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bgonesoon's avatar
bgonesoon
Explorer
Dec 04, 2017

Still Filling The BUCKET List - Alaska 2018

We are planning our trip to Alaska in 2018 2-3 months Ferry up out of Prince Rupert 2-3-4 weeks in Southeast then on to the Yukon and north to Fairbanks and to ??? Anyone taken this trip in a B van?
2006 PW excel

10 Replies

  • Or trip hit the places mentioned by sodajerk with the exception of Juneau and Sitka. I have a difficult time with boats due to seasickness. The short ferry we took from Haines to Skagway was the best I could do but I would skip Skagway. It was filled with people from Cruise ships and lots of jewelry stores. It was the only place we found that was touristy.
  • We did 2 1/2 months in our Class B, 12,540 miles in 2014. From Texas to Washington and to Prince Rupert. Ferry to Ketchikan. Next ferry was to Sitka. I am glad we did not miss Sitka, very nice. Next to Juneau, then to Haines. Then on to Tok. Looking at the weather, we decided to go south first, to Valdez, then the ferry to Whittier and explored the Kenai. Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks was next, as well as all points on the way. The Arctic Circle was on our bucket list. A stop at North Pole to send granddaughter a post card. It was a big hit. Up the Taylor Hwy to Chicken and Top of the World Hwy to Dawson City. At Whitehorse we decided to skip Skagway. We did not want to face a mob of people like we saw in Ketchikan. Be sure to bring a sign for the Sign Forrest at Watson Lake. We took a side trip up the Liard Hwy to the border of Northwest Territories, to add to our list of visited places. On to Dawson Creek, the Icefields Parkway and Glacier National Park. We had to be back by mid August when our Daughter-in-law was due.
    A wonderful trip, our 1973 Class B had no problems, no flat tires, no cracked windshield. We spent $1,029.20 for the ferry, $4,730.00 for gas and $1,448.50 for camping fees. We boondocked some, but the boss likes a campground, even if there is no services, like water or electric. We had no problems at border crossings, no problems on the ferry, they know what they are doing. We got a cabin for the overnight from Ketchikan to Sitka, but people were sleeping in chairs. We used the Church Book more than the Milepost, but you should get both books. Take your time and explore.
  • We drove from Maryland to Alaska in 2010 in a LTV Class B. We were gone for 3 months and 14,000 miles. The only short ferry ride we took was from Haines to Skagway. We drove the tunnel from Portage to Whittier, had lunch there and drove back. If we were younger, would love to do that trip again.
  • Yes the ferry is a lot less if you leave out of Prince Rupert. We plan on about three weeks in Southeast. Ferry schedules for summer are not out yet but the cost is doable IMO. We will end (ferry portion) in Haines.
  • Did what you're thinking of doing and ended up in Skagway. Long but interesting trip. Couldn't do it today, have you checked the ferry prices?
  • The Whittier tunnel is not always open 24/7 so check the schedule when you get close to traveling .

    Bill
  • The drive to Valdez is stunning - don't miss it, even if it is a bit out-of-the-way!