You can drive to Alaska year-round on the Alaska Highway, but winter travel requires serious preparation and the route takes 30 to 40 hours of driving from the continental US

The only road into Alaska is the Alaska Highway, a 1,387-mile route that starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. You cannot drive across the border at any other point — there are no roads through the Canadian interior. The highway is paved for its entire length, but conditions vary dramatically by season. Summer travel (May through September) is straightforward; winter driving demands cold-weather tires, extra fuel, and contingency plans for closures.

Most drivers reach Dawson Creek by heading north through Washington, Idaho, or Montana. From Seattle, the drive to Dawson Creek takes roughly 18 to 22 hours. From Denver, it's 24 to 28 hours. Once you're on the Alaska Highway itself, you're looking at another 30 to 40 hours of driving to reach Anchorage or Fairbanks, depending on which direction you head once you cross into Alaska.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alaska Highway is the only road into Alaska, running 1,387 miles from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, Alaska, and is paved but remote for long stretches.
  • Summer driving (May through September) is the safest and most reliable season; winter travel requires winter tires, extra fuel, and knowledge of closure patterns.
  • You will need a valid passport or passport card to cross into Canada, and your vehicle must meet Canadian equipment standards including working headlights and wipers.
  • Gas stations are sparse — some stretches have 100+ miles between fuel stops, so carrying extra fuel and checking station locations before you leave is essential.
  • Budget for 2 to 3 nights of lodging between the continental US and Anchorage, plus food and fuel costs that are higher in remote areas.

What documents and vehicle requirements you need at the Canadian border

You will need a valid passport or passport card to enter Canada. A driver's license alone is not sufficient. If you're a US citizen, a passport card costs $35 and takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive by mail through the State Department; a passport book costs $165 and takes the same time. If you're not a US citizen, check the entry requirements for your country of citizenship with the Canadian government's official immigration site.

Your vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, wipers, and a horn. Headlights must be on during daylight hours in Canada — this is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Your tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth (the penny test: insert a penny into the tread; if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is too shallow). Proof of vehicle registration and proof of insurance are required; your US auto insurance is valid in Canada, but carry your policy documents to show at the border.

If your vehicle is financed or leased, bring the loan or lease agreement. If the vehicle is registered to someone other than the driver, bring a notarized letter of permission from the registered owner. Border agents ask these questions regularly, and having the documents ready speeds the crossing.

Summer driving: May through September

Summer is the only season when the Alaska Highway is reliably open and passable without specialized equipment. Daylight lasts nearly 24 hours in June and July, which means you can drive safely at almost any hour. Road conditions are generally good, though sections still have gravel patches and potholes. The biggest hazard is wildlife — moose, deer, and bears cross the highway unpredictably, especially at dawn and dusk. Hitting a moose at highway speed can kill you; drive defensively and slow down in low-light conditions.

Summer temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F during the day, but nights can drop to freezing even in July. Bring layers and a jacket. Mosquitoes are intense in June and July, particularly in wet areas; bring insect repellent. Gas stations are open and staffed, though hours vary. Many close by 8 or 9 p.m., so plan fuel stops accordingly.

Winter driving: October through April

Winter travel on the Alaska Highway is possible but hazardous. Temperatures drop to -20°F to -40°F. Snow and ice cover the road for months. You must have winter tires (not all-season tires) — this is a legal requirement in British Columbia from October 1 through March 31, and a practical necessity in Alaska year-round. Winter tires cost $150 to $300 per tire installed.

Carry extra fuel in approved containers. Some stretches of the highway have 150+ miles between gas stations, and stations may close during severe weather or run out of fuel. Bring a block heater for your engine (most hotels in the region have plug-in spots), jumper cables, a spare battery, blankets, a shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a first-aid kit. A satellite communicator or personal locator beacon is wise — cell service is nonexistent for long stretches.

The highway closes occasionally during severe storms, usually for a few hours to a day. Check the Alaska Department of Transportation website and the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation website before you leave and daily during your trip. If you're caught in a closure, you wait at the nearest town. This is not a route for winter travel unless you have cold-weather driving experience and your vehicle is in excellent condition.

