Traveling to Skagway Alaska or somewhere in Alaska
gdhill said
02:49 AM Jul 6, 2012
If we hit our schedule to be fultiming by spring of 2013 we were thinking of workamping in Skagway which means we will be driving in Canada a good bit. Has anyone been that direction and how are the roads? I was thinking of taking my shotgun and pistol with me and would be stowed in the 5'er. Is that a problem either in the u.s. or canada? I figure it to be about 3500 hundred miles to get there from Ohio. My DW says there is a ferry out of Seatle that you can take however; she says it is about 3000 dollars each way. Can anyone tell me if they have heard of this? I have driven an RV in alaska and we drove from Fairbanks to Whitehorse and that was very rough with the frost heave. I was hoping from the us through canada to skagway would be a little smoother. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Gary
Terry and Jo said
04:32 AM Jul 6, 2012
Gary,
Canada has very strong restrictions on firearms. NO HANDGUNS AT ALL!!! In fact, if they are looking through your RV at the border and even see something that relates to a handgun, your RV will be thoroughly searched, perhaps even to the extent of taking things outside.
You will need to do extra documentation to even take long guns across their border. And, if they were to find a handgun, you might find out what a Canadian jail looks like.
Terry
gdhill said
04:40 AM Jul 6, 2012
Thanks Terry, I've had both guns for about 15 years and I have never fired either one so I'll leave them with my brother. Hope they don't have and restrictions on fishing poles because I'm taking those. Have you been up there? and how are the roads in Canada? Thanks Gary
Bill and Linda said
04:41 PM Jul 6, 2012
Gary:
We’ve traveled a lot of north and western Canada.Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories all the way to Yellowknife and Inuvik which is just 70 miles short of the Arctic Ocean (which you can drive to, but only in winter – think “Ice Road Truckers.”)It’s a great place, Canada, and so I’ll speak from some firsthand experiences.
If I were going from Ohio, which actually we did, I would go across the US to Montana and then up I-15 to cross at Sweetgrass, Montana.Then up route 4 in Alberta.There are other ways, but having driven this one more than once, we liked it and it was easy and I would go this way to drive to Skagway.
For perspective we towed a 39’ 5er with a 2006 Chevy 3500 diesel so that is the basis for our views. In all our travels in Canada, or anywhere else, this truck has never had an issue of any kind with the roads or mountains.
The more southern roads in Alberta and British Columbia (BC) are like driving in the US.Many of them are 4 lane and very good roads.The trip up to Dawson Creek, where the Alcan officially starts is wonderful and the roads are excellent.
The Alcan itself, up to Whitehouse, YT, which we love to visit, is very good road for the most part. From Whitehorse on up its not as good but you’ve driven that and know about the last of the road to Alaska from Destruction Bay.All two lane and it has some frost heaves, but simply not a problem.Just slow down a bit and plan time wise and you will not break or hurt anything.
There will be construction in the summer on the roads.Really not a problem, just don’t be surprised when you travel in a bit of mud from time to time due to the construction on the Alcan.This isn’t I-95 down to Ft. Lauderdale (which I guess is also under construction a lot of the time.)
We have been to Skagway from Whitehouse.We actually took the train down and a bus back up to Whitehorse.The route is pretty steep to and back up from Skagway.The road is good, but steep. We would have taken the RV, and it would have done fine, but we wanted to take the train out of Carcross (I think that is the correct departure point) as it is considered to be one of the top 5 scenic train rides in the world.And it was great.But your needing to stay so naturally the train might be a “day off” option.
When you come home, a suggestion: The Cassiar Hiway, RT 37 from Northern Beaver Post, YT off the Alcan down to Prince George, BC is a two lane road but also not a problem.From there you can take the “Ice Fields Hiway” down and it is one of the most fabulous drives you can take.Two lane road, mountains, but really – really worth it.No hairpin turns or anything like that, just some up and down and some pretty good grades – well pretty steep actually both up and down, but we had zero issues with the our rig. No overheats or power issues at all.
Take your time and, IMO don’t take guns of any kind into Canada. Plan and again IMO if you’re doing the Alcan or similar roads make sure you know where the fuel stops are located if you don’t have an aux tank for the pickup. We had 84 gallons and that was about right to never get below half-a-tank which is the recommended rule on the Alcan and other more northern roads.
(FWIW, I would drive and put some of the that $3,000 ferry money in the fuel tank. I think it will give you more return at least in my opinion.)
