runmaster3

Farmington, Missouri, USA

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We are trying to decide whether to make Alaska our first trip upon retirement. We live in Missouri. Where would you suggest to cross into Canada and what route beyond there to get to Alaska. Also, what towns are a definite to see while there. Guessing we should plan on at least a 3 month trip?
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Turbo Diesel Dude

Green Mountain, NC

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Three months is a good guide line. Personally, it would take a good four months to see a lot. You can cross at Sweetwater going up and when coming back in August/September, come the Cassier and go thru Hyder to check out the bears etc. There is a heck of a lot to see up there. We've been twice and really need at least three more times to really explore. Going up, try the Top Of The World route. Unbelievable!!! Take your time and enjoy, you're not racing anyone. JMHO
charles weidman
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mexfishguide

arkansas

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Joined: 08/03/2005

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This year we will cross into Canada in sweetgrass, MT. and return into the US @ Vancover, BC. After our trip to Alaska. From MO. it is a good 3 hard days drive to northern MT. and then 4 or 5 days on to Alaska. So figure 10 days up, 10 days back, and 40 to 50 days in Alaska,so 60 or 70 days total trip.
Another first trip you may consider - Baja down to about Mulege.
Take Care
Mexfishguide
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elh0146

Sioux Falls, SD

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Joined: 01/13/2002

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I suggest not rushing through Canada. There is a lot to see there, too.
There are a couple of resources I recommend:
The Milepost
Mike & Terri Church's Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping
Great Alaskan Tour Saver
* This post was
edited 04/22/08 04:58pm by an administrator/moderator *
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johnna

Southwest, Utah

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Joined: 07/28/2003

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Fuel is more expensive in Canada, so stay in the US as long as you can. I would say to cross over in Western Montana. Roosville, Piegan/US-89/Canada, or Sweetgrass. Go through the Canadian Rockies via Banff, Jasper, Hinton, Grande Cache, Grande Prairie to get to Dawson Creek rather than going via Edmonton. See our trip log for how we did it.
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2005 Alaska and other Trip Logs
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HarryWM

Wherever we are parked this time.

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Joined: 08/23/2004

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We took 4 months and could have used more. Entered BC at Sumas (N of Bellingham WA mid May and exited thru there 3d week of September. Alaska is awesome but so are British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. See our BLOG, link in our signature. I recommend going on line and looking at caravan info from Tracks to Adventure and Adventure Caravans. They follow the same route on their long caravans and studying their itinerary will pretty well lay out a route for you. I am not advocating going on such a caravan, just stealing some ideas. The 3 references mentioned above, The Milepost, the Church book, and Toursaver are all musts.
Harry
With wife Carole 10 yrs fulltiming
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Wind River

wyoming

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We are making the Alaska trip this summer. I retire next week so this will be our "trip of a lifetime". Fuel is not going to get any cheaper. We have our health and the financial resources now. Why put it off? Just my opinion.
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Mootpoint

Brentwood Bay, B.C.

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I retire next week also like Wind River and heading north the very next day. From the direction your coming I have to agree with johnna. Good route, decent roads and excellent scenary. Most important is !!!!! GO NOW !!!!! and enjoy while you can.
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flylipsdaddy

Michigan

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For trip planing get the Milepost Now-the earlier the better..wish I would have got mine alot earlier..and a big road atlas.We're leavin in 5 days..do it while you still have good health & Do yo think gas is gonna get cheaper???
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erpa

South Central,East Coast. FL

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Joined: 05/28/2001

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Especially Banff and Jasper NPs, if you have time. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_E.asp
Eric & Pat
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2002 Trip FL to Alaska & back to FL Photos Link below
http://community.webshots.com/user/erpafl1020
Other Trip Pictures;
http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p80/erpafl1020/
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