future road trip: vancouver, yukon, alaska, passage loop

[fishslapper]

I have told every person that will listen to do this road trip before they die !!! I have done the trip from vancouver to whitehorse 6 times in the last 4 years. I lived in whitehorse for 2 years. Every turn is breath taking. I only had a problem finding fuel once going up the alaske highway. Actually the only problem was getting to the gas station too late. I had to sleep in my car until the morning when the station opened up. I would also say to do 37. But the alska highway is a must do as well. I would say to go up one way and go back another.

I never got to do the top of the world highway or go all the way to inuvik but i guess i had to save something for later on......

We should get a few people to go..... :)

[sasquatch-hunter]

If you go up the Alaskan Highway, don't forget to stop at the Muluckani (sp?) Salmon Bake, about 4km north west of Teslin, Yukon. Buy a dinner there and you will get a free house boat ride on Teslin Lake.

[marsgal42]

I've done some of the Top of the World Highway, the ferry across the river, then about the first 30 km out of Dawson. One of those "we either turn back now or go all the way" decisions.

I've also done the first 100 km of the Dempster Highway, just to the other side of North Fork Pass. It was May, and the leaves were out on the trees in Whitehorse and Dawson. But as we climbed you could see leaves just coming out, then no leaves, then no trees. Above the tree line, not north of it - you get trees again when you come down the other side. This was the most remote country I've ever been to, you could feel, somehow, that there was absolutely nobody within a very long way.

Other than a thorough service before leaving, my plans include a roof rack, an extra spare tire, a couple of fuel cans, HF and VHF two-way radio, and some survival gear. Probably go up one way, come back the other.

When I was young the tourism folks used to advertise the Cariboo as The Big Country. Having had a taste of Yukon from the road and from the air, they really didn't have a clue what Big meant.

...laura

[coaxial]

thanks for all the great info guys, I've written down your recommendations and I'm storing them with my northern BC maps :)

New strategy is to do vancouver to whitehorse on a motorcycle. Last weekend I rode up to PG, nearly hit several moose and deer, killed a few million mosquitos on my helmet visor, and I'm hooked :) Problem is the bike only goes 150-190km on a (16.5L) tank of gas. I figure this will add to the fun and adventure ;)

Any tips? how far apart are stations up north? am I going to have to tow an entire trailer of extra fuel?

probably doing this next month. I expect a 2-3 day ride each way.

[Erebus]

Problem is the bike only goes 150-190km on a (16.5L) tank of gas. I figure this will add to the fun and adventure ;)

Any tips? how far apart are stations up north? am I going to have to tow an entire trailer of extra fuel?

Haven't paid too much attention, but I've been filling up before I get to 1/2, and we've passed quite a few stations without stopping. I've noticed quite a few motorcycles from Whitehorse north carrying a small jerry can. Might be worth it if you have the space.

Diesel has been no problem at all. Premium gas, however is pretty scarce. And fuel of any sort on the Cassiar is silly expensive -- $1.74 in Iskut, 1.51 in Whitehorse.

Fred "the voice of vast experience, having done 1/2 a trip so far" Erebus

[Profister]

I just came back from a trip to Northern BC from North Van to Tofino through Port Hardy to Prince Rupert on a ferry, Terrace, Stewart, Hyder (Alaska), Watson Lake (Yukon), Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Prince George and back home from there. 4,500 km trip, not counting the ferry sail, 1,500 pictures taken, had a pleasant meet with Josh (josh), James (docsavage) and Paul (FalcoColumbarius) and plenty of other goodies worth to remember. I am in the process of making everything ready for a trip report but if there is anything you need to know about the route feel free to ask. Liard Hot Springs campground is worth staying there for a while

Sergiy.