An Alaska road trip offers unparalleled adventure, from pristine glaciers to wild bears fishing for salmon. But the sheer magnitude of planning such a journey can be daunting.
Where do you even begin? How can you possibly see it all without breaking the bank?
Take a deep breath and relax – we've got you covered.
As seasoned road trippers who've conquered the Last Frontier, we've crafted the ultimate 40-day Alaska road trip itinerary that takes you from Seattle to the heart of Alaska and back, with alternative suggestions for shorter or longer trips.
This isn't just another generic guide; it's a real, tried-and-tested journey packed with insider tips, budget-friendly strategies, and off-the-beaten-path gems that most tourists miss.
Highlights include the stunning views along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway and the expansive Alaska Highways, both offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s famous natural beauty.
By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear roadmap to an Alaskan adventure that won't break the bank. Now, let’s get into the itinerary and start planning your upcoming journey!
Why Plan a Road Trip to Alaska?
Imagine waking up to a different breathtaking view every day - that's the magic of an Alaska road trip. Here's why it's an adventure you won't forget:
- Nature's grandeur: Witness vast wildernesses, towering mountains, and pristine lakes at your own pace.
- Wildlife wonders: Spot bears fishing for salmon, moose grazing in meadows, or whales breaching offshore - all from a safe distance.
- Freedom to explore: Unlike structured tours, you decide where to go and how long to stay. Found a perfect spot? Linger as long as you like!
- Budget-friendly: Control your costs by choosing your accommodations and activities. Camp under the stars or splurge on a cozy lodge - it's up to you.
- Local flavors: Chat with friendly locals in small towns, savoring authentic Alaskan culture and cuisine along the way.
Ready to hit the road? Let's get into the details.
Unique Considerations for the Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
Before diving into our day-by-day adventure, let's set the stage for what shaped this itinerary. Our cross-country travel experience in the US has honed our comfort with long drives, but we understand that's not everyone's cup of tea.
We've balanced covering ground with savoring experiences, allowing you to adjust as needed.
This journey marks our first Alaskan expedition, but it's far from our last. We're treating it as a taste test for future RV adventures in early retirement.
Our route is designed to hit key destinations on our Alaska Bucket List while leaving some gems for future exploration.
Budget was a key factor in our planning. Alaska's breathtaking excursions can quickly drain a family's wallet, so we've carefully selected activities and destinations that offer maximum impact without breaking the bank.
We've also prioritized immersing ourselves in local life. That's why we recommend slowing down in cities like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Whitehorse.
Opting for Airbnb rentals over hotels allowed us to experience these places more intimately, embracing the philosophy of slow travel.
With these considerations in mind, we're thrilled to share our comprehensive Alaska Road Trip itinerary. It's a reflection of our travel philosophy, blending adventure, budget-consciousness, and cultural immersion.
Our Alaska Road Trip Itinerary: A 40-Day Adventure
Your journey begins and ends at the US-Canada border. Starting in Seattle, you will travel through Western Canada, explore the interior of Alaska, and return via Canada’s scenic routes.
Western Canada (Days 1-9)
British Columbia
Day 1: Seattle to Hope, BC
- Border Crossing: Begin your journey by crossing the US-Canada border over the Peace Arch, heading towards Hope, BC.
- Falls Lake Trail Hike: Enjoy a refreshing hike along the Falls Lake trail, which offers views of Nak Peak to the south and Zoa Peak to the north.
- Overnight Stay in Hope, BC: Drive 163 miles to Hope, the Chainsaw Carving Capital of the world, for your first night.
Day 2: Hope, BC
- Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park: Explore the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, offering stunning views and an easy hike. Fun Fact: The tunnels were a filming location for "First Blood," the first Rambo movie.
- Overnight Stay in Hope, BC: Spend another night in Hope to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey. The town has excellent local dining options, like the Home Restaurant, famous for its tall, flaky-crusted pies.
Day 3: Hope to Williams Lake
- Hell's Gate: Visit Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon for a thrilling tram ride over the raging river below and explore historic sites like the Alexandra Bridge.
- Flat Lake Provincial Park: Take a serene break at Flat Lake Provincial Park, known for its interconnected lakes. It is an excellent site for canoe trips.
- 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site: Discover the rich history of the Cariboo Gold Rush at this site, where you can explore historic buildings and a museum.
- Scout Island Nature Centre: End the day with nature exploration at Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake, a bird-watcher’s paradise.
- Overnight Stay in Williams Lake: Drive 247 miles to Williams Lake, where you can enjoy quaint shops, galleries, and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Day 4: Williams Lake to Smithers
- Barkerville Historic Town: Step back in time in this well-preserved gold rush town. Participate in gold panning and historic reenactments.
