The Alaska Canada Highway, called the Alcan, stretches
from Dawson Creek Canada to Delta Junction Alaska, nearly 1,400 scenic
miles. Though this highway is well maintained and completely paved in
Asphalt, travelers will be surrounded by genuine wilderness.
There are a number of places to stop along the way, like Lake Muncho,
the Liard Hotsprings and Summit Lake, which at 4,250-ft. is the highest
point on the highway. There are also stops for gas, food and lodging
very 50 miles or so, though there is a 100-mile stretch in northern
British Columbia with nowhere to stop.
Travelers on the Alcan Hwy will need to take a few precautions on the
road. Wildlife surrounds the highway, so drivers must be alert for large
animals like Moose or Bears, some of which can near or greatly exceed
1,000 pounds. It is advisable to keep one’s headlights on at all
times, and to drive within the recommended speed limit. Spare-tires,
water and a full emergency-kits are also advisable.
Travelers on the Alcan Hwy from the United States
should bear in mind that Canada uses the metric system, so kilometers
will replace miles.
Over 10,600 soldiers (4,000 of which were African-Americans)
built the Alaska-Canada Highway during WW II in only 8 months.