Ask more if you want more details and I hope this helps a bit.
Bill
gdhill said
05:29 PM Jul 6, 2012
Thanks Bill for the great info. I think the ferry ride would be just the opposite of what we want and that is to see everything along the way. We want to take our time and wander up there by whatever date we have to be there. We did the inside passage on the ship and it was beautiful but I haven't seen what the country looks like going by road. As far as guns in Canada I kinda guessed that was a no no. I really have owned them for about 15 years and never fired them so I will just leave them with my brother. Thanks Gary
mjlitz said
05:39 AM Jul 12, 2012
We live in Vancouver, British Columbia and for the first time in June, travelled to our to the interior. We went up as far as Williams Lake, just wanted to let you know that there are some really beautiful free rec sites - right beside a lake!. Check out the website Recreations Sites and Trails BC. If they show for trailers/ tents you will be fine but check out the distance to get into them! 20KM doesn't seem that far but remember these are dirt roads. Try and do the scenic routes. They are well worth the extra time.
Hope you have a wonderful time up here.
gdhill said
04:30 PM Jul 12, 2012
Thanks mjlitz we will plan this all out and really want to take our time and not miss any of the beautiful spots along the way. You live in a beautiful area of north america. We were in Vancouver a few years ago and enjoyed the stay. Thanks for the info. Gary
gdhill said
10:43 AM Sep 17, 2012
Thanks Alan I am still interested in the roads to skagway and if they will beat us to death. We rented a RV and spent a couple weeks going all over. The roads from Fairbanks to Whitehorse beat us up pretty bad. What was your experience with the roads in Canada and Alaska? Thanks for the input. Gary
segel10 said
03:09 PM Sep 17, 2012
We traveled from Whitehorse to Skagway last July on the way home from Alaska. Roads were fine at that point, not like you see as the head south out of Tok AK or north out of Whitehorse. The grade is steep going down into Skagway but very easy as long as you know it is not a race. We were pulling a 35 ft Cougar with a F250 Diesel and did not find it a problem either way. Just take it easy and let the engine do the breaking on the way down. Other than the washout last spring north of Watson Lake, the roads that far north were great. I attached a link to the blog for the trip in and a couple of days latter is the trip out. http://lksegel10.blogspot.com/2012/07/july-1-2012-garden-city-rv-park-skagway.html
Edit by moderator: Activate link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 17th of September 2012 06:22:02 PM
gdhill said
05:06 AM Sep 18, 2012
Hi Alan Checked out your blog and expect to return to read all of it. We drove our RV from Whitehorse to Skagway and passed that Emerald lake which is the name of it and it was a great drive across to Skagway. We dropped off our rental and picked up a boat to cruise the inside passage. I was curious when you said f250. Did it handle the 5er okay? Most people are telling me at least an f350 diesel. What are your thoughts on that? The trip we took was great but the itinerary was set and did not have the time to spend when and where we wanted. I would not do that again. We missed too much. Thanks for your suggestions. Gary
gdhill said
05:43 AM Sep 18, 2012
Alan, Thats good information and I know what you mean about the frost heave along the way. Since we had to be at certain points for camping and such it was a little stressful at times. We have not purchased a 5er yet and are still researching brands(used of course). Everyone says have more truck than you need which you have pointed out is good idea. Yes we had the milepost and when we go we will probably do some boondocking along the way I'm sure. Since we will also be living in our 5er the idea of driving on the frost heave gives me the willies and we may have to consider using something else for that trip. We plan on selling the two houses we have next spring and hopefully be on the road by fall if the moons align just right for us. But we'll go south first. She wants a 35 or bigger 5er. We have seen some mobile suites and montana's at reasonable prices but still doing our research. From what you have told me trip planning is more important than I gave thought to. Thanks Alan Gary
segel10 said
01:01 PM Sep 18, 2012
F250 handles the rig without any problem. Don't even know it is back there most of the time. Grades in the mountains have never been a problem to pull. If I was doing it again, I would buy the F350 only because it is about $350 more than the F250. I think the difference is the additional leaf spring in the back that allows it to carry more weight, other than that it is the same truck (unless you go with the dulley rear end).
Terry and Jo said
09:55 AM Sep 22, 2012
Rod,
I've heard others say that they would not pull their fifth wheels up to Alaska and yet others have said they would and did. If you can, find some who have recently been up there with theirs. Some on the forums even have blogs that you can read to see what issues they may have encountered.
