Alaska Road Trip Routes: Cassiar Highway vs. Alcan Highway + Tips & Insights

We often get asked about our route to Alaska—whether we used the legendary Milepost travel guide, how rough the roads really are, and which route is better: the Alaska Highway (Alcan) or the Cassiar Highway. 

Here’s an honest, firsthand account of our journey, including helpful travel tips, wildlife sightings, and route comparisons.

Do You Really Need the Iconic Milepost for Alaska Travel?

Yes! Our friends gifted us The MILEPOST, and it was an invaluable resource for planning our trip. From mapping out routes, gas stations, and campgrounds to pinpointing sightseeing stops, it guided us every mile of the way.

Traveling the Remote Cassiar Highway: What You Need to Know

On our way north, we chose the Cassiar Highway  to avoid wildfire closures. This remote stretch is stunningly green and peaceful but very isolated.

• Cell service: Spotty to nonexistent for several days

• Traffic: Very few vehicles passed us; gas stations were rare and precious

• Wildlife sightings: 7 black bears, 1 grizzly, 4 moose, 1 deer, and a ptarmigan

The solitude was both beautiful and unnerving. My husband, Scott, faced moments of fear—worrying about breakdowns, isolation, and safety. 

Thankfully, we had Starlink satellite internet to stay connected and trusted in God’s protection.

“Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.”

Understanding this is a huge step in overcoming anxieties.

This was a good reminder for us both to lean on faith during uncertainty.

Where We Stayed Along the Cassiar Highway

Beaverview RV Park & Campground in McBride, BC

Riverside Municipal Campground in Smithers, BC

Bear River RV Park, Stewart, BC (detour worth the hour)

Baby Nugget RV Park  near Watson Lake, YT (junction with Alaska Highway)

Road Conditions on the Cassiar Highway

The road started smooth but became rougher further north, slowing us to as low as 30 mph in some sections. 

For travelers unfamiliar with kilometers per hour, most vehicles offer an easy switch to mph—a lifesaver when offline.

We experienced minor trailer shifting—cabinets popped open, furniture slid—but no major issues. Overall, the Cassiar offers rugged but manageable driving.

Returning via the Alcan (Alaska Highway): A Different Experience

On our way back, we took the Alaska Highway (Alcan ) to explore different scenery and communities.

Wildlife Along the Alcan

We spotted 7 black bear, 3 ptarmigan, 1 fox, 6 moose, a herd of bison, 4 big horn sheep, and 3 deer on this trip.

Where to Stay Along the Alcan

Unfortunately, we couldn't enjoy some of the places I was hoping to spend time at because the wildfires were still going on.

I wanted to stay at Liard Hot Springs and Muncho Lake, but it was too smokey. 

Hot Springs Campground and Hi Country RV Park Hi Country in Whitehorse, YT

Big Creek Provincial Park, BC

Triple "G" Hideaway in Fort Nelson

and Mile 0 Campground in Dawson Creek.

Road Quality and Traffic on the Alcan Highway

The Alcan had more traffic and plenty of fuel stops, making it feel less remote. We encountered more wear-and-tear on our fifth wheel here—fridge shifted, counters lifted, and flooring lifted in spots. Luckily, Scott’s handy skills fixed everything without incident.

Better cell service and more travelers made the Alcan easier in many ways, though knowing what to expect probably helped. 

Cassiar Highway vs. Alaskan Highway: Which Route is Better?

Both highways offer essential services like gas, groceries, campgrounds, and clean rest areas. Canada’s commitment to cleanliness was impressive, especially given its sparse population.

• I preferred the Cassiar Highway for its stunning solitude and natural beauty.

• Scott favored the Alcan Highway for the social atmosphere and convenience.

Overcoming Challenges on Our Alaska Road Trip

• Driving over 2,000 miles from Spokane, WA to Tok, Alaska stretched our comfort zones. We prepped with new tires, oil changes, and transmission fluid flushes.

• Our daughter struggled with stress and insomnia in remote areas but found peace through a Bible App series on stress management.

• Scott faced fear and anxiety but overcame it through faith and openness.

• I learned to release control and focus on self-care.

• Our son battled boredom by discovering audiobooks—a game-changer for long drives!

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Essential Tips for Driving to Alaska

If you plan to drive to Alaska, consider these must-dos:

• Complete preventive vehicle maintenance before departure

• Download maps, audiobooks, and entertainment offline

• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

• Pack plenty of patience

• Purchase The Milepost travel guide

• Make frequent rest and sightseeing stops

• Most importantly, embrace Alaska’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Reflection

This verse came to mind when I was reflecting on how fear tried to overshadow our journey. Yet, God’s protection was constant. Our faith empowered us to face uncertainty, embrace growth, and bless others along the way.

May we all cultivate resilient faith—one that diminishes fear, moves mountains, and bears fruit through love, joy, peace, and kindness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for guiding us safely through every mile of our journey. Help us to trust You in moments of fear and uncertainty, and to find peace in Your presence. Strengthen our faith, calm our anxieties, and teach us to walk boldly with courage and love. May we always lean on You as our source of hope and strength.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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