RoadAtlas
Alaska Highway — Canada — Adventure
North America

Alaska Highway

Canada

In short: Alaska Highway is a 2400 km adventure road trip in Canada, typically driven over 7–10 days, best in May–Sep. Highlights: Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Muncho Lake.

Distance
2400 km
Duration
7–10 days
Best Season
May–Sep
IconicModerateAdventureBorder crossing

The ALCAN, built in eight months in 1942 to connect Alaska to the Lower 48, is the last great North American frontier road. 2400km of boreal wilderness, glacial rivers, the Yukon's vast silence, and more wildlife per kilometre than almost anywhere on Earth.

~4 refuels
~8 charges
Practical notes
The route crosses from British Columbia into Alaska, so carry valid passports and expect customs stops at both the Canadian and US borders. Road surfaces vary, with frost heaves and occasional gravel sections; carry a full-size spare, extra fuel, and supplies as services can be 150km or more apart.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Dawson Creek — Departure — Alaska Highway — Canada
Departure
Dawson Creek
Mile 0. The famous milepost marks the official start of the ALCAN. Grain elevators and flat prairie give way to boreal forest within an hour north.
Hotels
Fort Nelson — City — Alaska Highway — Canada
City
Fort Nelson
The last major service town before the Northern Rockies. Stone Mountain and Muncho Lake wilderness begin north of here. Top up the fuel tank.
Hotels
Whitehorse — City — Alaska Highway — Canada
City
Whitehorse
The Yukon's capital and the highway's great midpoint. The SS Klondike sternwheeler is dry-docked on the bank; Miles Canyon cuts the river nearby.
Hotels
Tok — City — Alaska Highway — Canada
City
Tok
The first Alaskan town after the border, a classic frontier junction. Fuel, food, and the choice of road south to Anchorage or north to Fairbanks.
Hotels
Delta Junction — City — Alaska Highway — Canada
City
Delta Junction
The official end of the Alaska Highway at mile 1422, where the ALCAN meets the Richardson Highway. A second milepost marks the true terminus.
Hotels
Fairbanks — Arrival — Alaska Highway — Canada
Arrival
Fairbanks
Alaska's interior capital, aurora borealis hub, and Trans-Alaska Pipeline crossing point. The sense of having driven to the edge of the continent.
Hotels

Things to Do

Muncho Lake — Nature — Alaska Highway — Canada
Nature
Muncho Lake
A 12km glacially carved lake of intense copper-green, fed by mineral springs. Stone sheep and woodland caribou walk the road shoulder at dawn.
Sign Post Forest — Landmark — Alaska Highway — Canada
Landmark
Sign Post Forest
Over 100,000 signs from every corner of the world, nailed to posts since 1942. Travellers have been adding their hometown signs for more than 80 years.
Kluane National Park — Nature — Alaska Highway — Canada
Nature
Kluane National Park
The largest non-polar icefield on Earth at 5500 sq km. Dall sheep on the slopes, grizzlies on the roadside, and St. Elias peaks above the clouds.
Northern Lights Centre — Planetarium — Alaska Highway — Canada
Planetarium
Northern Lights Centre
Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis through immersive shows and exhibits.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre — Museum — Alaska Highway — Canada
Museum
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Explore the prehistoric world of Beringia with fossils and interactive displays.
Kluane Lake — Scenic Viewpoint — Alaska Highway — Canada
Scenic Viewpoint
Kluane Lake
Enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor activities at the largest lake in Yukon.
Rika's Roadhouse — Historic Site — Alaska Highway — Canada
Historic Site
Rika's Roadhouse
Step back in time at this historic roadhouse offering insights into early Alaskan life.
University of Alaska Museum of the North — Museum — Alaska Highway — Canada
Museum
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Discover Alaskan art, natural history, and cultural exhibits in a modern facility.
Liard River Hot Springs — Nature — Alaska Highway — Canada
Nature
Liard River Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by lush boreal forest.
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site — Historic Site — Alaska Highway — Canada
Historic Site
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Tour a restored sternwheeler that once navigated the Yukon River.

Where to Eat

Boston Pizza — Casual Dining — Alaska Highway — Canada
Casual Dining
Boston Pizza
A popular chain offering a variety of pizzas, pastas, and burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Klondike Rib & Salmon — Seafood — Alaska Highway — Canada
Seafood
Klondike Rib & Salmon
Historic eatery serving fresh seafood and ribs in a rustic setting reminiscent of the Gold Rush era.
Fast Eddy's Restaurant — American Diner — Alaska Highway — Canada
American Diner
Fast Eddy's Restaurant
Classic American diner known for its hearty breakfasts and burgers, a favorite among travelers.
The Pump House Restaurant — Steakhouse — Alaska Highway — Canada
Steakhouse
The Pump House Restaurant
Upscale dining featuring prime steaks and seafood with scenic river views.
The Creperie — French — Alaska Highway — Canada
French
The Creperie
Charming spot offering a variety of sweet and savory crepes, perfect for a light meal or dessert.
Northern Lights Restaurant — Local Cuisine — Alaska Highway — Canada
Local Cuisine
Northern Lights Restaurant
Cozy eatery serving traditional Yukon dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
Muncho Lake Lodge Restaurant — Canadian — Alaska Highway — Canada
Canadian
Muncho Lake Lodge Restaurant
Lakeside dining offering Canadian classics with stunning views of Muncho Lake.

Explore related routes

Canada road trips Iconic Wildlife & Safari DrivesAdventure & Overland RoutesEpic Long Drives North America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Alaska Highway drive?

The Alaska Highway covers 2400 km from start to finish.

How long does the Alaska Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7–10 days on the Alaska Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Alaska Highway?

The recommended season for the Alaska Highway is May–Sep.

Where does the Alaska Highway start and end?

The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks.

What are the main stops on the Alaska Highway?

The Alaska Highway passes through Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Muncho Lake.

Can I drive the Alaska Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Alaska Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Alaska Highway?

Yes — the Alaska Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: The route crosses from British Columbia into Alaska, so carry valid passports and expect customs stops at both the Canadian and US borders. Road surfaces vary, with frost heaves and occasional gravel sections; carry a full-size spare, extra fuel, and supplies as services can be 150km or more apart.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Alaska Highway?

Plan around 4 refuels (or about 8 EV charges) along the Alaska Highway, based on its 2400 km length.

Is the Alaska Highway safe to drive?

The route crosses from British Columbia into Alaska, so carry valid passports and expect customs stops at both the Canadian and US borders. Road surfaces vary, with frost heaves and occasional gravel sections; carry a full-size spare, extra fuel, and supplies as services can be 150km or more apart.

What scenic tier is the Alaska Highway?

The Alaska Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.