I say "recently" because their reports on roads would be more up to date than one who had traveled up 2 years ago.
On the other hand, some have said that if they really want to travel the Al-Can highway, they will rent or buy a slide-in camper for their truck for that trip. Since our Mobile Suites is our home for some time to come, I wouldn't want to risk it getting damaged up that way where one might have difficulty finding service centers. So, if Jo and I go back to Alaska (we cruised up in 2005), we will either fly up and rent an RV there or go the slide-in camper route.
Good luck with your research and planning. Alaska is a beautiful place and well worth going to see that beauty. Both images below were taken while on the White Pass and Yukon summit rail trip. That excursion is out of Skagway.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 22nd of September 2012 09:57:18 AM
rodsitz said
01:06 PM Sep 22, 2012
We are planning our first trip to Alaska this summer. Since we have not purchased our 5er yet, I was wondering if we should buy a new one for this trip or a used one. After reading some of the comments here I'm wondering if a used one might be a wiser way to go considering the road conditions. I would appreciate your thoughts.
bjoyce said
05:21 PM Sep 22, 2012
We took the same RV we have today to Alaska in 2006 and it looks good today. We have friends who go up about every 2 or 3 years and do not hesitate to take their expensive motorhome and have had no issues. I will say that a slide in camper is a good option as long as it is set up for boondocking since you will have more places you can pull over and stay the night for free, but it is not required.
Bill and Linda said
05:47 PM Sep 22, 2012
FWIW, I agree with Bill J.There is no problem taking a big fiver to Alaska.The whole place is full of big, heavy fivers and motorhomes.The only thing about driving the Alcan is slowing down in some places for the frost heaves which are very clearly market with flags.If you don’t try to drive 100 kilometers per hour (60 MPH), which is what a lot of the road speed limits are, you will do very fine.Don’t try to drive 300 miles in one day. That is the technique that works.
The dirt is the dirt and it washes off.We’ve had just as much dirt coming through Yellowstone and down toward Arches this year as we had in Canada. We've been through much worse than the Alcan.
The issue, in our opinion, with flying is that you miss so much of the incredible opportunities in Canada and much of Alaska.But that is a personal thing.Not right or wrong as such.
The truck camper is a good option IF you don’t mind living in a very small space for like 2 months AFTER you get half-way up Canada to Dawson Creek which is where the Alcan starts. It's a long way from the US. I’m not saying you can’t do it in a truck camper, many do and love it.But just remember your basically living in the bedroom and bath of your fiver, or smaller, for like 60-90 days “depending.”Linda and I love to be together, but that’s a might close all the time.{Grin, as Howard would say.}
For those that want to make the trip you will be fine if the trailer and your truck (or motorhome) is properly equipped and you feel reasonably comfortable with your driving skills. There is a slight discussion about “toads” but I’ll leave that to others who have taken them.Some take them; some don’t and leave them in places like Prince George, BC for a pickup when they return.But for the most part people who go alone (not in a group) take them.
To be honest, the mountain roads from the east to Yellowstone and then down south toward Arches had more “challenging” grades (like 8% plus for 9 miles according to the signs) than Alaska.Not one problem for us though with our rig.(Never had to stop and cool the brakes because I used them so little. Again, the rig needs to be capable.)
I’m not trying to argue as such either point of view but just want to give the perspective that “it depends” on you and your rig and desires.So make your own, well informed, decisions and enjoy either way!
Bill
phyllen said
06:38 PM Sep 26, 2012
Good info. We plan on going to Alaska in 2014. We've thought of getting a truck camper or small bumper pull if we can find something at a good price and then sell when we get back. Neither of us like the idea of taking our home up there and also we considered something lighter would be more fuel efficient. We will see. Lots of consider.
Gary,
Canada has very strong restrictions on firearms. NO HANDGUNS AT ALL!!! In fact, if they are looking through your RV at the border and even see something that relates to a handgun, your RV will be thoroughly searched, perhaps even to the extent of taking things outside.
You will need to do extra documentation to even take long guns across their border. And, if they were to find a handgun, you might find out what a Canadian jail looks like.
Terry
Gary:
We’ve traveled a lot of north and western Canada. Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories all the way to Yellowknife and Inuvik which is just 70 miles short of the Arctic Ocean (which you can drive to, but only in winter – think “Ice Road Truckers.”) It’s a great place, Canada, and so I’ll speak from some firsthand experiences.
