12 Tips for Planning an Alaska Highway Road Trip

[@lavaniaful]

I've been watching your videos for years now and have always loved and appreciated the quality of your content and how informative they always are. They serve as entertainment and sometimes research for my own road trips. I remember when you started featuring your dad in your videos and he seemed a bit shy to be on camera. Now he seems so comfortable and at ease in your videos. Love seeing you both travel together and how much your dad seems to enjoy being on camera now. Thanks so much for all the work you both do to bring us this spectacular content!

[@popshiking]

@lavaniaful Thanks for the kind words! I do feel more comfortable.

[@cbwilson2398]

My dad worked on the Alaskan Highway during the first months of WW2.

[@popshiking]

@cbwilsom2398 I bet he had some great stories!

[@TobyCostaRica]

My travel tip. Whenever going someplace remote always pack like you may need to spend a night in the car. Sleeping blanket, tp, food, etc

[@dwayneanderson71]

Pretty cool channel!! I actually grew up along the Alaska hiway. The liard hotsprings lodge was actually started by my mother and uncle. I spent many summers there. Growing up on a farm north of Fort St John and the last 15 years in Taylor .

[@popshiking]

@dwayneanderson71 Must have been an amazing place to grow up!

[@Ianman258]

Always appreciate these tips! Most youtubers don't like to get into the nitty gritty or the fine details so it's always nice to be able to have a general overview of everything before booking a trip! Love your videos and the Alaskan highway vid was fantastic

[@timtwoface]

Next up, try the entire main route of the Trans-Canada Highway...or if you're feeling driven to go north (WAY north) again, do the Dempster Highway! I live in Vancouver and really want to get myself driving up to Alaska...I've flown to Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, and Alaska before but never by land!

[@jtorresdc]

I've taken the trip 5 times in my life, it's a very special experience! I cannot wait to make the trip a 6th time! It is very nice to see that you and your dad are so close and share these experiences together. Happy for y'all!

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

Great tips! Saving this video for my own future trip to alaska. I appreciate you including info about things that could be overlooked like wifi and how unpopulated areas can be

[@DHanlon]

We drove the alcan up in late May. We spent 3 1/2 months in Alaska. Just got home a few days ago. Great tips!

[@cactushill]

I have done 6 round trips of the Alaska Highway (Mostly before the internet, wi-fi, etc). I agree that you should plan your trip way in advance. I did my first trip with phone calls. The one thing I would definitely bring would be some way to communicate via satellite. A satellite phone would be the optimum but usually very expensive. Another option would be a Garmin Explorer+ or something similar. It has an "SOS" button if you should really get in trouble. You can also send your location at timed intervals to your family or friends. The "Milepost" magazine, as they mentioned, is a must! Take you time and enjoy the trip. I took 11 days on my first trip North but unfortunately the remainder were very time sensitive. Keep up the great content!!!

[@deebee4817]

This is super helpful. Reminding people about the spotty cell coverage is a great tip. When I head out where cell coverage is iffy, I carry an InReach. This can allow texting family on what's going on or if there is an emergency. I'm going to check out the Mile Post as I had not heard about it. Love you videos. Very inspiring. Thanks.

[@xamargalber8088]

Good Afternoon Blessings from Chicago! Thank you very much for showing me the city of Alaska!❤❤❤❤

[@blairphelps7215]

As someone who lives in Yukon, I'd add too, have emergency supplies in the unlikely event you have an issue and need to overnight unexpectedly. I always have water, food, tp, tow rope, hatchet, fire starter, blanket, et cetra. It is also good to have, in case you come across someone in need.

[@MickeyWattsDeadHead]

Just discovered your channel a few weeks ago while looking for 4K content. It’s quickly become one of my favorites. I really love your content.

[@violetbf3773]

So many excellent tips!! Thank you, Josh and Pops. This is definitely on my bucket list. 🙌🏽

[@SwiftyTravels]

Fantastic tips! I’ve wanted to see Alaska via cruise but after your videos I would love to explore via roadtrip! Thank you!

[@tylamb2437]

Thank you for posting! We hope to make this trip sometime. Looks amazing!!

[@TravelInAndAroundTheWorld]

Always love your video. Love your bond with your father.

