Essential Tips for Driving to Alaska via Canada
If you’re thinking about making the very long journey from the contiguous United States to Alaska, you came to the right place. I cover important preparation steps and what to expect driving through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. Regardless of where you start your journey, these tips will apply!
First off – It’s wild to me how many people don’t realize that you have to drive through Canada to get to Alaska! Second, when I started my journey in Asheville, North Carolina, I never imagined I would have accomplished such a task. But if I can do it, so can you!
Before driving to Alaska
As much as I love winging things, I don’t recommend winging the drive to Alaska. I spent a few weeks preparing for this journey, however some steps may require months of advanced prep.
Crossing the border to Canada
This might not be obvious to everyone, but you do need a passport to drive into Canada, as of 2009. If you do not have a passport, make sure to apply several months in advance.
When it comes time to actually cross the border, I highly recommend reading Canada’s website to make sure you know the do’s and dont’s.
For example – NO firearms, proof of a current rabies vaccine for pets, no produce, declaring cannabis. Best bet is to buy your groceries once you cross the border.
Determine how much time you have
The biggest consideration is how much time you have. Followed by how long you plan on making your driving days.
For me, the only real constraint was the weather and seasons – since it’s snowy and roads are closed for most of the year. Because I have a remote job, I didn’t need to take time off work. I was able to drive a few hours every day after work and longer stretches on the weekend.
Also important to consider, is how long you want to stay before making the long journey home before winter kicks in. I wanted to make the long drive to Alaska worth it and stay as long as I could.
The drive there took me 11 days, and I planned on spending at least 2 months exploring before heading back. I stopped in 9 places, and stayed 1 night in all but 2 locations.
Accommodations and gas stations
Once you know how long your various drives will be, you can start to hone in on where to stay. I mainly use Campendium and iOverlander when looking for campsites. These are amazing resources and I suggest checking both because they each have unique sites with some overlap.
iOverlander is great for finding showers and places close to or in towns. It has more of the super unofficial parking spots that really come in handy when you’re looking for civilization. I find that Campendium is better for finding places that accommodate larger rigs.
Accommodations
There are 3 main accommodation types on the drive through Canada.
Provincial Parks
Provincial Parks are Canada’s equivalent to State Parks. There are SO many beautiful options along the major highways, especially through British Columbia.
You will want to have some Canadian cash with you as they only accept this form of payment. They all range from $18 to $22 (at least the ones I stopped at). You don’t need a reservation, although if you’re traveling on a weekend and show up later in the afternoon, you may not find a spot.
Since there is a high possibility you will drive on at least one weekend, try to arrive somewhere around 3 – 4 pm to ensure a site. Even at this time, you likely won’t get the beautiful lake front sites, however you should still easily get a spot. You can also try to reserve sites in advance, however I haven’t tried this. I personally don’t because I like to have ultimate flexibly of where and when I travel.
Provincial parks should all have restrooms, picnic tables, some have wifi that you may have to pay for. I haven’t seen any with showers or electrical hook ups! Typically they have free firewood too.
Recreation sites
Recreation sites are the equivalent to BLM – or free dispersed camping. These are also quite common and personally my preference because I like to travel as inexpensively as possible. Generally they won’t be as nice in terms of having picnic tables and bathrooms, but I did stop at one that did.
RV parks and private campgrounds
For full hook-ups and dump sites, you will need to go to actual RV parks. You can find these on Campendium too or google. Normally I skip these because they’re my absolute last choice when traveling. I did pass several along the route and most seemed to have availability from what I could tell.
I will stay at RV parks if they’re the only convenient option, or if i desperately need to shower, do laundry, and charge my battery. Otherwise I can typically find a free spot with open skies for solar and starlink that tickles my fancy.
I highly suggest having back up plans! If you show up and all sites are taken, have a 2nd option ready to go and know how to get there.
Gas stations
A large portion of British Columbia and Yukon Territory does not have cell service – meaning no wifi. It’s important to check gas station locations between destinations. If you have half a tank, DO NOT drive past a gas station. Fill up when you can and make sure there are stops directly along the route.
You do not want to be in a situation where you’re unsure where a station is and have no ability to look it up. I also recommend having a spare gas container – even if you never use it, it will give you some peace of mind if your route changes for some reason.
Many of the gas stations are mom and pop stores with very outdated gas pumps. I can’t image that they are 24 hour places. Some are only open on certain days of the week.
