Forum Discussion
joe_b_
Mar 11, 2014Explorer II
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.
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.
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