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

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.

Well I'm not dense and I don't see a way to DRIVE to Alaska without going through at least the northern section of British Columbia.:)

I assume the OP was referring to the southern portions of the drive either east or west of the Canadian Rockies.

crabbin cabin wrote:
Not dense - merely map-deficient? And "high ground" - perhaps compared to Bermuda but not really compared to the rest of western N. America! IIRC 4500' abs is not very high.

Don't recall exactly where but this is along the Alaskan Highway in BC somewhere.



It is nothing compared to some of the passes of the Rockies but for a flatlander it is pretty high ground.

I would avoid going through the Rockies -- it is dangerous because the scenery can distract the driver. ;)

Not dense - merely map-deficient? And "high ground" - perhaps compared to Bermuda but not really compared to the rest of western N. America! IIRC 4500' abs is not very high.

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 like there is alot of choice. High ground either way. The Canadian Rockies are nothing short of stunning.

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!

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

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.