Check your phone service provider
Before driving to Alaska, check your phone plan to see if it includes travel to Canada. If you’re unsure, give them a call or chat with them. Luckily my Verizon plan includes service to Canada and I didn’t need to do a single thing!
Check your credit card companies
You’ll want to be aware of any additional charges you may incur when using your credit cards in Canada. Most businesses in Canada accept Visa and Mastercard, and I had zero issues. You can also let them know when you will be traveling so that they don’t flag your purchases and shut off your card.
Download offline maps
Since you will be without service – for hundreds of miles – you should download offline maps. See below for step by step instructions. Once downloaded, just use Google maps like normal when you’re offline to get your travel routes!
Get an old fashioned map
I went most of the way without a map since I have Starlink. I typed my next destinations into google before turning off my Starlink. However I did pick up a map at a restaurant in Whitehorse and now have more peace of mind knowing I have this back up if needed. Here’s a map of Canada and one of Alaska, if you want to pick it up before driving to Alaska.
Change your oil
I highly recommend changing your oil and getting your vehicle checked out before making the long journey.
It’s almost 1,200 miles from Abbotsford to the top of British Columbia. Another ~560 miles to the Alaskan border, and almost ~400 miles to Anchorage. You’ll be driving over 2,000 miles in a short period of time – likely much more depending on where you started.
You safely got into Canada! Now what?
Turn on data roaming
Since my cell service automatically switched over, I thought my data would be automatic too. It took me driving 3 hours ‘blind’ to realize I had to change a toggle in my settings. Once I turned that on, I was free to use my phone to search things and had so much more peace of mind.
Get some cash
I haven’t done the research to figure out the most cost efficient way to do this. I just used my debit card at an ATM and withdrew some cash. Canada’s dollar is less than ours, so your money will go a bit farther 🙂
Remember the different units
I know that we live in a bubble in the USA and assume that everyone uses miles and feet and gallons – but they really don’t (LOL). Watch your speed since 60 miles / hour is faster than 60 kilometers / hour. It’s a weird but quick mental adjustment you get used to.
Same thing with getting gas. They use liters instead of gallons, so at first glance you think “wow gas is only $1.22 per gallon”! …. NOT
Info on coins
This is a small thing but I think helpful to know especially if you need to do laundry while driving through. They have quarters like we do, but also coins for $1 and $2. I actually love this. I’ve used laundry machines that take both $1 coins and quarters.
Road conditions
You will see a TON of other RVer’s on their way up or down the same path. Depending on your rig, you will get stuck behind slow drivers. However the good news – there’s a ton of double passing lanes and single lanes, so you shouldn’t be stuck for long.
If you are that slow driver, please let others pass. If it’s a road without passing, pull off on the cut outs to let others go. I’ve done this many times. I know it makes them happy, and it takes the pressure off me to go faster that what I feel comfortable driving.
Once you get past Destruction Bay, the roads get super sketchy. Be prepared to go slow and try to avoid the big potholes. For the most part it’s obvious where the rough patches are because they are different colored road patches. Some have orange cones or signs warning you to slow down. There are several patches of dusty dirt road as well.
Please be mindful of wild-life when driving to Alaska. I saw 9 bears, all along the roadways!
Daylight and solar
The more north you go, the longer the sun stays up! Even though daylight may last 18 or more hours, you’ll likely encounter a ton of rain and overcast skies. If you are relying on solar power, be extra mindful of your usage to avoid having to recharge at an RV park.
If you do not have any type of black-out curtains, you should get some. My airstream has them built in, but I made the mistake of not using them one night. I woke up at 330 AM thinking it was time to wake up and was so disoriented when I finally checked my phone.
Starlink
If you travel full time or very regularly, I highly recommend investing in a Starlink. Most of the places worth traveling to – do not have cell reception. If you need to work – or want the peace of mind of being able to connect in an emergency – you’ll want to get one. Since most of Canada (and Alaska) does not have service, I’ve had to use mine often. And have I said that I love it?
Bugs, bugs and more bugs
No one warned me that there would be SO many bugs! It makes sense because of how many lakes there are – but I didn’t realize how bad they would be. Make sure to NOT leave your doors or windows open unless you have screens – otherwise you will be swatting mosquitoes in your sleep – and that’s no fun.
If you’re going to use bug spray, please, please use something non-toxic. Brands like Off! have nasty chemicals that absorb through the skin into your blood and then everywhere else. Using that stuff isn’t doing anyone, any favors.