[@cbatiau2528]

I’d buy or rent a satellite phone for such a trip… also, have a full-size spare wheel/tire + changing tools in case of a flat

[@karmathephoenix2474]

I appreciate this thank you. I'm loading up on plenty of beef jerky. I'll be improvising my navigation skills with Milepost Magazine. I'm excited. Thank you.

[@rhondaz356]

As ALWAYS, your tips are welcomed. Thank you, so much.🛣🤗👏🏻

[@billybrown9426]

Think it is great you nd your dad can travel like this keep it up

[@bigjimslade6250]

Thanks guys for this video. The video has a lot of good information & was presented succinctly. We enjoyed the videos of the Alaska trip too.

[@Live2dayWanderland]

Such beautiful country

[@BogdanMKwiatek]

Luckily I drove that mighty Road 60+ times. Between 2006-2018. Once from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Jct, AK within just 23h45m as a… SoloTransAlaskaHwyDrive to commemorate 75Anniversary (back in 2017). And within the speed limits. Usually as a tour guide within 3-4 days. Cause from Whitehorse, YT I used to drive Klondike Hwy to Dawson, then Top of the World Hwy and further to Tok and Fairbanks, but later from Anchorage back again to WH, YT and down to Skagway. One of the best Road in the World for me! And even I left/gifted a few car plates /registration plates I At Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, YT. Greetings to my Friends along the Highway! Thanks for posting

[@wdtaut5650]

1:47 Paid more for gas at Beaver Creek than ever before, anywhere before. It's the farthest west town in Canada and it costs more to get the gas there. 4:20 We did not drive at night because there are so many large animals. 4:29 Our cell phone did not work anywhere in Canada. 5:45 Visitor Center staff were super helpful every where we asked.

[@dvferyance]

The milepost magazine is sold at my local Barnes and Noble.

[@rjaquaponics9266]

Priceless Tips!

[@wanderlust62]

The Milepost... I nearly forgot. 2024 wasn't out yet, last time I looked! Great tips... what was it like taking snacks, drinks across the Canadian border?

[@Az_VanGo]

All very helpful information❤

[@lucyl5986]

These are all great ideas... Thank you! 🙂🤗

[@jimgreen5788]

Back in '84, when 30% was still gravel, I did it in 4 days, but didn't feel like I was rushing it at all. But, I've driven some looong days in my life. Back then, I brought 2 spare tires along, just to be safe. When I left, gas here in northern IL in the Lower 48 was .85, and when I got to Skagway, it was the outrageous price of 1.35. Oh, for the return of those prices. I camped the entire way, saving a pile of money, I'm sure. The crazy thing about info in the Milepost is that they even list the roadside trash cans by the mile- and km. posts. By the way, I saw 1 place a few minutes ago where I stopped--Liard (LEE-ard) Hot Springs. That was a great experience. Re. food, I solved that problem by bringing an ice chest, and most to all of my food at Lower 48 prices. I briefly saw a shot of the Sign Forest in Watson Lake, which was a few hundred at the time. I hear it's grown to thousands. To be honest, with the Milepost, I wouldn't even think a GPS would be needed. Thanks for the memories, guys.

[@8626John]

Good tips. I'm hoping to drive it later this year. My plan is to camp most nights in the back of my Tacoma. Is there a good resource for researching campgrounds along the way? Thanks.

[@maryfettig3378]

So enjoyed this series❤❤😊

[@michelleromani2870]

Stay at the Menger. You and your Dad will ENJOY the Roy Rogers Suite! Book either the Park and Play or the Room with a Boo package!!

[@carolstevens9369]

Just love you guys!! Love your channel And love all the history and facts you share about the things you come across!!! Keep up the great work!!!❤❤❤

[@mcrkon]

Doing this trip in a gasoline car is so 2010! I salute all pioneers who have made the trip in an EV. I also also like to thank BC Hydro and Yukon government for providing charging along the way.

[@danphan1894]

used the Van Crap is comfortable and save budgets for your voyages

[@drewjonespdx]

nice!!

[@monique7614]

Really helpful, thank you! I'd love a video...how to download google maps to use offline. I have no clue. ;)

[@VeryCoolJeep]

I just came back from 3 months trip from Alaska. want to go back again. We got stock between two wildfires

[@travelertrome8449]

Great tips! Some of these can be applicable towards driving through the desert in the Southwest USA too. Do they have AAA out there? It's so remote so probably not or if they do, will be hours away? Or also perhaps learn how to change a flat tire just in case...

[@johnmarschalk1977]

Milepost should have been #1. Grandparents had made trip many times, but uncle flew up to drive with them on 1 trip "outside". Made it from Anchorage to Chattanooga in 5 1/2 days! You guys left from Vancouver, How was the Cassair Hwy? When I left in 83, friend went w me from Portland so that's route we took. Lots of construction and some of it was on muddy tracks that looked like original pictures from AlCan construction. Getting ready to retire and think would like to do it with the wife

[@popshiking]

@johnmarschalk1977 No arguments from me on your Milepost #1 comment. I lived in that book for the two weeks up and the two weeks back.

[@C-TOS]

Pops is the best assistant to executive producer that has graced any KZbin channel.

[@popshiking]

@C-TOS I love it! I am definitely the assistant. Hahaha

[@lorriescott8775]

I’ve wanted to drive the AL-CAN highway for decades. I think I’ve talked my husband into it. Neither of us have the strength anymore to change a tire. I’d hope we’d not need to, but without cell service, we’d have problems. Are there road safety crews from the DOT that would help?

[@monique7614]

Will the border crossing folks give you a problem if you don't have set campsites/lodging? Or better to plan it out with reservations?

[@TrevorParlby]

Vehicle maintenance is a must . Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and your running good tires . Don't want a break down to ruin your trip

[@1oldvato782]

One quick question 5 days from your home to Alaska? How about Southern California to Alaska 3 weeks to a month 🤔

[@1958zed]

No. It took me 5 days from Dawson Creek, BC to Fairbanks when I drove it in 1993.

[@jaimetorres9050]

Can you tell me the best time to travel to avoid super cold weather. I’m starting to plan a 2 week trip for 2025. Example- April through September? Is April to early? Is The summer very warm or hot?

[@tacrewgirl]

1:50 That motel and bathroom were dingy.

[@xiggroc]

Nothing like father and son wish my dad would do something like this with me but he always is too busy for his son

[@popshiking]

@xiggroc That is hard. So sorry he is missing out on time with you.

[@xiggroc]

@@popshiking thank you so much !! Just glad too see yall have a good time warms my heart !! Hopefully he will come around and see there is more to life than work and clubbing but it’s life!! Can’t wait to see more trips you guys take it’s very inspiring and exciting!

[@testxxxx123]

Alaska highway but also in Canada 😮

[@lonely_trans_girl]

I just found your channel and I'm loving it! You have lots of ideas for activities and great film work as well. I really like the connection between you and your pops. My dad and I do not get along well. Thanks for the tips and ideas! ❤️🙌🏕️🏍️

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

❤❤❤❤

[@craigmartin1727]

For those of us whose Dad’s aren’t around anymore, can we borrow Pops for a road trip?

[@popshiking]

@craigmartin1727 That is so kind of you to even joke about that! I surely do realize that I am blessed to be able to travel with Josh like I do.

[@mehfuzadabgar6685]

👏🙏

[@thedogzoo]

Josh? Sorry but the mom in me is showing. Did you lose your comb while in Alaska? 😂

[@popshiking]

@thedogzoo Hahaha! That is hilarious.

[@paulsammons2432]

Alaska is in the United States!!

[@rjaquaponics9266]

you left out Why so much construction in the middle of no where.... expect construction and why?

[@rita1259-y5c]

When hiking, each person should carry a canister of bear spray. One can per each person, at the ready. Every hiker anywhere in the world should invest in a lifesaving personal locator beacon.

[@colenlacorte2575]

Hi, pa adopt po, so I can travel with you? 😊😂😅

[@kriscalverley2131]

#1. No stupid evs. We have to service the propane generators to supply power fir yhe smug ev owners trying to get up there with their electric junk.#2. Don't break down. We are short 50 mechanics in one town alone. 3. Keep fuel tanks full, and gun close by out camping. 4. Mosquitos will eat you alive if bears don't. 5. Don't complain about food at northern hotels as everybody knows everybody along highway