How to Enjoy Driving the Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan, is a wilderness experience in and of itself. The road begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and continues on up to the Beaver Creek--Tok border crossing. It is not uncommon to see bears, mountain goats, Dahl sheep, moose, caribou, eagles, fox, coyotes, wolf and beaver all while you drive up the road. That said, it's a long journey, and you should take several steps to prevent frustration and ensure the drive is an enjoyable adventure.
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Instructions
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Buy a current copy of "The Milepost." This is the official driving guide for the Alaska Highway. It has maps and detailed listings of the services --- gas stations, supply stores --- accommodations, and attractions along the way. It is an indispensable resource.
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Make your hotel or campground reservations as far in advance as possible. High season for driving the road is mid-June to late August. During this time, accommodations fill up quickly, leaving many weary travelers in the lurch. Consult "The Milepost" to find the hotels or campgrounds located near your projected stopping points, and make the reservations at least three months in advance.
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Find special little spots that are "local" favorites. One such place is Liard River Hot Springs in Northern British Columbia at kilometer 765. This hot springs is a hidden gem along the highway and gives a welcome respite from the drive. Park approximately 1/4 mile down the road from the hiking trail into the hot springs and walk the 1.2 miles to the first level of the natural hot springs. If you feel like going to a more private part of the hot springs, hike up to the second lake. For the truly bold, hike up to the top lake where you swim in waters of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Reserve sight-seeing excursions well in advance. One such trip is the bus ride into the interior of Denali National Park. Independent drivers are only permitted to drive the park's roads a short distance --- accessibility varies due to road conditions and snowfall. The long bus rides into the park fill up fast, so be sure to get to the Visitor Information Center at the park in the early morning and sign up for spaces on the buses.
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Keep a camera out and handy. While it is good to store sensitive camera gear in bags and protective cases, keeping a camera on the front seat lets you capture sudden wildlife encounters that may be fleeting.
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Be prepared for inclement weather and frost-damaged roads, especially in the western parts of the Yukon Territory. Frost heaves are huge here and your average speed may slow to around 35 mph. If you have driving plans or deadlines, make sure you take this into consideration.
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Enjoy the sights. Be sure to stop in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and spend a day walking around the historic gold rush city and capital of the Territory. Walk to the steamship park and enjoy reading about the origins of the city.
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Keep your passports handy when crossing back into Alaska at the Beaver Creek -- Tok crossing. U.S. customs agents ask if you have any firearms, tobacco or purchases bought in Canada. Be prepared to show ID and have the vehicle inspected.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to cross into Canada with any handguns. If you have shotguns or hunting rifles, have all permits or certificates and declare them at the border. Canada has very restrictive gun laws and if you wish your trip to be enjoyable, follow Canada's laws.
References
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