The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, stretches for over 1,400 miles through the breathtaking landscape of Alaska and northwestern Canada. So, are you planning a road trip along the Alaska Highway? Look no further! Here are the six best travel guides on the Alaska Highway to help you plan your journey.
1. Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops by Mark Watson
As the author of the Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops, I am proud to present a guidebook that caters to travelers who love to explore and discover new places. In this guidebook, I have included information on the history of the region and the pioneering figures who helped shape the frontier, as well as trivia and local legends that add a touch of whimsy to the journey.
To make navigation and planning easy, I have included unique QR codes and detailed maps that can be accessed using a smartphone or simply following the paper maps. The guidebook also includes recommendations for overnight RV parks, lodging, and gas stations, so travelers can easily plan their route and know where they will be staying each night.
The 202 best stops along the way are a highlight of the guidebook, with both iconic attractions for travelers on a tight schedule and off-the-beaten-path attractions for those looking for something a little different. And to add to the experience, I have included a road trip soundtrack that sets the mood for the journey.
Overall, I believe that this guidebook is the perfect companion for an epic road trip through North America’s last frontier and I hope that it helps travelers create unforgettable memories along the way.
Pros:
- Includes unique QR codes for easy navigation
- Offers detailed maps and GPS coordinates
- Highlights 25 “Iconic Places” and 22 “Off the Main Road” attractions
- Includes recommendations for overnight RV parks, lodging, and gas stations
- Road trip soundtrack to set the mood for your journey
- Logbook included
- Includes a list of speed limits for each province or state
- Compact size (5.25 x 8) is easy to carry with you on your journey
Cons:
- The road trip soundtrack may not appeal to everyone’s musical tastes.
- Some travelers may not find the logbook feature useful or may prefer to record their memories in a different way.
More books from that author: Books list
2. Guide to the Alaska Highway: Your Complete Driving Guide by Ron Dalby
Written by Ron Dalby, a veteran of more than 50 trips along the highway, this book is packed with insider tips and valuable information to help you make the most of your journey. This is another great example of the best Alaska Highway Travel Guide.
One of the standout features of this guide is the focus on more than 200 destinations along the way. From spectacular full-color photographs to expert input on vehicle preparation and packing, this book has everything you need to know about the 1,500 miles of highway that make up the Alcan.
Some of the best places to see animals, fish, and more are recommended throughout the book. In addition, there is advice from locals on the finest spots to set up camp along the road.
Pros:
- Written by a veteran of the Alaska Highway with more than 50 trips under his belt
- Providing enough detailed information and recommendations
- Features full-color photographs
- Includes favorite fishing holes, wildlife, and more
- Offers expert input on vehicle preparation, packing, and where to camp
- Comprehensive guide to the 1,500 miles of highway that make up the Alcan
Cons:
- May not include information about every possible stop or attraction along the Alaska Highway
- Some travelers may prefer a more general guidebook that covers a wider range of destinations and activities
- Some travelers may not find the expert input on vehicle preparation and packing to be relevant or useful
- Some travelers may prefer a guidebook with more interactive features, such as maps or quizzes, rather than just text and photographs
3. RVing North to Alaska: Guide for RV Travel on the Alcan Highway by Rich Eskew and Gloria Eskew
This book is designed to provide basic guidelines to help make your travel safe, memorable, and truly the trip of a lifetime.
The authors of this book have extensive experience with the Alaska Highway, having made many one-way trips along the route. They share their knowledge and insights to help you prepare and plan your own journey, and provide guidelines to avoid any obstacles that could hinder your enjoyment.
While the book doesn’t seek to advise on specific destinations or activities, it does provide information on things to see and do in Fairbanks. And with its focus on RV travel, it’s a great resource for anyone planning to hit the road in their motorhome or camper.
