If you’re travelling through northern British Columbia and you’re up for an adventure, don’t miss the incredible drive to Alaska, via the iconic Alaska Highway.
Constructed during World War II, this famous highway stretches from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, Alaska and runs through some of the most scenic parts of North America.
To help you plan the ultimate road trip on the Alaska Highway, here are five things that you should do on your drive to Alaska.
Muncho Lake. One of the most scenic spots in all of British Columbia is Muncho Lake. This pristine jade-colored lake starts at kilometer 700 of the Alaska Highway and it’s the perfect place to find some serenity, seclusion and calm while being surrounded by mountains, wildflowers, wildlife and of course, the beautiful lake. Muncho Lake Provincial Park stretches for 12 kilometers and it has campgrounds and rest areas along the lake that offer spectacular views. There is also the beautiful Northern Rockies Lodge at the north end of Muncho Lake that has hotel rooms, cabins, sight-seeing tours and more. Itâs definitely worth a visit.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. Fancy a little hot bath to soothe those aching back muscles from all your driving? Don’t miss Liard River Hot Springs, which is the second largest in all of Canada and one of the most visited attractions on the Alaska Highway.
The water in the hot springs pools range from 42 to 52 degrees Celsius and you will be surrounded by greenery as you take a dip. You can even camp overnight in this park but make sure to make a reservation during the summer months when it is most busy. The winter is also a popular time to visit the hot springs when the temperature difference from the air to the water can be more that 80 degrees Celsius.
Watson Lake Signpost Forest. Located at kilometre 980, Watson Lake is a favorite stop among travelers. And if you want to be part of the tradition that makes this community famous, you have to bring a sign from your hometown to add to the famous Signpost Forest, a literal forest made of more than 77,000 signs from every corner of the world.
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center. With less than 150 residents, Teslin is one of the smallest villages in the Tlingit Nation, but it’s also one of the biggest First Nation settlements in Yukon. Visitors to the Yukon should take the time to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Tlingit people by making a stop at the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center. Here you will see the Great Hall, the building that houses the Clan Governance for the Tlingit people as well as masks and artifacts from the rich history of the Tlingit nation that has spanned centuries.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Finally, you can’t miss visiting the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Yukon. This massive 700-acre wildlife preserve, 25 km outside Whitehorse, has 11 different species of animals including the mountain goat, arctic fox, elk, caribou, moose, bison, lynx and arctic ground squirrel. Here, you can view them in their natural habitat on a group tour or a self-guided walking tour. There is no better way to guarantee sightings of the these amazing animals.
