dea@druxu.UUCP (AllenDE) (01/10/84)
I'm trying to gather as much info as possible on traveling the ALCAN highway through Canada, and on into Alaska. What do I need to take, look out for, relative costs involved along the way, hotel availability, gas availability, etc.. The trip would be made during the mid summer time frame, and any useful info would be greatly appreciated. Dave Allen 11900 N. Pecos St. Rm 2B26 Denver, Co. 80234 druxu!dea
ariels@orca.UUCP (Ariel Shattan) (01/11/84)
Oh, what a wonderful trip! I wish I was coming with! A friend and I took the ALCAN highway a couple summers ago. We had absolutely no problems finding gasoline. We didn't use hotels but once, in Skagway. Instead, we had a pickup with a Gem Top(tm), and when we wanted to sleep, we pulled over off the road (usually when it got dark, at about 11:30pm) and sacked out. Take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle if you can. We didn't use the 4wd but once, but it sure helped. There will probably be flash rainstorms, and if they're doing construction on the road (which they were when we were there), it gets muddy. Don't take a sports car or a car that rides low to the ground. I'd be more comfortable in a VW Bug than I would in my 83 Mitsubishi. You'll need the extra road clearance in some spots. The first 50 or so miles (up by Wonowon (pronounced 101)) are very gravelly. I think they do that to discourage people. We got our first windsheild chip there. After that, the road was not bad at all, more like an older paved road that was deteriorating -- gravel over pavement. Except of course where they were working, but there no-one could go fast enough to kick up rocks anyway. Expect a few windshield chips. Usually caused by some lunatic going 70mph and towing a trailer. Carry a good spare tire, extra fan and alternator belts, extra wiper blades, jumper cables, water and a camp stove of some sort. Boil any water you're going to drink if you get it from the roadside stops. You don't have to boil water you get from "civilized" taps. When you enter Canada and they ask you where you're going and you say the ALCAN highway, they'll ask you to get out of the car and come see them. Don't worry. They just want to make sure that you have enough money and that you won't be broke and stranded if your vehicle breaks down. When we were there, it was a $400.00 minimum. I think we had $500.00 between us and then some plastic. It wouldn't hurt to get some traveler's checks in Canadian, though we never had much trouble changing U.S. to Canadian. I took my kitty cat. He had a great time, and there was no problem getting him into Canada or the U.S., but if you're going to take a pet, get the proper forms, a rabies vacc. certificate and a general health certificate, I think. Ask your vet for these. You can't take handguns into Canada. Rifles and shotguns are alright, but tell them you have them. We took one because my friend was nervous about bears and coyotes. I thought it was ridiculous, but since we never even loaded it, it wasn't so bad. A CB is not a bad idea, but if you want to use one you have to get a permit from Ottowa before you enter Canada. If you don't have this permit, they'll seal up your CB at the border and if you use it you are violating Canadian laws. That's all that comes to mind. If you have AAA or another trip planning service, use it. In fact, it may behoove you to become a member just for this trip. The maps are much better than anything you'll find in the Rand McNalley Road Atlas. Also, AAA has all kinds of hints on driving the ALCAN. You might also contact U-HAUL, since they have info on driving household goods (and therefore, yourself) on the hiway. A travel agent may also be useful. Just scrounge around, the info is everywhere. Have a great time! Ariel (I wanna go, too!) Shattan ..!decvax!tektronix!orca!ariels
jeh@ritcv.UUCP (James E Heliotis) (01/22/84)
I heard that, if you can afford plane fare back, you can save your own car by buying a used truck and selling it in Alaska where there is a need for them.