Driving from Washington to Prince Rupert (Anchorage, Ketchikan: RV parks, how much, to buy)

[ENP06]

I will be traveling through Canada from Washington State to Prince Rupert by RV in August. In Prince Rupert we will be getting on the Alaska Marine Hwy. Can anyone tell me about the drive? I used mapquest and know that it is approximately 1004 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert. Any suggestions on things that I need to know prior to the drive, such as gas stations, food, ect.
This is actually a permanent move to Alaska, and it seems more economical to get on the Marine Hwy in Prince Rupert than in Bellingham (Especially with an RV). All of out belongings will be barged out of Seattle.
Thanks

[aquariusmom]

No advice, but we'll also be catching the ferry in Prince RUpert in August! Maybe it's the same one. Have a great move!!

[RAMFEB31]

Originally Posted by ENP06

I will be traveling through Canada from Washington State to Prince Rupert by RV in August. In Prince Rupert we will be getting on the Alaska Marine Hwy. Can anyone tell me about the drive? I used mapquest and know that it is approximately 1004 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert. Any suggestions on things that I need to know prior to the drive, such as gas stations, food, ect.
This is actually a permanent move to Alaska, and it seems more economical to get on the Marine Hwy in Prince Rupert than in Bellingham (Especially with an RV). All of out belongings will be barged out of Seattle.
Thanks

Yes,fill up in Bellingham and then, if U can make it to all the way to Prince George, then fill there. In between, generally, fuel are much higher.U did not indicate where in AK U are going but I do believe fuel is less in Juneau than Haines and Anchorage, according to friends, are less than Juneau. Sea food is at a good price up here it seems. But the rest are higher than Washington. Skagway is not the place to buy anything if U are passing thru. Of course, w/the oodles of jewelry stores that have opened recently, maybe U will get some competetive prices but, personally, I doubt it. I've recently came up most of the route you are following except I cut off to #37 from #16. U may also wish to come thru the Sumas border entry toward Abbotsford which is where #1 dips. Also, the entry seem to be less busy. #1/97 to Williams Lake/Quesnel/Prince George is a fairly easy drive w/a liberal sprinkle of service station in between. There are signs that will indicate where there may be the next fuel station. Good Luck!! Have a good trip and have a great time living in AK. U lucky dog! I was planning to stay up here but, for now, it was not in the cards.

[RAMFEB31]

Originally Posted by ENP06

I will be traveling through Canada from Washington State to Prince Rupert by RV in August. In Prince Rupert we will be getting on the Alaska Marine Hwy. Can anyone tell me about the drive? I used mapquest and know that it is approximately 1004 miles from Seattle to Prince Rupert. Any suggestions on things that I need to know prior to the drive, such as gas stations, food, ect.
This is actually a permanent move to Alaska, and it seems more economical to get on the Marine Hwy in Prince Rupert than in Bellingham (Especially with an RV). All of out belongings will be barged out of Seattle.
Thanks

Oh, I forgot to mention. Go to Wal Mart or such store and buy yourself a hi voltage 'skeeter' zapper if it is $5 or under. Also, buy some repellant like Deets. If U are planning to spend any time in a RV park, and the place is along the coast, bring a small electric heater. I no it is taking advantage of our host but I general use everything electric for most of my needs when I travel using the RV Parks

[pw72]

That was EXACTLY my route when I moved to Anchorage in the 90's.

BC is bigger than you might expect, it's an all day drive from Seattle to Prince George, then as I recall another half day over to Prince Rupert. The Alaska ferry was running about six hours late on my particular travel day, so I had plenty of time to explore Prince Rupert. Great little town!

Unless things have changed the Alaska ferries are nothing fancy. Perhaps they have upgraded. Beautiful scenery at a fraction of the price of a cruise!
Just don't expect a lot of frills.

I got off the boat at Haines and then another day and a half over to Anchorage. Most of the highways in BC were in great shape, but once into Alaska, hit and miss. Some good stretches, a lot of construction, some dirt stretches even, and many narrow sections. Of course this was all about 10 years ago.

When I moved back to the lower 48 I took the all-highway route. Took me three and half days to get to Seattle, but I never drove more than 10 hours a day.

[CG-Biker]

I am planning a trip from Seattle to Prince Rupert as well (next summer). Only not by RV but on a bicycle. There will be a group of three of us, all long-distance cyclists. We plan on cycling approximately 100 miles a day then camping at night. From Prince Rupert we will take a ferry to Ketchikan for a visit then back to Seattle via ferry.

I'm wondering if there are any highways on our way where bicycles are prohibited? Are there any long stretches (> 70 miles) where we would not have access to water? What are the conditions of the roads? Out of curiosity, what is the highest elevation along the way?

Thanks in advance to anyone that might be able to answer my questions.

[Xa'at]

I have no advice, just wanting to thank the OP and others who have posted. I never noticed how much cheaper it is to catch the ferry in Prince Rupert... I have always gone from Bellingham...
I don't think people necessarily realize this, but it could potentially save them a lot of money. According to my price chart, the difference on a trip from PR to JNU vs. BEL to JNU is $169 per person and up to $477 for a car. That is pretty significant!

Thanks again for saving me beaucoup de dollars...