- Twin Falls Trail Hike: Enjoy the natural beauty on the Twin Falls trail near Smithers, where two waterfalls cascade side by side.
- Moricetown Canyon Viewpoint: Capture stunning views at the Moricetown Canyon viewpoint, known for its powerful waterfalls and fish ladders.
- Overnight Stay in Smithers: Travel 376 miles to Smithers, known for its charming alpine-style downtown.
Day 5: Smithers to Stewart/Hyder
- Hagwilget Canyon Bridge: Stop by the Hagwilget Canyon Bridge for breathtaking scenery and views of the Bulkley River far below.
- ‘Ksan Historical Village: Explore the cultural heritage in this reconstructed Gitxsan village with traditional longhouses and totem poles.
- Bear Glacier: Witness the majestic Bear Glacier, easily accessible from the road and a great spot for photos.
- Overnight Stay in Stewart: Drive 203 miles to Stewart for the night. Stewart is one of the northernmost ice-free ports in North America.
Yukon Territory
Day 6: Hyder, AK
- Fish Creek Bear Viewing: Experience bear viewing here, an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Raised viewing platforms provide some privacy for the bears and make it safer for visitors to watch.
- Salmon Glacier: The largest road-accessible glacier in the world, offering panoramic views from the summit.
- Overnight Stay in Stewart: Return to Stewart for another night. People from around the world travel here to see Grizzlies and black bears up close.
Day 7: Stewart to Watson Lake
- Dease Lake: This lake is known for its clear waters, beautiful surrounding wilderness, massive Lake Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
- Jade City: Visit Jade City, a small settlement that offers a chance to learn about jade mining and see jade products.
- Overnight Stay in Watson Lake: Drive 403 miles to Watson Lake for your overnight stay. Wood bison, the largest land mammal in North America, can be seen grazing along the Alaska Highway south of Watson Lake.
Day 8: Watson Lake to Whitehorse
- The Sign Post Forest: Explore this unique forest that began in 1942 and now has over 80,000 signs.
- Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre: Learn about the local indigenous culture here with a focus on traditional art and history. Visitors can see exhibits, talk to cultural demonstrators, and taste homemade bannock.
- Overnight Stay in Whitehorse: Travel 272 miles to Whitehorse for your overnight stay. The Whitehorse area has over 700 kilometers of marked trail, including 85 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Day 9: Whitehorse to Beaver Creek
- Kluane Lake National Park: The park is home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, and is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Overnight Stay in Beaver Creek, YK: Drive 277 miles to Beaver Creek for the night. The area has archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back 10,000 years.
Alaska Interior (Days 10-18)
Days 10-15: Fairbanks and Surroundings
Day 10: Beaver Creek to Fairbanks
- Delta Junction - Big Delta State Historical Park: Explore this park where you can learn about Alaska's early pioneers and visit Rika's Roadhouse, a key stop for travelers in the early 1900s.
- North Pole: Visit the town of North Pole, where you can see the Santa Claus House and enjoy year-round Christmas decorations.
- Overnight Stay in Fairbanks: Drive 311 miles to Fairbanks. This is a great place to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis.
Days 11-15: Fairbanks
- University of Alaska Museum of the North: Discover Alaska's rich natural and cultural history through 2.5 million artifacts and specimens in this museum.
- Large Animal Research Station: See muskoxen, caribou, and reindeer up close and learn about ongoing wildlife research.
- Gold Dredge No. 8: Experience a guided tour of this historic gold mining dredge and try your hand at panning for gold.
- Georgeson Botanical Garden: Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens featuring a large collection of Alaska's native plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs, including 50-lb cabbages
- Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy bird-watching and wildlife viewing in this peaceful sanctuary with well-maintained trails.
- Chena Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs and visit the ice museum, which showcases intricate ice sculptures year-round.
- Pioneer Park: Explore this historic theme park with museums, vintage buildings, a carousel, a train that runs the perimeter of the park, an array of local shops, and rustic cabin restaurants.
- Overnight Stay in Fairbanks: Stay in Fairbanks for five nights, taking the time to explore its many attractions.
Note: If you are looking to change the length of your road trip, this stop gives you the flexibility to add or take away days.
Day 16: Fairbanks to Denali National Park
- Denali National Park: Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak. Unique to this park is also a sled dog kennel.
- Overnight Stay in Denali National Park: Drive 120 miles to Denali National Park for your overnight stay. Ir features braided glacial rivers, tundra, spruce forests, and frosted mountains year-round.
