

Sikanni River Campground at Mile 162 located on the Sikanni Chief River offers seasonal gas, lodging, and camping with hot showers and free Wi-Fi. Some sites are right on the river with the Sikanni Chief River Bridge as a backdrop.

Driving north takes you to Buckinghorse River bridge and the turnoff to Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park . Open seasonally, the park offers campsites with fantastic views of the river and its surroundings. With a few more stops on the way, you will be happy when you finally arrive in Fort Nelson.

Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson was established as a fur trading post in 1805 and later became “Mile 300” of the Alaska Highway. The town was a base for pushing the Alaska Highway through the wilderness. In the 1950s, forestry, oil, and gas took over. Tourism is gaining importance as the town is becoming known for eco-travel and adventure in the northern Rockies with its eight provincial parks located within an easy drive.

Visit Fort Nelson Heritage Museum for a close-up look at its history. Settle into the old-time theatre and watch a historic video on how the Alaska Highway was built.

Fort Nelson’s Visitor Centre across the road is also worth a visit with friendly staff offering WI-FI and a souvenir store. The town offers all the amenities essential to your trip – quality accommodation, restaurants, stores, and services.

With the world-famous Alaska Highway as its main street, Fort Nelson is the last major town in BC as you head north.

Fort Nelson to Watson Lake

From Fort Nelson, the highway turns southwest and begins to climb into the Northern Rocky Mountains through sharp bends, dramatic scenery, and abundant wildlife. You’ll drive through Stone Mountain Provincial Park , featuring the Wokkpash Recreation Area. Here, you can hike beside the erosion pillars, the awesome stone sculptures shaped by wind and rain, called hoodoos.

The highway winds through the park’s north end about 151 km from Fort Nelson. The park’s Summit Lake, at 1,295 m is the highest point on the Alaska Highway. Wild, rugged backcountry hiking can be found throughout the park. Be prepared to share the alpine tundra and deep valleys with stone sheep, caribou, moose, deer, and bears.

Continue past Stone Mountain Provincial Park to Toad River , a small community of approximately 50 people nestled in the mountains of northern British Columbia. The road leads you to the valley below Muncho Lake Provincial Park located 86 km northwest of Stone Mountain Park.

Follow the shore of jade-coloured Muncho Lake, the “jewel of the north” with its spectacular scenery, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The area attracts large herds of sheep and caribou, which mostly can be seen at dawn and dusk. Muncho Lake Provincial Park is close to the highway and has two campgrounds near the 12 km lake.

The area attracts large herds of sheep and caribou, which mostly can be seen at dawn and dusk. Muncho Lake Provincial Park is close to the highway and has two campgrounds near the 12 km lake.

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park

Past Muncho Lake Provincial Park, is about 60 km to the Liard River Hot Springs – a must-stop!

The hot springs are one of the great wonders of the North. A ten-minute walk from the campground in the park takes you to the steaming, soothing mineral waters of two hot pools. The unique ecosystem hosts an amazing diversity of plant life. The hot springs are especially magical in winter; with sub-zero temperatures. Rustic campsites, change rooms, and a boardwalk to get to the springs are open year-round. You are asked to protect this delicate environment by not bringing soap or shampoo into the waters.

Liard Lodge campground across from the Provincial Park is an alternative if the park campground is full, but the place was pretty dirty when I was there. I suggest you arrive early in the day if you want to camp in any of the park’s 53 campsites as they fill up quickly.

If you check your map after your soak, you’ll see that it is only another 120 km or so through the beautiful northern British Columbia wilderness to Watson Lake, Yukon.

It’s a 193 km drive through the beautiful northern British Columbia wilderness from Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park to Watson Lake. You pass through Coal River and other small communities on the way.

Upon leaving British Columbia (though not for the last time), it is only a short distance to Watson Lake.

Enter Canada’s Yukon at Watson Lake

You made it to the famous Signpost Forest! Watson Lake is the first Yukon community when travelling northbound and the second largest town in the Yukon!

Watson Lake was an important construction camp for the Alaska Highway. As history goes, a homesick army soldier started the Watson Lake Signpost Forest in 1942, nailing up a marker pointing home. Ever since then, travellers have been adding signs from their hometowns to the growing outdoor forest.

Standing at the signpost forest you will see that it is 5,792 km to New York and 6,436 km to Tokyo, but only 455 km to Whitehorse , Yukon.

Just behind the collection of signs is the Watson Lake Visitor Centre and Museum, a friendly place with heaps of information. When I stopped in they showed the same historical video I had seen earlier at Fort Nelson. This is also the place to inquire about the Robert Campbell Highway road condition if you are planning to head that way.

Don’t miss the Northern Lights Centre or walk the trail at Wye Lake Park. If you are in town in July, stay for the annual Watson Lake rodeo.

Services and lodging

The town has gas stations, automotive and tire repair, banks, and shops. Several lodging options are offered in Watson Lake.

Camping is available at the Downtown R.V. Park on the access road to Wye Lake and at Watson Lake Yukon Government Campground , located 3.9 km west of the Signpost Forest.

Watsons Lake to Whitehorse

26 km west of Watson Lake is the junction with the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (HWY 37) which heads south into BC. Just west of the junction is Nugget City with accommodation, campsites, and food available.

Another 110 km west, past the1112 km marker lookout for the Rancheria Falls Recreation Site. A short walk takes you to the thundering twin waterfalls.

Teslin, located 272 km west of Watson Lake is the home of the Tlingit First Nation, one of the largest in the Yukon. A large part of the community still earns a livelihood by trapping, fishing and hunting, and woodworking crafts, such as canoes, snowshoes, and sleds.

Stop at the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre on the shores of beautiful Teslin Lake, 5 km north of Teslin to learn about the history and culture of the inland Tlingit people. The George Johnston Museum houses the Yukon’s largest collection of Tlingit artifacts.

Johnson’s Crossing

Heading north from Teslin about 53 km takes you to Johnson’s Crossing, at the junction of Alaska Highway and Canol Road (Hwy 6). This side road leads 220 km to the Campbell Highway with a campground at Quiet Lake at 96 km. No travel facilities between here and Ross River. Check road conditions before heading out.

Gas and food are available at Johnson’s Crossing. Another 127 km will take you to Whitehorse.

Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon and I highly suggest stopping here for a few days. It offers all the amenities of a big city, with a friendly small-town personality. Sip coffee in one of the coffee shops, browse galleries and pick up Northern art, enjoy local live music, or get out of town on a wilderness adventure for a day or two.

Whitehorse to Haines Junction

Continue your journey west to the village of Haines Junction. Take a detour along the way through the First Nations village of Champagne. Say goodbye to the flatland when you reach Haines junction and see imposing peaks looming over the town.

Haines Junction is the gateway to the Kluane National Park and Reserve and is an excellent base for exploring the park. It’s a place for mountaineering, backcountry, or river adventure.

From Haines Junction, the magnificent Haines Highway heads south to Alaska.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

The Kluane National Park and Haines Junction Visitor Centres are open daily and offer information on camping, hiking, boating, and other recreation. Heading west from Haines Junction, you will be speechless once you reach Kluane Lake.

With British Columbia’s Tashenshini Alsek Provincial Park to the south and Alaska’s Wrangell-St Elias National Park to the west, this is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world. The park consists mainly of the St Elias Mountains and the world’s largest non-polar ice fields. Kluane Lake is Yukon’s largest lake. Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain (5959 m), and the immense icefields are hidden from the road.

The best view of Kluane is from the air. Flightseeing tours are available.

Kluane to Beaver Creek

Drive beneath the towering peaks of the Kluane mountains and watch for wildlife. Visit Destruction Bay , 107 km north of Haines Junction on the shore of Kluane Lake. Most residents are First Nations who live off the land. Congdon Creek has a territorial campground on a lakeside located 17 km east of town. The last community along the park is

The next community along Kulani is Burwash Landing , with the excellent Kluane Museum. with wildlife exhibits and displays on aboriginal history.

Beaver Creek is the last stop before you reach the Canada – U.S. border and your destination Alaska.

Tips for Travelling North

• Visit DriveBC or 511Yukon on your laptop or mobile for updates on road conditions and construction activities while travelling.
• For Information on Provincial Parks visit BC Parks or Yukon Parks
• From Fort Nelson northward, internet connectivity is limited or unavailable.
• In case of an emergency, while you are in the Pink Mountain area, or further north, don’t call 911, the service is not available in this area. Instead call Northern Rockies RCMP (250)774-2777, BC Ambulance Service (250)774-2344, or Northern Rockies Fire Rescue (250) 774-2222.
• Watch out for wildlife that might cross your path.
• Keep your headlights on during the day whenever visibility is poor.
• Be aware that gas stations are far between.

Travel Information

• British Columbia Travel Guide
• Yukon Travel Guide
• Road Trip Planner for the Wilderness
• MILEPOST – Alaska Travel Planner is the only Travel Guide you need for your northern road trip.

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Yukon and Alaska Round Trip from Whitehorse

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5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)

So, you’re thinking of venturing out on an Alaska road trip? The state isn’t nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’ for nothing. The stark mountains, frigid winter climate, and vast miles of land uninhabited by humans give way to its off the map nature.

If you’re looking to cruise alongside stunning scenery and embark on some incredible new adventures, all while enjoying the comforts of civilization along the way, an Alaska road trip is certainly the way to go.

It’s hard to know where to start when planning your own expedition like this, so we’ve done some of the legwork for you. Read on for all of the best routes and must-sees along the way when you embark on your journey through the Last Frontier.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Alaska (Travel Guide)

How many miles is it to Anchorage, Alaska from:

Table of Contents

• Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 44 hours and 2,261 miles
• Los Angeles, California to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,395 miles
• Chicago, Illinois to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,568 miles
• Atlanta, Georgia to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 71 hours and 4,210 miles
• Houston, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 70 hours and 4,124 miles
• Vancouver, Canada to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 42 hours and 2,191 miles

5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes

Alaska Highway

What would an Alaskan road trip be without a journey up to their 1,387-mile namesake highway? Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, you can turn down this uncrowded route and take in the picturesque snow-capped peaks and remote landscape, all the way up to Delta Junction in southeastern Fairbanks, Alaska.

What to See

During your road trip, you’ll find plenty to see and do on the Alaska Highway. Passing through Muncho Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia, you can stop for a bit of canoeing and spend the night in the cozy Northern Rockies Lodge . Just past the park, we recommend stopping to soak in the Liard River hot springs.

Not long after crossing into Yukon Territory, you’ll be able to check out the Continental Divide . Parting the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. This ridge journeys from Alaska to the tip of South America .

It’s a short but fun stop along the way for anyone who is into geography and spectacular terrain. Also, in the Yukon, there is Kluane National Park and Reserve , a hot spot for adventurers looking to try rafting, mountaineering, and more outdoor activities.

Check-in for a night at the charming Kathleen Lake Lodge before continuing your journey into Alaska. Be sure to stop by Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge to experience the critters of an Alaska road trip – bald eagles, grizzly bears, and trumpeter swans are just a few of the animal species protected by this region.

You might feel inclined to plan your Alaska road trip over the summer to avoid poor weather conditions and take full advantage of the activities along the way, as some businesses may close during the winter months.  MILEPOST , a must-have guide for traveling in the northwest of the continent, makes a good case for tackling the Alaska Highway during the off-season.

Provided you are a responsible driver, you stay on top of your fuel reserves, are settled into your pre-booked accommodation by nightfall, and adhere to road signage. Attractions like the hot springs at Liard River are going to be all the more enjoyable when experienced in Alaska’s famous colder climate.

