Route to Alaska all the way through Canada?

cdbinns wrote:
We live in Maine and are planning a trip to Alaska this summer. We are thinking of crossing into Quebec from Maine and traveling through Canada all the way to Alaska. Most of the suggested routes seem to travel through the U.S. much of the way west and then cross the border somewhere around Montana. We are aware that it will be longer to take the northern route and that fuel is more expensive in Canada. Aside from those two issues, anything we should be aware of in choosing this route? Anything we shouldn't miss or anything we should avoid?

Thanks.

The northern route, through Canada is actually shorter. For example, from Gouldsboro, Me to Edmonton, crossing into Canada at Norton, VT, is 2695 miles. Staying south and crossing at Sweet Grass, MT, the distance to Edmonton is 3123 miles. An in-between route, crossing at Noyes, MN, would be 2695 miles.

As far as fuel costs, given the current exchange rate (Canadian dollar worth $.85 US) the fuel costs is negligible. To illustrate, assuming your truck gets 10 mpg while towing, the fuel cost for the northern route would be $1009. For the Noyes, MN route, the cost would be $1006. For the Sweet Grass crossing, the cost would be $1025.

If I had never done the drive before, and could take my time to enjoy the sights, I would choose the norther route. The problem with the route is US 2, until you cross into Canada.

Whatever you choose, enjoy!

On edit: Adjusted the fuel costs to include the exchange rate.

Tom