Driving Through Canada Was NOT What I Expected 🇨🇦

No matter how much you prepare at the outset of a journey, you never really know what awaits you on the other side until you go through with it. I just made the epic drive through British Columbia and Yukon to get to the 49th state! Even though I was prepared, driving from Washington to Alaska was full of surprises. There was laughter. There were tears. There were bears. This video shows you exactly what it's like to drive through Canada to get to Alaska. It's gonna be a wild ride, so buckle your seat belt. Let's hit the road!
If you're driving the Alaska Highway, I recommend having a copy of the Milepost!
The Milepost: Alaska Travel Planner amzn.to/3DxmrpA
It includes detailed information about accommodation, gas stops, attractions, and services. There are definitely stretches of road where you won't have cell phone service, so having a reference book with paper maps is a must.
*Affiliate links are included in this description. If you purchase a product with one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel.
Recommendations for driving to Alaska:
- Make sure to plan your gas stops ahead of time.
- Drive during the day. Some gas stops are not open at night.
- Carry a copy of The Milepost with you (linked above)
- Be prepared to go without cell phone service.
- Carry food and water with you.
- Study your route ahead of time.
- Carry a bit of Canadian cash with you just in case you need cash for something.
Music:
I get asked a lot about the music in my videos. I use Epidemic Sound. It's a wonderful service!
share.epidemicsound.com/jw6r46
Here are the gas stops I made along the way:
Day 1
Cache Creek
100 Mile House
Prince George
Burns Lake
Day 2
New Hazelton
Meziadin Junction
Iskut
Day 3
Dease Lake
Junction 37 Services (not open at night)
Teslin
Day 4
Whitehorse
Haines Junction
Beaver Creek
Day 5
Tok
Anchorage
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:51 US-Canada Border Crossing in Sumas, Washington
1:40 Cute 1950s diner in Cache Creek
1:59 I'm in Canada for the first time!
2:24 Let's find Canadian snacks
2:52 Camping at Burns Lake
4:01 Burns Lake to New Hazelton
4:33 Gitangwak Totem Poles
5:13 Meziadin Junction
5:53 Ketchup chips
6:28 Iskut
7:45 Dease Lake
8:44 French skills randomly tested at Good Hope Lake
9:57 Driving through the aftermath of a wildfire
10:20 Leaving British Columbia
10:47 Junction 37 Services
11:16 Alaska Highway
12:14 Bear encounter
12:30 Teslin
13:18 More Canadian snacks
13:28 Haines Junction
13:55 The road conditions got bad
15:36 Beaver Creek
15:53 Time to cross the border into Alaska

[@papabits5721]

Always a pleasure to welcome nice and friendly people into Canada

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@Renklaf1]

Make sure to grab some "Cheezies"!

[@TheWolfsnack]

@@Renklaf1 .../and Lipton's tea....

[@SoundsBogus]

@@TheWolfsnack 😆 I think you mean Red Rose Tea. "Only in Canada you say?" 🌹

[@markoshun]

@@SoundsBogusThat’s a pity. 😁

[@TinaAM333]

This was awesome- as a Canadian I say thank you !! 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

I did this drive up from Vancouver both ways in 2007, all the way to Seward, Alaska and back. 17 days, 9000 km, fabulous memories. Great job capturing what it is authentically like - one of the world's greatest road trips.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! I went to Seward. It was magical. Epic road trips are the best!

[@bonjourtoi3894]

Wow ! Toute une aventure. Imaginez un peu si je pars du Québec. ahahahaha ! Ce serait vraiment formidable.

[@heatherfellows2675]

This is an excellent video...glad I came across your page!

[@blackholeentry3489]

In 1980 I drove a '58 3/4 ton pickup truck with camper all the way from CA to Circle, AK....at the time was the end of the road as the mighty Yukon River blocked any father passage. The original settlers named it 'Circle" as they thought they were on the Atctic Circle, but in reality, they were about ten miles short. The camper is long gone, but I still do have the pick up. However, a few years ago while visiting my wife's relatives in Norway, we did go above the Arctic Circle.

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

@@blackholeentry3489 Did you go to Chicken, Alaska? That is on the road from Dawson City Yukon - pretty interesting history. Apparently the locals couldn't spell Ptarmigan which was one of the local birds, so they called it chicken instead. True Story!

[@wisemanwalkingdowntheroad4275]

As a fellow lover of the open road I salute this young lady. She really captured the thrill and vibe of going out there!

[@jonathanstoffregen390]

Yes.

[@jasonarthurs3885]

Your act of kindness with the cyclists was touching. In that moment you recognized they were on a journey the same as you, risks and all. It's so restorative to see a person be human. Thank you.

