Alaska By Road

Several routes are available for drivers to choose from on their journey north. The Alaska Highway officially starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, but many travelers access it by driving northwest through Alberta via Montana. Another option is to take the Cassiar Highway through British Columbia to connect with the Alaska Highway.

But a strictly pavement approach isn’t the only option: Travelers can also board the Alaska ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway, in Bellingham, Wash. or Prince Rupert, B.C. with cars or RVs. From Vancouver Island, travelers can connect with Prince Rupert via the BC Ferry. This route travels through the coastal communities of Alaska’s Inside Passage all the way to Skagway or Haines, two northern port communities that offer access up into the Yukon to connect with the Alaska Highway to finish the journey west into Alaska.

The overall road quality on the Alaska Highway and its feeder routes is good, and with the exception of some summer road construction, highways are paved in most areas. The major difference between the Alaska Highway and interstates in the Lower 48 is that services, including gas, lodging and restaurants, are farther apart and in some places requires a little forethought. Travelers are advised to check road reports ahead of time. For more information on specific driving routes and highway information, visit www.NorthToAlaska.com.

Approximate highway distances to Fairbanks, Alaska: