Alaska Highway

[Trixie47]

Hoping to make the trip to Alaska this summer via the Alaskan highway. Has anyone on here traveled that route, and can you tell me if there are numerous steep grades up and down on this route ? We are newbies and wish to be prepared for what can lie ahead.....what better way then to ask fellow RV'rs !! :) After 24 years of two jobs the DH is retiring in June and we are going on a leisurely extended trip. :bdance:

[SAD]

Nice camper!!!!

[cmssorrell]

Have to agree, I like that camper also.

Mark

[geo]

Hoping to make the trip to Alaska this summer via the Alaskan highway. Has anyone on here traveled that route, and can you tell me if there are numerous steep grades up and down on this route ? We are newbies and wish to be prepared for what can lie ahead.....what better way then to ask fellow RV'rs !! :) After 24 years of two jobs the DH is retiring in June and we are going on a leisurely extended trip. :bdance:

Trixie47 -

My DW and I hope to make that journey in a few years too. I have researched it a little. One book you will want to get is written for RVers and gives a mile post by mile post description of the highway, etc. I'm sorry I can't remember the exact title right now, but I'll try to look it up and edit the title in this message. I have read that some RVers take the ocean ferry from Seattle or Vancouver to the Anchorage area. That way you only drive one way and get a cruise of the coast and islands. One can even stop along the way and camp at some of the coastal towns, and reboard the next ferry. If you are a member of Good Sam or Escapees, check their forums also.

I'll try to find that book title. Be back later.

Ron

OK, I'm back. IMHO, one book for sure you want is "The Milepost 2012: Alaska Travel Planner" by Kris Valencia. A secondary book to this might be "The Milepost 2011: Alaska Travel Planner" by Kris Valencia. The Milepost is published every year so as to give up to date and continous information about the Alaska Highway and highways within Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Alberta. I notice the new edition, 2012, does include some information on ferry travel. The information on Amazon states that it is 784 pages, details 30 major routes, 60 side trips, and over 100 maps. I have seen it on the shelves at local Barnes & Noble also.

If you enjoy reading travelogues, you might want to get a copy (paperback or digital) of "Queen of the Road . . ." by Doreen Orion. Ms. Orion and her husband converted a bus (not a Keystone product) and did a year long journey around North America. She has one chapter on their ferry trip up to Anchorage, through Denali, and then back through Yukon and BC.

Otherwise, there are hundreds of travel and travelogue books about traveling to Alaska. The difficult part is finding the good ones. The one book that keeps being recommended to DW and me is "The Milepost".

Happy travels and drive safely!

Ron

[Festus2]

I think that one of our members, "bearandjake", may have travelled this route. Try sending him a PM.

[SAABDOCTOR]

Wow enjoy the trip! we have been to Alaska 4 times never in an rv but some day. Alaska is full of mountans and moose. have good brakes!. but what most lower 48 people do not know is you also need to look upward as you drive also. in Alaska aircraft have the right of way on roads. Most small aircraft use auto fuel and you will see gas staions have no canopies. i am a pilot and have flown there. it is a strange feeling to land on a highway and to taxi along with cars. it is a beautiful state and in the summer the mosquito becomes the national bird as well as the cessna and piper cub. enjoy your trip!!!! Barney and Christine:wave:

[Festus2]

This past summer, two senior couples from California set off in a motorhome to Alaska to celebrate a wedding anniversary. When they came to the Canadian Customs at the border, they were asked if they had any firearms. Their response was "No, we don't". For some reason, the Canadian Customs fellow sensed that this wasn't correct, asked them to pull over and their motorhome was searched.

As it turns out, he was right. The search turned up a rifle and two handguns. The owner of the guns was whisked off to jail where he spent 5 weeks; and after paying a $50000 fine, he was released.

Asked why he had taken the guns with him, he replied that he had been told by his southern friends that the northern parts of Canada are still like the days of the Wild, Wild West and you would need them for protection against the Indians and bears.

