driving through canada (Anchorage, Haines: insurance, hotels, purchase)

[xenophus]

Going from Alaska down to lower 48s. Which is the safest route through canada? Need populated areas with places to stop and sleep (hopefully pet friendly) and plenty of gas stations along the way. Not really looking to site see or do heavy shopping. Would like to make it down quick.
Driven area between Haines and Anchorage but don't know about the other lengths.

[Rance]

Just follow the Alcan toward Edmonton depending on your destination.
Anybody have the link to the milepost site handy? I can't find mine...

[AKMammabear]

Originally Posted by xenophus

Going from Alaska down to lower 48s. Which is the safest route through canada? Need populated areas with places to stop and sleep (hopefully pet friendly) and plenty of gas stations along the way. Not really looking to site see or do heavy shopping. Would like to make it down quick.
Driven area between Haines and Anchorage but don't know about the other lengths.

When are you planning on doing this? I am doing it too here in the near future and it would be great if we could form a caravan of sorts..

[rotorhead]

One piece of advice, well OK, a couple.

Get a CURRENT Milepost magazine/periodical/guide, they sell them all over in AK and its specifically made for what you want to do...travel the Alcan. Once you look at a map of the routes available its pretty apparent where you'll be going, the only wildcard is the time needed between stops and that can vary a lot due to traffic and construction.

Take WAY more CD's or tapes than you think you'll need. There are long, long stretches with lousy/no radio reception and the driving can get very boring.

Take the usual precautions for long road trips. Make sure you have good tires and that your spare actually has air in it. If your car is in good condition mechanically, it shouldn't matter that tows can be long and expensive out in the middle of nowhere.

[Delaneyland]

http://www.themilepost.com/

Here's the link for the milepost, you'll need a week to get through it if you are dedicated...it is huge with wonderful information. I've driven through Canada via the Alcan a number of times from / to MN and have found it to be a delightful trip... You didn't say what part of the lower 48 you were headed to, but (personally) I like entering through MT at Sweet Grass..

[AKMammabear]

I need to go from Anchorage to Seattle. I will be driving my truck towing a boat and will have my two boys and one dog as company on the trip.

Does AAA also 'service' their customers in Canada?

[Delaneyland]

I don't know if you've considered it or not, but you may want to look into taking the ferry..drive on , relax, and enjoy the trip.

[BudinAk]

The shortest, most direct route is probably also the safest...I've driven the Alcan many times, with various routes, since 1954, and it's just not that big a deal these days. (except the "Top of the World Highway" is kinda scary in places...the farthest north route through Dawson to the border...I really doubt you'll be going that way...it's the longer route in/out of Alaska...)
You can go here, type in the originating and destination cities, and it will make a route map for you to print out, with the shortest possible routes: www.mapquest.com (yes, it works for Canada too)
Yes, purchase a copy of the MilePost...it's invaluable...gives details about towns, hotels, restaurants, distances, etc., so you can plan ahead where to stop/stay for the evening. I don't think you'll have any big problems...the Alcan has improved drastically in the last decade or so...it's not near the challenge it once was. There are plenty of gas stations, but expect higher gas prices most of the way. My wife and I drove the "short route" three years ago, and our biggest problem was figuring out the next nearest pitstop when we "had to go". Of course, I could just step off into the woods a little ways, but she wouldn't even consider using an outhouse, let alone venture into woods...

Bud

[RAMFEB31]

Originally Posted by xenophus

Going from Alaska down to lower 48s. Which is the safest route through canada? Need populated areas with places to stop and sleep (hopefully pet friendly) and plenty of gas stations along the way. Not really looking to site see or do heavy shopping. Would like to make it down quick.
Driven area between Haines and Anchorage but don't know about the other lengths.

I should be passing U by on the way up since I am hopeful to leave end of the month eventually ending up in Haines unless, of course, gold mine in B.C.
produces fist size nuggets. Good advice from the good people in the above threads. I will add my 3 bits in. Since, it appears U are driving, fill up in U.S. Terr. Canadian fuel is normally more expensive than any of the 50 states. It does not hurt to have towing insurance. Absolutely bring no beef product in any form even if U bot it in Alaska unless U have a certificate of origin. Be selective in bring in fruit and veggie. For instance, they will confiscate ginger root. If U have a choice, look for the border crossing gate w/the older(hopefully, more experience) guard. My experience is the young ones are trying to prove their worth. Give direct answers to guard w/no wisecracks or side jokes. Have a great trip!!! Oh, I forgot. this is when U enter U.S. Terr like going into the lower 48. I've found the Canadian guard to be more practical.

[RAMFEB31]

Originally Posted by AKMammabear

I need to go from Anchorage to Seattle. I will be driving my truck towing a boat and will have my two boys and one dog as company on the trip.

Does AAA also 'service' their customers in Canada?

Yes. But check to see if your insurance have mileage limitation and/or dollar amount. U no and I no breakdown seem to occur in the most "desolate" places