Best major cities and towns along the Alaska Highway. The Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, is a historic and iconic roadway that stretches through some of the most remote and rugged regions of North America. Beginning in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the highway winds its way through the northern reaches of Canada and into Alaska, passing through a variety of unique and interesting cities and towns along the way. The Alaska Highway officially ends in Delta Junction, Alaska.
This is a list of major cities and towns. These cities are some of the best places to see along the Alaska Highway, but the route is also home to many small towns, villages and communities that offer visitors a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyle of the North.
1. Dawson Creek, BC, Canada
Alaska Highway: 0 HM/ 0 KM
The first major city along the Alaska Highway. Dawson Creek is a city located in the northeastern region of British Columbia, Canada. It is famous for being the starting point of the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN. The highway starts in Dawson Creek, and it stretches over 1,500 miles through the northern regions of British Columbia and the state of Alaska.
Dawson Creek is a small city with a population of around 12,000 people, but it’s a popular destination for travelers who are looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and visitors can take a trip to the nearby Peace River Valley, an area of stunning natural beauty that is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Dawson Creek is also known for its rich history and culture, and visitors can explore the local heritage by visiting the Dawson Creek Art Gallery and the South Peace Centennial Museum. The city also has a number of parks and recreational areas, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options.
Overall, Dawson Creek is an ideal starting point for those planning to drive the Alaska Highway, and it is a charming city with a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, history and culture.
2. Taylor, BC, Canada
Alaska Highway: 36 HM/56 KM
Another major town on my list. Taylor is a small town located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. It is located near the Peace River and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as the area offers many opportunities for fishing, hunting, and hiking. The town is situated on the banks of the Peace River and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Taylor is also known for its rich history and culture, and visitors can explore the local heritage by visiting the Taylor Museum and the Taylor Heritage Park. The town also has a number of parks and recreational areas, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options.
The town is also located on the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, which runs through British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska. This highway is a popular tourist route, and visitors can take a drive on the highway and stop by Taylor to see the beautiful nature and experience the local culture.
Overall, Taylor is a small town with a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, history, and culture. It is a great stop for those traveling on the Alaska Highway, and it is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of northeastern British Columbia.
3. Fort St. John, BC, Canada
Alaska Highway: 48 HM/75 KM
Next visit the major city on your Alaska Highway journey – Fort St. John. Fort St. John is a city located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, on the Alaska Highway also known as the ALCAN. The Alaska Highway is a popular tourist route that runs from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska, and Fort St. John is a key stop along the way.
The city has a population of around 22,000 people and is a regional hub for the oil and gas industry, as well as agriculture and forestry. Despite its industrial background, Fort St. John is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the local history and culture by visiting the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, the Enerplex, and the Pomeroy Sport Centre.
Fort St. John is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, and visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing in the nearby mountains. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and visitors can take a trip to the nearby Peace River Valley, an area of stunning natural beauty that is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
4. Watson Lake, YT, Canada
Alaska Highway: 635 HM/978 KM
Welcome to the historic town of Watson Lake. This is a small town located in the southern part of the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is situated on the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, and is a popular stop for travelers on this scenic route. Watson Lake is located just south of the British Columbia border and is approximately 665 miles from the start of the highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
The town is known for its Signpost Forest, which is a unique attraction where visitors can leave their own sign from their hometown, creating a colorful display of signs from all over the world. Watson Lake also has a small museum, the Northern Lights Centre, that has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the town and the region.
Signpost Forest is an iconic place on the Alaska Highway, check out my blog post for more iconic places: Alaska Highway – The 15 BEST Stops Along the ALCAN – Must-see places!
Outdoor enthusiasts will find many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Watson Lake is also a great place to see the Northern Lights during the winter months.
Overall, Watson Lake is a charming town that offers a glimpse of the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Yukon.
5. Teslin, YT, Canada
Alaska Highway: 804 HM/1244 KM
Ready for another major town on the Alaska Highway? Teslin is a small community located in the southern part of the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is situated on the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, and is a popular stop for travelers on this scenic route. Teslin is located about halfway between Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, and Watson Lake, another popular stop along the Alaska Highway.
Teslin is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Teslin River, which runs through the community, is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The nearby Nisutlin Bay Provincial Park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and beavers.
Teslin is also home to the Tlingit Heritage Centre, where visitors can learn about the Tlingit people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The centre has exhibits that showcase the culture, history, and art of the Tlingit people.
6. Whitehorse, YT, Canada
Alaska Highway: 918 HM/1419 KM
Next, visit this major city: Whitehorse! Whitehorse is the capital and largest city of the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is located on the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, and is a popular stop for travelers on this scenic route. Whitehorse is located about halfway between the start of the highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and the end of the highway in Delta Junction, Alaska.
Whitehorse is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. Visitors can explore the city’s past by visiting the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, which has exhibits that showcase the history of the city and the region. Another popular attraction is the SS Klondike National Historic Site, a restored sternwheeler that was once used to transport goods on the Yukon River.
Whitehorse also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. The nearby Whitehorse Rapids Fishway offers visitors the chance to see salmon swimming upstream, and the Miles Canyon and Takhini Hot Springs are popular spots for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
7. Tok, AK, USA
Alaska Highway: 1314 HM/2115 KM
Tok is a small town located in the state of Alaska, United States. It is situated on the Alaska Highway, also known as the ALCAN, and is a popular stop for travelers on this scenic route. Tok is located about halfway between the start of the highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and the end of the highway in Delta Junction, Alaska.
Tok is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities and as a gateway to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, one of the largest national parks in the United States. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the park, and see the beautiful glaciers and wildlife.
Tok also offers a variety of unique local businesses, such as the Tok River Campground, that offers lodging and RV parking, and a gas station and convenience store. The Tok River Lodge, that offers a variety of services such as accommodations, restaurant, bar, and gift shop.
8. Delta Junction, AK, USA
Alaska Highway: 1422 HM/2288 KM
The Alaska Highway officially ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. It is a small city located in the interior region of the state, about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The city is known for being the end of the Alaska Highway, and it is home to the historic “End of the Alaska Highway” sign, which marks the official end of the highway and serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
Delta Junction is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the nearby Delta River, the Tanana Valley and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, one of the largest national parks in the United States. Visitors can also see the beautiful glaciers and wildlife. I hope you enjoy my list of best major cities and towns along the Alaska Highway.
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Alaska Highway in my travel guide, “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE ALASKA HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all Alaska Highway travelers. Visit 202 places on the ALCAN with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.