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Old 02-20-2011, 03:09 PM
 
9 posts, read 15,513 times
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Hello all,

I know this question has been asked in the past, but I'm looking for specific information about driving to Alaska in the winter. My husband and I have recently received a position in Palmer and we will be moving from WA state to Alaska in mid March. What should I expect? Are the 2 major routes through Canada both open? Price difference in gas on one vs the other? I believe he will be flying and myself driving. Thoughts on where to stop at night? Border crossings? I will have a couple of firearms, all long guns, how do I go about transporting them through Canada. Any advice is greatly appreciated. What other documents to I need to get through Canada besides my EDL? Thanks!!

Christie
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Old 02-20-2011, 03:42 PM
 
26,639 posts, read 36,711,783 times
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Your EDL should be enough, but don't forget to bring proof of insurance. Are you bringing any pets? If so you'll need vet certificates. I can't answer your gun questions except that it might be easier for your husband to take them on his flight. Why is he flying while you're driving, btw?
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Old 02-20-2011, 05:11 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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March is a great time to drive up, things are starting to warm up and the days are getting longer.

I did a drive in March in 2006, took me three days to get to Washington state. I'd look at about four or five days to comfortably come up.

You have more places to lodge up in on the Alcan itself. Your first night could be Prince George, I did this on my way back in 2006. Second night you can stay at Fort Nelson. Third I'd stop in Whitehorse. Of course, this is me driving. I've done this trip 17 times now.

WA State Licensing: Frequently asked questions - EDL/EID
"Can I travel into Canada and return to the U.S. by land or sea using an expired passport and driver license?
No. We recommend you bring a valid (current) passport, birth certificate, or a valid alternative travel document, to avoid additional screening at the border crossing."

I'd stick to the Alcan Highway instead of the Cassiar in winter, more places are open and more places to fuel up. You also have the Liard River Hot Springs to unwind for a few hours.

Don't drive between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake at night, this is a mountainous area and there are a lot of animals on the road.

How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth

For your guns...
A Practical Guide to Canada's Gun Laws for Americans (http://www.panda.com/canadaguns/ - broken link)
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Old 02-20-2011, 05:23 PM
 
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Only thing to add, there really isn't anything practical about bringing guns into Canada... If you know how to use a gun and want one for safety, pick your one favorite long gun and try to get it approved, let your husband fly the rest up. If you are not comfortable using one don't bring it with you.

Ohh and bear spray (or wasp spray) works well against people too. take Warptman's advice, I know that he has given me great leads and ideas for my drive up this summer.
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Old 02-20-2011, 05:35 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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Don't let your tank go below 1/2. Never pass an opportunity to get fueled up.

//www.city-data.com/forum/alask...good-eats.html
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Old 02-20-2011, 05:37 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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More food along the Highway.

Food Beyond Hope
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Old 02-21-2011, 08:32 PM
 
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Thanks for the thoughts! So, more thoughts now....Anyone know what the price is for gas currently along the Alcan? Would I be better off too have Canadian currency or American, I hear there is a sliding exchange in place for American money how does that work. I've grown up in Colorado and have driven in snow my entire life, what should I be expecting for weather and road conditions at this time of year?
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Old 02-21-2011, 11:09 PM
 
Location: Dangling from a mooses antlers
7,308 posts, read 14,688,413 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knoblauchc View Post
Would I be better off too have Canadian currency or American, I hear there is a sliding exchange in place for American money how does that work.
There is no exchange rate anymore. I've seen a few days lately where the American dollar was worth less then the Canadian.
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Old 02-21-2011, 11:30 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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DriveBC

Current Road Conditions - Highways and Public Works - Government of Yukon
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Old 02-23-2011, 09:39 AM
 
9 posts, read 15,513 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Metlakatla View Post
Your EDL should be enough, but don't forget to bring proof of insurance. Are you bringing any pets? If so you'll need vet certificates. I can't answer your gun questions except that it might be easier for your husband to take them on his flight. Why is he flying while you're driving, btw?
We have struggled to get his birth certificate, so we are not sure his EDL or passport would be back in time for when I would have to leave!
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