[@MrEd6066]

My wife and I rode up there a couple of years ago on our motorcycles. It was nice to see that dog again at that gas station at the Alaska Highway junction. That dog plays fetch with everyone He'll force a stick or ball into your hand - and it looks like he got you too! Thanks for the reminder of our journey - I hope you enjoyed your time in Canada.

[@LidiaExplores]

Awww, so cool you recognized him! There were so many sweet dogs at the gas stations along the way.

[@janwherley8649]

@@LidiaExplores THAT was a red ACD Australian Cattle dog - my FAVOURITE all time breed !!!!!

[@linebrunelle1004]

I was there a month ago. played fetch. lol

[@tommcallister7647]

It has been a long time since I have seen a video of such genuine and simple joy. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much for the kind comment!

[@hilareeek]

As a British Columbian, I'm glad you made it safely through. It is a MASSIVE province and you did not take "the easy way" to Alaska. All Dressed are the superior chip

[@LidiaExplores]

It really is massive! It was an incredible drive though. I agree--All Dressed Ruffles are the best!

[@heathersmith6416]

@@LidiaExploresyou’re almost a Canadian with this post. Lol ruffles nom nom

[@Purple_Pixel]

Roast Chicken chips are better. They kind of taste like turkey stuffing.

[@kurrupoppo6937]

​@@Purple_PixelI found they tasted like MrNoodles chicken lol

[@Mr.Wonderfull]

what is the easy way to Alaska I must ask. thank you in advance

[@stuartevans4899]

What a delightful video! The title piqued my interest and I'm so glad I watched your drive from WA to AK. As a Canadian, I find it interesting to learn what Americans think of our country.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks so much for watching! It was an amazing drive!

[@hapecampr5868]

I've driven through southern Manitoba and Ontario. You have a lovely gem of a country up there 🇺🇸♥️🇨🇦

[@marshja56]

Canada is the best neighbor in the world! We are so lucky.

[@davidanderson8469]

Not fond of Trudeau but the people of Canada are great. You control your borders too like we used to.

[@rl3821]

Technically the official mile zero of the Alaska highway is at Dawson Creek BC not at the BC Yukon border. No matter how you look at it it’s all an incredibly beautiful ride…

[@LidiaExplores]

Yep, you're correct. I didn't start at Dawson Creek though, so I wasn't on the Alaska Highway until I reached the 37 North/Alaska Highway junction.

[@lloydsumpter7735]

I was kind of wondering why you took the route you did rather than via Dawson Creek. I think the roads are much better that way, more gas stations, maybe even cellphone coverage...

[@klondikechris]

@@lloydsumpter7735 The Stuart Cassier is shorter, and a lot wilder which some people find more interesting.

[@emw747]

Great camera work, great b roll cutaway, great editing, great musical overlay, great storytelling, Amazing enthusiasm. As a professional in the film industry, I have to say this was a top notch short doc. I loved your enthusiasm, I really felt excited with you along the journey. Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face. Keep up the great work. Subscribed.❤❤❤😄😄😄

[@claudethibaudeau2714]

I know I'm late but welcome to our gorgeous and massive country of Canada. Safe travels 😊💯🇨🇦

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! Canada is wonderful!

[@BrianBricknell-fu9qq]

Thanks for the journey...I have lived on Vancouver Island since 1982 and we sometimes take for granted the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings

[@LidiaExplores]

BC is absolutely incredible. What an awesome place to live!

[@barbaraann7173]

A journey of a lifetime for you!! BC born, lived in many of the places you drove through...nice seeing BC through your eyes....I love it here! Safe travels!!! ❤

[@LidiaExplores]

So cool you live in BC. It is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for watching!

[@cedricnicholson7446]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I actually pulled up google maps and was following your route. I’m glad that you documented it because not many from U.S realize how big Canada really is. I’m also glad you got to experience a little bit of our beautiful country. 🙏🏾👊🏾

[@vburget]

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Canada extensively for business in the 60's & 70's. I've been to places many Canadians might not be able to find on a map, lol. Beautiful country from New Brunswick to Vancouver Island and in between. Oh, and the people are pretty nice too, except maybe for that waitress in Labrador.

[@LidiaExplores]

Yes! I knew it would be a long drive, but you only really understand how big it is when you start driving!

[@chromewizard6421]

Im from Alberta, but BC is easily my favorite place on earth. Absolutely, jaw droppingly gorgeous, that province is. I sincerely hope you enjoyed your trip through our country!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! I did. BC is just out of this world. Such a beautiful province.

