Driving the ALCAN highway

What a trip you have planned, enjoy. We went to Dawson Creek, BC and got the Alcan at mile 0

There is all types of wild life

just a picture to whet your appetite

Take your time and enjoy yourselves.

We drove our motorhome to Alaska in 2014. Here are a few things we learned.

If you are from Texas, the Canadian Border Patrol will assume you have firearms. Other than that, the other issue will be the amount of alcohol you're bringing into Canada. Our experience has been getting into Canada is easy, getting back into the U.S. is harder.

Over that last 4 years we have ventured into Canada 6 times. We have never been hassled about food, we have answered truthfully about the beer and liquor we had on board and never been questioned about our two cats even though we prominently display a "Two Cats onBoard" sign in our windshield.

Fuel shouldn't be a problem. Fill up before you get to half empty. In 2-3 weeks of wandering around British Columbia, no one ever offered to fill up for us. However, our credit cards would not work at the pump. We had to leave our card with the clerk inside while we filled up.

Along the Alaska highway and the Cassiar highway, we found plenty of places to boondock. Campgrounds were plentiful, but a little on the spendy side. However, keep in mind folks catering to travelers and RVers up there have about 4 or 5 months to make a years wages.

Crossing back into the USA is always an experience. Every time but one they have confiscated something. At one time or another, it's been apples or oranges or tomatoes that have gotten us in trouble. On one return the U.S. border agent came on board, looked through the fridge and picked out a couple of items that we figured he needed for supper that night.

During last years Alaska adventure we didn't do any fishing, but because so many folks were catching more than they had freezer space for, we readily accepted their excess. This almost bit us in the but because when we returned to the U.S. ft hey wanted to know if we had a fishing license. It's illegal to bring salmon into the U.S. without a valid salmon fishing license even if it is expired. Fortunately for us, the day we crossed, the Fish and Game folks weren't there, so the Border agent let us slide. However, on this return we were told to unlock our tow car and all the compartments in the coach. We had to wIt inside customs while they inspected the RV and car.

Except for a couple of miscreant tomatoes, we passed and were allowed to return to the U.S.

One more thing I don't think anyone mentioned is if you have a DUI on your driving record, don't even think about trying to get into Canada.

Except for a 40 to 50 mile section near Burwash Landing, we found the Alaska highway to be no worse than many U.S. roads we've traveled on. Just slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Above all, make frequent stops and explore. The vistas are magnificent.

Don't forget to register your weapon with US CBP as well, even a long gun. The Canadians gave me no hassle about my properly documented shotgun, but the Americans, oh boy, that cost me hours... even though you're not legally required to register a long gun, it's a time saver.

Romor,
I was speaking of B.C. And yes, I could pump it myself if I paid in cash first, or I could leave my credit card inside and do a fill up myself. I never let my credit cards out of my sight, even in the states. So the attendant filled it up and I paid inside after it was full. There were some stations that would take a credit card at the pump, but not all of them.

There are two ongoing posts on the Alaska/Canada forum of this site.

1. There's a 'Clicky' at the very top which will give you lots of helpful information on what to take and what to do.

2. There's a post of those going this summer in 2015. They'll be posting all summer as they travel. This yearly post has been up and running previously.

Alaska is a easy trip to make. The only different part from traveling in the lower 48 is the distance. However, don't think of it that way. Just break it up a day at a time and it won't seem so far.

Roads are good. Don't listen to the horror stories out there. These come from folks who have never driven it or have driven it 20-30 years ago and the story is embellished time after time. You won't be interstate driving. You'll be going slow and you should for many reasons - some road construction (as happens also in the lower 48) frost heaves (usually well marked) and if you go slow you'll see more critters.

Border crossing are easy - IF you abide by rules. Campgrounds are adequate - not resorts. Boondocking is awesome and plentiful. Fuel is available but it's worth it to always run on the top 1/2 of your tank. It's not the time to shop for prices. When you see it; get it.

The trip is expensive but for many, it's a once in a lifetime kind of thing. It's an adventure not to be missed.

Jim Shoe wrote:

You don't have to worry about liters/gallons at gas pumps. They pump it for you and its not an option. National credit cards like VISA and MC will take care of the US$/CN$ conversions for you.
Finally, watch out for Moose crossing the road. :)

Full pump service is not mandatory, in fact is the exception, but paying before you fill is in B.C. Slow down, especially after dark. Moose, elk, and bears make for a very abrupt end to an enjoyable holiday.

Going to Alaska is not like going to the far side of the moon, despite what some would have you believe. It is a very long way though. We have done 3 trips since 2008 & each time the roads have noticably improved.

The worst northern highways are better than typical urban roads with the potholes, construction & generally being beat up. Carrying an extra 5gal jug or two may be worthwhile.

The driving on the top half of your tank is good advice particularly if you only have the single stock tank.

Drive slow when necessary and complete the proper paperwork for your legal firearms.

A couple other tips.
You'll need a limited pass to cross into Canada, but for a little more money you can get a regular passport, and it lasts longer.
Read the customs regulations to find out what items are limited or banned when entering Canada - like hand guns (banned) or alcohol (limited). Or when returning to the states - like citrus fruit if you cross at Sweetgrass, MT. California doesn't like competition. Make sure you have shot records for your pets.
On the way north, I was asked if I'd ever been finger printed. I told the guy maybe when I joined the Navy but I didn't remember. My fingerprints were on the passport that he was holding. The big deal is, don't lie. If you don't know or can't remember, say so. Entering and leaving Alaska and re-entering the U.S. I was waved right through. Ohio license plates - Duh. Make a cheat sheet for feet/meters for low bridges. And ounces/grams for groceries. Miles/Kilometers were on my speedometer. And go to your bank and ask them to convert some U.S. money to Canadian money before you leave home. Once you're 100 miles into Canada, don't expect folks to know the current conversion rates.
You don't have to worry about liters/gallons at gas pumps. They pump it for you and its not an option. National credit cards like VISA and MC will take care of the US$/CN$ conversions for you.
Finally, watch out for Moose crossing the road. :)

There are a lot of things to research before making the trip thus not planning on going until next year 2016. Been reading everything I can on rules and what to be prepared for. Everything from spare tires and parts and how long trip might take to really enjoy. It is amazing the things you find out you don't think about that can really disrupt a great trip. Seems we are in the habit of having repair parts within an hours drive, not so up there. No Wall-Marts to run too. Takes some research and planning.