Americans are allowed to transport guns across our border but not for "personal protection" against Indians and bears or any of the other wild creatures that roam our streets and cities. With special permits for hunting and other specified reasons, they can be legally transported.

So, unless you plan on doing some hunting along the way and have applied for and received special permits, ............"Don't take your guns to Canada". We are not the Wild, Wild North and we do not have or want "The right to bear arms".

[SAABDOCTOR]

I never travel with my guns they are safe unfireable when i am gone. and i can't afford that fine yikes!!!!. but i do believe in the right to bear arms and arm bears if some one wants to hunt them. how many hunters would there be if they could shoot back? lol. ps i do carry at work i have pulled it during a robery attempt. they got smart and left. So Ted Kennedy's car has still killed more people than my guns.;)

[rebelfan]

I don't post alot, but do read the forums sometimes and I do have to say that's good to know about no guns in Canada. I totally believe the right to bear arms so another good excuse not to go to Canada!

[SAABDOCTOR]

NA Canada is beautiful been there several times never needed a gun everyone i met was nice! even the bears!!!:bdance:

[gbsb]

We went to Alaska last year. It is a long and expensive trip the price of fuel is a lot higher than in the states the price of food is higher than in the states. A lot higher. There is a lot of beautiful things to see the mountains are beautiful. There is lots of animals to see on the side of the road. We saw Bears, moose, horses, stone sheep, buffalo. A lot to see glaciers, creeks, woods, lakes. Then there is the highway its self, a lot of gravel alot of frost heaves, some real rough spots, go slow. Watch your fuel, stations can be few and far between. We went with a new toyhauler it got beat up pretty bad a lot of stone damage on camper and truck, broken windshield on truck and stone chips in paint. then the mosquitos, we were in the north pole at a campground and could not set outside for them they were nasty. We used the mile post book it was a good guide and very informative. We did not dothe ferrys we were told they were very expensive but did nor check it out so can not say. We were glad to get back to the lower 48 but we went to fast trying to get there. We left Texas June the 3rd and got back November 1st. Traveled over 15,000 miles and had no problems a great trip. Just be prepared for the unexpected, leave your firearms in the states, and be polite at the border crossings. We had no problems with the boarder went right threw they looked at our passports the healthrecords for our pet and ask about firearms and how long we would be there, what was our busniess, and if we had any fresh fruit or vegetables. Enjoy retirement and your travels. George

[Trixie47]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. We do not have any guns so that will not be a problem. I have gotten the "2012 Milepost" and I bought the Woodalls Parks and Campgrounds guide. I have on order the "Exit Now". I am pretty well covered with books....I did see a few entries in the Milepost of some steep grades. I love the mountains, just don't like the steep grades up or down, love to see them in my distance !! ;) Gas prices are one of my main concerns...Also have read up on the ferry system and see they charge by the foot, at 38' 7'', not an option as it is quite expensive to begin with so I understand. Hope to see you fellow campers on our trek's across country. ENJOY

[Festus2]

I don't post alot, but do read the forums sometimes and I do have to say that's good to know about no guns in Canada. I totally believe the right to bear arms so another good excuse not to go to Canada!

I'm pleased to read that you are now aware of our gun laws. When people visit Canada or any other country, the expectation is that they respect and obey their laws even though they may strongly disagree with some of them.
Obviously, you do not agree with our laws concerning guns and you believe that is sufficient reason not to come here. Fair enough.
Other than our gun laws, what other "good excuses" do you have "not to go to Canada"? If the high price of gas or diesel is one excuse, I can certainly understand your reasoning.

[rebelfan]

I to strongly agree to respect gun laws and I do appreciate you letting me know about your gun laws. That was just a "saying" that the gun laws was another reason for not going to Cananda.
Have to say after hearing other posters commenting on the higher gas prices that would hurt as well.
Guess the main reason these days would be the lenght and time to make a journey like that living in the lower 48.

