North bound
North bound
It's getting too hot in Texas again, so I'm heading north. First stop Colorado. I'm not 100% of the last stop. I wanted to get to Alaska for the first time this summer, but I might fly from BC to anchorage rather than drive that leg. Anyone done that drive?
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Re: North bound
I drove from northern California to Anchorage several years ago. Spent a week doing it; two or more weeks would have been better. I was in a 1990 E150 which I was delivering to a friend, so I flew back home. I've heard the highway is much nicer these days. Northern Territory, Yukon, and B.C. are unreal.
1994 Premier
Re: North bound
Lived in Whitehorse YT for a short time 30+ years ago and drove the highway a few times then when it was still mostly gravel and you would lose a windshield every trip. That was an adventure- particularly the last drive out in December in a 66 Chevy van. 1600 miles wearing a snowmobile suit and boots just to keep warm.......
I still have family in Whitehorse and flew up for a family wedding 2 years ago. Wish I would have had time to do the drive. The highway, at least as far as Whitehorse, is paved and good now. Family does it all the time in their 745 BMW.
One "must have" for the trip is a current "Milepost" travel guide. You can purchase them on-line or in many book stores. It's a mile-by-mile travel guide for the highway that is the "bible" for anyone planning or on the drive.
It's a once in a lifetime trip. The scenery is spectacular and there is lots to see and do- don't miss Dawson City and area either. Summer temperatures can get quite warm although the nights can get fairly cool. Summer solstice is amazing- you're far enough north that you have almost 24 hours of daylight. Mosquitoes can be brutal depending on where you are- make sure you pack lots of bug spray.
Not sure where in BC you'll enter Canada. If you cross in Vancouver I would recommend heading east on the Trans Canada highway to Banff Alberta. You can also cross in southern Alberta at Glacier National Park on your side of the border.Just into Canada you enter Waterton National Park in Alberta.Head to Banff from there. From Banff head north to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway- another amazing drive. Head east out of Jasper for about an hour and take highway 40 north at Hinton Alberta. Highway 40 takes you to Grande Prairie and from there a short drive northwest takes you to the official start of the Alaska highway in Dawson Creek BC.
If you've got the time do the drive. I can almost guarantee that 10 minutes after you get off a plane in Anchorage you'll be wishing you had the Chinook.
I still have family in Whitehorse and flew up for a family wedding 2 years ago. Wish I would have had time to do the drive. The highway, at least as far as Whitehorse, is paved and good now. Family does it all the time in their 745 BMW.
One "must have" for the trip is a current "Milepost" travel guide. You can purchase them on-line or in many book stores. It's a mile-by-mile travel guide for the highway that is the "bible" for anyone planning or on the drive.
It's a once in a lifetime trip. The scenery is spectacular and there is lots to see and do- don't miss Dawson City and area either. Summer temperatures can get quite warm although the nights can get fairly cool. Summer solstice is amazing- you're far enough north that you have almost 24 hours of daylight. Mosquitoes can be brutal depending on where you are- make sure you pack lots of bug spray.
Not sure where in BC you'll enter Canada. If you cross in Vancouver I would recommend heading east on the Trans Canada highway to Banff Alberta. You can also cross in southern Alberta at Glacier National Park on your side of the border.Just into Canada you enter Waterton National Park in Alberta.Head to Banff from there. From Banff head north to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway- another amazing drive. Head east out of Jasper for about an hour and take highway 40 north at Hinton Alberta. Highway 40 takes you to Grande Prairie and from there a short drive northwest takes you to the official start of the Alaska highway in Dawson Creek BC.
If you've got the time do the drive. I can almost guarantee that 10 minutes after you get off a plane in Anchorage you'll be wishing you had the Chinook.
Re: North bound
A bit of my concern is the wilderness of it all. I still need Internet and a reasonable distance to an airport for work. It sounds amazing, but it also sounds like I'd have to take vacation time.
Re: North bound
Great that you're rolling and sharing photos with us!
I just came through a curvy/river canyon section of road the other day and really enjoyed my "Sportscar of motorhomes"
(I also saw three Chinooks: A Dodge-based 18+ with yellow and green stripes, an early "modern" Concourse (didn't see the cab but it had older style taillights - maybe old school Ford based '91 or so) with grey/mauve stripes, and a Millenium painted Premier or Concourse (someone towing a huge Airstream was busy trying to run me off the road so I missed the window shape on that one).
Chinooks on the prowl
I just came through a curvy/river canyon section of road the other day and really enjoyed my "Sportscar of motorhomes"
(I also saw three Chinooks: A Dodge-based 18+ with yellow and green stripes, an early "modern" Concourse (didn't see the cab but it had older style taillights - maybe old school Ford based '91 or so) with grey/mauve stripes, and a Millenium painted Premier or Concourse (someone towing a huge Airstream was busy trying to run me off the road so I missed the window shape on that one).Chinooks on the prowl
1999 Concourse
Re: North bound
If you head through Washington on your way to Alaska you are likely to see a few Chinook's as you know they were built here. If you cross the border to Canada you might consider the Sumas crossing as opposed to the more utilized Blaine crossing. I've never had a problem heading into Canada. The line coming back is another matter.
Happy trails!
Happy trails!
Steve aka SMan
2004 Premier V10
2004 Premier V10
Re: North bound
The border is still fairly easy but with all the trouble in the world its a little tougher than it used to be . i recommend a valid passport for ID and don't even think about any firearms or drugs. Canada has very strict gun laws and even though you may be legal south of the border you won't be on this side. Declared shotguns and long rifles might be possible with a permit but a handgun will have you spending more time here than you planned- probably in a small room with bars over the windows. Best to check before you get to the border.
Re: North bound
Thanks. I just have bear spray (works on humans too).