Pros:
- Written by experienced travelers with extensive knowledge of the Alaska Highway
- Provides basic guidelines to help make your travel safe, memorable, and enjoyable
- Focuses on RV travel, making it a great resource for those planning to hit the road in a motorhome or camper
- Offers insights and tips based on the authors’ experiences on the Alaska Highway
- Provides information on things to see and do in Fairbanks
Cons:
- Some travelers may prefer a guidebook that provides more specific recommendations and advice on what to see and do
- May not appeal to travelers who are not planning to travel in an RV
- Cheap paper
- No pictures
4. Moon British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway by Andrew Hempstead
From vibrant cities and secluded beaches to old-growth rainforests and world-class ski slopes, this guide has something for everyone.
There are a variety of suggested itineraries in the guidebook, from a weekend in Vancouver to a two-week journey around the province. It also offers strategic advice for outdoor adventurers, foodies and wine lovers, families, and more, as well as reliable tips from BC local Andrew Hempstead on where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around.
Besides full-color photos and detailed maps, the guide includes background information on the landscape, culture, history, and environment of British Columbia. It covers a wide range of destinations, including Vancouver, Victoria and Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler, the Kootenays, the Okanagan Valley, the Canadian Rockies, and more.
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel guide that covers all the must-see highlights and unique experiences of British Columbia
- Offers flexible itineraries ranging from one week to two weeks in duration
- Provides strategic advice for different types of travelers, including outdoor adventurers, foodies and wine lovers, families, and more
- Features reliable tips from a BC local on where to eat, stay, and get around
- Includes full-color photos and detailed maps, as well as background information on the landscape, culture, history, and environment of the province
Cons:
- Some travelers may not find the strategic advice to be relevant or useful
- It misses many lodges in the region
- Outdated info
5. World Famous Alaska Highway, 4th Edition by Tricia Brown
Written by Tricia Brown, an award-winning author with extensive experience traveling in Alaska, this comprehensive guidebook offers detailed information and expert tips for making the most of your journey.
Filled with full-color maps and photos, this guidebook provides everything you need to know about trip preparation, including important considerations to keep in mind before setting out. It also includes information on places to hike, fish, bike, and boat along the way, as well as details on Alaska’s diverse and unique attractions and festivals.
Moreover, this guidebook also offers insights into Alaska’s famed wildlife and the natural beauty of the region.
Pros:
- Written by an award-winning author with extensive experience traveling in Alaska
- Features full-color maps and photos to help you plan your journey
- Provides useful information on trip preparation, attractions and festivals, and Alaska’s famed wildlife
- Offers insights into the natural beauty of the region and the unique communities that can be found along the way
Cons:
- No hiking trails location included
- Glossy pages
- Lack of in-depth detail
6. The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Planner
The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Planner is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone planning a trip to Alaska and western Canada. This annual guidebook, which has been published since 1949, provides mile-by-mile descriptions of over 15,000 miles of road in the region, including the Alaska Highway and other popular routes.
With more than 600 pages of detailed information, The MILEPOST covers everything you need to know about accommodations, fishing, camping, gas stops, attractions, restaurants, and services along the way. It also includes a Travel Planning section with answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in the North, including border crossings, traveling with pets, the Alaska ferry system, railroads, driving conditions, and wildlife.
In addition to its detailed highway logs, The MILEPOST also includes more than 100 city and highway maps, a popular Plan-A-Trip Map, and over 600 photos to help you plan your trip. The guidebook’s print edition also includes access to a digital edition for added convenience.
Pros:
- Comprehensive guidebook with detailed information about accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and services along popular routes in Alaska and western Canada
- Provides mile-by-mile descriptions of over 15,000 miles of road in the region
- Includes more than 100 city and highway maps, a Plan-A-Trip Map, and over 600 photos to help with trip planning
- Travel Planning section answers frequently asked questions about traveling in the North
- Print edition includes access to a digital edition for added convenience
Cons:
- Only covers a specific region (Alaska and western Canada)
- May not be as comprehensive as some other travel guides
- May not include as many itinerary suggestions or recommendations as some other guides
Final Verdict:
When planning a trip on the Alaska Highway, it’s important to have a reliable and comprehensive travel guide to help you navigate and make the most of your journey. The six travel guides mentioned in this review all offer unique features and benefits to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time on the road.
I personally like Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops the most but ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider what kind of information is most important to you and choose a guide that best fits your needs.
👍 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”.