The Alaska Highway Celebrates 70 years
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan, which connects Alaska to the Yukon and British Columbia, and is a common passage for road travellers driving to and from the contiguous 48 states. Constructed during World War II, the route started out as a gravel road through the Canadian wilderness with few amenities along the way.
Today, the modern highway stretching from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska boasts impressive scenery and plenty of attractions along its 1,387-mile route. Anglers can stop for a chance to reel in rainbow or lake trout at Stone Mountain Provincial Park in British Columbia; watch for bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and other wildlife while driving through Kluane National Park and Preserve; stop for a soak at Liard River Hot Springs; or visit the Signpost Forest, a display of more than 70,000 signs and license plates from around the world.
The Alaska Highway is completely paved and open to travellers year round.
The in-depth guidebook “The Milepost” is considered the bible of northern road travel offering mile-by-mile guidance and highlights of the journey, including places to spend the night, fish, view wildlife, hike and fill up the car.
Drivers navigating the highway in August should keep their eyes out for a convoy of about 100 historic military vehicles that are registered to drive the highway, an event sponsored by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association in recognition of the military presence during the highway’s construction.
Visitors can start planning their road trip or any Alaska vacation using the new TravelAlaska iPhone/iPad app released last month and available for download on iTunes. For maps and routes, points of interest, travel tips and more info about travelling the Alaska Highway, visit www.northtoalaska.com.
