Should I drive or fly to Fairbanks?? (Anchorage, Haines: motel, restaurant)

[IllinoistoFairbanks]

Heres the story, I've taken a job in Fairbanks and will need to be there by the first week in January. If I have to drive I've been told two very different stories about the experience.
1. A single female who has done it a few times in the winter says don't do it, its almost impossible, roads are horrible and can't go very fast,I'll have to carry lots of gas because theres nowhere to stop...etc,etc.....
2. A single man who has done it lots, he's been in Fairbanks his whole life, says its very doable, that the roads are good,plenty of places to stop, plenty of help out there if needed...etc,etc...
3. I'm a single female and would be doing this alone with a 4X4 that is winterized for the climate and am allowing 10 days for this trip.
These two stories are such opposites and I'm now confused as to what to do. I have the milepost and have read this site so I've researched a lot of things.
What is the general consensus of you people that have done this trip in the winter?

[warptman]

You don't need to carry any extra gas with you. There are many stations open year round on the Alcan. Canadians take great care of the highway after a snow and even during a snow storm. Just don't pass up a gas station or go below a half tank.

How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth

Everyone should drive the Alcan once in their lifetime. I've done it 15 times now!

[AADAD]

Here is what I did. Drive to Bellingham WA and ferry you and your vehicle on the Alaska Marine Highway to Whittier AK or Haines AK. Now Whittier is about an hour from Anchorage Haines is 800 miles south. If you drive in winter you should carry a SAT phone no exceptions. Once across the Canadian border there will be few if any people on the road and although gas stations are about 200 miles apart the road is isolated and very cold. You should have dedicated winter tires (I recommend Hakkepiliita SUV 5 Studded) and extra food water. Finally, tell your peeps where you are expected to be and check in daily if not more. There is NO cell phone coverage. From Anchorage to Fairbanks drive is easy except in heavy weather. That should not take you more than a day. The key here is to be prepared. A hypothermic emergency can happen quickly in sub 20 degree weather. You can also carry a rifle and I recommend you do. Just be prepared to declare it at the Canadian Border. (no handguns allowed). Let us know what you decide to do? Good luck. The Yukon is pristine in winter and if you are prepared it can be a marvelous trip.

[warptman]

Driving the Alaska Highway is still an adventure

[warptman]

The ferry costs more than the drive, the drive is worth it year round. Just bring plenty of warm gear with you and a warm sleeping bag and a survival kit. You really don't need a rifle. If you do get into trouble, help is always around. If a semi driver sees someone in trouble, they usually pull over and ask if everything is alright, as does most of all the drivers you see on the highway. If I see a motorist pulled out in the middle of nowhere, I'll stop and ask if they're alright.

[Marty Van Diest]

If you have that much time, 10 days, to take the trip I would drive. Don't push, always drive carefully because you will be on snow most of the way.

If you run into a real heavy snow storm with lots of snow on the road you might just pull over and wait for a snow plow to go by but I doubt you will have that problem. Most of the snow that we get is in small amounts.

[akck]

I wouldn't bother driving to Bellingham as you'll hit about the same weather conditions crossing the Rockies as you would driving the Alcan. Taking the ferry from Prince Rupert is an option, but the timing won't work for the Whittier leg (ferry not running). Haines is actually your better option anyway for travel to Fairbanks.

In addition, it's much cheaper fare to go from Prince Rupert to Haines. The fare would be $356 assuming your vehicle is 15' or less. Add about $178 if you want a cabin, but there are plenty of places to sack out in the lounges or solarium. You only real option is to take the ferry leaving Prince Rupert on 12/31 at 11:15 am and arrive in Haines on 1/1 at 7:30 pm. Your best bet would be to arrive in Prince Rupert on 12/30, spending the night, and spend the night in Haines.

From Haines, I'd travel to Tok and spend the night, figuring it will take 8-10 hours to drive, depending on road conditions. Oh, eat at Fast Eddy's, you'll be pleasantly surprised and Young's Motel next door is not bad (register in Fast Eddy's). From Tok, it's less than a days drive to Fairbanks.

The only reason to take the ferry, besides the scenery, is to give yourself a break from driving in the middle of your trip. Time-wise, the ferry adds about a day to the trip, but will get you to Fairbanks by 1/3. Driving the whole trip can get you there earlier. Your only obstacle is if a snow storm blows through while you're driving, causing you to hold up in a motel until the roads can be cleared.

My first choice would be to drive the entire way, but if you want to see SE Alaska, take the ferry. In either case, make sure you're prepared for winter driving. Pack a sleeping bag, extra food, water, small snow shovel (may have to dig yourself out of the motel parking lot), ice scraper/snow brush, etc. Ask questions about the road ahead at the motel and restaurant as they may have heard something from customers. Keep in mind that the info may be old and the situation may be better or worse.

[warptman]

Keep an eye on road reports!

Alaska Road Traveler Information Service Alaska & Yukon

Drive BC British Columbia with road cams

Current Road Conditions - Highways and Public Works - Government of Yukon Yukon Territory

AMA Road Reports ® | Automotive | Alberta Motor Association Alberta roads

Canada and United States Travel - Highway and Road Conditions, Weather, Airports, Ferries, Traffic and Transit Canada and US

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by IllinoistoFairbanks

These two stories are such opposites and I'm now confused as to what to do.

Take both sides and average them together. That's about what you can expect. Yes do the drive, but also take precautions. I would recommend carrying extra gas - not because of a lack of stations, but because it's just good practice to always be prepared. Same with carrying lots of extra warm clothes, survival supplies, and a good sleeping bag. Again, it's not because your are going to the moon or some remote outpost, but because you will be encountering extreme arctic conditions so it's alway wise to plan ahead.

Other than that, take it slow and enjoy the drive!

[Naturen]

Through most of Canada and Alaska you may want to avoid driving at night. The last thing you want to happen is to run into a herd of caribou, bison, or some other critter on the road.