Alaska Highway Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

The Alaska Highway is the ultimate North American driving adventure. A remarkable feat of civil engineering and a reminder of the immense projects undertaken by the Allies in World War II, the Alaska Highway was built in 1942 with the express purpose of strengthening Alaska against invasion.

Cutting through rugged wilderness in an unforgiving climate, the scenic route makes for a splendid long road trip. The road runs 1,387 mi/2,233 km from the interior of Alaska (from Delta Junction, near Fairbanks) through Canada's Yukon Territory to Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Side routes lead southeast to Alaska's Panhandle area, although most southeast cities lack road access.

The Alaska Highway is a reasonably comfortable stretch of road (it is paved for its entire distance, except for areas under construction), but be sure you're prepared for it. You may go long distances between gas stations, stores and motels. A broken water pump may delay you for days, thrown gravel can shatter a windshield, and most of the time you'll be driving outside the range of radio stations and cell phone reception. The breathtaking scenery and wildlife make it all worthwhile.

Overview

Introduction

Northeast British Columbia (near the borders of Alberta, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon) is beautiful, sparsely populated and easily seen by driving the Alaska Highway. Begin in Dawson Creek, the southern terminus of the highway. While in town, take the time to see the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, situated in a renovated grain elevator. Just southeast of Dawson Creek is Pouce Coupe, a classic example of a northern pioneer town.

The fishing is excellent on several area lakes, including Moberly, Williston and Carp. Other recreation options include hiking to Old Baldie (near Chetwynd) and canoeing on Gwillim Lake. Heli-skiing is big business in winter.

When you're ready, pick up the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek (480 mi/775 km northeast of Vancouver) and head north. Built in a hectic nine months during World War II, the Alaska Highway winds 1,387 mi/2,233 km through wild, dramatic terrain. Fort St. John (50 mi/80 km north of Dawson Creek) was established as a fur-trading settlement in 1793. Beyond that is Pink Mountain, renowned for its abundance of wildflowers and two species of colorful and rare butterflies. A fair distance north (324 mi/522 km) is Fort Nelson, another town that began as a remote fur-trading post.

In Stone Mountain Provincial Park, you'll find beautiful alpine meadow trails and glacial lakes, and in Muncho Lake Provincial Park, wild sheep and moose come down to the salt licks by the highway—have your camera ready. The Liard River Hot Springs are located near the town of Liard River. Each of these destinations offers great views of the northern lights.