Being in the security business and knowing how anything anytime could happen the way the world has gotten. I like having my rights to bear arms. Not saying I keep it on my side all the time, but I sure do sleep better!!!

Canada not having any crime might be a good place to visit.

Travel Safe and watch you back!

[Halibutman214]

I just found this forum this morning and decided to join as I pick up my new Passport 2650BH tomorrow morning and thought I might be able to get some good info as well as contribute to this forum. This thread peaked my interest as we leave for Alaska in July and will be spending about a month there. While I don't want to dispute something on my very first post I must say that taking long guns through British Columbia (it could be different in every province) is really quite simple. You fill out the proper form, claim the gun at the border and your on your way. Not sure where this other info is coming from but it is incorrect.

[Festus2]

Halibutman214:
I'm not sure what "other incorrect info" you are referring to, but in my post I did say that guns can be legally transported across into Canada providing the person has filled out the necessary paper work and has had it approved. I believe my statement is correct as written and is essentially no different than yours.

I wrote:
"With special permits for hunting and other specified reasons, they can be legally transported".
"Americans are allowed to transport guns across our border but not for personal protection......"

The intent of my post was to inform travellers coming to Canada from the US that our gun laws are different and that a person just can't front up at the border with guns - long or short - and expect to be given the green light nor can they carry sidearms on their person while here. A special, short-term permit is also required from the RCMP if you transport them in your vehicle. You are correct in saying that certain types of long guns are permitted providing you have proper documentation and have declared them and it isn't that complicated.
These laws do not vary from province to province. Border security, customs and immigration are all federal jurisdictions not provincial.

[Halibutman214]

No offense to you but clearly what you said was misinterpreted by the quote, "I do have to say that's good to know about no guns in Canada". I was simply making the point that it is easy to get guns into Canada if you follow the rules. Geez I hope all this talk about guns and Canada doesn't bring the CIA down on me:).

[Halibutman214]

My Alaska trip has been two years in the making. I have did a lot of research as well as talked to my brother who has made the trip MANY times. The road these days is not as bad as some would have you believe. Typically (depending on weather) most of the frost heaves have been repaired by July but it seems there is always construction going on somewhere and yes there are always a rock or two that windshields seem to attract.
Let me also say this thread got derailed REALLY bad and I apologize to trixie47 for my part in it. If any of you are curious about taking a gun into Canada all of the "official" info can be found at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm.

[Festus2]

Halibutman214........
Your worry should be with Dudley Do Right of the RCMP, not the CIA. He always gets his man! ;) We should be back on the rails now.

[hankpage]

Halibutman214........
Your worry should be with Dudley Do Right of the RCMP, not the CIA. He always gets his man! ;) We should be back on the rails now.

Dudley Do Right - AKA - Festus2 ............... "bouncey: Sorry, You know "The devil makes me do things."

Now we can get back on track! :wave:

[geo]

No, wait! Not yet!!!! Have to post some photos!!!!!

:bdance: "bouncey: :bdance:


Ok, now we can get back on track. Oh, wait, there's the track!

Ron

[Johnnyfry]

We too, are heading to Alaska later this spring/summer.

Someone mentioned taking the Alaska Marine Railway (aka ferry) one way.
I had that idea also and checked it out. The cost for my rig would be close to $5,500. Too rich for me! We will be driving both ways.

John

[Trixie47]

We too, are heading to Alaska later this spring/summer.

Someone mentioned taking the Alaska Marine Railway (aka ferry) one way.
I had that idea also and checked it out. The cost for my rig would be close to $5,500. Too rich for me! We will be driving both ways.

John

John, Have you decided on which route you all will be taking yet ? I keep going back and forth on mine. The deciding factor though may be the higher gas prices in Canada, henceforth, staying in the US longer by going further west to cross the border. :confused:

[alaskalife]

The ALCAN (Alaska Canada Highwy) is a nice drive, but you need to be prepared, even in the summer you can find yourself hours from services, especially when you get up into the Yukon. I have done it twice now, once in winter without RV and once in summer with RV.

