Driving to Alaska - Alaska Highway

[JHZR2]

Hi,

Considering a roadtrip over the next year or two, in the summer, across Canada - Trans-Canadian HWY.

Ive noticed on some maps that there are highways up and across to Alaska, the 97, 1 and similar roads.

I think it would be really neat to do this, and Ive seen a few sites which discuss it, mainly for RVers. We would likely drive a sedan and stay in motels when possible - camp if possible too.

So, has anyone driven this route? Any advice or things to think about? Look forward to any replies.

Thanks!

 

[Turk]

Haven't yet, but sure am in the next 2-3 years!

 

[XS650]

I drove to Alaska 1n 1978 so any road info I would remember would be irrelevant.

Get a copy of The Milepost. Assuming it's as good as it was, it's by far the best guide available.

You might be able to find one in a library or big bookstore to take a look before you buy.

http://milepost.com/

 

[Audi Junkie]

My 23-ish cousin is doing it this second.

 

[Kuato]

From what I understand from a friend that drove up there, there are many stretches of gravel and/or rough roads. Carry extra tires and be ready for a new windshield when you come back. Make sure you have tools and fluids for your vehicle, there are long stretches of absolutely beautiful nothing.

 

[Nick R]

Me and my grandmother are planning to do this next summer or the following. we figure we should probably borrow my parents expedition for the trip, since I don't know if I trust my car to drive the 10,000 miles round trip or whatever it is lol.

 

[JHZR2]

Sounds like a rental car with good insurance might be the smart way to do it...

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Sounds like a rental car with good insurance might be the smart way to do it...


I was thinking the same thing.

A big barge with a traditional frame and a V8.... sounds like a good job for a Gramp Marquis.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04


A big barge with a traditional frame and a V8.... sounds like a good job for a Gramp Marquis.


Was that comment really necessary...All you had to say was a 4.6 Panther would be awesome for that trip...Since the 4.6 gets around 25 MPH on highway [with a/c on] the Panther sounds like the perfect car for that awesome trip.

If you ever get down to the Magic City [mrsilv04] you might go into shock on the ages of the people who drive Panthers down here.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Originally Posted By: fredjacksonsan
From what I understand from a friend that drove up there, there are many stretches of gravel and/or rough roads. Carry extra tires and be ready for a new windshield when you come back. Make sure you have tools and fluids for your vehicle, there are long stretches of absolutely beautiful nothing.


Sounds like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance would be a good primer.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: CROWNVIC4LIFE

Was that comment really necessary...


Why did you feel the need to take it personally?

I ride an "old man's" motorcycle, and hear about it all the time... yet I don't let it get to me.

The amount of panther "worship" on this site begins to get stale after a while... it really does.

 

[JHZR2]

The most interesting thing to verify here would be if there are continuous paved stretches of the routes up to NWT/Yukon/AK... Not if a large BOF v8 sedan is gramp or grand.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
The most interesting thing to verify here would be if there are continuous paved stretches of the routes up to NWT/Yukon/AK... Not if a large BOF v8 sedan is gramp or grand.


Even if the road is all paved now (don't know if it is) it will have a lot of rough and under repair sections.

When I drove there in 1978, the Canadian part was dirt/gravel and the Alaskan part was paved. Except for being cleaner, the Alaskan paved part wasn't a whole lot nicer than the unpaved Canadian part.

The winter weather there is rough on roads and pavement takes longer to repair than unpaved.

In 1978 there were blue haired old ladies driving motorhomes on the Alcan. Be prepared for rough road conditions, but it's not like you are driving off the edge of the Earth. Any conventional car in good condition is suitable for the trip.

 

[IndyIan]

If you want an eastern practice run, drive to Happy Valley-Goosebay from Baie Comeau.
Google map Then take the ferry over to the island. We did the trip in reverse a few years ago. I think there was 400 miles of gravel road, only cost us a glass headlight and we camped in the middle of no where at gravel pits they use to make the road.

 

[Nick R]

The entire Alcan is now paved, except for the occasional gravel stretch where it is under repair.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
The entire Alcan is now paved, except for the occasional gravel stretch where it is under repair.


The Alcan has two seasons. Winter and Road Repair.

It's worth it though.

 

[Audi Junkie]

My cousin is back already! I can post more after I see him. Any specific questions?

 

[Vilan]

I drove up to the Yukon a few years ago. The highway north through BC is mostly paved, just a few gravel sections. Up in the Yukon, it's paved and in pretty decent condition as far as Whitehorse. Beyond that, I can't say.

I drove a Geo Metro... I don't think any car would have any problems. I will say that many gas stations up north are only open in the summer. I went in April and had reason to thank my Metro's high mpg. If you're going in the off season, bring a gas can to be safe.

 

[addyguy]

Car and Driver has done it a couple of times in Corvettes, just to prove it could be done. One was in like 1976, the other was within the last 10 years. Both cars survived the trips.....

 

[Minou]

A group of canadian auto scribes have driven as far as Inuvik from Vancouver IIRC last winter in Smarts... Mercedes wanted to show how suitable for the winter their diminutive car is.

They had support vehicles and all but the biggest issue was cracked windhields and paint chips on most of the cars from the gravel thrown by trucks.

Another good eatern practice road would be from Montreal to Caniapiscau James Bay via Val d'Or, Matagami and La Grande where the pavement ends.