[@octoberfox3399]

It's a mixed bag for me. I do love the green part to BC I can agree on that XD.

[@daigagrady9585]

You did much better than I could have when conversing with the french speaking cyclists -- and I'm Canadian! Good job!

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

We're not french. We are francophone.

[@rayouelle2367]

She said french Speaking @@vincentlefebvre9255

[@LionRoars918]

​@@vincentlefebvre9255.. 😂

[@ronkuzyk3836]

This is why we don't talk to them. I don't even own a frankophone.@@vincentlefebvre9255

[@Meowface.]

Been in Canada all 40 years of my life, and I’d have an easier time communicating in Spanish than I would French 😅

[@ralphhayward5693]

Thanks for sharing your trip. I am glad to see that a lone American lady can drive through our beautiful BC and Yukon safely and with so many pleasant sights to share

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@linebrunelle1004]

lol. thousands of us lone female drivers crossing the country.

[@albs1448]

I love your smile and the way you're such a happy person. It made my day and the way you're genuinely appreciate and enjoy your road trip through Canada. Absolutely nice to see such a lovely woman enjoying her time😊

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! It was a wonderful trip.

[@nickfoster9350]

The further north you venture, the crappier the roads. Check out the Dempster Highway. Incredible. VERY isolated, but absolutely stunning.

[@LidiaExplores]

Sounds like another epic adventure!

[@klondikechris]

I live 16 kilometers from the start of the Dempster Highway. It is an incredible road; one of the world's great drives.

[@destinationsunknowntheroadsles]

Hitch Hiked the Alaska Highway in 1974 and again in 1975. Seattle, Washington to Jasper , Alberta then to the Alcan and up. Took a total of ten days to get to the Alaska/Yukon border. The Alcan back then most of the Canada portion was dirt miles and miles of nothing. Mostly bears, moose and mosquitoes but I survived. Spent thirty years living in the Alaskan wilderness afterwards.

[@LidiaExplores]

Wow, I bet you have some stories to tell.

[@destinationsunknowntheroadsles]

@@LidiaExplores Yea , I do.

[@matthumphrey4915]

I'm born and raised in B.C. Lived here for 45 years, Its interesting to see a visitors view of this great country and Province (and Yukon territory). thanks for the upload! :)

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@rnathome]

Really an excellent video! So much fun to watch - I've lived in Canada and the west coast all my life and have never made the trip. You've inspired me - I am DEFINITELY doing it now.

[@LidiaExplores]

Yes!!! Do it!!!

[@PeBoVision]

As a french canadian I can say that you impressed the hell out of me. Most Englsih speaking Canadians would never have attempted to converse in french. Sharing your water was outstanding.

[@cbman4767]

No we just beet the crap out of them for speaking that crap west of Ontario. That from a Canadian military vet.

[@DanielleWojtaszek]

I don't know why this video was recommended to me but I am glad it was! The scenery, just wow! Originally I'm from NJ, moved to FL, and now am in NC. Every day I am in love with the mountains around here but watching your video I want to go see those mountains!

[@guayabito6946]

Why did you leave FL?

[@DanielleWojtaszek]

@@guayabito6946 It wasn't the dream inexpensive spot we thought it'd be. We left Oct. 2020 for a much better job out here in NC. Even though we have family in FL I am so glad we left. It costs too much to own a home there now and the threat of major hurricane impact was just too much, we got out in time too because hurricane Ian did major damage to our old home.

[@guayabito6946]

@@DanielleWojtaszek Florida has gotten very expensive its true, (I live here) now a days is even worse since everybody seems to want to come here specially people from New York, New Jersey. North Carolina is nice. Good luck to you.

[@LidiaExplores]

NC is beautiful! I drove through that area a few years ago. Yes, the mountains on this drive are out of this world. It is 100% worth the trip. Thanks for watching!

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

I live next to the Rockies in Alberta & chuckle when Americans call hills mountains 🤣.

[@sderden1]

Glad I found your videos. I don’t think you realize how extremely helpful your videos are, to someone planning a similar trip. Thanks

[@LidiaExplores]

So glad to hear you're planning the trip! You are in for an epic adventure!

[@MB-xe8bb]

A rough road adds to the sense of backwoods adventure. Same with cellphones -- isolation is good for people now and then, makes you appreciate people. Plus, it might detract from the wildness if you saw grizzly bears just walking along talking on their cellphones. You have a great camera for detail -- seeing the stones beside the water was so sharp and clear, it felt like I was right there.

