Can You Travel to Alaska by Car?
Are you craving an accessible adventure? Imagine miles of scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of the open road! Pack your bags and hop into your car for an epic journey to Alaska via the Alaskan Canada Highway, also known as the Al-Can. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through some of the most breathtaking terrain that North America has to offer! So, can you travel to Alaska by Car? YES YOU CAN! But there are a few things you need to know first!
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about safety. Although the Al-Can is entirely paved, frost-heaving and remote locations can make this a more rugged adventure than some people expect. Make sure that your vehicle is up to the task before departing. Check your brakes, tires, and all of the essentials. Make sure you have a reliable spare tire “just in case.” Carry a first aid kit and bring along extra food, water, and warm clothing (layers). Stay updated on weather, forest fires, and road conditions while you are traveling.
You should also take a good look at your route and plan your rest stops and overnights! Invest in an Alaskan “Milepost Magazine,” which details every road in, to and from Alaska. It is a great resource for planning as well as a nice touring manual as you travel. The Milepost comes out new each year, around March. It is about 2,300 miles from Seattle to Anchorage by road. A comfortable pace is about 250 – 300 miles per day… we have done the trip in 500 miles a day, but you miss a lot that way. Allow time for detours, meals, photo ops, and unexpected roadside wonders. Don’t focus on the destination as the journey is what makes this trip so amazing!
You may want to consider side trips as well… Liard Hotsprings is right on your path (a natural hotspring in the middle of the wilderness), but a trip to Dawson City (of Yukon Gold Rush fame!) will take you out of your way (it is well worth it). If you decide to go to Dawson… keep in mind that the “Top of the World Highway” is mostly unpaved… so it will take you longer to drive along that highway than others (still worth it). Skagway, an awesome gold rush-era town, is also a worthy side trip!
If you are traveling with kids… or restless adults, you may want to have some road trip games ready to go… or easy to access activities for the kids! Have a list of the states and provinces so your family can compete with each other to spot the most license plates (this can be a numbers game or you can play license plate bingo). There are some great travel “I Spy” games available for kids too!
Ten “Hot-Tips” for driving the Al-Can Highway
1) Fuel up: Gas stations can be few and far between
2) Wildlife Alert: Keep an eye out for moose, bears, bison, and other critters. Remember that they are not tame… do not approach them! Note that Canada will not allow you to bring guns or bear spray into the country. Make sure you have a good camera or a telephoto lens for your phone.
3) Bug Battle: Pack bug spray! The mosquitos up here, especially in the remote areas, are legendary. The forest fires seem to make bees and wasps extra active. If you are allergic, take care and carry an Epipen if necessary.
4) Road conditions: We have two seasons in the northland… winter and construction! Be prepared for graveled areas and other construction delays. Drive slowly on gravel and give lots of room to the car in front of you or risk windshield dinks from flying rocks. Check out the website for 511.alaska.gov for closed roads, detours, or construction notices.
5) Weather worries: Yeah… snow, sleet, rain, or even 90F degree days! We get it all! Pay attention to weather reports. Have good rain gear and if you are camping have a good rain fly for your tent!
6) Rest stops: Be sure to take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and smell the roses. And watch out for sleepy drivers in the on-coming traffic!
7) Border Crossing: Have your passport ready to go… yeah, sometimes you can get in and out on an “enhanced driver’s license,” but don’t risk it. The Canadian agent can turn you away for any reason and sometimes you just get the wrong guy on the wrong day… have your passport and eliminate the risk.
8) Cell Service: Expect a LOT of places where you will not have connectivity! Download maps or have that handy “Milepost” ready to go!
9) Roadside cafes: Eat local… if you are a foodie, make reservations in larger towns (Whitehorse, for example). Ask them what their special is… salmon is great in Alaska, but it is better in the coastal towns. Bison and reindeer can be tasty!
10) Go on the guided tours when possible, either in-person or virtual… Skagway, Dawson City, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, Denali… there is so much interesting history up here! You don’t want to miss it!
So, pack your sense of adventure and your Milepost Magazine and hit the road! The Alaska-Canada Highway promises an epic journey full of natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. And remember, the real magic is waiting for you on the road, not just at your destination. Travel safe and don’t forget to send postcards to your favorite people. (Everyone loves snail mail!)
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