I have an embarrassing admission — I didn’t know it was even possible to drive to Alaska until about a year ago. With all of the water and ice surrounding the famous inner passage, it didn’t seem feasible. Well, I was wrong, and at that moment, I decided that rather than taking a cheap cruise or flying into the Alaskan wilderness, I would make my way to the 49th state in my Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Now that I’ve completed my epic multi-week journey, was it worth it? 100% yes. Would I do it again? Well, only if I knew what I know now. So, if you’re considering the 100+ hour round trip drive to and from Alaska, take note of these insider tips before hitting the road.
Why an Alaska road trip beats a cruise
Why drive to Alaska rather than cruise or fly? First and foremost, it’s a major adventure. What wildlife would we encounter? How would we handle the long hours on the road? Would the car survive the journey? These questions would deter some, but for me, it was all part of the allure.
I also appreciated the flexibility that the road trip provided. I was able to take side trips to interesting locations in B.C. Canada that would otherwise be missed on a cruise. I chose to stay in small B&Bs and local hotels along the way, but renting an RV would have provided the utmost flexibility and comfort along the way.
To be honest, a drive into Alaska can be pretty expensive, just like flying or cruising in. But it doesn’t have to be, and I saved a lot of money by driving. Gas is a non-negotiable, but car camping, using points for hotel rooms, and enjoying a night under the stars in your tent all help to keep costs down. Being able to prepare my own food on the road was helpful as well. I would say, all in all, I saved about $6,000 on a two-person 60-day trip, considering the current costs of accommodation and activities in Alaska.
Of course, driving through B.C. Canada into the Alaskan wilderness provides many more wildlife viewing opportunities than cruising will. I saw three species of bear, herds of wild bison, staggering moose, and eagles and hawks soaring overhead. You can enjoy the fauna as well. We were greeted with thousands of flowers, mossy rainforests, and even an opportunity to handpick wild blueberries along the route.
Must-see outdoor gems on your Alaskan road trip
First, let’s do a quick rundown of the route from Washington to Alaska and back. If you’re driving north from along the West Coast, you can expect to pass through B.C. Canada, the Yukon Territory, and Alaska. On the way back, we took an eastern route that passed through the Yukon Territory, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and finally re-entering the States in North Dakota.
What is most worth seeing on this 5,000-mile round trip journey? Here are the top highlights along the way that a cruise won’t take you to:
- Vancouver: This city, nestled on the western coast of Canada, offers all of the luxuries of a major city. So, take advantage of them before heading into the wilderness. I especially recommend visiting the Granville Island Public Market while taking in a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline.
- Whistler: A charming ski town, surprisingly international for its quaint size, surrounded by amazing restaurants, cute cafes, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy year-round.
- Prince Rupert: This side trip is very much worth your time. It trails along staggering mountains and the mighty Skeena River. At the end, it opens into the Pacific Ocean, where the friendly coastal town borders the water. I recommend eating at Fukasaku, which serves hyper-local and sustainable seafood plates.
- Whitehorse: This vibrant town is located in the otherwise sparse Yukon Territory and offers cultural opportunities in its charming downtown area. It’s a great place to stock up before crossing into Alaska.
- Valdez: After driving through the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Thompson Pass, you’ll end up in the idyllic town of Valdez. It’s not too touristy and has a laid-back vibe, and kayaking in the sea or local Valdez Lake is a unique way to get close to the glaciers. I recommend Anadyr Adventures for an unforgettable tour with knowledgeable guides.
- Seward: Ready for mini cruising? This town is a great base camp. The Northwestern Fjord Tour takes a page out of National Geographic’s book, featuring endless wildlife and calving glaciers in close range. After your excursions, enjoy the quirky restaurants and breweries that feature sweeping views of nearby mountains.
- Canadian Rockies: While the whole Canadian portion of the Alaskan road trip is opulently beautiful, the Canadian Rockies really take the cake. Wildlife is endlessly abundant here, so be prepared for buffalo jams and keep an eye out for mountain goats sharing the road. Lakes are also a great place to stop and explore, so bring an inflatable kayak if you have space in your car.
This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are many other gems to explore on the multi-thousand-mile journey. But these are the experiences that ticked the bucket list box for me and made the long hours on the road so worth it.
Essential tips for planning your Alaska road trip
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you actually plan a road trip to Alaska? Here are some helpful road trip essentials to keep in mind:
- Start planning early: Especially if you’re a budget traveler, make sure to start planning your trip no less than six months before you plan on departing. During the warmer months, competition for lodging is fierce, sometimes making it impossible to stay in a popular area of the state.
- Purchase a copy of the Milepost: The Milepost is an annually updated guide that covers all aspects of the Alaskan Highway, with kilometer-by-kilometer advice. You’ll find more information on these pages than on the internet, making it the most accurate guide available.
- Bring your passport: Yes, Alaska is an American state, but you need a passport to get through Canada. You’ll need to use it four times during this road trip. Before heading out, make sure to check the items you can and cannot bring across the border.
- Choose the right season for your trip: If it’s your first time driving in the Alaskan wilderness, it’s probably best to stick to a late spring to early fall timeframe to avoid snow issues. Still, there are things called frost heaves, grooves on the road that knock your car around year-round.
- Prepare your vehicle: Make sure to change your oil, do a diagnostic check of your car’s major systems, and check your tires’ tread. Keeping a functional spare tire on hand is a good idea as well. I don’t think the drive will beat up your car, but if something breaks, it will be really hard to get repairs in the middle of nowhere.
- Be ready to be offline: Download playlists and even movies to watch in the car on the long drive. For safety purposes, I had a family member and friend track me on Google Maps, a free way to make sure you can be found in case of an emergency. It’s wild out there, so watch for bears and other wildlife when you pull over.
- Have a second route in mind: We had plans to take a certain highway back to the States, but a road issue made it impossible to pass. Wildfires can also block your routes. So, make sure to stay updated on current road conditions and have a plan B in mind.
Finally, don’t worry too much. I was warned about the rugged road, possible delays, and volatile weather. But by sticking to the above best practices, the trip was perfectly safe, and there weren’t any major delays.
For me, this made the journey almost as peaceful as cruising, without any of the crowds. So start planning your trip now and enjoy the unique privilege of seeing Alaska on your own terms, taking a road less traveled but ultimately more rewarding.