Parks Highway & Denali Highway

For 362 miles between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you can take in the wild landscape of Alaska’s interior on Parks Highway. From mountains to tundra, it’s the perfect Alaska road trip for adventurous spirits.

Not only is Alaska the Last Frontier, but it’s also the site of what’s known as the Last Great Race on Earth: the Iditarod. After departing Anchorage, you could spend some time at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Museum , where you can dive into the history of this bold and daring race.

Perhaps the most anticipated stop of a Parks Highway Alaska road trip is, Denali National Park and Preserve . Home to the continent’s highest peak, Denali.

This park boasts plenty of summer and winter activities, such as hiking, fishing, mountaineering, and stargazing. Spend the night at one of the quaint cabins in the Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Here, you can also choose to detour from your Parks Highway road trip and embark on an alternate route to take in the full expanse of this cherished park, its glaciers and tundra landscape.

Extending for 134 miles from Paxson to Cantwell and made up of mostly gravel, Denali Highway is no last-minute decision, so make sure if you go this route you’re aptly prepared to forge ahead on a new trip.

While Parks Highway is open all four seasons, Denali Highway is closed in the winter. Traveling during the summer months is probably your best bet for enjoying the full spectrum of Alaska’s interior on this trip.

Seward Highway

Modest in length compared to it’s big Alaska road trip counterparts, Seward Highway is perfect for a small jaunt from Anchorage. Looping 127 miles down to Seward, the sites you’ll encounter are some of the state’s most breathtaking.

Don’t be fooled by the low mileage on this trip – there is so much to see packed into a short distance! MILEPOST is a great resource for examining all of the options available to you.

Your first order of business will be to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of Turnagain Arm as you cruise between mountains and shoreline.

If you’re willing to turn this mini Alaska road trip into a full-fledged adventure, take some time to stay at Alyeska Resort just southeast of Anchorage, where you can hit the slopes and ski to your heart’s content.

Further down the road, you can check out the trail at Johnson’s Pass before stopping for another night at the Inn at Tern Lake , where you’ll be able to arrange fishing trips or whale watching tours.

Be sure to take your camera out for glossy Kenai Lake before you complete your journey in the pleasant town of Seward .

Any season of Seward Highway won’t disappoint. If you are an avid ski or snowboarder be sure to venture to this region in the winter!

Dalton Highway

Time to go off-road (sort of). Most of Dalton Highway is gravel, so you’ll have to take your sweet time on this massive 415-mile route starting at Elliott Highway and ending in Deadhorse, up by the Arctic Ocean.

This is not a route to be taken lightly, and if you’re renting a car, be sure to double-check for restrictions on traveling on unpaved roadways.

This trek starts at the junction with Elliott Highway, another scenic Alaska road trip looping from Fox to Manley Hot Springs. Spend a couple of nights at Coldfoot Camp , aptly named for the frigid arctic conditions you’ll face while cruising Dalton Highway.

Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter.

Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Void of set paths, this stop is perfect for some pictures before continuing on your way unless you happen to be an expert in wilderness survival.

Once you reach Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay, you can stay at the Aurora Hotel , which sits over Colleen Lake and book an Arctic Ocean tour . Who else can say they’ve done that?

You really can’t go wrong here. This far north, you’ll be able to witness the midnight sun during the summer, and you’ll have a shot at the Aurora Borealis during the winter.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Bob Blodgett Nome-Teller Memorial Highway

Due to the remoteness of the Last Frontier, most of the more popular Alaska road trips happen in the eastern region of the state, around the major cities and attractions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, think about tackling the 73-mile stretch of pavement running between Nome, on the southwest end of the state, up to Teller, situated on Grantley Harbor and the closest you’ll get to Russia on any of these Alaska road trips.

The sights of Alaska do not disappoint, and this mini road trip is no exception. At the start of your journey, take a detour up Anvil Mountain for a view worthy of a photo-op, and while you’re there, check out some Cold War communications remnants, dubbed by some as “Nomehenge.”

Further on, you can take in more off the beaten path sites, like an abandoned reindeer corral. But don’t be discouraged by these ruins, as you’re likely to spot actual reindeer too! Stop by Penny River Bridge to view some more unique local wildlife, like coho salmon and arctic tern. The road to Teller is full of surprises!

A several hour round-trip excursion, by the time you arrive back in Nome, check-in at the quaint Dredge No. 7 Inn , located just off the highway. Grab a bite at Husky Restaurant , and sit back, relax, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Like most Alaska road trips, this one is stunning 365 days a year and like most Alaska road trips, some attractions, such as the road to Anvil Mountain, aren’t maintained in the winter months.

Keep this in mind no matter what time of year you decide to venture out. With proper preparation, you’re sure to love cruising through the Last Frontier.

Alaska Road Trip Drive Timetables

North of anchorage: talkeetna, denali, fairbanks.

• Anchorage to Talkeetna: 115 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Fairbanks: 360 Miles 7-8 Hours
• Anchorage to Denali: 265 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Fairbanks to Denali: 120 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Denali to Talkeetna: 150 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Palmer: 43 Miles 1 Hour

South of Anchorage: Portage, Seward, Cooper Landing, Homer

• Anchorage to Seward: 128 Miles 2.5-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Kenai: 158 Miles 3 Hours
• Anchorage to Homer: 221 Miles 5-6 Hours
• Anchorage to Cooper Landing: 100 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Girdwood: 40 Miles 1 Hour
• Seward To Homer: 170 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Denali to Seward: 375 Miles 7-8 Hours

East of Anchorage: Glenallen, Copper Center, Chitina, McCarthy, Valdez

• Anchorage to Glennallen: 180 Miles 4.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whittier: 90 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Haines Junction: 608 Miles 12.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whitehorse: 704 Miles 14.5 Hours
• Glennallen to Valdez: 120 Miles 2 Hours
• Fairbanks to Valdez: 365 Miles 8 Hours
• Fairbanks to Haines Junction: 495 Miles 9-11 Hours
• Fairbanks to Whitehorse: 588 Miles 12 Hours
• Glennallen to Chitina: 64 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Chitina to McCarthy: 60 Miles 3.5 Hours

If you are road tripping in Alaska or renting a car you must have:   The Mile Post

Alaska Railroad vs Car Rental

Cons of Driving

• You really don’t get to enjoy the scenery since you are paying attention to the road.
• Driving does not give you access to untouched valleys the railroad travels through, the Placer River Valley and along the Susitna drainage.
• Driving does require some planning since there are a few services available in certain areas.
• It requires stopping for restrooms breaks and to stretch after sitting for long periods of time.

Pros of Driving

• It gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
• Having your own space allows you to bring more.
• It’s quicker than taking the railroad.
• The vehicle provides shelter, so you don’t have to rely on finding accommodation.

Cons of the Railroad

• Taking the railroad in Alaska takes more time than driving.
• The Railroad is more expensive, particularly for large groups.
• There’s a set travel schedule.
• Trains may run late on rare occasions, due to wildlife on tracks or a scheduling problem.
• They require secondary transportation once you arrive at your destination. (Courtesy shuttle, taxi, or walking)

Pros of the Railroad

• Let someone else do the driving, while you just sit and enjoy the views and maybe a glimpse of some wildlife.
• You can get up and stretch your legs without having to stop.
• Don’t need to plan a bathroom or lunch break, everything is already on board.

More on Alaska:

• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs
• Alaska National Parks-The Fabulous 8
•   Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
• Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska
• Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt – Juneau, Alaska

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)”

We just got back from our first trip to Alaska. I really enjoyed seeing your pics!!

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Experience True Nature

Wilderness adventure tours beyond imagination, alaska travel guide - alaska highway map.

Driving in Alaska offers a unique and breathtaking experience, especially when traversing the state's extensive highway system. The most iconic and scenic highway in Alaska is the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, which stretches over 1,390 miles from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska. This highway is not only a vital transportation route but also a gateway to the unparalleled natural beauty of the Last Frontier. The Alaska Highway is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, featuring towering mountains, dense forests, and expansive tundra. Drivers can expect a smooth journey along well-maintained roads, but it's crucial to be prepared for variable weather conditions, as Alaska is known for its extremes. Summer months generally provide more favorable driving conditions, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, allowing for a more comfortable and leisurely exploration of the surroundings. As you navigate through the highway, you'll encounter wildlife unique to Alaska, such as moose, bears, and eagles. It's essential to drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings, as these animals often cross the road unexpectedly. Many stretches of the highway offer pullouts and viewpoints, allowing travelers to stop and marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes, capture photographs, and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. Alaska's road network extends beyond the Alaska Highway, with other notable routes like the Glenn Highway and the Richardson Highway. The Glenn Highway takes drivers through the stunning Matanuska-Susitna Valley, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, while the Richardson Highway offers access to the historic town of Valdez and the breathtaking Worthington Glacier. In winter, the driving experience transforms as Alaska becomes a winter wonderland. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and the dancing Northern Lights create a magical atmosphere. It's important to equip your vehicle with snow tires, and be aware of the potential for icy road conditions. Alaska's highways are not just a means of transportation; they are a gateway to the untamed wilderness that defines the state. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a first-time visitor, driving in Alaska promises a memorable adventure filled with natural wonders and unparalleled beauty.

Alaska Travel Guide

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• FAQ: Alaska Cruises
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Lita of the Pack

US National Parks, Van Life & Travel Tips!

in Alaska , Road Trips , USA · July 25, 2023

Complete Guide to Driving the Alaska Highway

A re you ready to go on the road trip of a lifetime? Driving the Alaska Highway is one of the best drives in the world 🌎. Although it’s not for the faint of heart at more than 1300 miles and with few services along the way, but it’s worth it!

Taking on this road trip can seem daunting, but with some preparation you’ll be fine! This highway started in BC Canada in Dawson Creek 📌 and travels Northwest through rugged patches of mountains and remote areas before getting to Alaska. You will encounter plenty of wildlife as well as some rough road as you make your way up!

After doing this road trip this past summer, I collected all of the information you’ll need for your drive. I’ve included a map 🗺 of places on the Alaska Highway, tips for driving, and a great itinerary to follow. Read my complete guide to driving the Alaska Highway below!

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• Best Alaska Travel Itinerary: Road Trip the Highlights

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Table of Contents

Things to Know About the Alaska Highway

Quick alaska highway facts.

🚙 Alaska Highway is 1,387 miles or 2232 kilometers long . It starts in Dawson Creek, Canada and it ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. However, a lot of people (including us) just take it to Tok (1257 miles) and then venture off into Alaska.

💵 It is free to drive the Alaska Highway, so the only places that may charge a fee are campgrounds, state parks, or other sites! It’s good to have both Canadian and US dollars . If you use US dollars in Canada, they will usually give change in Canadian dollars.

☀️ It is common for there to be rain or snow along the Alaska Highway depending on the time of year. Go slow, use your headlights, and be careful if there is bad weather.

⛺️You can book lodging or campgrounds ahead of time. However, it’s legal to sleep in most rest areas along the way. You can usually find a place to sleep as you go and if you have an RV or van, then I recommend it! We often use the iOverlander app to find places to sleep for free.

🦮 Pets are allowed all the way along the Alaska Highway. However, be careful if you ever see wildlife to keep an eye on your pets.

🦟 If you’re driving the Alaska Highway in the summer then it gets really buggy up in the Yukon and Alaska. You will want bug spray and you way even want bug screens on your RV or camper. They are some of the worst I’ve experienced!

📲 There are long stretches of highway (hours) without cell service. I recommend downloading maps ahead of time.

🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.

Getting to Alaska

If you are coming from mainland USA or Canada then there are three ways to get to Alaska: flying ✈️, driving, or taking a ferry/cruise. Clearly, if you are reading this article than you are thinking about driving to Alaska.