Day 17: Denali National Park
- Denali National Park Bus Tour: Take a guided bus tour into the heart of the park for the best chances to see wildlife and stunning vistas.
- Overnight Stay in Denali National Park: Enjoy another night in the park to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. You can also go to a family-style meal dinner theater in the park.
Day 18: Denali National Park to Anchorage
- Denali National Park Morning Hike: Start your day with a morning hike in Denali National Park, taking in the serene beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
- Talkeetna: Stop in the charming town of Talkeetna, known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Denali.
- Overnight Stay in Anchorage: Drive 249 miles to Anchorage for an overnight stay. Anchorage is best known for trails, wildlife, and glaciers, and it is the state's cultural soul.
Southcentral Alaska (Days 19-25)
Day 19: Anchorage to Seward
- Kenai Fjords NP (including Exit Glacier ranger-guided hike): Explore the impressive Exit Glacier with a ranger-guided hike, where you can get up close to the ice and learn about the glacier's history.
- Overnight Stay in Seward: Drive 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward, known for its stunning fjords and delicious seafood.
Days 20-21: Seward
- Kenai Fjords National Park Icefields ranger-guided hike: Take a guided hike on the icefields, where you might spot wildlife like mountain goats and black bears.
- Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour/cruise: Enjoy a boat tour through the fjords, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, calving into the ocean, and the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, and puffins.
- Alaska SeaLife Center: Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to see marine animals like sea lions, seals, and octopuses up close. The center also conducts important marine research and rehabilitation.
- Overnight Stay in Seward: Stay in Seward for an additional two nights, enjoying the scenic views and outdoor adventures.
Note: This is another stop that can be modified to cater to your preferred length of trip.
Day 22: Seward to Anchorage (including Whittier)
- Portage Glacier (including local hike): Hike to the Portage Glacier, a stunning sight where you can see the glacier's blue ice up close and possibly catch sight of icebergs floating in the lake.
- Whittier (via tunnel): Travel to Whittier through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America.
- Overnight Stay in Anchorage: Drive 127 miles back to Anchorage for the night.
Days 23-25: Anchorage and Surrounding Areas
- Girdwood - Alaska Wildlife Conservation: Here, you can see rescued animals like bears, moose, and bison in a natural setting.
- Girdwood - Alyeska Aerial Tram: Ride the Tram for panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. In summer, you can hike at the top; in winter, enjoy skiing.
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Bike or walk along this scenic path that offers stunning views of the coastline, wildlife, and even Denali on clear days.
- Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center: This museum features exhibits on Alaska's history, art, and indigenous cultures.
- Kincaid Park: Enjoy outdoor activities at this park, which offers trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
- Willawaw Trail: Hike the Willawaw Trail for beautiful views of waterfalls and lush forests. This can be done as a day hike, or you can plan to camp along the way.
- Overnight Stay in Anchorage: Stay in Anchorage for three nights, giving you ample time to explore the city and its surroundings.
Return Journey Through Canada (Days 26-40)
Day 26: Anchorage to Beaver Creek
- Overnight Stay in Beaver Creek: Drive 427 miles from Anchorage to Beaver Creek for your overnight stay. Lodging, gifts, and dining are available year-round.
Day 27: Beaver Creek to Haines
- Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: Visit the preserve to see one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world.
- Overnight Stay in Haines: Drive 329 miles to Haines for your overnight stay. Enjoy a photography tour featuring bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
Day 28: Haines
- Kroschel Wildlife Park: Get up close with 15 species of Alaskan wildlife, including moose, wolves, bears, and wolverines, in a 60-acre natural setting.
- Chilkoot Lake State Recreational Site: Enjoy serene beauty and top-notch salmon fishing, attracting bears to the area.
- Overnight Stay in Haines: Spend another night in Haines, known for its sunny weather, hiking trails, and vibrant arts community. Enjoy local museums, restaurants, and outdoor adventures like kayaking and whale watching.
Day 29: Haines to Whitehorse
- Ferry Ride to Skagway: Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Skagway with stunning views of the Alaskan coastline and chances to spot whales, sea lions, and eagles.
- Klondike Historic National Park: Explore the well-preserved history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska's most popular park.
- Overnight Stay in Whitehorse: Drive 109 miles to Whitehorse for your overnight stay. Known for its role in the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, Whitehorse is now the capital and largest city of the Yukon Territory.
Days 30-33: Whitehorse
- Miles Canyon & Other Hiking Trails: Hike the picturesque Miles Canyon and explore local trails. Start in Whitehorse and walk the Millennium Trail to the fish ladder, following the Yukon River to the Canyon.