The ideal time to travel with an RV to AK is between Memorial Day and Labor day weekend as this is when RV Parks and other service that do not bear the winter open.

I would never recommend traveling with an RV in the winter to Alaska unless you are experienced with coming to AK. Winter here is definded as any time outside those two major holidays.

Brakes are important!!! If it's been a while, I would go ahead and service/replace pads as required. Good tires are also a must with a minimum of one good spare. Also recommend having plug repair kit and valve stem repair kit and a 12 volt tire inflator capable of inflating to 80 PSI. With all of this, you need the ability to change the tires yourself. On double axles, a 4-6" block to drive up on with the good tire and a heavy duty jack for the axle with the flat and don't forget a lug wrench. Personally, if you never changed a tire on your RV, I would do it at home before you leave just to make sure you are squared away.

If you do not have an auxillary fuel tank, I would carry extra fuel in jerry cans. I can't say an amount because I don't know your route, mileage, etc. I had 20 spare gallons for the winter ride and didn't use any of it, but never let tank below half, again no RV, and no severe weather. In the summer, I put in an auxillary fuel tank 72 gallons...so fuel was never an issue for me. Also recommend never letting your fuel tank get below half a tank and you should be fine. Spare fuel is mainly for if something happens and you need to run your rig while waiting for help but also if you miscalculate.

The road...conditions vary based on construction, but be prepared for some gravel travel, dips, heaves, pot holes, bumps, uneven road, etc. The worst of the roads is shortly after Haines Junction...up to that point the roads are likely decent. Make sure your stuff is secured inside your rig. Most heaves are marked with a red flag on the side of the road but not always. Pay attention to mountain downgrade warnings...recommend slowing to around 45 at a min before you start the decline. I had to stop a couple times because I started out too fast and brakes got too hot. Be sligtly heavy on trailer brake when downhill.

The Alaska Marine Highway / Ferry is not a viable option to save money. The ride is beautiful...can be bouncy at times, but it is expensive and the boat starts to get real small on day 2. I did the ferry on my first trip witout the RV because it was paid for...but the price was near $3,000 if I remember right and that was without the RV. I think my second trip I spent I total of $3,000 and that included flying down from Alaska to go get my RV and then drive it up all the way from Biloxi, MS

The views and wildlife are awesome...lakes, mountains, mountain sheep, bears, moose, caribou, porcipine, buffalo, etc. Posted a couple pics here...
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/tires-118547-2.html#post1133322

Food and Gas in Canada is EXPENSIVE. And leaving your guns at home will make your entry into Canada painless. You need a passport or passport card, registration and insurance for vehicle and RV. And of course a valid DL. Also, Canada is strict on who they let in...if you have a record including a DUI, Wreckless Driving, etc you may not be allowed entry. I can post that link later. If you absolutely need your guns (rifles) I can post the link later to the CBCP website...you can practically forget it with handguns.

Don't let all this information scare you...just study and plan your trip and you will be fine. Shoot away with any specific questions. Also google Travel ALCAN to find vast amounts of information. The "travel bible" is called The Milepost, you can get in on Amazon fairly cheap. It's published every year so if buying new make sure it says 2012.

Oh, and summer means extended daylight here. If you like darkness when you sleep have some type of blackouts for all windows/vents. You will start to notice the long days real good once up in the Yukon.

[Festus2]

alaskalife is correct when he says that fuel is expensive in Canada so you can expect to pay considerably more when you cross the border. As your fuel prices rise, so do ours but they were already higher to begin with. Some food prices are generally higher- especially dairy products and some fruits but not that much more than in some places in the U.S. Liquor, wine and beer will also cost you more but most of you would not be indulging so not to worry.
Having said that, I would guess that you would also be paying more for fuel, food, etc., in Alaska than what you are currently paying in the lower 48.