However, there are still a few options to drive 🚘 up to Alaska:

• You can take the Alaska Highway all the way from Dawson Creek, Canada to Tok, Alaska. This route makes sense if you’re coming from the East and it’s a bit more established.
• Begin your journey on the Cassiar Highway from BC Canada to Watson Lake and then continue on the Alaska Highway. Most people take this route if they are coming from the West Coast.
• Drive up to Bellingham, Washington and take the ferry to Ketchikan and other coastal areas of Alaska. This is a great option to get to places like Juneau and Glacier Bay.

This blog will detail the journey all the way on the Alaska Highway, which is what we did. Although on our way back down we plan on taking the Alaska Highway to the Cassiar and we are looking forward to it!

Alaska Highway Conditions

⛽️ There is gas along the way and we actually never had a problem with fuel. However, there are some long distances without gas, so it’s best to fill up whenever possible. You can see all gas stations in The Milepost.

🧊 The Alaska Highway often has potholes or frost heaves on the road. Frost heaves are swelling of the road caused by freezing ground temperatures. We actually found the road to be relatively smooth until we got past the Alaska entrance. But, the road changes every year.

🐻 Along the way, you will see tons of wildlife! There are Stone Sheep, Grizzly bears, Black Beers, Caribou, bison and so much more. It’s important to take your time and use your headlights (it’s the law in Canada) as you go on the road. If you see wildlife, slow down or move completely off the road if you want pictures.

⚠️ The Alaska Highway is open year round , however, there are occasional closures for traffic or weather. You can get all the updates on Alaska 511  or DriveBC .

What You Need Before You Drive

There are a few things that I recommend you get before you take a trip on the Alaska Highway. These items will give you ease of mind and ensure that you have a safe road trip. Because of the highway conditions and lack of cell service 📵, you should be over prepared before you hit the road!

The Milepost

The Milepost is considered the holy grail 🙏🏻 when it comes to driving to or in Alaska. It details all of the various routes you can take with maps and information. It literally shares every single mile and what you can expect to find there. So, it can be a little overwhelming.

I recommend getting a copy, because there are hours of the highway without service. Then, you’ll know where there’s gas or you want to grab a bite to eat. However, it can be very overwhelming to try and plan while you go. I figured out the larger stops we wanted to take ahead of time and just used The Milepost 📖 as a fun way to follow along on the drive.

Spare Tires

You never know when you may run over something on the road or get a flat. Although we thought the road conditions were fine in 2023, they are constantly changing . Getting a tow on a remote stretch of the highway will cost you a pretty penny 💸💸. Bring everything you need to change your tires if you need.

Bug Screens

Another thing that you should invest in before hitting the Alaska Highway (especially in the summer) are bug screens. I have never seen as many mosquitos as I have on this drive and in Alaska!!!

You will find yourself swatting and batting at flies 🪰🪰 and mosquitos all the time. So, if you want peace of mind then you should get a nice set of bug screens for your rig. It will be a huge help. Ours are from Van Essential and we love them!

Best Time to Drive the Alaska Highway

Although you can drive it all year long, the best time to drive the Alaska Highway is the summer 😎. Summer begins late and ends early up in the North, so the best time is really from June to September.

During this time, you’ll have plenty of daylight, less bad weather, and animals will be out and about. The only issue is there is a lot more construction 🚧 during these months. You may have to wait for traffic delays.

If you go anytime from Fall to Spring just be wary of the weather . Days are extremely short in the winter, so go slow at night to avoid accidents with humans and animals!

Internet and Service on the Drive

One thing about the Alaska Highway is that it was probably the longest I’ve been out of service while on the move. There were two days in a row that we didn’t have any phone service at all. It’s important to plan ahead or figure out places that you could get Wi-Fi if needed. In my detailed guide below, I will mention places with internet.

Phone Service

Many US Cell Phone Providers like Verizon and AT&T offer service in Canada, however you should always check your individual plan. Although you are usually more limited on data usage . While we drove the Alaska Highway our Verizon phones automatically connected to Telus, a Canadian provider.

If your phone does not automatically connect to a provider, then you can pay for an international SIM card. I recommend Telus , which is the best Canadian network provider 📲. However, you still will not get service in remote areas.

If you need to work when doing the Alaska Highway drive, then you should map out places with good Wi-Fi in advance . There are a few spots on the drive like cafes and libraries, but they are often sparse and far apart.

We live in a van and work full-time so we have Starlink, which is satellite Wifi 📡. Luckily, within the last year they began offering service up North in both Canada and Alaska. So, we were some of the first people to figure out the level of service.

It worked very well on our drive up to Alaska. In fact, the only time we ever had a problem was when we were surrounded by tall mountains . But, we learned that what you want is a clear sky to the South of you. So, as long as the mountains are to the North you should be fine.

We worked all five week-days on the Alaska Highway, taking meetings, and uploading pictures and were fine!

Alaska Highway Itinerary

Below you will find the itinerary we used for our trip. However, I suggest making this trip into a week long journey or more . That way, you can take shorter drives and enjoy certain places longer!

Quick Itinerary Breakdown:

Day 1: Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson (5 Hours, 300 miles)

Day 2: Fort Nelson to Stone Mountain to Muncho Lake (2 Hours 45 Minutes, 150 miles)

Day 3: Muncho Lake to Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lakes to Teslin (6 hours, 330 miles)

Day 4: Teslin to Whitehorse (2.5 Hours, 135 miles)

Day 5: Whitehorse to Kluane National Park (2 Hours, 115 miles)

Day 6: Kluane to Alaska! to Tok (6 hours, 330 miles)

Day 1: Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson

Dawson Creek, BC Canada

Dawson Creek is where the Alaska Highway originates! The highway was constructed here back in 1942. Although the route has changed a little bit, it has always started in Dawson Creek.

This small Canadian town is a great place to stock up on necessities at Walmart or to learn more information at the Visitor Center. While you’re there, you have to take a picture 📸 at the Milepost 0 Sign!

Things to Do

• Milepost 0 Sign – Snap your photo at the Milepost 0 sign to officially begin your road trip on the Alaska Highway. Despite most people taking pictures there, it doesn’t ever get too crowded.
• Alaska Highway Museum – When you go into the Dawson Creek Visitor Center, you can visit the Alaska Highway museum . One side focuses on the railroad construction and wildlife there, while the other side shows what it was like to live there.
• Dawson Creek Art Gallery – Next to the Visitor Center, you’ll find this lovely art gallery. We didn’t get a chance to go, but it has a nice reputation for having good art.

Places to Stay

I recommend making reservations in advance! We didn’t and we ended up having to stay at the Walmart, which was fine.

• Northern Lights RV Park – There are lots of campgrounds, but you will want to make a reservation because it does fill up .
• Mile 0 Campground – We wanted to stay here, but it was full when we went. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time ! They have hot showers and lots of spaces.
• Walmart – This is very much your typical Walmart but tons of campers and RVs spend the night here before taking the Alaska Highway. We slept there with lots of others.
• Dawson Creek has many hotel chains including a Staybridge Suites , Holiday Inn, a Days Inn , and Super 8 .

Spots to Eat

• Beans & Barley – This coffee shop is quaint and has a full menu with coffee drinks, baked goods, or sandwiches. We got a great breakfast burrito and a couple drinks to fuel the beginning of our drive.
• Le’s Family Restauran t – We didn’t eat here, but it gets good reviews . This is mostly American standard fare food.
• Spicy Fus ion – If you’re craving Indian food , then you should definitely visit this spot. The dishes there are authentic and delicious.

Where to Work

You can get free Wi-Fi at the visitor center , however it is rather slow. There is a password, which you can get when you walk inside. Otherwise, there aren’t any great options for working!

Fort Nelson

This is another small town along the Alaska Highway . The town just runs a few miles long, but there are a few restaurants, hotels, and things to see in Fort Nelson. We decided to stop here for dinner 🍕 and then we continued on to stay at a gorgeous rest area over the mountains!

However, you MUST STOP at Tetsa River Lodge. This small lodge is about an hour past Fort Nelson and is famous for their cinnamon buns 🥮, which are available all day long. The cinnamon buns are about the size of your face and are absolutely delectable!

• Fort Nelson Heritage Museum – This museum is famous for its large collection of cars from history. Many of the cars and items in the museum can be dated back to World War II.
• Tetsa River Lodge – THIS IS A MUST VISIT! This lodge is between Fort Nelson and Stone Mountain Provincial Park. They have been making their famous cinnamon buns for over 40 years.

• Woodlands Inn & Suites – There are a few hotels to stay at in Fort Nelson, but this one gets the best reviews.
• Triple G Hideaway & RV Park – There are plenty of sites available at this campground. They have sites with hook ups as well as tent sites. You can book ahead or go there when you arrive.
• Rest Area – This rest stop off of the Alaska Highway is a great place to stop for the night. There are stunning views over the Stone Mountain Provincial Park as well as restrooms!

• Northern Spice Pizza & Donair – We thought about going here for dinner, it has good reviews and is a popular spot. They make pizza with unique toppings.
• P & T Restaurant – This is another local spot that has good reviews, you can get classic Canadian food here!

If you need to work in Fort Nelson, then you can go to the Fort Nelson Public Library . Although it’s a small library, they do have seating and WiFi.

Day 1 Alaska Highway Wildlife Count

• Black bears : 6

Day 2: Stone Mountain & Muncho Lake

Stone Mountain Provincial Park

Stone Mountain is an absolutely beautiful provincial park in BC Canada. Stopping here was one of my favorite parts of our entire road trip. There are campgrounds, beautiful lakes, plenty of wildlife, and great hiking trails 🥾 in this park. We’d love to spend more time here on another trip.

You will most likely see Stone Sheep which are unique to this region of the country. They are a bit smaller than Bighorn sheep and roam the mountains in this area.

• Flower Springs Lake Trail – We did this 6 mile hike in the park and loved it! The trail takes you through the valley, up a little bit of elevation, and to a beautiful park nestled in the mountain. Along the way, we remarked at how lush it was and how it reminded us of Ireland. I highly recommend it!
• Summit Peaks Trail – This is a difficult 5.7 mile trail up the mountain to a summit above the park. If we had more time I would have done this one too.
• Fishing in Stone Lake – If you’re a fisherman, then this is a great place to cast a line . Spend a day hanging by the shore and trying your luck.
• Summit Lake Campground – Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Summit Lake. Each spot costs $20 CAD and there are no hook ups at this campground. The spots are situated right next to the lake.

• Tetsa River Lodge – This is just about 20 minutes before you get to Stone Mountain Provincial Park. It has incredible cinnamon buns and it’s a must stop!

Honestly, there are no places to work near here 🚫🚫. We even had trouble connecting to Starlink because the mountains blocked our view of the satellites. We drove half an hour past the park to get to a nice riverside spot where we could use Starlink.

Muncho Lake

Most people would tell you that this is the most beautiful spot along the Alaska Highway and I would agree 🤩🤩. The lake is a stunning shade of turquoise and it runs for miles along the road. I could have camped here for days!

You can spend time camping, swimming, or boating on this gorgeous lake. We thought about breaking out the paddleboard 🛶 to take a ride, but it started to rain which thwarted our plans. This is truly a must stop spot!

• Muncho Lake is an outdoor lover’s haven! One of the best things to do is getting out on a boat, canoe or kayak on the lake. Luckily, you can rent boats within the park.
• Take the easy Mineral Licks trail around the lake or go on a tougher hike like Stone’s Sheep Trail up the mountain.

• Northern Rockies Lodge – Stay at this hotel right on the lakeshore. This does sell out, so you can make reservations in advance!
• Strawberry Flats Campground – This is the larger of the campgrounds in the park. There are no hook ups and spots are first-come, first-served. Spots are $20 a night and they do sell out.
• MacDonald Campground – There are less spots at this campground, but it is also first-come, first-served. Campgrounds are $20 CAD a night.
• Free Camping on the Lake – Both campgrounds were full when we went, so we wound up staying along the lake on a pull off. It was serene, peaceful and best of all it was free!
• Northern Rockies Lodge – You can find a restaurant in the lodge that serves typical Canadian food like burgers and chicken sandwiches.

Day 2 Alaska Highway Wildlife Count

• Black bear: 4
• Mule Deer: 1
• Mule deer :1
• Stone sheep: 13 
• Porcupine : 2

Day 3: Muncho Lake to Teslin

Liard hot springs.

Liard Hot Springs is one of the most famous stops on the Alaska Highway. These hot springs ♨️ are open year round and many travelers have stopped here to soak and rest after a long drive. It was definitely one of our favorite places that we went on our road trip and you have to add it to your itinerary!

Admission to the springs is $5 CAD per person or you can camp there overnight ⛺️ and access them throughout your stay.

When you visit, make sure to bring bear spray because there is frequent wildlife in the area. You’ll have to walk about 5-7 minutes from the parking lot across boardwalks to the springs themselves.

• Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park – There is camping right outside of the hot springs. They have fencing up to deter wildlife from getting in, plus you can unlimited access to the hot springs!
• Liard Hot Springs & RV Park – Across the street from the hot springs you’ll find a lodge. They have rooms as well as RV spots where you can stay overnight.

Watson Lake

You’ll find that this is the first larger town you’ll get to in the Yukon territory. It’s home to a few roadside attractions including the Signpost Forest 🪧 and it’s also a good place to fill up on gas.

The Signpost Forest began in 1942 when a homesick Army man wrote a sign for his hometown and the mileage away. Since then, thousands of people have added their own signs to this attraction. Also, don’t worry if you forgot your own sign they have markers and paper 📝 there to make one!

We really enjoyed trying to find a spot to put up our sign, but it took a while! Along the way, we weaved and bobbed through a lot of aisles with hundreds of signs 😱.

• Sign Post Forest – Entry to the Sign Post Forest is free and its a must see! There are more than 76,000 signs in this forest for people from all over the globe. Add to your own or just admire them!
• Northern Lights Centre – Visit this fantastic planetarium where you experience the Northern Lights in a panoramic theater. You can see shows at this fantastic theater daily! We didn’t get to stop on our way up, but we will definitely go on the way back down.
• There are a handful of motels in Watson Lake, but none of them get great reviews honestly. You can choose to stay somewhere though in a pinch.
• We passed plenty of rest areas where people were staying nearby!
• River Spot – This is a popular spot on iOverlander that overlooks the river. It does get crowded here at times!
• Laurie’s Bistro & Coffeehouse – We didn’t get a chance to stop here, but this spot gets fantastic reviews. Go in for a quick bite to eat and some great coffee!

Places to Work

You can work at the Yukon Public Library in Watson Lake. There is free and unlimited WiFi there.

Teslin means “narrow lake” and this quiet town is located right on the border of a beautiful lake. There have been First Nations people that have lived in this area for generations. But, more businesses opened when the Alaska Highway made their route through this town.

It is a good place to stop and rest for the night or to learn about the local people here. We really enjoyed our time at the George Johnston Museum and neither of us are big museum people! It was so interesting to learn about his life and what he brought to the people there.

• George Johnston Museum – Visit this museum to learn about George Johntson who was a man that was head of his time. He was a member of the First Nations in this area, he photographed much of their lives, and he was the first person to have a car. It’s a fascinating museum!
• Smith River Falls – This falls is actually off of the highway on a rough 16 mile road. We didn’t get a chance to go (we didn’t have it in our GPS and missed it), but if your car can handle it, it’s supposed to be lovely!
• Rancheria Falls – These falls are right off the road. You will just need to take a 7 minute walk down the boardwalk to see them.

• Teslin Rest Stop – You’ll get to this rest stop right before you get into the town. It overlooks the lake and has bathrooms there. It is right off the highway, but we found it to be a lovely place to stay for the night!
• Yukon Motel – It’s one of the only places to stay in Teslin, but it’s supposed to be nice. You can get RV spots here, a room, or some good Canadian food.

Day 3 Alaska Highway Wildlife Count

• Black Bears: 18 (including 2 cubs)

Day 4: Teslin to Whitehorse

Today, you can choose to do a quick detour off of the Alaska Highway to see the smallest desert in the world! This detour adds about half an hour to your drive, but you will get to see two beautiful spots on the way! I think it’s totally worth it.

Carcross Desert

This is the smallest desert in the world at just 1 square mile! Technically, this spot gets too much rain to be considered a desert, but there are a series of sand dunes ⌛️ that fill the landscape. Although there’s not much space to adventure, it’s still a fun stop.

On your visit, you can take photos of this natural phenomenon, walk amongst the sand dunes, and drive further to the spectacular Emerald Lake. Just remember that walking through sand does take more energy than walking on the flat ground!

This lake is a bright blue color 💙 with turquoise as well. It is only a couple miles past the Carcross desert and there’s a large area to pull over and take pictures! I would have stayed longer, but we were in desperate need of a shower.

Whitehorse is the largest city and capitol of the Yukon . This city has so many beautiful attractions and we loved exploring it! I instantly fell in love with the Yukon and the magical rainbows 🌈 that welcomed us to town.

Once you get back here, you’ll feel like you’re in a small city with all the necessities . They have the typical chains including Starbucks, large grocery stores, great restaurants, and a fantastic outdoor scene.

We were impressed with Whitehorse and although we only spend a day there, we felt like we could have stayed for much longer. It was definitely our favorite stop for food along the Alaska Highway. In fact, we felt like we had too many options 🍜🍔🍕 to choose from!

• Miles Canyon – An ancient lava pool cut the lines of what is now Miles Canyon. Along the way, turquoise water filled the crevices of the rock and it’s now a gorgeous area to visit. There are great walking trails or you can sunbathe by the shore!
• Millennial Trail – This three mile trail walks around the river in Whitehorse. It’s a lovely way to spend a day and you can connect it to the river trail to get to Miles Canyon!
• SS Klondike National Historic Site – You can visit one of the last steamboats in Canada. While you explore the site, you can learn about the history of these boats in the country.
• MacBride Museum of Yukon History – Learn about the history of the area on a visit to this great museum.
• Takhini Hot Pools – Just a short drive from Whitehorse, you’ll find these fantastic hot pools. It’s a great place to go for a soak year round, but you will have to pay to enter!

• SS Klondike National Historic Site- As of writing this blog, you are allowed to stay in the parking lot of the SS Klondike . In fact, there were a lot of vans staying there and it was where we witnessed a beautiful rainbow!
• Northern Lights Resort & Spa – If you are looking for a nice place to stay, then look no further! This resort has fantastic reviews.
• Best Western Gold Rush Inn – This is a standard hotel to stay at in Whitehorse.
• Caribou RV Park – Stay at this RV park which has plenty of options for campsites including electric hook ups . I recommend making a reservation in advance!

• Bullet hole Bagels – Grab fantastic Montreal style bagels at this local spot. We were very impressed with these delicious bagels and already decided to go back on our return trip!
• Kita Japanese Restaurant – If you are craving sushi, then I’ve got you covered. this Japanese restaurant had a fantastic selection of Japanese entrees and sushi. We really enjoyed our meal.
• Antoinette’s – Visit this lively restaurant for a global menu with Caribbean influence. They have fantastic reviews and we are sad we missed out last time!
• Miner’s Daughter – A superb Canadian restaurant that focuses on the Yukon influence.
• Pickapeppa – Another fantastic option if want something different in Whitehorse. They serve great Caribbean and Jamaican food!
• Night Market – Noodle lovers will definitely want to go here! They serve great noodle and rice dishes as well as ramen at their restaurant Wood Street Ramen.
• Whitehorse Public Library – The library here offers unlimited internet and is a great resource for work!
• Starbucks – We worked at the Starbucks here all day and were happy to finally get to work out of the van. It’s a very busy Starbucks, but if you go early you can find a spot.
• Baked – Cafe & Bakery – This is another great option if you want WiFi and a nice cafe to work at!

Day 4 Alaska Highway Wildlife Count

Black Bears: 2

Day 5: Whitehorse to Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park is part of the largest international pieces of protected land in the world. Connected to Wrangell St Elias, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek parks, it is a vast area of rugged landscapes. It is home to a huge area of polar icefields as well as 17 of the tallest mountains 🏔 in Canada.

When you visit this park, you will be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the mountains. The only true way to see these icefields is by helicopter 🚁 or airplane . But, there are still many great ways to explore the park!

This was our last full day on the Alaska Highway and we were so excited to make it here. After talking to a ranger, we decided to do the King’s Seat trail , but she told us it would be challenging.

There was a steep climb as well as loose rocks on the path. But, we felt so good after getting to the top and seeing the views over Kathleen Lake below. It was crazy starting the King’s Seat trail at 7 pm and it still being bright and sunny out ☀️☀️! I highly recommend this trail if you’re up for it.

• Da Ku Cultural Centere – The First Nations people in this area provide this great center where you can learn about their people or participate in events. It offers a plethora of information on the Champagne and Aishihik people.
• King’s Throne or King’s Seat Trail- Climb up 4000 feet to King’s Throne and get panoramic views over Kluane National Park. This hike is incredibly difficult, but you can choose to just hike to the Seat, which is only 1800 feet and 6 miles total! We did the hike to King’s Seat and loved it.
• Saint Elias Lake – Choose to do another great hike in this national park and see a stunning lake. If you want, you can camp at the lake and enjoy the company of loons.
• Kathleen Lake – Go for a paddle or just sit on the shore of this bright blue lake ! If you’re visiting the park, then you do not want to miss this gorgeous scene.

• Kathleen Lake Campground – Stay right by the most stunning lake at this campground. There are sites for vehicles and tents, but only up to 30 feet long! It is on a first-come, first serve basis.
• Dispersed Camping – Unlike many of the US Parks, you can dispersed camp in Kluane National Park. We stayed at a spot right next to the river and it was a very peaceful night. Just make sure to clean up after yourself!
• Village Bakery & Deli – Dine on the patio at this locale. There is great food for breakfast and lunch!

No animals today, but still our favorite part of the drive!

Day 6: Haines Junction to Alaska!!

Congrats after a long journey you’ve finally made it to Alaska-The Last Frontier 🎉🎉! Make sure that you take a picture at the Welcome to Alaska sign on the way into the state. It feels like quite an accomplishment to have made it that far!

Customs is located just a few miles past there and is usually pretty quick to enter. When we entered, there were only a couple cars in front of us. Once we got to the window, the agent there asked us a couple questions and then we were on our way for our Alaskan adventure!

Tok, Alaska

Tok is the gateway to Alaska and will be the first town that you get to in the state. It is a small town, but it’s a great place to restock on necessary items or grab a bite to eat 🌮. From there, the highways start to split off, so you can either continue on the Alaska Highway or turn off of it.

This was our last stop on the Alaska Highway for the journey and it’s many people’s last stops. You can continue all the way to Dawson City or explore different areas of Alaska. So, this is where I’ll leave the end of the guide.