- The SS Klondike: Tour the historic SS Klondike, one of Canada’s few remaining steam-powered paddlewheelers, and learn about its role in Yukon River history.
- The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Center: Discover the prehistoric era of Beringia through exhibits on ice ages, extinct animals, and First Nations legends.
- The MacBride Museum of Yukon History: Explore Yukon's history and culture in this museum, featuring gold panning, special programs, and events year-round.
- Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre: Learn about First Nations culture through exhibits, art, and interactive experiences.
- Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Visit the preserve to see over 12 iconic Yukon species in their natural habitats across 350 acres.
- Overnight Stay in Whitehorse: Stay in Whitehorse for four nights, enjoying its rich history and outdoor activities.
Note: You can modify the length of your stay in Whitehorse to create your perfect road trip duration.
Northern British Columbia (Days 34-35)
Day 34: Whitehorse to Watson Lake
- Overnight Stay in Watson Lake: Drive 272 miles from Whitehorse to Watson Lake for your overnight stay. Watson Lake features the Northern Lights Centre, where you can learn more about aurora borealis.
Day 35: Watson Lake to Fort Nelson
- Liard Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, known for its warm, mineral-rich waters and lush surroundings.
- Muncho Lake: Enjoy the stunning turquoise waters of Muncho Lake, colored by copper oxide from the bedrock, a perfect scenic stop for photos.
- Overnight Stay in Fort Nelson: Drive 319 miles to Fort Nelson for your overnight stay. Located on the edge of the Muskwa-Kechika region, also known as the “Serengeti of the North.”
Alberta (Days 36-39)
Day 36: Fort Nelson to Dawson Creek
- Kiskatinaw Bridge: Visit the historic wooden curved bridge, a marvel of engineering from the Alaska Highway's construction era.
- Dawson Creek Art Gallery: Explore local and regional art exhibits housed in a historic grain elevator.
- Walter Wright Pioneer Village: Visit a replica pioneer village with a church, school, general store, and gardens.
- Overnight Stay in Dawson Creek: Drive 282 miles to Dawson Creek for your overnight stay. Enjoy a variety of dining options, from quiet cafes to authentic Italian and Japanese cuisines.
Day 37: Dawson Creek to Edmonton
- West Edmonton Mall: One of the largest malls in North America, featuring an indoor amusement park, waterpark, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Overnight Stay in Edmonton: Drive 363 miles to Edmonton for your overnight stay.
Day 38: Edmonton
- Fort Edmonton Park: Visit this living history museum, where the 1919 Baldwin Steam Engine offers rides from the park's train station to the 1846 Fort and the new Indigenous Peoples Experience.
- High-Level Bridge and Streetcar: Enjoy a scenic ride on the historic streetcar across the High-Level Bridge, offering great views of the city.
- Overnight Stay in Edmonton: Spend another night in Edmonton, where every season is festival season, from Shakespeare in the Park to winter festivals with ice and fire sculptures.
Day 39: Edmonton to Lethbridge
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology: Discover one of the world's premier dinosaur museums, featuring extensive exhibits on prehistoric life.
- Overnight Stay in Lethbridge: Drive 344 miles to Lethbridge for your overnight stay. Known as one of the sunniest cities in Canada, Lethbridge is a gateway to the Canadian Badlands and Rocky Mountains.
Final Leg to Missoula, Montana (Day 40)
Day 40: Lethbridge to Missoula
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Drive from east to west on this spectacular 50-mile route through Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide and showcasing glacial lakes and jagged cliffs.
- Overnight Stay in Missoula: Drive 302 miles to Missoula for your overnight stay. Missoula sits in a valley carved by the ancient Glacial Lake Missoula, formed and drained around 15,000 years ago.
And there you have our Alaska Road Trip Itinerary.
For those with limited time, consider a shorter trip focusing on key highlights.
Tailor your itinerary based on seasonal activities and weather conditions. In winter, embrace the cold with activities like dog sledding, northern lights viewing, and skiing.
The summer months offer long days for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring national parks. Fall foliage tours in late September provide a beautiful backdrop of vibrant colors, while spring brings blooming wildflowers and emerging wildlife.
Tips for Driving Across the Border
Be sure that your passport and any required visas are up to date. Be prepared to declare any items you are bringing across the border.
Have your vehicle registration and proof of insurance ready. It is important to know the rules regarding bringing food, beverages, and other goods across the border.
You'll need a valid passport, enhanced driver's license (EDL), or enhanced identification card (EIC) to cross the border by land or water.
