How many days does it take to travel the Alaska highway?

Question

How many days does it take to travel the Alaska highway?

Answer 1

The Alaska Hwy is a fabulous experience. If you must rush through it you could do it in 3 days. It is too great to rush so allow lots of time if you can. There is lots of good scenery and wildlife to stop and view. I saw plenty of black bears along the way, as well as wild horses, bison, big horn sheep, and caribou. Bring plenty of memory for your camera. Muncho Lake PP in BC is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and the little cafe/gas station serves great burgers.

The road is paved all the way, but as mentioned above you will hit construction zones just about every day. They are usually 10 to 20 miles and you will be driving on dirt behind an escort vehichle. I did it on a motorcycle so a car will be no problem.

Get a copy of The Milepost, it details everything along the road. Lists all hotels, restaurants, and fun places to stop. You can get it at Amazon or http://www.themilepost.com

Have  a fun trip.

Answer 2

There are a lot of factors that come into play. The Alaska Highway is over 1,300 miles long and runs through 2 countries. The road is usually under construction somewhere along the way. Also, it depends if you are travelling in the winter or not.

Answer 3

It all depends. How well rested are you depends on how long you drive in a day. Is it winter when most of the cafes, motels, and gas stations are closed? Is it summer when a lot of road construction/repair is done thus causing delays and detours? How often do you stop to admire the views, take pics, visit tourist spots, etc.? How often do you stop to use the bathroom? How ever long it takes..take your time, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pics, write in a journal, and drive safely.

Answer 4

From Seattle to Anchorage, it is 2,500 miles.  The quickest I've done it was 48 hours, solo but that was the ideal quick trip.  It was in a brand-new Corolla, no kids, no luggage, and it was in April.  That meant almost all ice and snow was gone but the motorhomes and the road construction hadn't started.

Usually, with a co-driver (also a gonzo road-warrior like me), it usually takes me 2.5 days in summer (motorhomes and construction) or winter (LONG dark nights and ice).  But, again, that is pretty extreme - one drives, the other sleeps in the passanger seat and around 2 am to 6 am when nobody is feeling alert, we'd stop and sleep in the car.

It is a spectacular trip through fabulous scenery.  Some of us enjoy looking out the window for thousands of miles, but a lot of people would need to stretch their legs, take a break or a hike.

The main route is all paved, give or take that years' construction zones.  You can definitely do it in the smallest Geo Metro or Kia sedan.  (And considering the gas prices, that might be a good idea).  I've driven it 30 years ago when it was still 1000 miles of gravel road and you needed spare tires, jacks, etc.  Anyone telling you about extra gas cans, winches, etc hasn't been or at least not for a LONG time.

The Cassier Highway is a nice option off the main route because it is a little shorter and quicker and has the best mountain views (back side of the coastal mountains in Canada).  But it includes 200 miles of (pretty good) gravel road) and the gas stations aren't 24-hours, so you can't drive that stretch through the night without planning ahead.  And you miss Laird Hot Springs on the main route which is a nice, free stop to make and soak your bones for a while.

Get "The Milepost" for $28.  Released new each year.  Great for trip planning, dreaming, and planning your stops and sights while on route.  It covers all the Alaskan and NW Canadian highways.