Driving FAQ's

What's the road like? Most of the Alaska highways are paved or chip sealed and a lot of the rough areas are marked - but not all, so stay alert. Do not be afraid to try and drive on the smoothest part of the road. Keep to the right on corners and when going up hill. Watch your mirrors as some people travel the highway much faster than others. If you let them get by it is safest for everyone. Most highways are all-weather roads that are maintained year-round and grades are moderate except for those in the highest mountain passes. Drive with your headlights on at all times.

When should I make my trip? Early May to late September is the best time for a pleasure trip. At other times, extreme winter cold or spring thaws can make traveling difficult. Even so, once the highway is snow packed and temperatures stay cold, the road surface is like pavement. As a result, many veteran Alaska Highway travelers prefer travel during the coldest months. If you plan a winter trip, have plenty of warm, winter clothing, down-filled sleeping bags, an electric engine heater that you can plug in at overnight stops, and remember to run only on the top half of your gas tank. Many of the lodges and service stations close during the winter so when you stop, you need to find out which facilities down the line are still open. If the weather is extreme, it is best to call ahead to make sure your next planned stop is open.

What about my car or camper? Your vehicle should be in top mechanical condition. A bug and gravel screen will protect the front of your vehicle and if it's high enough, may even help protect your windshield. (It should not be so high as to impair your vision.) Plastic, bubble-type headlamp protectors are also a good idea and can be found easily in most northern communities. Automotive services are found about every 50 or 60 miles along the route (except in winter), and most sizes of tires are stocked by roadside services. You can get tires repaired at most lodges and highway services. Be sure to periodically check the wheel nuts on campers and motorhomes (particularly the vehicles with dual rear wheels). Maintaining proper tire pressure will cut down on problems.

What if my vehicle breaks down? Towing services are available at frequent intervals. Since these services are reluctant to respond to second-hand reports, it's best if someone from your party goes in person to get help. Towing charges are about $1.25/mile for a passenger type vehicle buy more if it is a motorhome. Unless yours is an emergency or hazardous situation, highway maintenance crews are prohibited by law from towing you.

How fast can I travel? It is easy to get fooled into traveling too fast as some of the highways are wide and smooth with very little traffic. You can be sure, though, that there will be rough sections ahead, so don't increase your speed to where it will be difficult to slow down. One thing to look for on the paved roads are the black tire marks that can be found in front of dips in the road. These are caused by the tag axle on the big trucks when the frame flexes as they hit the dip. If you get used to watching for these they are a great help in locating potential trouble spots. Blowout danger on gravel increases as your tires get hotter. Do not exceed posted speed limits. (30 mph/50 kmph when passing maintenance equipment).

What about my pets? If you are traveling with an animal you should not take your pet out at highway lodges, as dogs that belong to lodge owners are very protective and could attack. Rest areas are the best places to walk your animals.

Are there many campgrounds/waysides along the highway? In both the Yukon Territory, British Columbia and Alaska, government-operated camp- grounds and picnic sites have been established at frequent intervals along the route. There are many privately operated campgrounds, and most lodges have space for campers. 

Will I have any problems crossing the border? Passports are required for all people traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, as of January 23, 2007. A Birth Certificate and Drivers License are adequate identification for crossing the borders by land or sea. In January 2008, a passport will be required for all crossings.

Will my credit cards be honored in Canada? Yes, and you will be charged whatever the current rate of exchange is.

Exchange your US dollars for Canadian dollars at the bank, where you will get the current rate of exchange. This will save you time and aggravation as many small operators only bank once a week so will not pay a full rate of exchange. Remember that when they give exchange that it is only a courtesy, they are not required to pay any premium on foreign currency.

How can I tell where I am on the Alaska highway, determine mileage, etc.? Since its construction during World War II, information about the location of goods and services, campgrounds, recreation and scenic areas, etc., along the highway has been given with reference to Dawson Creek, "Mile 0," where the highway begins. On the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway you will find some numbers in (HM). These are the historical mileages from Dawson Creek when the highway was first built, and still are used as a mailing address.
All other highways are marked according to the mileage markers in place. Simply determine your destination and subtract the mileage you are at to see how far you will have to travel.