If you're under 16 and traveling with a parent who has the proper documents, you can present an original birth certificate.
You may also need a Trusted Traveler Program card, such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI. Before you arrive, you can complete a Customs Declaration Card, even if you're not a Canadian citizen.
A border patrol agent may ask questions about your travel plans and what you're bringing into the country.
Canada also has special requirements for animals entering the country, even if you're passing through. Read more on official websites before you go.
Driving the Scenic Highways
Plan stops at scenic viewpoints along highways like the Alaska Highway, Cassiar Highway, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The Alaska Highway offers numerous pullouts and viewpoints designed to safely accommodate tourists eager to capture the breathtaking scenery. Use designated parking areas at scenic spots to ensure safety and avoid fines.
Allow extra time for spontaneous stops to enjoy the views and take photos. These highways are known for their stunning vistas and frequent wildlife sightings, so take advantage of the many opportunities to experience the natural beauty.
For those inspired to undertake their road trip, explore our 37 tips for an awesome road trip and in-depth guides on Driving to Alaska.
Share Your Adventures and Explore More Tips
We welcome your thoughts and experiences. Please share if there's a hidden gem we've missed or if you have advice based on your travels or residency in these areas.
Whether you're planning your budget or deciding which national parks to visit, we provide all the information you need to begin your unforgettable adventure.
Are you looking to stretch your dollars further? Read our guide on "How to Reduce the Cost of Your Alaska Trip." It's packed with tips to save money without skimping on the adventure.
And lastly, don't miss our insights on "Which Alaska National Parks You Should Visit." Find out which parks are a must-see and plan your visit accordingly.
I’m in the process of planning our trip as well. It’s nice to see someone as organized as me. 🙂
I always say, this is all about the planning – not the plan. We’re in Alaska now and we keep making lots of changes in our plan as we’re traveling. The weather is quite a challenge! This has been our first sunny day in 10 days!
Hope you are enjoying the trip up the Alcan. I was born and raised in Alaska and my family drove the Alcan in 2016 and 2017. We are in the Palmer area. Hope you love it. It is an awesome place. Let me know if you guys need a local tour guide!
Thank you so much, Catrina! We should be in Palmer in a couple of weeks. It would be awesome to meet up if we can arrange that. I’ll send you an email in a minute.
Hi Catrina,
Hope you don’t mind me jumping in way after your post.
Living in NH, our trips out West are far and few between! We were on the road 117 days, drove 14,000 miles and we are ready to do it all over again.
We were on a Fantasy “62 Day Your Way” RV tour in 2017, 35 days of it being in AK, and not nearly enough time at any location! Loved it and think about a return daily. Loved Palmer and Hatcher Pass, so will be returning there!
This would have been the year we returned, but we want to take in Canadian Parks along the way and we are giving the experts enough time to develop a valid/tested vaccine, so will not be going until 2022.
I wouldn’t mind connecting with you periodically if you are offering to anyone on this thread…my email is 54able at gmail dot com.
Best regards
Great Stuff! We just spent 4 weeks exploring Alaska and it was Amazing! So many adventures to list a few off the top of my head that we loved… Our new favorite city is Juneau Alaska. We did it all from Hiking, Glacier Ice Climbing, Ice Caving, Gold Panning, Heli-hiking, to Cruising. One huge one was wild bear viewing and camping in Lake Clark NP. It is a worlds top 100 travel adventure and an experience of a lifetime.
Sounds intense! I don’t think we’ll be able to budget in so much, maybe just a cruise and one more excursion.
Hi!
We are traveling to Alaska this summer with our 15 yo (b/g) twins (our 20 year old is in college and will not be joining us). We are flying into Anchorage and renting a Sprinter 4×4 for 3 weeks. Traveling from Anchorage to Denali State Park, Denali National Park, Denali Hwy, Paxson, Golkana, Wrangell/St. Elias NP (Kennecott and McCarthy), back over to Seward (looked at going through Valdez and taking the ferry to Whittier but it is really expensive) and Kenai Fjords area. You might want to take a look at how long you are staying in Fairbanks…from everything I have been reading you don’t need a lot of time there. We are skipping Fairbanks since we have a 4×4 and can drive across the Denali Hwy. Your trip sounds awesome – we might cross paths with you! We are from San Diego, CA and take 3 week vacations every summer! Check out the blog: http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ and go to their RV/Alaska section – you will get lots of great information about Alaska! Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Lisa! What an awesome blog you have! I only had time for a quick peek and I’ll be sure to come back and read more! We’ll keep an eye out for your RV when we’re in Alaska. Would be awesome to meet you guys!