runakid Loc: Shelbyville, TN

I hope things have been improved in that time but you never know.

dan

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The Alaska Hwy is nice paved highway all the way to Whitehorse. In fact, from Dawson Creek to Ft. Nelson, it's also fairly wide. Past Whitehorse it's paved to Haines Junction and up to Destruction Bay at the north end of Kluane Lake. From there to the border it's quite possibly gravel. It used to be paved, but that section has historically been ravaged by frost heaving that they have had to re-do it and repave it nearly every other year. I think they decided that it was easier to leave it gravel and just grade it smooth as needed. Last time I was on it was in 2013 on my motorcycle. The road was gravel from Destruction Bay north for about 10 miles, then there was a short section of about 3 miles that was undergoing reconstruction and I got to ride in the mud. It was sloppy and messy, but fine, otherwise. I was "lucky" enough to get to follow the water truck.

Driving the Alaska Hwy is not the wild adventure that it used to be up to about 30 years ago. They've rebuilt, and in some places, relocated the highway so as to eliminate a lot of the curves and a couple of steep grades. You don't need a rugged 4-wheel drive vehicle, either. There is a lot of misconception regarding this road, unfortunately. Do pick up a copy of "The Milepost." If you have a Costco in your area, it's the cheapest there.

If you are planning on going to Dawson City, I have been informed that there are several long stretches of the road from Whitehorse to Dawson City that are under construction and can be less than fun to drive. It's about 350 miles to Dawson City. To drive the Top of the World Hwy out of Dawson City, you have to take a short ferry ride across the Yukon River to get to the road, which, I am told, is decent road. Apparently the Canadian side has been paved, or at least is very nice gravel road, but there is an approximately 30 mile stretch on the Alaska side that hasn't been paved yet, but they are working on it according to my source. Be sure to make a stop at Chicken. It's unique, to say the least.

The roads inside Alaska generally are in good shape, all paved except for where they are making repairs. There is always some sort of road construction going on somewhere in Alaska in the summer. Mostly the aggravation involves delays waiting for the pilot truck to come and lead your line of traffic through the area.

So, to sum up, I don't think you need to be overly concerned about the roads. They're actually pretty good, all around. My only advice, as regards your car or truck is, don't make the trip on mostly worn out, partly bald pure highway tread tires. They could let you down in some of the construction areas. Do consider mounting a set of good all season radial tires. I've never needed anything else for the Alaska Hwy. Happy driving and happy snapping along the way. Oh, and don't let yourself be convinced that there's nothing interesting to see along the roads, either. What you see along the road system may not be what you'd see in the interior of Alaska, but then we're talking apples and oranges, and what you can see depends on what your budget will allow.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Whatever you do, "do not take a straight line to Whitehorse". Once you cross the border get on to Highway 1, (the Trans-Canada) and head west to Calgary and then Banff. Continue 30 miles to Lake Louise and then take the Icefields Parkway north to Jasper. The Icefields Parkway is known as the most beautiful road in North America, and for good reason.
Once you get to Jasper you have two routes to choose to go "straight to Whitehorse" but the one you'll want is to head towards Dawson Creek and the Alaska Highway.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

That's what I would do. You could wear your camera out along the Icefields Parkway, too.

Another route you might consider is to go across the southern border of British Columbia on Hwy 3, as far as Hope Jct. From there, turn north onto Hwy 1 and drive up the Frazer River Canyon. It's beautiful, with some amazing views and photo opportunities. At Cache Creek, continue north on what is now Hwy 97, going through Prince George and on to Dawson Creek. At Chetwynd, you can either go to Dawson Creek or take the Hudson's Hope Cutoff which is around 80 miles of beauty. It come out onto the Alaska Hwy a few miles north of Fort St. John.That is a worthwhile route to take.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

We drove it 50 years ago and I would not have called it a "wild adventure". It was a long drive, mixing great scenery with long uninteresting stretches. There was traffic. Gas stations every 30 miles or so. Campgrounds at the gas stations and some in between.

Maybe not a wild adventure, but a worthwhile trip if you can manage it. I used about 20 rolls of film. If I had had digital there would have been a LOT more pictures.

We had marginal tires when we started, but we bought a new set before we left and had the tires changed in Dawson Creek. I don't know what we were thinking, but when we drove through Winnipeg we did some shopping and found a good deal on glassware, so we bought a pile of it. Rather than carry it up the highway we found a B&B in Jasper (another good place to visit) and left it there and picked it up on the way home.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

It's a great trip, any way you look at it, and well worthwhile taking.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

:thumbup: :thumbup:

runakid Loc: Shelbyville, TN

I will take all your advice concerning the trip -especially the Icefields Parkway. Thanks- for all the wonderful thoughts and ideas. I'll probably skip the Icefields on the way to Alaska as I have a firm date to be there for my workshop. Sounds like a wonderful way to come home in a more leisurely manner.

runakid Loc: Shelbyville, TN

I will take all your advice concerning the trip -especially the Icefields Parkway. Thanks- for all the wonderful thoughts and ideas. I'll probably skip the Icefields on the way to Alaska as I have a firm date to be there for my workshop. Sounds like a wonderful way to come home in a more leisurely manner.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I will second and third the road to Jasper! Wife and I rode our Goldwing out of Great Falls, Montana and into Lake Louise and then up to Jasper. Headed back down and over to Revelstoke, BC and on to Vancouver. Simply put, AMAZING! Enjoy your trip. We are getting ready to do it again ourselves.

runakid Loc: Shelbyville, TN

You guys have been fantastic with the advice. Now what to see in Alaska? My wife will not fly so keep it on the ground.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Harrumph! Some women just don't get it. My ex had her own broom.🙍

Going into hiding now✈️🛳🌘🐓🐓🐓

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I sent you a PM

JSPIRAKIS Loc: Florida

My daughter lived in Alaska for a while and divorced about 12 years ago. I flew up, (from Florida,) and we drove home in, mid December. Other than their divorce being the reason, it was a great trip. Going through Canada in December was an experience. Most of the time, all you could see was white snow, and you just try to keep the car between the sticks on the sides of the road. One night we stayed in Edmonton, at the West Edmonton Mall. It is the biggest mall in North America, and the 10th biggest in the world. Even if you are not a shopper, it is something to see, hotel, amusement park, go cart track, water park, and I think 170+ stores all in the mall. The Alaska Highway is the way to go through Alaska, and you can get a "T" Shirt. Probably a lot easier in June, but you will see the best part of North America for scenic pictures. Good Luck!