[@LidiaExplores]

Yes, it was definitely an adventure! Isolation is wonderful, and I look forward to it every chance I get (which is not often). As a woman traveling alone, it did make me nervous to not always have cell coverage in case of an emergency, but thankfully the trip went smoothly. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@calmbeforethestormo4136]

So refreshing to see someone so excited to be in our beautiful province. Your French was pretty impressive. Brave woman you are!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much! It was a beautiful drive.

[@ianstuart5660]

Loved watching your journey. Both the scenery and yourself are adorable. I'm from Eastern Canada but have traveled many of those roads you were on. It's a larger than life landscape in many areas. Couldn't have found a more perfect video to view as this today! Happy and safe travels!!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much for this comment! I appreciate you watching. I would love to visit Eastern Canada in the future.

[@bellajohnson1696]

I'm Canadian and have never been up the west coast of BC, so I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I must commend you on your French, very well spoken!! There are many Canadians, especially in western Canada, who don't speak it at all so I'm sure those people were EXTREMELY grateful to you for both the water and your helpful words in their language. Very well done video, this is the first time I've watched one of your vids and I am definitely subscribing 😊❤

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Wow - you are so brave. Looks like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@gkschick6804]

You have a very pleasant demeanour and a great editing style. I really enjoyed the video. Sad to see the road was in such bad shape but glad you made it without incident. Happy trails!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! The road was fine until the last stretch. That was rough!

[@oldguy4057]

Glad you enjoyed your adventure. I did it in a camper van, solo, in 2006, from Ky, all through Alaska and back through the West Coast. 17,000 miles. Despite planning, I really had no feel for the distances and time. So much to see and do along the way.

[@LidiaExplores]

Exactly! That's what I mean when I say the drive is not what I expected. You get it! It's one thing to plan and see your route on a map, but it's a totally different thing to actually be living the experience. I could probably do that drive over and over again and always see new things. Sounds like you had a fun adventure!

[@oldguy4057]

Thanks for your message. I had looked at google maps at home, then got AAA maps for the trip. No gps then. Every couple of days I would get out the next map thinking I was getting close. At Prince George, I finally realize that I still had a ways to go to even start the 2000 miles on the Alcan to Delta Junction. Ended up going via Dawson City. Had so many adventures: Scared to death when I met a tiny baby bear on a trail--had no idea where the mother was. Saw a lynx on a mtn bike ride, met a woman on the road named Rosie who was running around the world towing a trailer, several uninended close encounters with bears on my bike (they usually ran away), helped the park biologist fix a flat tire on the road to Wrangel-St. Elias and on and on.

[@ThnkQ]

@@LidiaExploresThe way back is little bit faster. Compared to the US? Almost everything is more spread out. Esoecialt compared to the east coast and areas like Michigan, or any US urban areas. It’s been a rough road up north for decades. Glad you enjoyed the people and the scenery. Not the washboards and dust :)

[@carols1406]

Thank you for this gorgeous video of my beautiful country. British Columbia is breathtakingly beautiful. If you ever have a chance, visit Vancouver Island and do the drive out to Tofino. One of my favourite places on earth.

[@LidiaExplores]

I would love to. British Columbia is absolutely breathtaking!

[@turdwranglers2517]

@@LidiaExplores The drive though Cathedral Grove on Highway 4 (to Tofino) is breathtaking!!

[@susanfraser6371]

I've lived in British Columbia for most of my life, but your adventurous spirit means you've seen more of it than me. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind comment.

[@steplee6869]

Wow great vlog !!! I really enjoyed it , I felt like I was riding along . Your excitement of your trip comes through and really made it fun to watch . Thank you

[@deejaaywalker2314]

I appreciated your sincerity and child-like wonder at making new discoveries. This was a truly enjoyable journey in a part of my country I have not yet seen. Thank you for sharing it with us : )

[@chuckewe]

This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Found myself spontaneously smiling all along the journey, mostly from the beauty around you. When you finally hit the Alaska border, I got teary-eyed - just before you said you were tearing up! Beautiful scenes, amazing photography, stunning production quality. And you, Lidia, are awesome!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much for the kind comment!

[@pincollector1]

Great video. Very well done. I am glad that your trip through Canada went well.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much!

[@Tripnets]

Thanks for sharing your story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@kevindohn6776]

well thanks for showing me parts of my country that I've never seen. Beautiful scenery, looks like fun, wish I was travelling with you !

[@LidiaExplores]

The scenery is amazing. Definitely recommend the drive!

[@dgavi3688]

Really enjoyed your video! I live in B.C. and I've never done this drive, thanks for taking us along on your tour!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching. BC is so beautiful!

[@landlice48]

Thank you for coming to Canada. I really enjoyed your video, it brought back so many memories of our beautiful scenery. Love the chat and your musicalbackground choices.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! The drive was breathtakingly beautiful.

