Driving the ALCAN Out of Alaska

The route at a glance

"Driving the ALCAN" usually means the whole trip from your Alaska driveway to a border crossing into the Lower 48. The Alaska Highway itself officially runs between Delta Junction, Alaska, and Dawson Creek, British Columbia, about 1,387 miles by its historical length. From Anchorage, you reach it by taking the Glenn Highway to Glennallen, then the Tok Cut-Off to Tok. From Fairbanks, the Richardson Highway leads to Delta Junction.

You cross into Yukon near Beaver Creek and continue through Haines Junction and Whitehorse, then Watson Lake, into northern British Columbia. From there you have two main choices:

• Stay on the Alaska Highway to Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek, then head south through Alberta or British Columbia toward Montana, Idaho or Washington.
• Take the Stewart–Cassiar Highway (BC 37) south from near Watson Lake. It's more remote with fewer services, but often more direct toward the Pacific Northwest.

Distances and days on the road

Anchorage to Seattle by road is roughly 2,200–2,300 miles depending on route. Most people plan at least five to seven driving days, and more with kids, pets or a trailer. Long summer daylight tempts people into very long days. Fatigue and wildlife are real hazards, so build in buffer days for weather, repairs or rest.

Our ALCAN Trip Planner builds a day-by-day outline from your origin, destination, season and daily driving hours.

Seasonal conditions

Summer (June–August)

The best conditions and the most traffic, with RVs, tour buses and construction zones with gravel breaks and pilot cars. Book lodging ahead in popular stops.

Shoulder seasons (May, September)

Often excellent, with fewer crowds. Early snow is possible in the mountains, and some seasonal businesses may be closed.

Winter (October–April)

The drive is done every winter, but it's a serious undertaking: extreme cold, short daylight, ice and long gaps between services. Use winter tires, carry cold-weather survival gear, and check conditions daily on Alaska 511, Yukon 511 and DriveBC. If you aren't experienced with winter driving, consider shipping your vehicle instead.

Fuel, services and connectivity

Stretches of the highway have long distances between fuel stations, and some stations keep limited hours. A simple rule many drivers use: never pass a reasonable fuel stop with less than half a tank. Cell coverage is patchy across large areas. Download offline maps, carry a printed route, and tell someone your daily plan. A satellite messenger is worth considering.

The long-running travel guide The Milepost lists services mile by mile and is widely used by ALCAN drivers.

Vehicle prep

• Full service before departure: fluids, brakes, belts, battery and cooling system.
• Good tires plus at least one full-size spare. Two is common for remote routes.
• Windshield protection, because gravel stretches crack glass. Some drivers add headlight covers and a bug screen.
• Tow-rated hitch and trailer brakes if you're pulling a trailer. Check your trailer's tires and bearings.
• Jumper cables or a jump pack, tire repair kit, compressor, and basic tools.
• In winter: block heater and extension cord, winter-rated fluids, and an emergency heat source.

Emergency kit

• Water and non-perishable food for every person and pet for several days
• Warm layers, boots, hats and gloves, even in summer
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• First-aid kit and a supply of prescription medications
• Flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Shovel, traction aids and an ice scraper in winter
• Paper maps and printed reservations

The trip planner generates a printable version of this list.

Wildlife and road hazards

Bison, moose, caribou, bears and sheep are common along parts of the route, sometimes standing right on the road. Slow down at dawn and dusk, scan the shoulders, and never approach animals. Frost heaves, potholes and gravel patches can appear without warning, especially after winter.

The border crossings

You'll cross into Canada and later back into the United States. Every traveler, including children, needs acceptable documents. There are strict rules on firearms, cannabis, some foods, alcohol, cash and pets. Read Crossing the Canadian border carefully before you pack the vehicle.