My route driving to Alaska
Here’s a condensed version of my trip to give you an idea of what stops you can make and how much it cost. Of course this will vary greatly for your own trip.
I crossed the border in Abbottsville:
- Kelowna – I visited a friend here for a night – FREE (a very touristy down for Canadians)
- Arrowhead Campground – Green Lake – $18/night
- Ten Mile Lake Provincial Campground – $20/night
- Kwitzil Lake Dispersed Camping – FREE (stayed 2 days)
- Helen Lake Recreation Site – FREE
- Mezidian Lake Provincial Park – $22/night (this place was BUSY on a weekend – arrive early or reserve if you want a lake front site)
- Boyd Lake Provincial Park – $20/night (STUNNING – must stay)
- Whitehorse, Yukon – FREE (stayed 2 nights in RV parking in town)
- Congdon Creek Campground – $20/night (there are free sites on the beach just down the road)
Total spent: $100 Canadian
Duration: 11 days
I haven’t made my return trip just yet. I will make a future post about that as I’m thinking about stopping through some of the Canadian National parks!
That’s it for now! I hope if you’re reading this and planning on driving to Alaska, that you found something useful. Safe travels 🙂
Essential Tips for a Safe and Memorable Drive to Alaska
Embarking on a road trip to Alaska is a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. To enhance your adventure, consider the following extra tips to guarantee an enjoyable trip:
1. Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance
Before setting off, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition to handle the diverse terrains and long distances of the Alaskan highways. I’m repeating this to stress the importance.
- Vehicle Inspection: Have a certified mechanic perform a thorough inspection, focusing on brakes, tires, suspension, and fluid levels.
- Spare Parts and Tools: Carry essential spare parts such as belts, hoses, and a full-sized spare tire, along with a well-equipped tool kit.
- Emergency Supplies: Include items like jumper cables, a tire repair kit, extra fuel canisters, and a reliable jack.
2. Wildlife Awareness and Safety
Alaska’s abundant wildlife is a highlight of the journey, but it requires caution and respect.
- Safe Viewing Practices: Observe animals from a safe distance; never approach or feed wildlife.
- Bear Safety: Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols, including proper food storage and the use of bear-proof containers.
- Moose Encounters: Be vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk, as moose are often near roadways.
3. Cultural and Historical Sites
Enrich your trip by exploring the rich cultural heritage and history along the way.
- Indigenous Heritage: Visit cultural centers and museums to learn about the Indigenous peoples of the region.
- Historical Landmarks: Explore sites like the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to delve into Alaska’s storied past.
4. Environmental Responsibility
Preserve the pristine beauty of Alaska by adopting eco-friendly practices.
- Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact.
- Waste Disposal: Properly dispose of all waste and utilize designated dump stations for RVs.
- Sustainable Choices: Opt for eco-friendly products and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability.
5. Seasonal Considerations
The timing of your trip can significantly influence your experience.
- Summer Travel: Enjoy long daylight hours and milder weather from late May to mid-September.
- Winter Travel: Prepare for challenging conditions, including snow-covered roads and limited daylight.
- Shoulder Seasons: Be aware of variable weather and limited services during spring and fall transitions.
By incorporating these considerations into your travel plans, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a safe, enjoyable, and enriching journey to Alaska.
Update: Return trip back to the States
Now that I’ve returned from my epic summer road trip to Alaska, there’s so much more I want to share!
On the way back, I took a different route, cutting through the mesmerizing Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed this path along the Alaskan Highway much more than the Cassiar Highway. I’m a sucker for big mountains, and these were 10/10 must see.
I wasn’t expecting the drive to be so breathtaking. The views most definitely made the long journey more than worth it.
My stops along the Alaskan Highway
One of the best parts of going this way was stopping through the Laird Hot Springs. The most unique and magical hot springs I’ve come across so far. The entry free is only $4 Canadian dollars – what a steal! I don’t want to ruin the experience for you, but here is a short video the hot springs.
Other honorable mentions of cute Canadian towns that make great stopping points – Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek. They have all the amenities you need, and some great free campsites. I spent almost a week parked in a river bed just outside of Fort Nelson, and loved every minute of it.
After that, I took advantage of the other stunning Canadian National Parks, getting an up-close look at the Rocky Mountains. I felt privileged to see Jasper, Yoho, and Banff National Parks before landing back in the United States.
If you’ve made it to Alaska by now, check out these other posts:
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