[@EricAlexander-ry7ks]

Thanks for sharing your travel log. Glad you enjoyed your trip & I hope you're safe & sound in Alaska. 😎👍

[@timberwolfdtproductions3890]

Nice video. I’m glad you enjoyed your time in beautiful British Columbia. Friendly, adventurous, and respectful visitors like yourself are always welcome!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much for the kind comment!

[@ourcolonel1685]

Just filled with beauty! Small town Canada. Great people come from small towns. Some pass through. Thank you.

[@LidiaExplores]

It was such an amazing journey. Absolutely breathtaking scenery and friendly people!

[@shelbysstuff1426]

Thank You Sooo much!!! I'm a Canadian and Love road trips. Have done several in BC over 30 yrs and now I can't wait to go to Alaska!!!! Have driven 4 times from Bc to central Canada I'm thinking this one is my retirement trip! You are an Amazing and Beautiful soul! This video was Awesome! I Love that you stop for pics at major points for you! I did the same for every province my 1st trip across Canada!! Thank you again!❤🇨🇦✌️

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching! It was an amazing drive. Love to hear that you're planning a retirement trip! That will be so much fun.

[@Suelynngrr]

Lovely trip! Thanks for sharing your journey. 😊

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@LoganLavery]

That was epic. I’m from BC like many watching this; you have shown me places I’ve never heard of. That spot you stopped and filmed by the lake after Teslin - was stunning. Thank you for recording this :))

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks for watching! BC is absolutely incredible!

[@randybrodie2945]

You seem like a really easy going person! Fun to travel with. Thank you so much for this video, I really enjoyed seeing how you reacted to Canada. I recognized a lot of what you filmed. I hope you have fun in Alaska.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! I loved getting to explore a bit of Canada. Hope to see more.

[@cynthiadeere7599]

This trip is on my bucket list! Thanks for the preview!

[@buckdashe2571]

What a fun video! Thanks for taking us along…Great editing, enjoyable tour guide and beautiful scenery all add up to….a subscription!

[@kellydrolet4740]

I just got back from Tuktoyaktuk via the Alaska Highway, and then returned to Alberta via the Stewart/Cassiar highway. And yup, there are long stretches of vast wilderness and we like it that way!

[@LidiaExplores]

Sounds like an awesome adventure!

[@joesutherland225]

Glad you went the route you did.

[@LidiaExplores]

Me too. It was incredible.

[@ChinhLuong]

Thank you for "taking me" along on your trip. I love your enthusiasm!

[@michelley.6566]

I love this video! I love your enthusiasm, and I love love love the music! The first music bit with the scenes around Burns Lake actually had me in tears. British Columbia is beautiful, lived here almost all my life

[@bd5866]

Thank you for bringing us with you! Alaska has been my dream to visit for the last 10 years - life keeps happening and my dream stays stagnant. You’re so very lucky to be living the dream :) Thank you for your content 💖

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you for watching! I've been there. There were many years where I dreamed of doing what I'm doing now. I do feel very lucky. Hope you can get out on the road soon!

[@bd5866]

💖

[@xSheravenx]

THANK YOU for sharing this fantastic video!! Your video took me back to my solo trip up the Cassiar to the Yukon in 1995. I drove from Ontario, Canada to move to the Yukon. It was truly, the biggest, most exciting adventure of my life! On that trip, I met another solo female traveller, moving from Oregon to Alaska, at the Junction 37 Services. We are still friends to this day! I hope many years from now, you will look back on this trip as fondly as I do on my adventure to the Land of the Midnight Sun❤ Peace and safe travels, Lidia!

[@LidiaExplores]

Love to hear that this brought back fond memories for you! It was such an incredible journey.

[@zweibrucker]

Great vlog thanks for sharing your feelings and experiences on your journey through BC and Yukon. Best of luck on the remainder of your journey.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you watching!

[@TheMasonjarz]

What a great video! Your smile is infectious!

[@BC_Hunter]

I have done this trip before and stopped at all the same places you have. Brings back great memories. I’ll being doing this trip again in about a month.

[@LidiaExplores]

That's exciting!

[@DaleBouwman]

Thank you for taking us on your journey through Canada, it looks really beautiful up there.

[@LidiaExplores]

It is! Thanks for watching.

[@alive4627]

Love your excitement and exuberance!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@SoundsBogus]

Wow. I really enjoyed your trip ! Thanks. Very nice presentation.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! It was a fun trip.

