Alberta to Alaska Highway Route
Grande Prairie, Alberta
select a community to start planning your trip
Grande Prairie is the next stop on this route. It is the largest city in northwestern Alberta, with a population of 47,000. It is also the last major stop before linking to the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC. Grande Prairie boasts several county parks with camping, hiking and other amenities, and is home to the Grande Prairie Stampede, the first rodeo of the pro tour. If you are lucky enough to pass through there during the Stampede (early June) be sure to take some time to partake in the entertainment! You will also enjoy seeing Grande Prairie’s Pioneer Museum, which houses an eclectic collection of artifacts, and the local art gallery is full of Canadian works.
Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Just 83 miles (133 km) down the highway is Dawson Creek, BC. This community is probably most famous for being located at mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, but also has much to offer in the way of attractions. Check out the Northern Alberta Railways Park, which features an award-winning restoration project on a historic train station. And at Mile Zero Rotary Park is the Walter Wright Pioneer Village, which depicts the 1940s era and the building of the Alaska Highway. Enjoy an afternoon strolling through Gardens North, created by the Dawson Creek Horticultural Society, and consisting of eleven amazing themed gardens with a wide array of roses, annuals, perennials and trees.
Fort Nelson, British Columbia
Your journey will take you farther into BC, and to the town of Fort Nelson. Originally established as a fur trading post in 1805, Fort Nelson flourished with the construction of the Alaska Highway, making it the bustling community it is today. Enjoy a closer look at the local history by visiting Fort Nelson Heritage Museum. You may also want to attend the “Welcome Visitors Program” at the Phoenix Theatre beside the town office, running several nights a week in June and July. Note that this is the last major service center in BC as you make your way north into the Yukon Territory.
Watson Lake, Yukon
Located just inside the Yukon border, the town of Watson Lake is known as the Gateway to the Yukon. The world-famous Sign Post Forest was started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. Army soldier who posted a sign pointing to his hometown of Danville, Ill. There are now more than 60,000 signs and license plates representing towns from all over the world. Lucky Lake is a recreation site at the edge of town with the Yukon’s only outdoor waterslide. Enjoy the nearby Boreal Forest Interpretive trail, views of Liard Canyon and relax on the sandy shores. Explore the backcountry trails, with local operators offering various day trips as well as longer excursions.
SIDE TRIPS
You may wish to detour a bit from the fastest route to Alaska to savor some of Alberta's amazing scenery as you make your way north. We'd like to offer a few side trip ideas that will enhance your journey and add to the enjoyment:
Prince George to Dawson Creek
When in the city of Prince George, take the Alaska Highway over to Dawson Creek. This is known as “Mile Zero” and is where the highway actually begins. The construction of the highway in 1942 caused this small town’s population to skyrocket from 600 to 10,000. It is now a tourism and transportation center, with great museums, sightseeing and all the modern amenities.
