Alaska Highway
The legendary long-distance highway built in 1942 to supply the war effort. It runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia through Yukon to Alaska, with wilderness, lakes, hot springs and bison along the way.
The Alaska Highway was built in just eight months in 1942 by US Army engineers to move military supplies to Alaska. It begins at the Mile 0 marker in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, and passes Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Stone Mountain and Muncho Lake Provincial Park, where stone sheep and wood bison are often seen along the road. It also passes the Liard River Hot Springs, with natural hot spring pools. After entering Yukon, you reach the Signpost Forest at Watson Lake, where visitors have hung more than 100,000 signs, then Teslin and the capital, Whitehorse. Next are Haines Junction, Kluane National Park and Kluane Lake. After crossing the border into Alaska, pass through Tok and reach the official endpoint at Delta Junction. From there, you can continue along the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks. The total length is about 2,232 km (about 2,390 km to Fairbanks). The whole road is paved, but permafrost causes uneven pavement, and there are often construction zones in summer. Plan 7 to 14 days. Many people drive it all the way from the lower 48 states. Gas stations can be 150 to 200 km apart, so fill up whenever you see one. Moose, bears and bison often cross the road. Crossing the border requires a passport and compliance with US and Canadian entry rules. The Milepost route guide is recommended.
Along the route
- Dawson Creek
- Fort Nelson
- Muncho Lake
- Liard River Hot Springs
- Watson Lake Sign Post Forest
- Whitehorse
- Whitehorse
- Tok
- Delta Junction
- Fairbanks