[@elizabethpetrie2732]

My parents drove the Alaska Highway the first year it was open to the public (~1948 or so). Prior to that, during WW2, it was for joint US-Canada military use to provide a contiguous route between Alaska and the lower 48 of the US. They always talked about what a magnificent trip it was. But you can only imagine the road conditions, lack of amenities, etc. way back then!

[@personincognito3989]

I live in northern British Columbia now and the road runs right by my neighborhood. I use it everyday, but not this Bumpy road. I'm talking about alaska highway. My neighbors live in a house that was built for american military higher ups . It's a very old house

[@zxien1]

Road conditions likely would have been better back then based on the fact it was the first year available to public. The Problem is roads in the middle of nowhere tend to be neglected as seen in the video after built.

[@LidiaExplores]

Yep! I'm sure that would have been a wild ride!

[@cicatrace]

@@zxien1 Was prob 100% gravel back then lol

[@xjstwr]

@@LidiaExplores I drove it with my parents in 1958. It was all gravel except the last 50 miles into Dawson Creek. A lot of the road was still corduroy road (half logs with the round side up). Many vehicle suspensions broke during the trip. The road you took into Haines was velvety smooth in comparison, and your suspension is much better than cars in the 50s. We also drove from Whitehorse to Haines in a '49 Chevy. Gravel all the way. No ketchup flavoured chips on that trip. Well, not even any convenience stores. We had to sling water in canvas bags all around the outside of the car. And we had to have plastic 'bras' on the headlights otherwise they got broken by flying rocks every day.

[@reginald2004]

Love it. Glad you had a safe drive. Drove the Alaska highway a few times from Whitehorse to Dawson Creek back in the mid 60s. At least 750 miles of gravel. Oh, and cell phones hadn't even been invented.

[@LidiaExplores]

Sounds like a fun and wild ride!

[@michelchartrand7257]

Same here,drove it maybe 6 times and hith-hicked it 2 times,spent over 10 years around White-Horse and earned the title of Sourdough.,I still have one of my truck-plates with the gold-paner on it.

[@darladating2440]

Thanks for taking along on your adventure. You are. Dry bravo and have a wonderful attitude

[@GroundsForDivorceCoffee]

Hello from Vancouver, B.C., great video Lidia - thank you for sharing! Born & raised here in Vancouver and I have travelled up to Prince George several times when I was a kid in the late 70's. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to more of your journey! Cheers, Rick 😊

[@phildupuis1084]

Congratulations on making your goal of making it to Alaska. I hope you enjoyed Canada and you are certainly welcome back any time. P.S. Your French was pretty impressive ;)

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching the video.

[@epiksaus5112]

? Shes not White. She is not welcomed on my homeland.

[@mikepette4422]

yeah but nobody speaks French here we need Punjabi and Mandarin as a second language...no kidding it should be mandatory in schools here to dump French and learn a language thats used

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

Thanks for your garbage comment. Yes and carry on. What is happening to french language in Canada will happen hopefully to your supremacist language. You have a country with no identity. You can be so proud of that.

[@deanl0]

@@mikepette4422 By the way your name means michel farts in French 🤗

[@renamaemcdonald2075]

We moved down to Prince George, BC a year & 1/2 ago from Whitehorse, Yukon. We lived there 19 years & absolutely loved the "Wilderness City!" You took the scenic route up the Stewart/Cassiar highway. So many familiar sites. It was great watching this 😊

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you for watching! I loved the drive.

[@sooankim9247]

I did this trip with my folks in 1974, it was an amazing trip along the Alaska Hwy, which was not paved at all then. Would love to go back, great memories.

[@rickschritt1616]

I really enjoyed your blog of your trip through BC , my province 🥰 I'm from Burns Lake so appreciate your kind words for my town , safe travels.🙏

[@LidiaExplores]

So cool! Burns Lake was beautiful!

[@sbranson23]

I worked in the Meziadin Junction and up to the Yukon for years in the 90's an this is bringing back memories of the best days... thanks.

[@ThomwoththeWeather]

British Columbia is my home. Glad you enjoyed it and there is so much more to this place.

[@LidiaExplores]

I'm sure there is. It is huge!

[@ThomwoththeWeather]

Okanagan Valley for the summer late in the fall, and the Kootenays for the fun in the best mountains and natural hot springs. Also cannabis is legal :) @@LidiaExplores

[@mikechristison7843]

Welcome to Canada. Enjoy our country on your way through to Alaska. Have a safe trip.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@bobellen12345]

I traveled from Anchorage to Greenville SC with my family in 1957, as I recall 2200 miles of gravel road!! Still remember wearing damp handkerchief’s over our nose and mouth to help keep out the dust.

[@LidiaExplores]

Wow! Sounds like an adventure! It is definitely mostly paved now, but there are still some gravel sections.

