Alaska Highway! need info (Haines: credit card, construction, cost)

[Future Trooper]

hello has anyone in this forum driven the entire length of the Alaska Highway? how many miles is it and how many hours does it take to drive the entire length? and should i be warned about anything going up this highway before i drive it? any help is greatly appreciated!! is there any roadside attractions going up this highway that i should know about?

[Rance]

You need to do a search within the AK forum as there is a ton of info about that. Also order yourself a milepost travel guide. And just going to their website will give you lot's of info.

The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner - Home

[rotorhead]

I've driven it a couple times and I'll second the milepost suggestion. It's custom-made for exactly that purpose, has all the information you could want and then some. There are things to do along the way but it's such a long drive that you really need to buckle down and just log some miles if you're on any kind of schedule. There is always a lot of construction going on through the northern part of BC and in the Yukon, so you can count on unexpected delays. If you're an AAA road-club member, their "trip-tics" are handy as well. Don't just go into the local office and expect that they'll whip one up on the spot, give them some warning since it's a lot of stuff in the packet.

Entertainment-wise, either bring a LOT of your own music or get a satellite radio. I have a temp install for a Sirius setup and it worked pretty much all the way up.

Good luck on your trip.

[Crossfire600]

Originally Posted by rotorhead

I've driven it a couple times and I'll second the milepost suggestion. It's custom-made for exactly that purpose, has all the information you could want and then some. There are things to do along the way but it's such a long drive that you really need to buckle down and just log some miles if you're on any kind of schedule. There is always a lot of construction going on through the northern part of BC and in the Yukon, so you can count on unexpected delays. If you're an AAA road-club member, their "trip-tics" are handy as well. Don't just go into the local office and expect that they'll whip one up on the spot, give them some warning since it's a lot of stuff in the packet.

Entertainment-wise, either bring a LOT of your own music or get a satellite radio. I have a temp install for a Sirius setup and it worked pretty much all the way up.

Good luck on your trip.

I just ran the numbers through and for us, if we drive the Alcan it is only $500.00 more than if we drive to Bellingham and take the ferry... In the world of numbers that is not much of a difference considering the driving difference of 1000 miles... I am leaning toward taking the ferry the wife on the other hand is a road warrior and wants to take the Alcan. I don't know if I could take 10-11 days on the road with two dogs... I might be the only one to arrive in Haines

[stiffnecked]

I've driven it at least 20 times. Get a Milepost. Bring cash. Keep your gas tank topped off. Enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife.

[RAMFEB31]

Credit cards are fine if you have the tendency to pay them off at the end of each month. But a few Canadian dollars while in the territory won't hurt. The way the Yankee dollar have been dropping, the Canadian dollar could very well be worth more in the very near future. Be sure you have decent tires on your wheels along w/a good spare. A bra on front of your car won't hurt either. One defensive driving move when on mostly gravel road is to slow down, and, if possible, move your vehicle to the upmost right (but still on the pavement, of course) when another vehicle approach at road or high speed. Just don't be surprise if you get a one or more pits on your windshield. With the harsh climate there, this road always have many sections being rebuilt and thus the gravel problem. And don't try to be like the guy who jumps over bunchs of cars with his motorcycle. Those frost heaves can play hell with your suspension.

[stiffnecked]

If you use a credit card you should ask them if they charge a foreign transaction fee. I found it more cost effective to just exchange US dollars for Canadian at the bank. They seemed to have the best exchange rates. Most businesses will take US dollars but they can come up with some very creative exchange rates that leave you scratching your head.

[Barkingowl]

Milepost is an excellent resource.

[rotorhead]

If you're traveling with dogs, don't forget that that customs will want a recent health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination when you cross the border. Sometimes they ask for it, sometimes they don't. You really DO want to be prepared if this is one of the times they want to see it.

Also, do a search on past "alcan" threads in reference to traveling with firearms, also a major headache when crossing through the soviet socialist republik of canada.

Unless you have a VERY heavy duty grill on your car, I'd also avoid driving at night once you get into the Yukon since you often find caribou, bison, and other animals on the road.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

If you use a credit card you should ask them if they charge a foreign transaction fee. I found it more cost effective to just exchange US dollars for Canadian at the bank. They seemed to have the best exchange rates. Most businesses will take US dollars but they can come up with some very creative exchange rates that leave you scratching your head.

Also check with your CC company, some charge a foriegn transaction fee for Canada too, Bank of A is one.

When I traveled the Yukon Territories lots of years ago Driving lights were illegal. So if you have them be carefull. You will need them at night. Well in the winter anyway.