• Gateway to Alaska Visitor Center – Learn about the Alaska highway and some basic facts about Alaska when you visit here. They have a few exhibits up about the wildlife and landscapes in Alaska.
• Tok RV Village & Cabins – This is a great place to stay if you want to relax in Tok for a day or two after the long drive. They have cabins as well as RV hook ups here and it’s close to town.
• Sourdough Campground & Cafe – Campers also enjoy staying at this spot in town. There are some small cabins as well as campsites , plus they have a great cafe too!
• Fast Eddy’s Restaurant – If you want classic American food then this is a great spot. They have large portions, a huge salad bar , and a wide selection of entrees. On weekends it gets crowded though!
• Soho Thai – We tried going here, but they had closed early. This restaurant has fantastic reviews for their Thai food.
• Sourdough Campground & Cafe – A cute cafe attached to a campground with a good selection of bites to get.

Day 6 Alaska Highway Wildlife Count

• Bald Eagle: 14
• Grizzly Bear : 1

Final Tips for Driving the Alaska Highway

Driving the Alaska Highway is an unforgettable journey ! I hope that you found this guide helpful for your road trip 🚙.

My biggest tip is that you should allow room for flexibility, because there may be times where you find a new place you love. It’s best to have some ideas of what you want to see, but the best part of doing this trip was figuring things out along the way! I hope you enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Let me know if you found this guide helpful in the comments!

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About Lita Talisman

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Reader Interactions

March 18, 2024 at 2:25 am

I am so glad to come across your blog, just three weeks before I leave AZ for my drive to AK, via the highway! I’ve pre-ordered the Milepost so that should arrive April 2. I need to reread and take notes on certain bits of information, like Rancheria Falls, I’d not heard of. I’d been searching for a recent drive on the Alaska Highway, everything was 2021 or earlier! Thank you so much, enjoyed reading and looking forward to checking out your other travels!

March 18, 2024 at 5:40 pm

Have an amazing time! It is seriously un unforgettable trip and I’ll always look back on it fondly!

April 16, 2024 at 11:16 pm

Oh my goodness! We too are gearing up to travel from AZ to AK and our milepost book arrived April 1.

We are headed to McCarthy for some river running fun. Taking a whole month to get in as much as we can during our 7000 mile round trip road trip adventure.

Thank you Lita for your blog as well. Super helpful and has made the preparation so much for fun before we depart.

April 17, 2024 at 5:14 pm

Oh I’m so glad! I hope you have a fantastic trip, it’s so memorable.

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The MILEPOST 2021: Alaska Travel Planner (Alaska) Paperback – April 7, 2021

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The MILEPOST is the best-selling travel guide to Alaska and a "quintessential reference" for northern travelers. The MILEPOST includes mile-by-mile descriptions of more than 15,000 miles of road in Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alberta. Its 600-plus pages detail accommodations, camping, fishing, gas stops, restaurants, attractions and services found along the highways and byways of Alaska and western Canada. The guide's Travel Planning section answers frequently-asked questions about travel in the North, including what you need to know about crossing the international border, traveling with pets, the Alaska ferry system, driving conditions, railroads, tours and wildlife. Suggested itineraries are mapped out to help travelers plan their trips.

The 2021 edition of The MILEPOST® is the 73rd edition of this classic annual travel guide, which was first published in 1949 as a 72-page guide to the recently opened Alaska ("Alcan") Highway. While the log of the Alaska Highway is still the foundation of this guide, it has been joined by dozens of connecting routes as well as newer roads, such as the Dalton Highway, the Dempster Highway and the recently opened road to Tuktoyaktuk. All highway logs, which are updated every year by field editors, include a look at the history of the route and often the natural history of the region. The Alaska Highway section includes a brief history of the Alaska Highway that is a poignant reminder of the scale of this project. The Alaska Highway was named an International Historical Engineering landmark in 1996.

The MILEPOST® has more than 100 city and highway maps; the wildly popular Plan-A-Trip Map; more than 600 photos; and numerous sidebar features of special interest. Print book buyers have free access to a digital edition.

• Print length 656 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Milepost
• Publication date April 7, 2021
• Dimensions 8.42 x 0.79 x 11.05 inches
• ISBN-10 1892154552
• ISBN-13 978-1892154552
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Milepost; 73rd edition (April 7, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 656 pages
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• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1892154552
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.46 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.42 x 0.79 x 11.05 inches
• #7 in Canadian Territories Travel Guides
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• #1,064 in Pacific West United States Travel Books

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Mark Watson

California-based member of a LA Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. Author of bestselling books on Amazon about Route 66, Alaska Highway, PCH 1 & Overseas Higwhay. 🇺🇸

Alaska Highway – The 15 BEST Stops Along the ALCAN – Must-see places!

A lot of people ask me “What to see on the Alaska Highway?”, “What is the best place on the Alaska Highway”, “What attraction is a must-see?”, “Do you have a bucket list to do on the Alaska Highway”.

Today, I will share my list of the top 15 stops on the Alaska Highway. These are the best places to visit, listed in order from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, YT. Each location includes its name, mileage, a detailed description, helpful information, address, and GPS coordinates. For even more information, check out my travel guide, “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”. Are you ready to discover my top ten choices? Here we go:

Alaska Highway best attractions:

1. mile “o” sign.

HISTORIC MILE 0 (0 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 55.758836, -120.225037 ADDRESS: Highway 2, 800 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3V8, Canada

This is the first attraction on your journey! Are you ready to start your journey? Welcome to the Mile 0 Post! This historic landmark marks the official beginning of the Alaska Highway. Erected on April 7, 1946, the post is located at the intersection of 1st Street and Alaska Avenue in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone traveling the Alaska Highway.

The post features a large, carved wooden sign that reads “Mile 0 Alaska Highway”. Visitors can take photos in front of the post and learn about the history of the Alaska Highway at the nearby Alaska Highway House Museum. The museum features exhibits on the construction of the highway, its impact on the region, and the people who built it. A visit to the Mile 0 Post is a great way to start your journey on the Alaska Highway!

2. Walter Wright Pioneer Village

HISTORIC MILE 1.5 (2,4 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 55.768933, -120.259309 ADDRESS: 1901 Alaska Hwy, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4P7, Canada

Welcome to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village, a unique destination that takes you back in time to the days before the Alaska Highway was built. The village is a meticulously crafted replica of a typical town, complete with a general store, churches, and a schoolhouse. Wander down the street and imagine what it would have been like to live in Dawson Creek during the early 20th century.

One of the highlights of the village is the collection of historic farming equipment, which can be found near the church at the end of the street. This equipment provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by farmers in this rugged and remote part of Canada. Don’t forget to explore the garden, which offers a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the village. Come experience the pioneering spirit that helped shape Dawson Creek into the town it is today!

3. Old Kiskatinaw Bridge

HISTORIC MILE 21 (32 KM) FARMINGTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 55.957278, -120.564243 ADDRESS: Kiskatinaw Rd, Farmington, BC V0C 1N0, Canada

Make sure to stop and see the Old Kiskatinaw Bridge, a true testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Alaska Highway builders. The bridge, constructed in the early 1940s, is a remarkable feat of engineering with its curved, timber-truss design and wooden deck. Originally built to replace the original timber trestle, the Kiskatinaw Bridge was the first wooden, curved bridge constructed in Canada.

While it has since been bypassed by a newer section of the highway, the Kiskatinaw Bridge remains a cherished part of the area’s history and is promoted as a popular tourist attraction. As you walk across the bridge and take in the scenic views of the surrounding area, it’s easy to appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into building this remarkable structure. Don’t miss the chance to see this piece of engineering history up close!

4. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum

HISTORIC MILE 300 (454 KM) FORT NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 58.804379, -122.716011 ADDRESS: 5553 Alaska Hwy, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0, Canada

If you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of nature, don’t miss Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Located in the Northern Rocky Mountains, this park is named after the sparkling turquoise lake that stretches for 7.5 miles (12 km) through the valley. Muncho Lake is fed by numerous streams and is home to several species of fish, including lake trout and Arctic grayling.

The park is also home to wildlife such as moose, black bears, and grizzly bears. In the winter, the park is a popular destination for snowmobiling and ice fishing. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the scenic Stone Mountain Circuit Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to stop by the park’s visitor center to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural history

5. Toad River Lodge

ALASKA HIGHWAY : 422 MI / 647 KM TOAD RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 58.847779, -125.232761 ADDRESS: Alaska Hwy Mile 422, Toad River, BC V0C 2X0, Canada

As we approach Muncho Lake, get ready to be amazed by its stunning beauty! The lake’s blue-green waters are surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities. The lake is over 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 260 feet (80 m) deep, and its color comes from the unique combination of minerals and nutrients in the water.

The lake was named after the Muncho Indians who used the area as a trading post. The lake is also home to a variety of fish including lake trout, arctic grayling, and whitefish. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and even scuba diving in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. There are also several campgrounds and lodges around the lake for those who want to spend more time exploring the area

Check my other post to find best lodges on the ALCAN: Alaska Highway Lodges – The 10 TOP BEST Historic & Modern Lodges Along the ALCAN

6. Muncho Lake Provincial Park

HISTORIC MILE 456 (698 KM) MUNCHO LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 58.925968, -125.768967 ADDRESS: MI 456 Alaska Hwy, Muncho Lake, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada

Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a stunning natural wonder, with its deep green waters and mountainous backdrop. The lake, named after the Kaska aboriginal word for “big water,” is one of the most picturesque destinations in the region.

The Alaska Highway, which runs through the park, presented a major challenge for engineers during its construction. Despite several attempts to avoid building a road along the lake, it was ultimately decided that the lakeshore route was the best option. Today, visitors can explore the area by boat or hike into the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views.

One of the most notable features of Muncho Lake is its striking color. The deep aqua-green hue of the water is caused by the presence of copper oxide in the sediment at the bottom of the lake. The result is a truly unique and unforgettable natural spectacle.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a prime destination. Stone sheep, a type of wild mountain sheep, are commonly seen in the area, often standing in the middle of the highway. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include moose, bears, and caribou.

7. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park

HISTORIC MILE 496 (765 KM) LIARD RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA GPS: 59.425575, -126.100870 ADDRESS: 75100-81198 Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies B, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada

The Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a must-see stop for travelers on the Alaska Highway. Originally known as Theresa Hot Springs, the park was established in 1957 and is one of the most famous attractions along the route. The hot springs provide a welcome respite for weary travelers, with their soothing waters offering relief after a long day on the road.

The park is home to the second largest hot springs in Canada, and also boasts a warm water swamp and boreal forest. This rich and diverse environment supports a wide variety of plant, mammal, and bird species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

In the past, the area around the hot springs was known as “Tropical Valley” due to the lush plant life that thrives in the warmth of the springs. The United States Army built the first boardwalk and pool facilities in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway.

Today, visitors can enjoy the park’s amenities for a small admission fee. The Alpha pool, with water temperatures ranging from 108°F to 126°F (42°C to 52°C), is a particularly popular spot. So why not take a dip and experience the soothing waters for yourself? With its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere, the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the region.

8. Sign Post Forest

HISTORIC MILE 635 (978 KM) WATSON LAKE, YUKON GPS: 60.063341, -128.714075 ADDRESS: Mile 635, Alaska Hwy, Watson Lake, YT, Canada

The Sign Post Forest is one of the most iconic landmarks along the Alaska Highway and is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through the area. The tradition of bringing signposts from hometowns to the forest began in 1942, during the construction of the highway, when U.S. soldier Carl K. Lindley was asked to repair and erect directional signposts in Watson Lake while recovering from an injury.

While completing the job, Lindley added a sign indicating the direction and mileage to his hometown of Danville, Illinois: 2835 miles. This sparked a trend, and others began adding their own signs to the collection. Today, the Sign Post Forest is home to an impressive 80,000 signs and counting, with new additions being posted every year.

