Don’t listen to the horror stories about unpaved roads and dangerous driving conditions. These are tales of the past! The Alaska-Canada highway is a well paved road. The only unpaved road is a small part of the Cassiar highway. So you can drive the Al-Can without concern about the road. However, if you are adventurous, I’d share with you that the, less driven, Cassiar highway offers opportunities for up close wildlife viewing and it’s a spectacular drive. It’s a shorter route (in miles), but a slower road than the Al-Can. I have personally driven both highways and I prefer the Cassiar.
Driving to Alaska is really all about being prepared. Always have a spare tire, some tools, a satellite phone (if you have access to one) could be of assistance if you break down in an area with no cell coverage, and some cash. These few items should get you through any mishaps that could occur along the way. In the event of a breakdown, I promise you that you won’t be stranded. The next car, truck or RV that crosses your path WILL STOP and help you. During the summer months, the Al-Can highway is well traveled. On the Al-Can, everyone looks out for one another. The other two items that are “must haves” for your RV trip to Alaska are a camera and an Alaska Milepost (this book is the Alaska road bible). Map out your route and then check it in the milepost. Highlight ALL gas stops along the road so that you always know where your next fill up will be. Then highlight in a different color the sights and stops you would like to make along the way. Don’t miss the Laird hot springs. I also always like to take a rest stop at Watson lake and check out the newest sign posts in the “forrest”. On a sunny day, Lake Kluane is spectacular.
Driving to Alaska is a trip that should not be rushed or be planned as a sprint. In the warmer months, you will VERY likely travel through areas undergoing construction. This is to be expected! We only have two seasons in Alaska, winter and construction season. I hear people say all the time, “I drove from Alaska to Seattle (or Montana) in 3 days”. I feel sorry for those people because they did not take the time to appreciate the journey. That’s exactly what the drive to Alaska is…. a journey, not a destination. Plan at least a week for the drive and don’t rush it. The scenery is beautiful and there will be unexpected stops along the way.
I’ve driven both the Al-Can and the Cassiar highway in both directions in an RV. I experienced no problems what-so-ever. I saw tons of wildlife including bears, moose, bison, fox and sheep. There are many pull outs for stopping along the road. Several times we just overnighted in a pull out. It could be a little noisy along the Al-Can, but the Cassiar is less traveled and it’s easy to overnight roadside. There are also some RV campgrounds with and without hookups along the way. Use that milepost to locate these campgrounds. I never made advance reservations for an RV park along the Al-Can and never had any trouble getting a spot the day I arrived.
Regarding border crossing: If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. Entering Canada requires that you carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. However, to cross back into the U.S. a citizen (age 16 and over) is required to present a WHTI-compliant document such as a valid passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Those under 16 years of age may present only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or Naturalization Certificate. If you are traveling with a pet, you may be asked for a current (within the last 30 days) health certificate and proof of vaccinations. I traveled with my dog every time, had these documents with me and was never asked for them. At the border check, you will be asked the usual questions like are you carrying or transporting any firearms, alcohol, fruits, veggies, etc. Your I.D. will be checked and Canada reserves the right to deny entry to persons with criminal convictions which include DUI’s.
The above mentioned criteria for border crossing are pretty standard and should not come as a surprise. However, one time I was crossing from Washington to British Columbia with my kids (and dog) and was stopped at the border for questioning. This was because I was entering Canada alone with my children, and their father was not present. I was asked if my husband was aware of our trip and several other questions along that line. The customs official told me that it was expected that I have a notarized letter from my husband allowing me to take my children out of the U.S. Ultimately I was allowed to cross into Canada, but my ignorance about this policy caused me a little bit of a hang up, so I felt it prudent to mention it.
For more information regarding border crossing between Alaska and Canada, go to: http://www.milepost.com/features/crossing_the_border
RVing Alaska 