Some have asked for "heads up" information.
Alaska Trip Lessons and Suggestions
Be happy and go with the flow!
Don’t watch the pump in Canada - just enjoy the experience of travel.
Many CGs are just stop over’s with little to offer.
As you head north don’t expect that a store, facility or camp ground will be open. If they are open don’t expect that they will answer the phone for information or reservations. If that happens great otherwise just go with the flow.
Don’t expect WiFi regardless of what is advertised or stated on the phone. The best yarn of all was Mile 0 in Dawson Creek “the oil companies are using all of the bandwidth for the entire city” said with a smile as he swiped the credit card. Great WiFi and help at the Dawson Creek visitor’s center.
Activate Verizon’s $15/month plan for cell/message service in Canada. Data plans are very expensive. One data option would be to buy a Canadian MiFi card (about $200) and data plan (about $30/month).
Avoid buying fuel in Calgary or Edmonton. Use Gas Buddy etc to find better prices. Sign up for AFD fuel using your credit card, you can do that at the first station. They have limited bulk stations but lower prices. If you have a small tank and cannot get from say Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson expect to pay $6/gal+ for fuel.
Use a Visa card that has no Canadian transaction fees. The PenFed Cash Rewards card gives 5% cash back on all fuel purchases in the US and Canada. A family member that served will qualify you or they have a non military buy in at low cost.
Anticipate that the internet could be down and you won’t be able to use your credit card and that includes fuel purchases – information from a Yukon local.
If you don’t like sleeping in Alaska with the sun out do something about covering your windows. Use foam, reflective insulation, tin foil, etc.
Take at least some tools for minor repairs. Take spare engine and gen filters and belts. Take as many supplies as you can from the US (lower prices) but be aware of the weight and border restrictions.
TV availability and quality will vary including none. But are you going to Alaska to watch the soaps? Take books etc for rainy days. Besides you’ll learn to go navive and just ignore the rain. BTW We got DTV in Whitehorse with our RF Mogul full array dish.
Expect rock damage on the road and smile if you arrive home with none. Expect road closures, even multiple day road closures especially early in the spring. Alternate routes could involve hundreds of miles. Rock damage from Fort Nelson to Whitehorse is especially acute. We started noticing how many local cars in Whitehorse had rock damage - it's kinda the norm.
If you must have full hookups stay home. If you must have 50A stay home. If you must have internet access and cell phone access at every stop stay home.
If you want to have a good experience, meet nice people who work hard to provide a good experience during the few short summer months then don’t stay home.
Fix all water leaks in the truck, car and rig before you leave.
The paved roads are not bad but it would be a good idea to have newer and better quality tires. Watch the road for hazards including frost heaves. One traveler blew 2 tires on a railroad and spent 17 days in Dawson Creek to have the 5er pin repaired.
Take your passports. Your rig could be searched at the border.
Consider limiting the daily driving. 400 miles a day on the Alaskan Highway in the Rocky Mountains may not be desirable. Besides the bison may be standing on the road apparently asleep and unaware of your desire to make time. :B
Have a great trip – we are.