Visitors to the forest can spend hours exploring the vast collection of signs from around the world, each one a unique testament to the spirit of travel and adventure. Whether you’re from a small town or a big city, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a sign representing your hometown or country.

9. George Johnston Museum

HISTORIC MILE 804 (1244 KM) TESLIN, YUKON GPS: 60.168207, -132.720583 ADDRESS: KM 1244 of the Alaska Highway 800 meters (0.5 miles) west of Nisutlin Bay Bridge, Teslin, YT Y0A 1B0, Canada

If you’re traveling through Teslin, don’t miss the chance to visit the George Johnston Museum, a fascinating attraction named after the renowned Tlingit elder, trapper, fur trader, entrepreneur, and photographer. George Johnston was the son of an Inland Tlingit chief and played a significant role in the history of the region.

In the late 1930s, Johnston brought a car to Teslin and cut his own road along the lakeshore, on which he ran a successful taxi service in the summer months. When US Public Roads Administration (PRA) crews were surveying the route for the Alaska Highway in 1941, they incorporated Johnston’s road into their plan.

Today, the George Johnston Museum tells the story of the Inland Tlingit people and the rapid changes they experienced in the first half of the twentieth century. Through Johnston’s collection of photographs, a restored 1928 Chevrolet hunting car, and colorful exhibits of Tlingit ceremonial regalia, visitors can gain a unique insight into the history and culture of the region.

The museum features rare Tlingit First Nation hide and beaded cultural artifacts, stunning ceremonial clothes, local films, dioramas, and a 1942 World War II U.S. Army highway-era radio range. You can also hear the fascinating story of a car in the roadless wilderness on an ice highway.

List of best museums along the Alaska Highway: Alaska Highway – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along the ALCAN

10. Miles Canyon

HISTORIC MILE 912 (1418 KM) Canyon Crescent, YUKON GPS: 60.661443, -135.029358

In 1883 Miles Canyon was named after American military general Nelson Miles, but it’s had many names over the years. First Nations used nearby Canyon City as a fishing camp and referred to the area as Kwanlin, meaning “running water through canyon.” Gold Rush prospectors called it the Grand Canyon and used it as the main thoroughfare when travelling North during the Gold Rush. Today, Miles Canyon is easier to access. Visitors can get there on foot or by car.

The suspension bridge across Miles Canyon was built in 1922 and is also known as Robert Lowe Bridge. Lowe came to the Yukon in 1899. He had mining interests in the Whitehorse Copper belt and a successful cartage business before becoming a long serving local and territorial politician. The view from the bridge up and down Miles Canyon is spectacular. Go for a hike or stop and take some lovely photos. Great place and definitely a must-see attraction on the Alaska Highway.

11. S.S. Klondike National Historic Site

HISTORIC MILE 918 (1419 KM) WHITEHORSE, YUKON GPS: 60.713361, -135.048265 ADDRESS; 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1V8, Canada

Located on the banks of the Yukon River, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site offers a glimpse into the past of river transportation during the Gold Rush era. The S.S. Klondike was one of many sternwheelers that navigated the Yukon River, transporting people and goods during the early 1900s. The ship was built in 1929 and operated for just 10 years, but its legacy lives on.

Visitors can explore the ship’s restored cabins, engine room, and cargo hold, as well as learn about the lives of the passengers and crew who travelled on her. Outside, there is a beautiful park with picnic areas and interpretive displays about the Klondike Gold Rush and the importance of river transportation in the Yukon’s history. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour or a scenic cruise along the Yukon River aboard the S.S. Klondike II, a replica of the original ship.

12. Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre

HISTORIC MILE 1016 (1578 KM) HAINES JUNCTION, YUKON GPS: 60.762678, -137.515628 ADDRESS: 280 Alaska Hwy, Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0, Canada

Haines Junction is a small and charming village surrounded by magnificent landscapes. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In addition to hiking in the Kluane National Park and Reserve, you can also try fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

The St. Elias Mountains and their vast icefields are one of the main attractions of the park. Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, is located here and draws experienced climbers from all over the world. You can also see wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou in their natural habitat.

The Da Kų Cultural Centre is a unique and fascinating place to learn about the indigenous culture of the Kluane region. The centre showcases the traditions, stories, and art of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. You can see traditional clothing, tools, and crafts, as well as contemporary artwork and performances.

Overall, Haines Junction and the Kluane National Park and Reserve offer a truly unforgettable experience for anyone seeking adventure, nature, and cultural enrichment.

13. Soldier’s Summit

HISTORIC MILE 1061 (1651 KM) KLUANE LAKE, YUKON GPS: 61.025365, -138.505513

The Alaska Highway, a historic road stretching 1,387 miles (2,232 km) from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska, was constructed in segments by seven regiments of the United States Army during World War II. These regiments moved north from Dawson Creek, south from Delta Junction, east and west from Whitehorse, and east from Teslin, ultimately converging at several points along the highway’s path.

One such convergence point is located on a hill above, where two construction units met and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Alaska Highway on November 20, 1942. Despite being a hastily organized event, the ceremony was attended by a range of dignitaries, including members of the Canadian and American military, RCMP officers in their iconic red serge, government representatives from both Canada and Alaska, and other important figures.

Today, visitors can hike along an interpretive trail to take in stunning views of Kluane Lake and the Slims River delta. The trailhead is located at the edge of the parking lot, and hikers are advised to keep to the left at the bench situated at the top of the first hill. As the trail continues to climb, it eventually leads to a viewing platform adorned with flags, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape. In total, the trail spans 0.6 miles (1 km) in length.

14. Sullivan Roadhouse

HISTORIC MILE 1422 (2288 KM) DELTA JUNCTION, ALASKA GPS: 64.035553, -145.730939 ADDRESS: 266 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737, United States

Greetings from Delta Junction, the official end of the world-renowned Alaska Highway! The town’s name stems from its location at the junction of the Richardson Highway and the Delta River. Originally established as a telegraph station in 1904, Delta Junction experienced significant growth during the Chisana Gold Strike of 1913 and the government’s buffalo importation program in the 1920s. Additionally, the town served as a construction camp for the Alaska Highway and later, for the Fort Greely army post in the early 1950s.

Your Delta Junction visit should begin at the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum, a restored log structure built in 1905 that is now the oldest roadhouse in Interior Alaska. The roadhouse was operated by John and Florence Sullivan from 1905 to 1922, welcoming winter travelers and providing a warm and inviting space for guests during the gold rush era. Today, the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum serves as a repository for antique items used by the Sullivans and provides a glimpse into pioneer life in Alaska. Come explore and experience the magic of the last frontier like never before!

15. End of the Alcan

HISTORIC MILE 1422 (2288 KM) DELTA JUNCTION, ALASKA GPS: 64.037080, -145.731657 ADDRESS: 272 Richardson Hwy, Delta Junction, AK 99737, United States

You’ve reached the end of the Alaska Highway! Congratulations on completing the entire 1422-mile (2288-kilometer) journey from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction! As you stand at this final milepost, take a moment to savor your achievement and snap a picture to commemorate your journey.

It’s been an incredible adventure, and you’ve undoubtedly encountered countless attractions and stops along the way. From the stunning natural beauty of the Yukon and British Columbia to the historic sites of Alaska, the Alaska Highway is an unforgettable experience. I hope my list of the best attractions and stops has helped guide you along the way and made your journey even more enjoyable. This is the last stop on my list of best attractions and stops on the Alaska Highway

Thank you for traveling with me, and I wish you safe travels on your next adventure!

👍 Find out more:

Discover the best stops along the Alaska Highway in my travel guide, “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops” , which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE ALASKA HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all Alaska Highway travelers. Visit 202 places on the ALCAN with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.

Mark Watson  is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.

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My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Alaska Highway Road Trip

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Is a road trip to Alaska on your U.S. road trip list ? From our experience, it’s one big beautiful, adventure-filled trip that we’ll be repeating. And the variety of alternate routes means that your Alaska road trip will be unique to your interests.

No matter how you plan to drive the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, you’re in for an unforgettable road trip. And our articles on Alaska Highway travel will help.

Create your itinerary after reading about our tips. You’ll also find articles on the destinations in Alaska, British Columbia and the Yukon that Alan and I (and our guest writers) have experienced.

What you'll learn about driving the Alaska Highway from this page

Alaska highway travel tips.

• The best time to drive the Alaska Highway
• The best route to drive in Alaska
• Why we picked this itinerary
• Where to stay on the Alaska Highway
• Destinations included on our Alaska Highway road trip itinerary

Extend your trip

Boomer travel tip.

Be sure to come back often as we continue to add new road trip articles. Or subscribe to the Road Trip Newsletter  to be the first to know!

There are so many ways to plan an Alaska road trip. You can drive the official Alcan Highway beginning in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending 1,390 miles later at Delta Junction, Alaska.

Another option is to mix it up. We did just that by combining ferry rides, an Alaska Marine Highway cruise, scenic roads in British Columbia and the Yukon, with the Alaska Highway.

Through the years, My Itchy Travel Feet readers have asked many questions about Alaska road trips. You might have the same ones. And if you don’t find the information that you need, contact us and we’ll try to find the answer for you.

Our number #1 tip for an Alaska Highway trip? Bring along the latest edition of The Milepost .

When is the best time to drive the Alaska Highway?

While summer is the most popular season for road trips to Alaska, we prefer early September, specifically to avoid most of mosquito season. And fall—early to mid September in Alaska—is a beautiful time to see the state, the fireweed is especially beautiful.

Which is the best route to drive in Alaska?

As I’ve mentioned, there are plenty of choices when choosing an Alaskan road trip itinerary, you don’t have to drive the highway straight through. However some purists wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s your choice.

While researching, I learned about many scenic highways in the region. So far, Alan and I have driven Cassiar Highway , Top of the World Highway , and Taylor and Glenn Highways.

The Golden Circle is next on our want-to-do-list. Alan’s travel feet are itching to drive The Dalton and The Dempster. Of course, when we do, you’ll find the information on this page.

If you’re looking for Alaska travel advice, start at our Alaska Travel Planner page for the online sources, books, guides and products that we use and recommend.

Why did you pick this itinerary?

Alan and I are attracted to big landscapes and unique journeys, which is why we opted to skip beginning this boomer adventure at Dawson Creek in the prairie of country of BC. Instead, we chose to officially start in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island (we don’t count driving from Montana to Vancouver as part of the official trip).

Arriving back to the U.S. via the Alaska Marine Highway allowed us to relax for a couple of days while taking in the beauty of the Inside Passage. Alan appreciated that someone else was doing the driving. It’s a great addition to any Alaska road trip adventure.

Of course the route that we created meant skipping sections of the Alaska Highway. Next time, we’ll include the portion of the Alcan that travels through Kluane National Park, Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs.

How did you choose where to stay on the Alaska Highway? 

Although Alan and I don’t travel by RV, it’s certainly the best way to explore Alaska and Canada’s far north. Lodging is a challenge but we managed to find acceptable places to stay in Alaska (and reserved ahead).

I recommend starting your Alaska hotel search at TripAdvisor. Be sure to read the reviews! That’s how we planned our trip.