If I were going from Ohio, which actually we did, I would go across the US to Montana and then up I-15 to cross at Sweetgrass, Montana. Then up route 4 in Alberta. There are other ways, but having driven this one more than once, we liked it and it was easy and I would go this way to drive to Skagway.
For perspective we towed a 39’ 5er with a 2006 Chevy 3500 diesel so that is the basis for our views. In all our travels in Canada, or anywhere else, this truck has never had an issue of any kind with the roads or mountains.
The more southern roads in Alberta and British Columbia (BC) are like driving in the US. Many of them are 4 lane and very good roads. The trip up to Dawson Creek, where the Alcan officially starts is wonderful and the roads are excellent.
The Alcan itself, up to Whitehouse, YT, which we love to visit, is very good road for the most part. From Whitehorse on up its not as good but you’ve driven that and know about the last of the road to Alaska from Destruction Bay. All two lane and it has some frost heaves, but simply not a problem. Just slow down a bit and plan time wise and you will not break or hurt anything.
There will be construction in the summer on the roads. Really not a problem, just don’t be surprised when you travel in a bit of mud from time to time due to the construction on the Alcan. This isn’t I-95 down to Ft. Lauderdale (which I guess is also under construction a lot of the time.)
We have been to Skagway from Whitehouse. We actually took the train down and a bus back up to Whitehorse. The route is pretty steep to and back up from Skagway. The road is good, but steep. We would have taken the RV, and it would have done fine, but we wanted to take the train out of Carcross (I think that is the correct departure point) as it is considered to be one of the top 5 scenic train rides in the world. And it was great. But your needing to stay so naturally the train might be a “day off” option.
When you come home, a suggestion: The Cassiar Hiway, RT 37 from Northern Beaver Post, YT off the Alcan down to Prince George, BC is a two lane road but also not a problem. From there you can take the “Ice Fields Hiway” down and it is one of the most fabulous drives you can take. Two lane road, mountains, but really – really worth it. No hairpin turns or anything like that, just some up and down and some pretty good grades – well pretty steep actually both up and down, but we had zero issues with the our rig. No overheats or power issues at all.
Take your time and, IMO don’t take guns of any kind into Canada. Plan and again IMO if you’re doing the Alcan or similar roads make sure you know where the fuel stops are located if you don’t have an aux tank for the pickup. We had 84 gallons and that was about right to never get below half-a-tank which is the recommended rule on the Alcan and other more northern roads.
(FWIW, I would drive and put some of the that $3,000 ferry money in the fuel tank. I think it will give you more return at least in my opinion.)
Ask more if you want more details and I hope this helps a bit.
Bill
We live in Vancouver, British Columbia and for the first time in June, travelled to our to the interior. We went up as far as Williams Lake, just wanted to let you know that there are some really beautiful free rec sites - right beside a lake!. Check out the website Recreations Sites and Trails BC. If they show for trailers/ tents you will be fine but check out the distance to get into them! 20KM doesn't seem that far but remember these are dirt roads. Try and do the scenic routes. They are well worth the extra time.
Hope you have a wonderful time up here.
I am still interested in the roads to skagway and if they will beat us to death. We rented a RV and spent a couple weeks going all over. The roads from Fairbanks to Whitehorse beat us up pretty bad. What was your experience with the roads in Canada and Alaska? Thanks for the input. Gary
We traveled from Whitehorse to Skagway last July on the way home from Alaska. Roads were fine at that point, not like you see as the head south out of Tok AK or north out of Whitehorse. The grade is steep going down into Skagway but very easy as long as you know it is not a race. We were pulling a 35 ft Cougar with a F250 Diesel and did not find it a problem either way. Just take it easy and let the engine do the breaking on the way down. Other than the washout last spring north of Watson Lake, the roads that far north were great. I attached a link to the blog for the trip in and a couple of days latter is the trip out.