Fuel, food, and lodging along the route

Gas stations are the critical constraint on this route. Between Dawson Creek and Delta Junction, there are roughly 15 to 20 fuel stops, but they're unevenly spaced. Some stretches have 80 to 120 miles between stations. Fuel prices are 20% to 40% higher than in the continental US. In summer 2024, gas in remote areas of the Alaska Highway cost $5 to $6 per gallon; prices fluctuate with crude oil and the Canadian dollar.

Before you leave, read a map showing every gas station on the Alaska Highway. The Milepost (a printed guide updated annually, or available online) lists every service location with hours and phone numbers. Call ahead in winter or shoulder seasons — stations sometimes close unexpectedly. Carry a full tank when you leave each station, even if it's not empty.

Food options are limited to small towns and roadside diners. Bring snacks, water, and a cooler with sandwiches and fruit. Restaurants in remote areas often close by 8 p.m. Lodging ranges from $80 to $150 per night for a basic motel room. Towns with lodging are spaced roughly 100 to 150 miles apart. Book ahead in summer — popular stops fill up. In winter, many lodges close entirely.

Border crossing procedures and what to expect

You will cross the US-Canada border at one of two points: the Peace River crossing near Dawson Creek, or the Blaine, Washington crossing if you take a southern route through BC. The Peace River crossing is more direct for Alaska Highway travel. Have your passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready before you reach the booth.

Border agents will ask where you're going, how long you're staying, what you're carrying, and whether you have any firearms or restricted items. Answer directly and honestly. Do not carry firearms into Canada without a permit — this is a serious criminal offense. Do not carry large quantities of cash without declaring it (over $10,000 USD requires a declaration).

The crossing typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. In summer, lines can be longer; arrive early in the morning if possible. Once you're in Canada, your US auto insurance is valid, but you're subject to Canadian traffic laws. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (100 km/h ≈ 62 mph). Seatbelts are mandatory. Distracted driving laws are strict.

Planning your stops and realistic timing

Most drivers break the Alaska Highway into 2 to 3 days of driving. A common itinerary is: Day 1, drive from the continental US to Dawson Creek (18 to 22 hours, overnight stop recommended); Day 2, drive from Dawson Creek to Fort St. John or Muncho Lake (8 to 10 hours); Day 3, drive from Muncho Lake to Watson Lake or Whitehorse (8 to 10 hours); Day 4, drive from Whitehorse to Delta Junction or Anchorage (10 to 14 hours).

This assumes you're not rushing. If you drive 8 to 10 hours per day, you'll arrive less exhausted and better able to handle unexpected delays. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents on this route. Stop every 2 hours to stretch, and switch drivers if possible. Do not drive through the night unless you're experienced with long-distance driving and well-rested beforehand.

Budget for gas, lodging, and food: roughly $200 to $300 in fuel (depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current prices), $150 to $300 in lodging (2 to 3 nights), and $100 to $150 in food. Total trip cost for fuel and lodging is typically $450 to $750 per person if you're sharing driving and lodging costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada?

No. A valid US driver's license is sufficient. However, you must have a passport or passport card to enter Canada. Some car rental companies require an International Driving Permit if you're renting a vehicle, so check with your rental company before you book.

What if my vehicle breaks down on the Alaska Highway?

Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent for long stretches. If you break down, stay with your vehicle — it's easier to spot than a person. Turn on your hazard lights. Other drivers will report you to the next town. In winter, this is life-threatening; carry extra blankets, food, and water. A satellite communicator (like a Garmin InReach) is a smart investment for winter travel.

Can I bring my pet across the Canadian border?

Yes, but you need proof of a rabies vaccination dated between 30 days and 3 years before entry. Bring the vaccination certificate from your veterinarian. Pets must be microchipped or have a collar with ID tags. Service animals are exempt from some requirements but still need documentation.

Is the Alaska Highway dangerous?

It's remote and unforgiving, not inherently dangerous. Summer travel is routine for thousands of drivers annually. Winter travel carries real risk — weather, isolation, and long distances between help make it a serious undertaking. Most accidents happen due to speeding, fatigue, or wildlife collisions. Drive defensively, take breaks, and respect the environment.

What's the best time of year to drive to Alaska?

June through August offers the most reliable conditions, longest daylight, and most open services. May and September are shoulder seasons with variable weather and some closures. October through April requires winter preparation and carries higher risk. If you have flexibility, aim for July.