robanddi
Burton TX USA
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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This is our fifth driving trip to Alaska and each year there were more and more crowds until this year. Or at least that is my perception. We have had no problems getting into campgrounds with no reservations or calling only a day or two ahead. Same has been true when making reservations on whale tours, into Denali, riverboat in Fairbanks.
I have heard border crossings are way down but more Europeans are coming. Also heard numbers of people flying either thru Whitehorse or directly into Anchorage is way up. Don’t know what the facts are.
What has been your experience this summer? For those who have been here before do you see a difference?
Diann
P.S. We are also seeing fewer animals especially on the Kenai.
Robert & Diann
2001 34' Foretravel U270
2004 Avalanche
Burton TX
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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I don't know about Alaska. I know that Disneyland (one block from me!) is breaking records, both with American Tourists and Foreign Tourists! It's crazy around here, the local resort District is very busy. 50 million visitors spending 8 billion (yes, billion) dollars this year! Great for out economy. might just take a camping trip up there to the "great white north" just to get some peace! 
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explorenorth
Whitehorse, Yukon
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Joined: 02/21/2004
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Just back from a 12-day tour, Whitehorse-Dawson-Tok-Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage-Seward, and my impression was that things are a fair bit slower on average (though RV traffic on the Top of the World was heavy). I saw a report a few days ago that lodging in Healy is down 30%, and that's independent travelers. Although cruise ship traffic is stable, several operators have told me that people aren't spending much on excursions.
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SideHillSoup
South Eastern British Columbia
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Joined: 01/05/2006
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Wife talked with her buddy in Stewart last week and she said things are a lot slower there as well. We drove to Revelstoke and back yesterday and while waiting for the ferry and on the boats I looked around and ½ the vehicles were from BC most of the remaining were Alberta with only a scattering of Wash State. Oh and one guy from Sask, and his wife didn’t like the Mountains…. I said to my wife wait till she gets to Cape Horn….
Soup
2006, Komfort 261FS
2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission
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sue.t
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/05/2004
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Our impression was that it was quieter this year than past years.
The campgrounds seemed quieter both in B.C. and Yukon. Same with the roads.
Dawson City was very quiet when we were there in late June. Not many people on the street and it was easy to get pictures of the sights without having people in the pictures.
I chatted with the border crossing agent at Beaver Creek YT in late June (while we took refuge from a passing rain cloud while out on our bicycles) and she indicated traffic counts were down.
Also noted that there seemed to be fewer transport trucks too.
Saw lots of wildlife though. Driving south from Beaver Creek saw 8 moose one rainy morning. Saw 9 bears on one day on the Cassiar and driving into Stewart. Saw a red fox and several porcupine along the road too. And a badger. Never saw a red rox or a badger on the road before. And we enjoyed fresh fish during many of our stops ... DH usually isn't that lucky fishing but had a good year this year.
sue t.
Pictures from our many RV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska
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BelleisleNB
Kiersteadville New Brunswick, Canada
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Joined: 07/03/2006
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I know you have a fondness for NL and we just returned from a 2 week trip
to the Northern Peninsula and as far east as South Brook. There were lots
of RV's on the road, but most had NL plates. It seems the campgrounds are
busy with local traffic, enjoying their own province.
As usual, it is a breathtaking place and by far, my favorite place to take
an RV.
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alaskasafari
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Joined: 08/09/2007
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It's been quite a bit slower than previous years. DW and I were just commenting that the rigs we're seeing are big DP and big 5th wheels. We were in Denali last weekend and it was pretty full but not packed. We also didn't see as many in Anchorage either.
Toyota Tundra CM 5.7V8
25' Airstream Safari
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Little Kopit
TheMaritimes.ca
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Joined: 12/23/2003
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I'm seeing all sizes out this way.
But everyone says the numbers are down.
& I, I took the road less travelled by.
RVing in Canada
My Photo Album, featuring Labrador 2006
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jlawless
north america
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Joined: 07/23/2007
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The rain and cool temperatures have hurt this year in Alaska as well. I think summer was July 4th and 5th this year. Termination dust hit Anchorage and Wasilla last week.
If we get much more rain next month it will be flood time again this year like 2006 when the Parks Highway had to be shut down.
"Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform."
Mark Twain
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Little Kopit
TheMaritimes.ca
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Joined: 12/23/2003
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I've been hearing some positive figures this week for the early part of the season. They came via CBC.
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