[@freduah4253]

the little laugh with snacks 👌😂 Your joy is contagious nice video! love it

[@LidiaExplores]

Thanks!

[@dusty975]

I'm a first-time visitor to your channel, Lidia, and I really enjoyed this video! You have great enthusiasm for travel (so do I -- every new place I visit seems so cool I have to almost pinch myself that it's real) and I also like your tips about preparing for this journey. I've only driven to Canada once and I remember how the speed limits were so high (due to metric). Wow, we can drive 90 here! Haha. Will be watching more of your videos. Thanks for this one!

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you! Yes, I always get so excited about visiting new places. Glad to have you here!

[@kbee1735]

Fantastic video! It’s a relief to see an American traveller not complain about the cost of gas, liquor and our “basic campgrounds “. Thank you.😍 we appreciate the remoteness of our beautiful province and our Free medical !! I’m definitely subscribing to your channel ❤️🇨🇦

[@dwightropp3014]

Of course, our medical isn't entirely free, as most of us do pay a few hundred dollars surcharge on our annual tax returns.

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you for watching! It really was an amazing trip!

[@dwightropp3014]

@@LidiaExplores - Our pleasure! You presented it all so well, thanks!

[@gordonheacock7646]

What a great post, you have a great eye for video. Thanks for sharing.❤

[@dogoflog2187]

you did a great job of showing the beauty of nature !

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

Oh, you had it easy! I did the Alaska Highway heading East on a bicycle over 30 years ago. And yes, the roads turn to crap as soon as you cross to the Canada side.

[@LidiaExplores]

On a bicycle? That sounds like such a wild adventure! I bet you have some stories.

[@bobbybob3865]

I drove in four days from the Blaine, Washington border crossing into Canada and north and west to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Then I took the ferry on the Inland Passage to Ketchikan, Alaska. One of the many things I saw along the way was a native woman placing the head (and soul) of a large salmon back into the river after the rest of the fish had been removed to feed her family. I've been in all the 50 states and 10 provinces. Although I'm an American, Canada is for me a much better place to visit.

[@marikam3161]

That's awesome!!! I used to shop in Bellingham when I lived in Van years ago!! Canadians love crossing the border to shop! Rupert=City of 🌈!!

[@bobbybob3865]

While I lived in Bellingham, I could come into town from the south and see people going into a large department store in the distance. From maybe a quarter mile away I could always recognize Canadians--certainly not a putdown, just an observation. They dress and carry themselves differently from Americans. In a small store in New Brunswick I once pointed out to the Hindu shopkeeper that Canadians honor British royalty while Americans had a war to separate themselves from King George. During the conversation, the shopkeeper's wife hurried into the room to see what the loud talk was about. It was just me, an American man, talking loudly and waving his arms while her husband just smiled peacefully.@@marikam3161

[@emanpac9856]

The joy of life is written all over your face. Kudos on your excellent adventure! Beautiful!

[@dennisthompson2350]

Enjoyed your joy and enthusiasm. Good video

[@jamesblair9614]

It's always interesting to hear and see what someone who doesn't live here, thinks is worth mentioning. Some beautiful video shots here, and no mention of a broken windshield, I've heard it happens on occasion.

[@LidiaExplores]

Shockingly, there were no windshield issues! Guess I got lucky.

[@ASkepticsPerspective]

I was curious about the route you took. Most people get to PG and go North towards Dawson Creek (mile 0 of the Alaska Highway). When I saw Burns Lake, I knew you were taking the Stewart - Cassirer Highway (if it is still called that). I drove this route in the late 70's in a brand new Mack dump truck. There were two of us and we were headed to deliver the trucks to Whitehorse Copper. Absolutely stunning scenery, but so many miles of nothing but trees. Much of the road was also dirt back then and we overnighted in Attco Trailers at some points. Your comment about the beauty reminded me of the experience where you drive around a curve, or up a hill and look around and say "This is the most amazing views I've ever seen". Then several miles (I'm an old-timer, so am use to that term) you do it again and once again say ""This is the most amazing views I've ever seen". I did not drive beyound Whitehorse, but have known people who drove the route to Alaska and they said that experience happened time and time again. BTW - did you make the entire trip without getting a rock chip in your window? That is almost a 100% inevitable.

[@LidiaExplores]

Yes, it's still called the Stewart-Cassiar Highway! It's such a scenic route. Leaving from Washington, it made the most sense to go this way. Going to Dawson Creek first would have added another day to the drive. The roads are much better than when you drove it, I'm sure, but the scenery is probably just as stunning! As you mentioned, just when I thought I'd come across the most beautiful view I'd ever seen, I'd get a glimpse of something even more beautiful. Surprisingly, I did make the entire trip without getting a rock chip in my window, but I still have to drive back down, so I'm not safe yet!

