My sisters are planning to move to Alaska in 2 years. They have started researching different travel methods. They are leaning towards driving. They have been making a list of questions to research. Because this place has a wealth of knowledge I figured I would ask a few questions to try and help them.

1.) what is the best route to go to Fairbanks from Texas?

2.) what is the rule for bringing their guns with them?

3.) do you need a passport to drive it?

4.) is there a cheaper way to go? Planning on 2 adults and 2 dogs in 2 vehicles.

this is a start. If any one can help with these questions I would appreciate it.

I've never done it so I have no idea of the route.

As for firearms, handguns are absolutely forbidden in Canada.  If they were to want to take handguns, they would probably need to go to a federally licensed firearms dealer and have the handguns shipped to another federally licensed firearms dealer in Alaska and pick them up there when they arrived.  They might get by in Canada with rifles or shotguns, but I really suggest that research that very closely.  Canada may require certain paperwork even for rifles and shotguns.

In this "modern" world after all the events since 9/11, passports would be required to enter into Alaska from Canada or to return to the lower 48 from Canada.  I would suspect that it would be a good idea to have them.  As far as I know, passports are not needed for driving in Canada or Alaska, just for crossing the borders.

Another means of getting there with vehicles would be to look into the ferries that would take one from, say, Vancouver, and drop one in Alaska.  I'm not sure about dogs on the ferries, though, so that would be something else to look into.

Terry

1.) what is the best route to go to Fairbanks from Texas?
There are many ways to get you to either Dawson Creek BC or Prince George BC, then there are only two routes, the Alaska Highway or the Cassiar.

2.) what is the rule for bringing their guns with them?
The Canadians have paperwork, but they can really be pains about it and it is best to leave the guns behind or have them shipped.

3.) do you need a passport to drive it?
A passport, a passcard or an enhanced driver's license that some states (Washington and New York I know about) have.   I would get a passport in case something happened and someone needed to take a plane.  You need a passport to take a plane.

4.) is there a cheaper way to go? Planning on 2 adults and 2 dogs in 2 vehicles.
You might look at the Alaska ferry system. If you start in Bellingham WA, you can bring the guns since you will not be stopping in Canada. The dogs need current rabies tags and certificates to go into Canada.

Get the Milepost book. It will answer many questions. If you are camping, also get Mike and Terri Church's Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping.

It is not a cheap trip. It is also not a fast trip. They call many of the roads "highways", but that is stretching things in some cases.