http://lksegel10.blogspot.com/2012/07/july-1-2012-garden-city-rv-park-skagway.html
Edit by moderator: Activate link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 17th of September 2012 06:22:02 PM
Checked out your blog and expect to return to read all of it. We drove our RV from Whitehorse to Skagway and passed that Emerald lake which is the name of it and it was a great drive across to Skagway. We dropped off our rental and picked up a boat to cruise the inside passage. I was curious when you said f250. Did it handle the 5er okay? Most people are telling me at least an f350 diesel. What are your thoughts on that? The trip we took was great but the itinerary was set and did not have the time to spend when and where we wanted. I would not do that again. We missed too much. Thanks for your suggestions. Gary
Thats good information and I know what you mean about the frost heave along the way. Since we had to be at certain points for camping and such it was a little stressful at times. We have not purchased a 5er yet and are still researching brands(used of course). Everyone says have more truck than you need which you have pointed out is good idea. Yes we had the milepost and when we go we will probably do some boondocking along the way I'm sure. Since we will also be living in our 5er the idea of driving on the frost heave gives me the willies and we may have to consider using something else for that trip. We plan on selling the two houses we have next spring and hopefully be on the road by fall if the moons align just right for us. But we'll go south first. She wants a 35 or bigger 5er. We have seen some mobile suites and montana's at reasonable prices but still doing our research. From what you have told me trip planning is more important than I gave thought to. Thanks Alan
Gary
F250 handles the rig without any problem. Don't even know it is back there most of the time. Grades in the mountains have never been a problem to pull. If I was doing it again, I would buy the F350 only because it is about $350 more than the F250. I think the difference is the additional leaf spring in the back that allows it to carry more weight, other than that it is the same truck (unless you go with the dulley rear end).
Rod,
I've heard others say that they would not pull their fifth wheels up to Alaska and yet others have said they would and did. If you can, find some who have recently been up there with theirs. Some on the forums even have blogs that you can read to see what issues they may have encountered.
I say "recently" because their reports on roads would be more up to date than one who had traveled up 2 years ago.
On the other hand, some have said that if they really want to travel the Al-Can highway, they will rent or buy a slide-in camper for their truck for that trip. Since our Mobile Suites is our home for some time to come, I wouldn't want to risk it getting damaged up that way where one might have difficulty finding service centers. So, if Jo and I go back to Alaska (we cruised up in 2005), we will either fly up and rent an RV there or go the slide-in camper route.
Good luck with your research and planning. Alaska is a beautiful place and well worth going to see that beauty. Both images below were taken while on the White Pass and Yukon summit rail trip. That excursion is out of Skagway.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 22nd of September 2012 09:57:18 AM
We are planning our first trip to Alaska this summer. Since we have not purchased our 5er yet, I was wondering if we should buy a new one for this trip or a used one. After reading some of the comments here I'm wondering if a used one might be a wiser way to go considering the road conditions. I would appreciate your thoughts.
FWIW, I agree with Bill J. There is no problem taking a big fiver to Alaska. The whole place is full of big, heavy fivers and motorhomes. The only thing about driving the Alcan is slowing down in some places for the frost heaves which are very clearly market with flags. If you don’t try to drive 100 kilometers per hour (60 MPH), which is what a lot of the road speed limits are, you will do very fine. Don’t try to drive 300 miles in one day. That is the technique that works.
The dirt is the dirt and it washes off. We’ve had just as much dirt coming through Yellowstone and down toward Arches this year as we had in Canada. We've been through much worse than the Alcan.
The issue, in our opinion, with flying is that you miss so much of the incredible opportunities in Canada and much of Alaska. But that is a personal thing. Not right or wrong as such.
The truck camper is a good option IF you don’t mind living in a very small space for like 2 months AFTER you get half-way up Canada to Dawson Creek which is where the Alcan starts. It's a long way from the US. I’m not saying you can’t do it in a truck camper, many do and love it. But just remember your basically living in the bedroom and bath of your fiver, or smaller, for like 60-90 days “depending.” Linda and I love to be together, but that’s a might close all the time. {Grin, as Howard would say.}
For those that want to make the trip you will be fine if the trailer and your truck (or motorhome) is properly equipped and you feel reasonably comfortable with your driving skills. There is a slight discussion about “toads” but I’ll leave that to others who have taken them. Some take them; some don’t and leave them in places like Prince George, BC for a pickup when they return. But for the most part people who go alone (not in a group) take them.
To be honest, the mountain roads from the east to Yellowstone and then down south toward Arches had more “challenging” grades (like 8% plus for 9 miles according to the signs) than Alaska. Not one problem for us though with our rig. (Never had to stop and cool the brakes because I used them so little. Again, the rig needs to be capable.)
I’m not trying to argue as such either point of view but just want to give the perspective that “it depends” on you and your rig and desires. So make your own, well informed, decisions and enjoy either way!
Bill