[@mdh6977]

only half way thru, but good for you taking "the hard way"... welcome to beautiful british columbia, and canada in general... i love your enthusiasm

[@deadmanprodinc]

I recognized the scenery and have been to all of those places leading to the border. I started to tear up when you showed so much excitement experiencing B.C. the Yukon and NWT. Thank you for sharing, it's all even more spectacular seeing all these places it though the eyes of another.

[@maykala2963]

Canada is such a beautiful country, and the scenery is amazing!

[@LidiaExplores]

Yes, it is!

[@debbiel1228]

When the trees aren't in the way 😉😉😁

[@david1george]

Burn's Lake looks really nice. Years ago, I thought of buying property there when it was really cheap, but circumstances changed. So far from everything, but so beautiful. You did a really great video!

[@LidiaExplores]

Burns Lake was really lovely. Thanks for watching!

[@pdgr17]

This was well done. Thanks for the views and the story. I've done the trek and it is well worth the time spent.

[@LidiaExplores]

It absolutely is!

[@quikgt]

Beautiful & entertaining vid, thank you! Oh, and safe travels 🤗

[@LidiaExplores]

Thank you!

[@bobstuart2638]

Back before pavement, a guy drove to Alaska in a brand new car with a well-sealed trunk. When he got there, he opened the trunk, and found a thick film of road dust on his suitcase. It was a well-sealed Samsonite, but his clothes were quite dusty too. Amid his tight-packed clothes was a shaving kit, zipped shut. There was dust on his razor.

[@gkschick6804]

Reminds me of a bus trip I took from Alice Springs to Adelaide in Australia over 40 years ago. The road wasn't paved and consisted of packed down dirt, which happened to be orange, consistent with the landscape there. Even though our luggage was in a sealed compartment behind the bus, it was filled with orange 'bull dust' when we arrived. Somehow the fine dust was able to penetrate through the zipper on our bags, covering all of the contents. So gross!

[@LidiaExplores]

That is crazy! He must have been shocked to see that.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Morris Cars did a video at the introduction of the Morris Minor back in the 50s. The highway was still all gravel through its length. The gravel was the size of baseball.

[@lenimbery7038]

I'm a Canadian and remember way back when I was a kid around 1967...my local corner store guy offered us kids some samples of a new flavour of chips (ketchup) and I thought he was playing a prank on us since I thought that they were so odd and gross. I still don't eat them to this day

[@JBond-zf4dj]

They smell like stinky feet. 🤷 I like them though. Not my favourite, but not my least favourite.

[@LidiaExplores]

That is hilarious. I can only imagine what everyone must have thought when they first came out.

[@lenimbery7038]

@@LidiaExplores I was surprised as anyone that they were successful enough to still be selling today

[@dudeorduuude5211]

But potatoes and ketchup go together? People eat it all the time!

[@LeeAdrian777]

Ketchup are one of the best flavours sir.

[@fedoragibson3059]

your enthusiasm is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your video with us. now I feel like taking a trip to Alaska.

[@LidiaExplores]

Go for it! It's the trip of a lifetime.

[@circleofcourage3903]

You are bringing tears to my eyes watching this, my heart swells watching you touch all of the places I have been and love. I have travelled that hiway so many times as a musician and loved every bit of it. The experiences are worth telling lol.

[@user-wy7ml3sd2m]

You are kind and broad-minded and could actually be Canadian. As a Canadian I always feel I should apologize for ketchup chips, but we do make a hell of a lot of ketchup in Canada so it has to go somewhere!

[@LidiaExplores]

Haha! I've noticed so many Canadians have mixed feelings about ketchup chips. I never would have known if I hadn't included this taste test in the video. I did like the all dressed Ruffles though.

[@sharroon7574]

I liked them as a kid but now it's plain all the way!

[@MrBonger88]

Some of us living in border cities work on the other side so we cross the border twice a day every work day. I find it funny watching someone get excited about crossing the border 😊Looks like you had beautiful adventure

[@LidiaExplores]

I drove from Texas, so it was definitely an adventure for me. Thanks for watching!

[@davehudson4607]

Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@Zulutime44]

My wife and I in the late 1970s drove Seattle to Port Hardy and caught a Canadian ferry to Prince George, the drove east, then north to Maziaden Junction where the pavement ends. Turned left and drove down to Stewart on the coast. Had dinner in Hider AK, the strangest American town ever. Canada, oh yeah.