Theres nothing quite like it, and you get to see so much along the way. Breakdowns happen and people will help you. If you want to explore Alaska by land but dont have time to drive the whole way, you can rent a car in Alaska or rent an RV. To enjoy ascenic drive just afew minutes from downtown Anchorage, head north to mile 6.1 on theGlenn. In Prince George, take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) west towards Prince Rupert. In British Columbia, if you are caught going. It is your responsibility to research the most up to date rules regarding entry to Canada and Canadian road rules. There are two route options. Taking you north from Skagway - located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, this 10-day driving tour includes the unspoiled wilderness of the Kluane National Park, the vast interior region of Alaska around Fairbanks and famous Denali National Park. We called to inquire how much data we had used in Alaska, and they said 0 MB. There is no stretch of road anywhere on the route to Alaska that is longer than 200 miles without a gas station. We saw sooo many moose and bears just off the road. Q:) What month is best to see Northern Lights in Alaska? At the top of the Icefields Parkway is another impressive Canadian Park. Im also a field editor for the Milepost and my colleagues and I drive the Alaska Highway and the other highways in Alaska to keep the Milepost updated, so you know youre getting only the best advice and information here. Construction happens all summer and shoulder season, so you cant really avoid that unless youre driving in the winter. The quickest way to get from Skagway to Carcross is to drive which costs $14-$22 and takes 1h 38m. The best or only real guidebook is the Milepost book. Visitor Information History Stay Here Camping Activities Shopping Dining Getting Around I've driven the Alaska Highway six times along with the access roads in British Columbia and the Yukon and nearly every highway in Alaska. Many travelers think it ends in Fairbanks, but that is incorrect. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Find all the transport options for your trip from Skagway to Carcross right here. Lynch & Kennedy. Yes, driving to Alaska is absolutely worth it! Its best to contact your carrier to see how your plan will work in Canada before switching it on across the border. Can I drive through Canada to Alaska without a passport? Take that number and add in some miles for sightseeing and then double it for driving home. I'm Jennie. Two days would allow you to walk on the Columbia Icefield and really see this amazing place properly. The cost of driving to Alaska can vary quite a bit based on: Expect to pay more for gas in Canada than in the US and even more for gas in remote areas. Driving in Alaska isnt nearly what you think, and the entire Alaska Highway is better than you think. Train to White Pass: Book with cruise or separately? After ascenic ferry ride and abus ride through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, hop on aside-by-side utility vehicle that handles rugged road with ease. The Alaska Highway ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. The Skilak Lake area is one of the best places on the Kenai Peninsula for wildlife viewing. 41. Keep it locked in your vehicle. It is also a long drive that takes a lot of time. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The highway is open year-round. It once was 1,422 miles long, but after some rerouting and construction, the highway in Alaska is now 40 miles shorter. Hotels near Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum, Hotels near Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, Hotels near Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, Hotels near Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, Hotels near State Street and Broadway Street, Hotels near Skagway Municipal Airport (SGY), Hotels near Haines Municipal Airport (HNS), Motels near Skagway Municipal Airport (SGY), Motels near Haines Municipal Airport (HNS). Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Juneau, the state capital, is served by Alaska Airlines and three local air carriers who offer several flights daily between Juneau and Skagway. It takes some time to get used to the layout, but once you do, it will have more info than youll ever need on all the Alaskan roads & Alaska Highway and the route to Alaska through Canada. In addition to accessing the private site, the paved road offers recreationalists and travelers access to great fishing beaches and rivers, surf spots, state parks, and scenic views of alpine passes and ocean. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. If youre planning on camping, read my guide to camping in Alaska which is good advice for the drive to Alaska too! Car, train, or group tour. Related Article: Things To Do In Homer Alaska. 7-10 days is the most common. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Skagway Departure. But well take you far beyond what you can see from the road. A.) Sightsee in Skagway Tiny in size but big on preservation, Skagway offers an authentic glimpse of the Gold Rush era. If youre looking for something specific, use these links to find what youre looking for quickly: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This 19-mile country road cuts through the heart of Alaskas farmland and is ascenic, quiet alternative between Anchorage and Palmer. The shortest road out of town, Rezanof Drive becomes Monashka Bay Road and runs northwest of Kodiak for 12miles. Jasper National Park is full of more impressive mountains and glacial feed lakes and rivers. In the Free cancellation. Driving north from Anchorage isnt as instantly dramatic as going south, but within an hour youre immersed in stop-and-shoot scenery.. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. For the Alaska portion of the suggested itinerary, see our Alaska Road Trip itinerary and guide. This is the best route for anyone coming from the West Coast of the US who prefers to avoid the more remote Cassiar Highway in favor of the still-remote-but-less-so road. This is a good way to go if you want to have wifi and cell phone service and be in towns at night (dont assume your vacation rental has wifi or cell phone service if its outside a town). You can bring a car to Juneau, but you would need to drive to Skagway or Haines and take the ferry to Juneau. Take this route if you like loooooooong stretches of flat, boring land. 1 Map The Seward Highway hugs the dramatic shorelines of Turnagain Arm. These are a few of my favorite stops and side trips on the drive to Alaska that are worth building into your trip from the beginning: Any reliable road worthy vehicle will be totally fine to drive to Alaska. Northern British Columbia, the Yukon territory and Alaska are all places where you may see moose. If you are making the journey, you should probably have one of these. Possibly go back through Seattle one way. By Southeast Tours. This comprehensive guide is critical and includes all the access roads and all the roads in Alaska, the Yukon and most of British Columbia and Alberta. Once you know your know your travel dates and are planning your adventure book your rental car now, we book online here. This article will tell you everything you need to know to decide if this road trip is right for you and everything you need to know to plan your trip. From the Alcan Highway, there are fewer possible deviations since this is the main route. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. Youll drive through the southern part of the Yukon Territory, including Whitehorse. For comparison, this is about the same distance as driving from Seattle to Indianapolis or Edmonton to Ottawa. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. The chances of seeing wildlife along the Alaskan Highway are much less. ANY vehicle is capable of making the drive to Alaska in the summer months. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. No, you can not drive all the way to Alaska without going through Canada. Where you should really start is with a copy of the Milepost Alaska travel planner. Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Skagway, AK. During the summer, youll have more hours of daylight, it is the best driving conditions, and more services are open along the Alaska Highway. You may notice this if you pay attention to the mile markers. Leave the crowds of Skagway behind and join a small group tour (14 maximum) to nearby Dyea. The Congdon Creek Campground along Kluane Lake is a favorite of several friends who drive the Alaska Highway every year. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Heading to Europe? Car, train, or group tour. You can bring a vehicle on the ferry with a reservation. Keep your eyes out and watch your speed, especially around moose! The first part of the tour was a general drive around the Skagway township, before we drove north to the mountains. $19 - $29. Gas. If your goal is just to get to Alaska the fastest way possible, youre better off flying to Anchorage and renting a car in Alaska. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. You have a few options here. White Pass & Yukon Route operates a bus from Skagway, AK to Carcross, YT once daily. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. First of all, the drive to Alaska is much easier than most travelers expect. Will you be camping or staying in hotels along the way to Alaska? To explore the road less traveled, take the Old Glenn Highway to Palmer, aback road that feelslike, To explore the road less traveled, take the Old Glenn Highway to Palmer, aback road that feels like old Alaska. Even though its stressful, Ive always been able to get back on the road in a few hours or by the next day, even when I was by myself. In Canada, gas is sold by the liter (instead of gallons) and youll be paying in Canadian dollars. Alaska road trips are legendary for their beauty and access to top sights as well as off-the-beaten track destinations. Getting Around | Skagway, Alaska Home > Plan Your Trip > Travel & Transportation > Getting Around Getting Around SMART 7 am to 9 pm daily service Dock to Downtown when cruise ships are in port: Please pay the driver bus fare: $5 per person all day pass $3 per person each way 8 am - 1 am Year Round On Demand Shuttle Service. You may also be able to get a temporary international plan through your provider, but make sure to make a plan for this in advance! Several places close during the winter months, as very few travelers make the journey during the winter. The cheapest way to get from Skagway to Carcross is to drive which costs $14-$22 and takes 1h 38m. If youre interested in bear viewing, I recommend taking the Cassiar Highway. It is one of our favorite road trips to date! Actual drive times will depend on where your trip starts. You can visit those parks (along with the less visited but my personal favorite, Canadas Kootenay National Park) and then head north from Jasper to Grand Prairie to meet up with the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. This part of the drive to Alaska is very straightforward because youre on the Alaska Highway and theres really only one way to go (unless you take some side trips like up to Dawson City, which is awesome but you might not have time for!). 1. This is a small group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve with a scenic float. Travel & Transportation > Maps Share Maps Helping you navigate your Skagway adventures in town and off the beaten path! They will help you get help and to a shop that can fix your vehicle. Bugs will be most intense in June and July, though you may encounter them earlier in the summer as well, and possibly later depending on how dry and cold the late summer is. Last Updated on January 20, 2023 If you're ready for the epic road trip adventure of a lifetime, then a drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway just might be for you! Even those in a hurry should plan three days to take in the sights between Banff, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway. Do not get out of your car and approach wildlife! Most travelers cross the Canadian border at the Sumas-Huntingdon border crossing, which is just north of Seattle. Highway 97 is the fastest route in regard to time and has more restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc., along the route, but it is 100 miles longer. It was a reschedule from a year ago and pre-COVID I decided to rent a jeep in Skagway and drive into the Yukon. It could be as little as $10 per day per person if youre cooking your own meals or much higher if eating primarily in restaurants. Once you are in Prince George, you will have two routes to choose from. Drive 1h 38m. Alaska Shirt Company - Skagway. AT&T and Verizon, according to locals, are the best for coverage in Alaska. I am positive anyone who has made the drive will agree. Usually in these sections one direction of cars will go at a time behind a pilot car.