Alberta to Alaska Highway Route
Grande Prairie, Alberta
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Grande Prairie is the last major stop on this route before linking to the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC. Be entertained anytime of the year. Grande Prairie has everything from beautiful county parks with camping, hiking, many museums to great events all year round. If you are lucky enough to pass through during early June don't miss the Stompede rodeo. It is the first rodeo of the pro tour where you will want to partake in the entertainment! And if you are visiting between June and August pop by the fabulous visitor center for the free bison barbeque (on Wednesdays) or a free bus tour of the area (on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays). Whatever you need, Grande Prairie has a little something for everyone!
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 it 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 11 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.
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 around 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:
Cowboy Trail
Explore Alberta's historic Cowboy Trail and discover how the Old West lives on in its art, history, food, hospitality and culture. Begin your journey from Cardston, to Waterton National Park, Calgary, and continue heading west at Rocky Mountain House where you'll discover a superb National Historic Site where the story of Canada's fur trade and rugged voyageur life is re-enacted. Whatever portion you choose, you'll see cowboys ropin' cattle, experience small- town rodeos, country fairs and rich ranchland where quarter horses still reign. The Cowboy Trail is full of geographic and historic gems.
