Alcan Tips
How many miles?
The Alcan is 1,390 miles, Although it starts in the middle of B.C. If you are crossing into Canada from the Washington state border it will be around 2,800 miles until the Alaska border. Palmer, Ak is 374 miles from the Candian border. If you are planning on driving the Alcan to attend Vanstock 2020 be prepare to drive at least 8,000 miles there and back.
How much money do I need for gas?
This depends on your vehicle. For a Chevy express full size van, Averaging 18-22 hwy gas mileage and 14 mountain pass mileage. You will spend around $700 usd one way, $1400 USD round trip. The Alcan is mostly mountain pass (over the Cascade mountains and then the Rockies)
Cell signal
Depending on your carrier AT&T and Verizon gets usable signal up until Chetwynd B.C. area. After that the signal is spotty but becomes usable near large cities such as Whitehorse, Yukon. The more rural you get as you venture north the signal will be lost completely. Toad river is a rest stop/gas station/convenience store that will be the last gas for 250 miles. Through this passage way through Muncho lake, It is some of the most beautiful scenery throughout the Alcan but there is no resources or cell signal.
Best time period to travel North or South
North: Earliest May 6th. South: No later than October. The peak of summer in Alaska is July.
The Alcan has several mountain passes (over the Cascades and Rockies) You are required to carry snow chains until May 6th. Mid-late September is a good time to travel south. Autumn starts in mid August. As you head north to drive south you will get to to see the tundra and leaves change colors. As you pass through Yukon, Canada you can enjoy the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows. The further south you travel you will see the leaves slowly change green again. The snow flies in the Yukon Late September - beginning of October. Its good to keep in mind your snow driving experience and capabilities of your vehicle. If its still fall in South central Alaska, It doesn’t mean that it will be the same in the Yukon. In general is not s good idea to travel south through Canada after October.
Bringing a firearm to Alaska
You CAN bring firearms into Canada but it depends on your background and following the correct protocol.
“When crossing the border into Canada, hunters must declare all firearms in their possession. Declared rifles and shotguns may be carried through Canada while in transit to Alaska. Certain types of handguns are not permitted in Canada under any circumstances. Other handguns may be carried into Canada under certain circumstances.
Declaring firearms involves filling out some paperwork, specifically Form 5589, the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. There is a $25 fee, payable in Canadian funds or with a credit card. The form is available at the border, or can be downloaded in advance from the Canadian Firearms Centre website”
Find out more information at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=695
The firearm from 5589 can be found at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf
List of Canada’s class of firearms (Non-restricted, restricted and prohibited) http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/classes-firearms
What can you bring into Canada
It is best to call the Canadian border to find the current list of prohibited or quantity restrictions on items.
Within Canada:
Toll-free
1-800-461-9999
TTY (for those with hearing or speech impairments)
1-866-335-3237
Outside of Canada
Outside Canada
Long distance charges apply
1-204-983-3500
1-506-636-5064
you can find more information here https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html
Preparations
The Alcan has large areas of remote wilderness. It is important to assure your vehicle is capable to travel long distances without service.
We advice getting all mechanical issues fixed, oil change, tire check and balance, fluid check and other routine maintenance for your vehicle.
What to bring with you
Milepost guide book https://www.amazon.com/MILEPOST-2020-Alaska-Travel-Planner/dp/1892154390
10 gallons of spare fuel
Snow chains (if traveling before May 6th or after September)
Spare water
Enough groceries for a few days (there are grocery stores near big towns but they become few and far between)
Bear spray
500 $ CA (best to withdraw cash from a Canadian ATM)
Downloaded entertainment (Audio books, music, podcasts)
Motor oil, Antifreeze, Mechanical tools
What you need to cross the border
Some forms of identification include.
“When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your PASSPORT and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required.”
U.S NEXUS card
FAST card
Members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence.
You can find more info here : https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html
Music, Books, Podcasts
The cell signal is spotty at best the farther north you drive. It is best to download your maps and entertainment before crossing into Canada
Misc. Tips and facts
Tim Horton has free Wifi
Milepost guide book has lots of great information, camping, hot springs and maps
Stop at Liard Hot springs
Chetwynd has the sculptures from the world wood carving championship. A great place to stop and check out the art.
Mucho lake is stunning
Toad river has a great selection of Alcan stickers. Also one of the last gas stops heading north for 250 miles.
Haines has the largest bald eagle population in the world.
Try the poutine
