The Southern Driving Route (Haines, Hope: 2009, construction, safest)

[y2kat2003]

Hello everyone. I am looking into taking the southern route to Alaska. Does anyone know what is the best way to do it from Georgia? I am aware that road closures could hamper a smoothe ride through the ALCAN. I am trying to avoid as many delays and get there the safest way possible. I heard something about going south and then straight up into Canada from Washington. Are there any routes posted? I hear that certain highways in St. Louis will be closed until sometime in 2009 and would like to avoid MO all together.

[warptman]

Just take the most direct route. If you drive up to Washington, you'll have to cut across the Rockies a few times, this way you'll only cross them once. I've done both routes a number of times. I'm up to 13 on the Alcan. No matter what time of summer you drive up, you will run into construction.

from:Atlanta, ga to:48.224673,-101.315918 to:anchorage, ak - Google Maps

[ASpilot2be]

Originally Posted by warptman

Just take the most direct route. If you drive up to Washington, you'll have to cut across the Rockies a few times, this way you'll only cross them once. I've done both routes a number of times. I'm up to 13 on the Alcan. No matter what time of summer you drive up, you will run into construction.

from:Atlanta, ga to:48.224673,-101.315918 to:anchorage, ak - Google Maps

There might be construction before Haines Junction, but afterwards, there is none. They are building a bridge but it does not effect traffic.

Oh, and the road is maybe 80% ice free on the road, atleast when we drove it recently.

[Bob Blockus]

Get invest in GPS unit. Tom Tom has both united states and canada maps built in. Southern route is long and once on pacific coast going up its slow travel. then fast travel in canada. make sure plenty of extra money. I made the trip back south from Alaska and came back with only $50 from $1,500. two people in road trip. spending $1,000 each. Ford Truck. 14 day trip august 2007. lots of gas used. every time make stop Mr bob had to pull out his share of $20 from $40 gas fill up. yes indeed.

[y2kat2003]

Originally Posted by Bob Blockus

Get invest in GPS unit. Tom Tom has both united states and canada maps built in. Southern route is long and once on pacific coast going up its slow travel. then fast travel in canada. make sure plenty of extra money. I made the trip back south from Alaska and came back with only $50 from $1,500. two people in road trip. spending $1,000 each. Ford Truck. 14 day trip august 2007. lots of gas used. every time make stop Mr bob had to pull out his share of $20 from $40 gas fill up. yes indeed.

Lol! You are too funny. I already purchased a GPS unit. I am just afraid of running into road closures when taking the most direct route.

[akck]

Originally Posted by y2kat2003

Lol! You are too funny. I already purchased a GPS unit. I am just afraid of running into road closures when taking the most direct route.

I believe most DOTs have a web page with road information on closures and road work. I'd check each state/province to see what's reported just before you go and then each night for the next days travel. That should give you time to find an alternate route if necessary. AAA or some other road service is also a good idea. With AAA, you can get maps of your route. They will also create a TripTiK with a route to follow. It's not always the best route, but it gives you an idea.

[shellbell21883]

Hey there,

I drove from So Cal to AK in 2005 and then from AK to KY in 2007. Since you are coming from GA, I don't see any reason to drive all the way to WA and then up. I actually thought it was much more time consuming going through WA up to AK. I would come up through TN, KY, IN, WI, MN, ND, and then cross over. It was quick and painless. I don't recommend going through WA also because some parts of southern BC are just....strange. Also, gas stations in southern BC did not abound either, nor did eateries. Also, as I've said in other threads, try to avoid eating in Watson Lake, Yukon if at all possible. Avoid sleeping there, too, if you can! I'd plan to just fill up the tank there and drive on! Hope that helps some.

[warptman]

About 20 miles south of Watson Lake is a place called Contact Creek, cheaper gas there and better food. I've only stayed in Watson Lake once and that was at the Airforce B&B..

[y2kat2003]

Thanks Shellbell and warptman. I will look into that route. Quick and painless is what I'm going for.

[warptman]

Here's how to do the drive....


How to Drive to Alaska in the Summer - ExploreNorth

How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth