Community Forums

sandwip · 02-24-2021, 06:10 PM

Hello all, as the title states we are planning a possible trip to Alaska but if the borders don't open up we would cut it short at Whitehorse and head South through BC. We would be coming from Manitoba and going up through Edmonton. Is this reasonable without Alaska or would we be missing the best part of the trip. I guess what I am asking is the scenery to Whitehorse worth it without finishing into Alaska. I was thinking it would be a year of lighter traffic and crowds with US/Canada borders closed. All input would be appreciated. Driving a Winnebago C and towing a VW.

Skip426 · 02-24-2021, 06:14 PM

I haven't heard if the Yukon is far enough along on their vaccination program to open things up for Canadian tourists . Check with the Yukon tourist association.
Last summer any Canadian entering the territory , had to do the 14 day quarantine and Americans heading to Alaska were only allowed 24 hours to transit .

sandwip · 02-24-2021, 07:59 PM

Yes, thanks, I realize there may still be some inter-provincial border issues, but with vaccinations starting, I am hoping for the best at least within Canada. It will be a wait and see for sure, just not sure if it is worth the miles without Alaska included.

GeeWillakers · 02-25-2021, 12:21 AM

We like the Yukon enough to go back several times but your take may be different. Take a look at Sue Thomas’ site to help make up your own mind: https://yukonsights.ca/.

akeagle · 02-25-2021, 01:38 AM

Being Alaskans we would probably be accused of prejudice by saying you would miss a lot of spectacular scenery if you didn't continue on to Alaska. while the Yukon certainly have some good scenery, it is primarily hills, valleys, and millions of trees.

In all honesty, some of Alaska could be described the same way, but the spectacular parts more than make up for it.

As mentioned before, I think the 24 hour restriction for driving through the Yukon Territory is still in effect, but hopefully by summer both the U.S. and Canada will be far enough along in their vaccination programs to relax the restrictions.

One aspect I'm ashamed to report is that the worst road conditions in the Far North are in Alaska. Unless the road is brand spanking new, it will be frost heaved in just a couple years, and some of those heaves are much more than an annoyance. Large rigs will have to slow down to 25 - 30 mph to prevent losing your teeth or the contents of your cabinets.

sandwip · 02-25-2021, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeWillakers

We like the Yukon enough to go back several times but your take may be different. Take a look at Sue Thomas’ site to help make up your own mind: https://yukonsights.ca/.

Thanks, I will check out the link you sent. I would truly like to see Alaska, and will if able to cross the border, but will possibly make the trip anyway, more research is needed before a final decision. I have a bit of time before making any decisions. Hopefully more persons will chime in with their views and help with the choice.
Brian

bakedalaskan · 02-25-2021, 10:54 AM

Yes go to Yukon. Go up to Dawson City. There is much history along the route from Whitehorse to Dawson and plenty of beauty. You will have a great time in Dawson. Return home along the Cassiar Highway. It is a beautiful ride with no traffic It is my favorite road and my record count for bears is 15 in one trip with second place count at 14.
The other option is the Yellowknife loop where you pass by Fort Liard and Hay River. There is about 200 miles of good gravel on the Fort Liard side. If you want to experience remote Canada this is a good option. You will be amazed when you get your first look at Yellowknife.
Check the Covid rules for both territories first.
Go have a great trip.

sandwip · 02-25-2021, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakedalaskan

Yes go to Yukon. Go up to Dawson City. There is much history along the route from Whitehorse to Dawson and plenty of beauty. You will have a great time in Dawson. Return home along the Cassiar Highway. It is a beautiful ride with no traffic It is my favorite road and my record count for bears is 15 in one trip with second place count at 14.
The other option is the Yellowknife loop where you pass by Fort Liard and Hay River. There is about 200 miles of good gravel on the Fort Liard side. If you want to experience remote Canada this is a good option. You will be amazed when you get your first look at Yellowknife.
Check the Covid rules for both territories first.
Go have a great trip.

Dawson is definitely in my sights, but Yellowknife would be another trip as I plan to return south through to Vancouver before returning to Manitoba

Ray,IN · 03-02-2021, 09:20 PM

Per this link https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/tr...nada-checklist
U.S.A. citizens cannot enter Canada to visit or sightsee at this time.

sandwip · 03-03-2021, 01:48 PM

Yup, get that, but I am in Canada already, question is if the border will be open by the time I get to the Yukon. Appreciate the reply.
Brian

Ray,IN · 03-03-2021, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandwip

Yup, get that, but I am in Canada already, question is if the border will be open by the time I get to the Yukon. Appreciate the reply.
Brian

No-one knows the future, but this link sounds like it is already open. This is the most recent information: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-advisories/

sandwip · 03-04-2021, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

No-one knows the future, but this link sounds like it is already open. This is the most recent information: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-advisories/

One may be able to enter by road, not quite clear, but the testing and isolation requirements rule it out for me as it is a short term visit for vacation purposes.

twogypsies · 03-04-2021, 10:19 AM

The requirements for leisure travel are many:

https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/

leenda · 03-04-2021, 02:31 PM

We went to Canada through British Columbia north of Glacier National Park through the Yukon Territory into Alaska. It was the best road trip we ever made. I would suggest finding out what each Canadian Province requires coming into Canada and out of Canada into Alaska and back into the US. A book I would recommend for your trip is the Milepost. You can find issues a year or two old on the Internet and avoid paying the price of a new book. It is so valuable in knowing areas of interest and the history notes. We followed it every step of the way. Milepost gives you information on each milepost along your route. Hopefully you get to make this beautiful and interesting trip!