Our Alaska Highway road trip destinations

YukonHo! on the Alaska Highway

Is driving the Alaska Highway on your bucket list? You might find it odd that the rugged road has been on my to-do list for several years, especially considering all this talk from me about being a travel princess. After all, camping and backpacking are just not my style, although I could go for a really nice […]

Riding the Prince Rupert Ferry on an Alaska Highway Road Trip

What does riding the Prince Rupert Ferry have to do with an Alaska Highway road trip? It’s the off-the-beaten-path way to get there. Our favorite! Read on for Prince Rupert Ferry tips that will take you there, too. The soft shades of morning sunlight illuminates Scarlett Point as the M. V. Northern Expedition (Prince Rupert […]

Watching for Bears at Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska

There are several well-known bear viewing sites in Alaska. The best Alaska bear watching is Kodiak Island, especially Katmai National Park. But our experience shows that you don’t have to fly to Kodiak to see brown bears. On an Alaska Highway road trip, Alan and I chose a convoluted itinerary to reach the actual Alaska […]

Driving the Cassiar Highway on an Alaska Highway Road Trip

Are you a baby boomer who likes traveling off-the-beaten-path? If you’re planning an Alaska Highway road trip, don’t miss driving the Cassiar Highway—also know as Highway 37 BC—for isolation, scenery and an in-the-middle-of-nowhere vibe. Alan and I are so happy that we drove Cassiar Highway as part of our Alaska itinerary. The 450 miles of […]

Include Dawson City on Your Alaska Highway Road Trip

One of the beauties of an Alaska Highway road trip is the diversity of alternate routes. There are so many options! That’s how Alan and I ended up exploring Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory. We left the Alaska Highway at Whitehorse for the 330-mile-drive on the Klondike Highway to Dawson City because that’s where […]

Driving on Top of the World

Do you know about Top of the World Highway? The rugged journey through gold mining history makes a fun addition to your Alaska Highway road trip itinerary. The trip requires leaving the Alaska Highway at White Horse, driving the Klondike Highway to Dawson City before catching a ferry ride across the Yukon River. You’ll catch […]

Beautiful Downtown Chicken

Driving the Top of the World Highway from Dawson City, Yukon to its intersect with Alaska Highway, there are few places to stop for lunch if you’re thinking of purchasing something. After the road changes names to Taylor Highway and descends into the 40 Mile Valley, you’ll discover the community of Chicken, the ONLY place […]

Luxury in Alaska at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

It’s hard to find luxury in the wilderness of Alaska. Ask me, I know. After driving for three weeks on an Alaska Highway road trip where Alan and I were lucky to find a halfway decent place to sleep each night—with a hard mattress, scratchy sheets and pillows that definitely weren’t made from memory foam—arriving […]

The Milepost Alaska 2024 Review: Your Companion For Alaska Highway Road Trips

Sometimes road trip planning consists of packing a few items and fueling up the car, before heading on a spontaneous journey to who knows where. But not when it comes to driving the Alaska Highway. This is a travel adventure that requires months of planning. And sometimes the information isn’t easy to come by, which […]

Wildlife Watching on Taylor Highway

When Alan and I planned our Alaska Highway road trip adventure, we hoped to see lots of wildlife. Were the highways brimming with animal sightings? Not really. Our total count of wildlife viewings on the road were 3 black bears on the Cassiar Highway, a bald eagle near Dawson city and the reindeer pictured above. […]

Fall on the Glenn Highway

When Alan and I planned our Alaska Highway road trip, we weren’t thinking about fall color. But that’s exactly what we found in the first week of September while driving the Glenn Highway, also known as the Tok Cutoff. The paved road travels 328 scenic miles between Tok and Anchorage. And the portion of the highway […]

Alaska Highway Photos From a Boomer Road Trip to Alaska

Alaska Highway photos to inspire your next boomer rood trip adventure. Four weeks of Alaska photos to make your travel feet itchy!

Since Alan and I drove the Alaska Highway, My Itchy Travel Feet has published some wonderful articles from guest writers to help you extend your trip. These experiences are certainly worth including on your Alaska road trip.

Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska for Boomer Travelers

Whether you’re traveling from the U.S. on an epic Alaska Highway road trip or flying into the state for an independent journey, Fairbanks should definitely be on your itinerary. There are so many things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska! My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, shares her experience visiting Fairbanks. From […]

How to Go Kodiak Island Bear Watching in Alaska

Is a Kodiak Island bear watching trip on your bucket list? It’s been on mine for a long time. Although I’ve visited the island of Kodiak on Alaska cruises, there’s never been enough time to schedule a trip to see the Kodiak bears (and none of my favorite cruise lines have ever offered one). My […]

Adventure Awaits in Alaska’s Denali Park

For anyone looking for a national park adventure, there’s simply no better place to experience  it than Denali National Park. From expansive views of breathtaking Alaska landscape to local wildlife, Denali is really something unique. Today’s guest poster, photographer Dennis Calhoun, visually brings us one step into Alaska’s incredible Denali National Park with his incredible […]

The Best Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska (Getaways, too!)

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you’ll probably fly in and out of Anchorage. Whether you’re on a cruise or an Alaska Highway road trip, the city makes a great base for Alaskan travel adventures, especially if you know the best day trips to take. Susmita Sengupta traveled with her family to Anchorage for […]

Fairbanks to Denali by Train and What to do When You Get There

Have you thought about taking the train from Fairbanks to Denali during an Alaska trip? Alan and I will certainly be adding the experience to our next adventure in the Last Frontier. Did you read Debi Lander’s (ByLanderSea) tips for fun things to do in Fairbanks? She’s back to tempt us with a Fairbanks to […]

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Everything You Need To Know Before Driving The Alcan Highway

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 5 June, 2024

Are you planning an Alaska road trip and driving the Alcan Highway? There is only one road to Alaska, the Alcan Highway, which is commonly known as the Alaska Highway.

Once you cross the Alcan Border into Alaska, there are several roads in Alaska, but no matter where your journey starts, you’ll be driving on the Alcan Highway for a portion of your trip. If you are starting to plan your trip, this book is the best resource and a must-have in the car.

Driving The Alcan Highway

Before you hit the road, you want to make sure your vehicle is ready to take on driving to Alaska and that the car is packed with these 12 essential items. We recently embarked on an epic Alaskan road trip, driving from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Alaska in our  DIY campervan .

The #1 thing to buy for the trip helps plan & you’ll need it in the car!

Alcan Highway Map

The best Alcan highway map is in the Milepost Book , which we purchased on Amazon before our trip. They update the book every year, and it’s a very detailed book, including every milepost and a foldout map. It’s worth every penny. Get one on Amazon .

If you are planning on doing some camping in Alaska or driving an RV to Alaska, a great resource is the “Traveler’s Guide to Alaskan Camping.” You can get it on Amazon . It’s a great book that features over 500 campgrounds in Alaska and those along the way driving to Alaska—complete campsite details with address, contact phone number, description, and more.

Alcan Highway FAQ

What is the alcan highway.

The Alcan Highway is the only road to Alaska. We drove up from Wisconsin, but those driving to Alaska from California will also end up on the Alcan Highway too.

How Long is the Alcan Highway?

The Alcan Highway is 1,387 miles long, but the exact length varies year to year on road construction detours.

Where Does the Alcan Highway Start and End?

Alaska Highway mile 0 is in Dawson Creek, British Colombia, and the Alcan Highway officially ends at Delta Junction at the historic milepost 1422. However, the unofficial end of the highway is mile 1520 in Fairbanks, Alaska, but the last 96 miles are on the Richardson Highway, not technically the Alcan Highway.

Is the Entire Alaska Highway Paved?

Yes, we drove in July 2017, and the entire road was paved. There are gravel patches where they are doing road construction. Do expect road construction during the summer months.

We found the road was in better condition driving back to Wisconsin from Alaska in July than when we drove to Alaska in June. We think they were filling potholes during our two weeks in Alaska.

When was the Alcan Highway Built?

Road construction started in March 1942 and was completed in October 1942, but the general public couldn’t drive on it until 1948.

Why was the Alcan Highway Built?

The Alaska Highway was originally built as a supply route during World War II for the US Army.

Is the Alaska Highway open year-round?

Yes, the highway is open all year, but there are very few services (gas, restaurants, lodging, etc.) open during the winter months.

How long does it take to drive the Alcan Highway?

Driving the Alcan Highway could take only a few days or a few weeks. It took us 4.5 days to drive from Homer Alaska to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but that included LONG drive days, 16+ hours a day with minimal stops.

Where you are coming from also plays a huge factor in how long the drive to Alaska will be. We highly suggest giving yourself at least a week and adding a few days to explore Banff National Park and Jasper National Park while driving through Alberta. One of our highlights was taking a Banff helicopter tour of the park.

We highly suggest giving yourself at least a week and adding a few days to explore Banff National Park and Jasper National Park while driving through Alberta. We spent three nights in the park on our drive up to Alaska.

Alaska Highway Road Trip

Alcan Highway  Road Conditions

When researching for our Alaska trip, we read article after article saying how terrible the road is. We had prepared not only the car for the worst but also for ourselves mentally.

The Alcan highway road conditions were much better than we had expected. There were definitely areas that were worse than others, but for the most part, it wasn’t that bad at all. There were some stretches where it was pothole after pothole, and you had to pick which one was better to hit than the other.

Once we crossed the border into Alaska, the road was wavey. It felt like we were on a roller coaster for a few hours. Definitely take this stretch slow because you can easily get airborne. Speaking from experience here…

The road conditions vary year to year, and the weather plays a big factor in how it is the next year. Every year, there is road construction along the Alcan Highway to keep it up to the best condition possible.

Best Stops on an Alcan Highway  Road Trip

It’s best to break up the drive over a few days. There are some great stops along the Alcan Highway worth spending the night in. Most of the towns along the way will just have a gas station and maybe a restaurant.

If you want to load up on groceries and a big dinner, you must map out your stops in advance or push on driving. Here are our favorite stops along the Alaska Highway.

• Muncho Lake
• Whitehorse – Here you’ll find a Walmart, full-service grocery stores, Starbucks
• Sign Post Forest Watson Lake
• Tetlin Junction Bridge
• Alaska Canada Border at Milepost 1221

Suggested Cities Along the Alaska Highway to Spend the Night

You will go hundreds of miles without going through a town, and when you finally do, you could blink and miss the “town.” There aren’t a ton of lodging options along the way. There are a bunch of pull-off parking lots where you can park for the night. This is perfect for RV’s and campervans.

There are a good amount of RV parks on the Alcan Highway, and several of them have rooms available for rent. Here are a few places to consider spending the night and breaking up the drive to Alaska.

The milepost listed below is coming from Dawson Creek, driving to Alaska.

• Dawson Creek Mile 0 | Comfort Inn 
• Fort Nelson Mile 283 | Motel 6 
• Muncho Lake Mile 436.5 | Northern Rockies Lodge
• White Horse Mile 887.4 | Days Inn 
• Tok  Mile 1314.2 | A Mooseberry Inn Bed & Breakfast

Alcan Highway Essentials Things To Pack

1. Spare Tire

Driving down the Alcan Highway, there is no shortage of potholes that are sure to eat your tire (or some may swallow your car whole). We suggest traveling with a full-size spare tire. It could easily be several hundred miles from the next town with an auto body shop.

Once in said town, you might have to wait a few days for the shop to get your tire in. We called local junkyards in Milwaukee (our hometown) to find a cheap, full-size spare tire and rim. Our van didn’t have a good place for the tire, so we built our own tire rack that extended off the back.

There are stretches along the Alcan Highway where there are no gas stations for 200+ miles. Make sure to have a full gas can for emergencies. We bought this 5-gallon gas can on Amazon, and it fits perfectly in the middle of our spare tire.

We filled up at every gas station we saw and, thankfully, didn’t have to break into our emergency gas. However, some of the gas stations we stopped at did close later in the evening, so had we rolled into town later, we maybe would have had to.