[jsmith948]

One of my pet peeves is that our "cousins" from south of our border come to our country and disrespect our laws and customs - insisting on doing things the way they do it "back home".
I have been to Canada on several occasions as a commercial driver hauling produce. I normally do not go anywhere without a firearm for personal protection, but, when I rode the MV Coho from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, B.C., I would leave my firearm with the ship's purser until the return trip to the states.
Point being: respect the laws and customs of the country through which you are traveling.
I will never forget the "Mounty" that was manning the scales in New Hope when I tried to "sneak" across the lower edge of BC from the where the BC Ferries land to Oroville, Wa. He had me dead to rights, but I showed him the respect he deserved and, instead of going to jail, he allowed me to by my trip permit and I was on my way!

[Penhall]

The trip should be fine... it's not the highway of the 50's anymore but remember its not a freeway either. Services are available on a regular basis but my two words of advise would be:

1. Travel on the top 1/2 of your fuel tank. Better safe than sorry.

2. SLOW DOWN and enjoy the trip, its not just the destination, its the journey.

The only section that you'll HAVE TO really take your time in getting to Alaska is the Destruction Bay to US Border - expect cracked chipseal, frost heaves and general crappy roads.

When you get to Tok, kick back, have a beer and know the roads will be better from there on.

Just my 2 cents.

[Justvisiting2day]

EHH gads are we in for it,,,:bdance: My wife and I will be at the Ninilchik State Camp grounds Hosting. Thats south of Anchorage and Soldonta for those that want to fo that far. MAY -- AUG 30.
Cheers "bouncey:
C

[28Bunkhouse]

In my Canada I believe law abiding gun owners should have the right to own and transport them for legal pursuits such as hunting, target shooting and sports such as Biathalon. We are definitely not the wild west but I always feel a little more secure when I am travelling through remote wilderness when I 'm packing. Each to his own.

[Johnnyfry]

Asi write this I am sitting in a campground in Seward, Alaska having driven up from the lower 48. We came up through Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper ultimately joining the Alaska highway at mile zero in Dawson Creek. We drove to Fairbanks, down to Denali park, Anchorage to Seward.

We left Dawson Creek on 15 June and arrived in Fairbanks on 25 June. Except for one washout North of Whitehorse which put us on gravel for about 6 miles, the entire highway is paved. There are frost heaves and some rather rough sections as you go north but nothing to worry about if you take it easy and stay alert. I cruise at about 58 MPH and I was pretty much able to maintain that most of the way.

Highest price for diesel was $5.71/US Gallon in Sikani Creek, BC but the average was more like $4.25-$4.50. In Alaska it is running about $4.05, as long as you try to avoid filling way out in the boondocks. Advice? NEVER pass a station with a decent price, even if you are at 3/4 full!

Once you get North, camping at impromptu pull outs is very common and usually acceptable unless a " No Camping" sign is posted. If you are not in a formal campground there are no generator hours either.

We are electing to take the Alasks ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert on the return. Price for 52 feet of 5er and TV is about $2,100 which I consider reasonable. Whittier to Bellingham would have been nice to way too pricy -- about $6,500.

Be sure and get the "Milepost" and "Camping in Alaska" by Church. These books are absolutely indispensable.

[smiller]

We are not the Wild, Wild North and we do not have or want "The right to bear arms".With all due respect I don't think that statement is fully accurate. From what I read there are many Canadians who do not like Canada's restrictive firearms laws and would like to see them changed. Saying that Canadians don't want the right to bear arms is no more correct than saying Americans do want them. It is a very controversial topic on both sides of the border.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

The Right to arm or disarm bears is always a sensitive subject.
Might I suggest that any further discussion be carried out in PM's
as the rest of us (reading this thread), are more interested in the
road to and from Alaska...

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep
and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against
tyranny in government."
Thomas Jefferson

hankaye

[Johnnyfry]

I have a correction of essential books, I meant to say:

Alaskan Camping by Mike and Terri Church. Published by Rolling Homes Press

[Johnnyfry]

On my earlier post concerning essential books, I meant to say:

Alaskan Camping by Mike and Terri Church. Published by Rolling Homes Press.

