Curious, given the choice of driving to Alaska via British Columbia and Yukon, or driving through Alberta, BC, then Yukon, which would you prefer? Obviously the latter portion of the drive through BC and Yukon is the same. However, curious how the drive through the southerly portions of BC and Alberta compare in terms of elevation changes, road conditions, scenery, and amenities? Thanks!

Over the years we have used most of the routes through both provinces mentioned. From Coutts/Sweetgrass crossing north to Calgary, to Edmonton to Dawson Creek and north to Alaska keeps you out of any serious elevations. The highest on the Alaska Highway is just over 4,000 ft., nothing like you would find in the lower 48 mountain west. The last couple of trips we have crossed at Roosville into BC, which we feel has better scenery than the above route, and no serious elevations on this route either. Plus we enjoy spending a day or two in Yoho NP, one of our favorite Canadian Parks. Then either head toward Jasper and on to Grande Cache, to Grande Prairie to Dawson Creek, for there on it is the same route as above.We also like to cross at Coutts but before we get to Calgary, one big city, we cut west to the Banff area and wander up the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper town and the NP of the same name. The scenery is unsurpassed, anywhere in North America as far as I am concerned. Then at Jasper we will decide whether to head toward Dawson Creek or go west to the Cassiar Highway, both beautiful drives.Alberta is one of those places with both the prairies in the east to magnificent mountains in the western part of the province. Both have their own beauty to them for many people. However, the mountains of western Alberta, can only be described using works like, "WOW" "look at that" "quick, Mabel, get the camera", etc. Much of BC and Yukon are the same. Naming a favorite is like trying to decide which of your kids you like the best. (I know that varies at times with all of us, LOL)Or from Roosville head on up to Prince George, head west to get on the Cassiar Hwy (Hwy 37) at Kitwanga Junction or run on west to Prince Rupert, a most beautiful drive to catch a ferry north. The drive over to PR is worth it to me even if I plan to come back over the same road and head north on the Cassiar Hwy.Most of the route on the Alaska Hwy stays to the east of the Rockies and once in Alaska, the roads run in the valleys so no high elevations anywhere that I know of, with Atigun Pass on the Haul Road, at about 4,500 ft is the highest pass on any of the main roads. There are a few short steep climbs here and there but all they might do is slow you down a bit.

We did both and I would suggest go one way and go back on the other.

Joe b., thanks for all the info! Didn't realize there were so many options. We're in the preliminary planning stages for a possible trip to AK this summer. At first glance it looks like Calgary, Edmonton, and 97 out of Dawson Creek, might be a good option for the trip north. And, possibly, 37 & 16 to Prince George, then 93 through Jasper & Banff for the return leg heading south.In any case, it sure sounds like need to make a point of including Jasper and Banff in whatever route we finally settle on.Thanks!

Not like there is alot of choice. High ground either way. The Canadian Rockies are nothing short of stunning.

I thought one had to drive in British Columbia to get to Alaska? I also thought one can't get from Alberta to Alaska without driving in British Columbia? I guess I'm dense because I don't understand the question.

Alaska: via BC & Yukon, or Alberta, BC & Yukon?

19 Replies

dalton4
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
I would suggest seeing B.C. going south. Scenic pull overs are mostly on west side, Icefield Parkway. This makes for easy off and on since you will not have to cross lanes.
sue_t
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
By the way, it was actually a lovely day today! Temp up to 7C in the shade. Warmer in the sun. Snow is melting quickly! We're already planning our first camping trip. Last year we headed out the last week of March with the fifth wheel.
http://suethomas.ca/20130328_Whitehorse-Rancheria.html

Then first week of May we headed to Faro for the Crane and Sheep Festival
http://suethomas.ca/20130502_ToBraeburn.html
sue_t
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
Veebyes wrote:
How lomg did it take you to track that one down or did you have a pretty good idea of where I was? Must have been a cold day up north today. Nothing to do?:)

If you look here, you'll see a couple of pictures of that same area.
http://suethomas.ca/20070915_HeadingHome.html#17_September_2007

I have the spot waypointed with my GPS because it is a lovely area. Although I recognize the location of most images along the AK Hwy because we've driven it too many times!

This is how the road looks going the other way, east towards Fort Nelson...
Veebyes
Explorer II
Mar 12, 2014
sue.t wrote:
Veebyes wrote:
Don't recall exactly where but this is along the Alaskan Highway in BC somewhere.

That is about here N58.65033 W124.73563
On Google Earth Street View there is someone parked and photographing in the same spot you likely stopped at :B

How lomg did it take you to track that one down or did you have a pretty good idea of where I was? Must have been a cold day up north today. Nothing to do?:)

Mid 70s here today. Played Tom Sawyer & painted a roadside fence. Well, actually it was a wall. Could not make it look like fun & get any neighbours passing by to do it for me.

Oh well, the chores are getting done, one by one & getting ready for departure day in another 5 weeks.
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Thanks for clearing that up! Hopefully we all are lucky enough in our lifetimes to be able to experience the multiple routes available!
sue_t
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Veebyes wrote:
Don't recall exactly where but this is along the Alaskan Highway in BC somewhere.

That is about here N58.65033 W124.73563
On Google Earth Street View there is someone parked and photographing in the same spot you likely stopped at :B
hedge
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
sorry for the misinformation, kinda forgot that the roads may not actually exist. *** bonehead ***
sue_t
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
hedge wrote:
well technically it is possible to avoid bc by going through NWT, west through yukon but it seems that that would add a lot of distance so doesn't look real practical.

It is?

The roads connecting the Northwest Territories and Yukon are the Nahanni Range Road, the derelict North Canol Road and the Dempster Highway. BUT none of these roads are accessible by another road in the NWT. Therefore, even if you head west through NWT you'll need to head south into BC, then continue northwest on the Alaska Highway through northern B.C., and then into Yukon.
otrfun
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2014
EsoxLucius wrote:
I thought one had to drive in British Columbia to get to Alaska? I also thought one can't get from Alberta to Alaska without driving in British Columbia? I guess I'm dense because I don't understand the question.
Not to worry--you're absolutely correct. There is more than one way to get to Alaska. You do have a choice whether you want to spend more time driving in Alberta or British Columbia. Hopefully this reduces some of your confusion, EsoxLucius.
hedge
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
removed incorrect info.