3. Alaska Milepost

Alaskans refer to the Milepost book as “the bible to Alaska.” This book has a ton of Alaska information and Alaska maps. It gives a mile-by-mile description of every highway, including accommodation, camping, gas, restaurants, attractions, viewpoints, etc.

It goes through every driving to Alaska route so you can decide which route you want to take. You can buy one here on Amazon . They update it every year.

4. Power Inverter

Not all electronics can be charged off your car’s 12-volt outlet/cigarette lighter port. Having a power inverter is a must, especially for charging computers and camera batteries.

We have a 1500 watt inverter , which charges a computer and camera battery at the same time. If you plan on charging several larger electronics at once, you’ll want at least this much or higher.

5. Battery Starter car jumper

If your car dies at home, you more than likely will call a friend to come to jump you…well that isn’t an option on the Alcan Highway. You’ll want a battery starter that doesn’t rely on another car.

There are several on the market. We went with this car starter , which also comes with a compressor, which is super useful if you have any low tires.

NOTE: Make sure to charge the battery starter before driving to Alaska.

6. Tire Jack

Most cars come with a tire jack, but before you start your drive to Alaska, make sure yours is still there. Next,  make sure it isn’t all rusty and actually works to raise your car high enough to change a tire.

Lastly, learn how to use it, check the owner’s manual, and find out where you should place the jack safely so you don’t damage anything. If your jack is missing, you really do need one, or if you don’t like the cheap little one that’s in your trunk, find a small, lightweight tire jack on Amazon that is rated for your car’s weight.

Also, don’t forget to check for a lug wrench or tire iron, as they are commonly called to loosen and tighten the bolts on your tires. Knowing these skills can save you an expensive roadside service bill and lots of time if you happen to get a flat tire on the Alcan Highway.

7. Satellite Phone

If you are driving to Alaska alone or have a loved one that is, and you want some peace of mind, you might want to consider getting a satellite phone . Satellite phones have been cheaper over the years and wouldn’t be a bad idea to have.

• Buy Now Best Satellite Phone

8. Multiple USB Car Charger

Drive days are long, and passengers in the car are most likely going to be on some sort of electronic. Make sure to pick up a multi-port USB car charger so your multiple things can charge at once.

We have a 5-port USB car charger because we often need to charge GoPro’s phones and power banks all at the same time.

9. Road Atlas Map

A good map is a must. Don’t plan on having data on a majority of the Alcan Highway except in cities. We love our Rand McNally road atlas . It has great detailed maps and points out campgrounds, which are great for finding a place to pull over for the night.

The Canada section in the road atlas is okay, but if you’d like more Canada details, you really need to pick up this map , which includes a map of every Canadian province.

Make sure you have Sirus XM radio or a long playlist. No joke, there were days when there wasn’t a single radio station available. Our 2006 Honda Odyssey wasn’t set up for Sirus XM, so we had to buy this XM car kit . We got a good deal online for $30 for six months of Sirus XM online. We had coverage for 75% of the time on the Alcan Highway.

I still remember the day I asked a shop owner where the nearest fast food place was, and he told me 10 hours that way (pointing to Alaska) or 4 hours that way (where I just came from)…So yeah, make sure you have plenty of snacks in the car. There are sit-down restaurants along the way, but if you are like us and you want the drive to Alaska to be over, then sitting down for an hour’s meal isn’t an option.

We typically drove 12-16 hour days on the Alcan highway and went through fast-food drive-thru’s when we saw them and then had plenty of snacks in the car until then. We had a ton of RXBARS with us, or those days with few options.

It’s always good to have a few gallons of water just in case your car breaks down. Very few of the designated campsites had water pumps, and the ones that we did use, we used for cooking & dishes but didn’t drink them.

13. Toilet Paper/Baby wipes

If there are no gas stations for 200+ miles, that also means no bathrooms…so it’s best to have a roll of toilet paper or baby wipes in the car. There are plenty of areas to pull over and do what you want to do, but DON’T litter. Make sure to bring your tissue with you and throw it away at the next available garbage can.

Driving the Alcan Highway is the road trip of a lifetime. Not many can say they have done it. If you make sure to have the above 12 items packed, you’ll get to Alaska without an issue. 

Monday 10th of April 2023

Make sure to bring PLENTY of cooking oil with you. The locals along the route are unable to obtain quality oils due to a sanction / embargo resulting from territorial disputes between provinces / municipalities / indigenous inhabitant groups.

Bring individually contained oils (in bulk from 1 gal / 5 gallon) for best trading options. Locals will trade just about anything from exotic animal skins to tankfuls of gas. Just make sure you bring quality. Best demand is for virgin olive oils. I traded 6 gallons on each way of the trip and for ONE gallon of oil, I was able to fill my Ram Promaster's tank from empty! This was in early 2023. I imagine the warmer it is, the easier it would be to trade.

Sunday 5th of May 2024

@D.D., I am making the trip in July of 2024. Do you know where I can get more information about the embargo and whether or not that it still exists? I have tried to find something on the internet, but I guess my keywords are not working. Thanks in Advance.

universal soldier

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Great article with smart tips! We drove down to Homer from Anchorage and then on to New Jersey in '09. I highly recommend including Jasper and Banff in route because they are easily the most beautiful parks to drive through (although my heart belongs to Wrangell-St. Elias and Homer is a close breathtaking second). We also powered through, and I especially enjoyed nighttime driving through much of barren plains of BC, but I stopped everywhere I could for gas. We did pull over one night to get a few hours of shuteye in the car, but I highly discourage that since the larger critters can be pretty crafty at getting into vehicles with food. We used audiobooks to make the trip go faster, so no issues with radio signals (Sirius was just becoming a thing then). Also, make friends with your fellow travelers. My mom did the trip solo on the way up, but she found a good support system with a mother-son team also making the trip north (and helped when she was worried about gas). One more tip: Carry Canadian cash. We had a few stations rip us off when we used American dollars, and they weren't even ashamed when we called them out. Glad we're not the only crazy people who made this trip and loved it!

@universal soldier,

Thanks for the tip about Canadian Cash.

Monday 17th of January 2022

We are tentatively planning to make the trip from Michigan to Fairbanks for grad school. It will be me, my wife, and three kids as well as a very friendly Blue Tick Coon Hound! Because we are moving we will be taking both of our vehicles a Kia and a Dodge Grand Caravan. I read a previous post that questioned if a Discover card is able to be used along the highway. This is a good question because our primary credit card is a discover, but we do have a MC debit card as well. We plan on traveling in July are there any special considerations? My wife is very nervous about the remote nature of much of the region but I assured her that families make the trip all the time.

It's a great trip and families do it all the time. It's a great adventure - but totally doable. However, the combination of a Discover card and a debit card of any kind isn't the best plan. Discover isn't the most accepted, you'll probably find enough places that do, but it would be a safer bet with a Visa or Master Card. Debit cards can be finicky in Canada, ours were hit or miss. Bring enough cash with you for the basics gas/food/lodging for a few days to be safe. Have an amazing drive on the Alcan Highway!

David James

Thursday 12th of August 2021

Great article! My wife and I made the trip from Anchorage to Ok City in 2013 driving our 2002 Ram PU pulling a 14 ft cargo trailer jam full. 4500 mi. We were able to take our time so saw lots of beautiful stuff on the way. It was late September and I wouldn’t go any later in the year. I did carry extra gas cans which came in handy as the truck had poor gas milage and we had to use them once to make it to the next station. I also carried a 2 ton jack which I had to use in Montana for a blowout on the trailer. An updated Milepost is a must. We carried an ATT Myfi which helped keep us connected to the internet when we had cell coverage but no wifi. But lots of areas had no cell coverage. We are going again in about 2 weeks and will use our phone as hot spots when there is cell service. As we didn’t know how far we could get in the first trip each day we had to get hotel reservations on the way but much better if you can do that in advance. If you go alone a sat phone would be a must. Last trip there was lots of frost heave along the more northern roads but was mostly paved except for construction areas. One spare tire is a must, 2 is better. Don’t miss Jasper, Ice field Parkway and lakes Moraine and Louise. We loved the trip! Great advice in your article.

Josie Osborne

Saturday 7th of August 2021

Hi There, We are planning to do the drive from Milwaukee to Fairbanks in our newly converted camper van, this summer for my family reunion in Fairbanks. I haven't been back to Alaska in years but drove the Alcan once, back in 1982. So I am excited to do it again, better prepared this time and also to have a chance to share it with my wife who has never been there. Your website and advice is incredibly helpful and very generous. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! I have my guidepost, but will be looking into the battery/car starter and Traveller's Guide to Alaskan Camping. Are you still in Milwaukee? As fellow Milwaukeeans, we thank you for sharing!

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Saturday 21st of August 2021

Glad we could help plan your drive to Alaska! We still call Milwaukee home, Go Bucks! Safe drive to Alaska and hope you have a great time at your family reunion.

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Guide to driving the Alaska Highway from Mile 0 in Dawson Creek to the Alaska Border at Beaver Creek. In this section on the Alaska Highway we will look at the campgrounds along the Alcan Highway and many of the most interesting destinations that ought to be enjoyed on a trip over the Highway to the Last Frontier.

Drive The Alaska Highway Through Canada

Driving the alaska highway.

Average Driving Time; 7 to 14 Days

Driving the Alaska Highway From Dawson Creek B.C. north through Canada's Yukon Territory and into eastern Alaska is a trip that just has to be experienced to fully appreciate. The roads are paved, smooth and well maintained making the drive fun and relaxing. There is still that ever present adventure of driving this amazing historical route by car or RV that will impress even your most skeptical roadies, friends and family members too. There's a reason why companies like National Geographic Explorer, Lonely Planet, and Fodor's Travel Guides continually rate this journey among the most spectacular drives of North America.

How to Drive the Alaska Highway

There just may be no more amazing road trips left than driving the famous Alaska Highway.

It's understandable as to why the Alaska Highway has been immortalized in movies, songs and campfire chatter as it would be difficult to find any more appealing destination that the of sub-arctic tundra covered by towering mountains, uninhibited wildlife and vibrant wildflowers. The Alaska Highway which stretches 1,387 miles through the rolling tundra of British Columbia, the rugged Stony Mountains and the towering Rocky Mountains too. You'll cross the continental divide and enter the sequestered world of the Alaska Time Zone; you'll travel the remotest stretches of highway in all of North America and encounter beauty as seen by the earliest settlers of the last frontier.

But even with all this unknown there is a calm found in the magnificent road that we have here today. Driving to Alaska over the Alaska Highway is something anyone can do and if inclined to do so, should do too.

How long does it take to drive the Alaska Highway?

This is one of the most common question we get asked about driving the Alaska Highway. The answer is not cut and dried as it all depends upon your desires and limits. We have driven between Anchorage Alaska and Seattle Washington, 2400 miles one way, numerous times in 48 to 50 hours total but on those trips we were in a car or SUV and not stopping for pictures or even food, we were usually picking up a car and heading back home to Anchorage. This does tell you that the roads are very good and if necessary you can make some very good time - especially with two drivers.

In tour mode these times greatly change. The first trip you can count on at least 14 days from B.C./U.S. border to Alaska/Yukon border. The actual time would be difficult to calculate as there are so many routes leading to the Alaska Highway that these times will vary greatly. Our two most favorite northern routes take you through some absolutely beautiful territory that could and should be a destination in itself, more on that later.

British Columbia & Yukon Territory Circle Tours

The "Circle Tours" in northern Canada are extremely popular vacations where you drive the Alaska Highway one way and return on the Cassiar Highway or from Haines via the Alaska Ferry .

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