Sorry for the error,

John

[Big Boy w/ Big Toys]

Asi write this I am sitting in a campground in Seward, Alaska having driven up from the lower 48. We came up through Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper ultimately joining the Alaska highway at mile zero in Dawson Creek. We drove to Fairbanks, down to Denali park, Anchorage to Seward.

We left Dawson Creek on 15 June and arrived in Fairbanks on 25 June. Except for one washout North of Whitehorse which put us on gravel for about 6 miles, the entire highway is paved. There are frost heaves and some rather rough sections as you go north but nothing to worry about if you take it easy and stay alert. I cruise at about 58 MPH and I was pretty much able to maintain that most of the way.

Highest price for diesel was $5.71/US Gallon in Sikani Creek, BC but the average was more like $4.25-$4.50. In Alaska it is running about $4.05, as long as you try to avoid filling way out in the boondocks. Advice? NEVER pass a station with a decent price, even if you are at 3/4 full!

Once you get North, camping at impromptu pull outs is very common and usually acceptable unless a " No Camping" sign is posted. If you are not in a formal campground there are no generator hours either.

We are electing to take the Alasks ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert on the return. Price for 52 feet of 5er and TV is about $2,100 which I consider reasonable. Whittier to Bellingham would have been nice to way too pricy -- about $6,500.

Be sure and get the "Milepost" and "Camping in Alaska" by Church. These books are absolutely indispensable.

The gravel at the point you are talking about had nothing to do with the washout. You had unknowingly had crossed the washouts before you ever got to Whitehorse. The one area of issue north of Whitehorse, South end of Kulane Lake had never actually washed out the road just covered it in tons of rock and sand. The 6 miles you speak of is the standard ALCAN reapair project. That part of the road was in pretty bad shape from the winter and they were tearing it up to fix it.

[nuskovich]

Does anyone recall any low overpasses (under 14') from N Dakota to Fairbanks??

[Georgia Rambler]

I know this is an old Topic, But, Yes you can take (some) guns thru Canada legaly. I know because I did it, Summer 2011. You need to do your Homework and research the law. You have to fill out the proper forms and declare them at the border with the paperwork, then you have only a certain time frame before you would need to resubmit them ( 3 months i believe). Its really not that difficult. Also you need to declare them in Alaska before returning home to the lower 48 so they dont asume you bought them in Canada and tax, or give you a bunch of Crap about it.
Only certain types of Guns are allowed, all others are banned, Also there are strict laws on how you transport them.

[rayjoanlough]

I'm pleased to read that you are now aware of our gun laws. When people visit Canada or any other country, the expectation is that they respect and obey their laws even though they may strongly disagree with some of them.
Obviously, you do not agree with our laws concerning guns and you believe that is sufficient reason not to come here. Fair enough.
Other than our gun laws, what other "good excuses" do you have "not to go to Canada"? If the high price of gas or diesel is one excuse, I can certainly understand your reasoning.
Festus,I have been in your area I 'think'. Went to Wells Grey Park for a few days. Lots of rain (like home) but had fun catching trout on Clearwater Lake. Thought I'd be a smart aleck and tried to order breakfast in french and was IMMEDIATELY put in my place. We had a great experience with out neighbors to the North!
Ray

[Festus2]

Ray -
Many years ago, we also visited Wells Gray Park and one of the things we remember about it was the large number of tourists from Germany who were touring BC with rental RVs and this park seemed to be a magnet for them.
Even though French is one of our two official languages, very few people outside of Quebec can speak it. "Out West" in BC, no one speaks French and, without going into the social and other historical issues revolving around the Quebecois and English in Canada, ordering, or trying to order breakfast in French here in BC, would not be something I would recommend. If you were "put in your place", I am not at all surprised.
Glad to hear that your experiences in BC were enjoyable!