Alaska Highway with family and kids. You may be wondering, “Is the Alaska Highway safe for a family trip?”, “Camping on the Alaska Highway with kids?”, “Fishing along the Alaska Highway with kids”, “Wildlife Viewing along Alaska Highway with kids”. Today I will show you the 10 best attractions for kids and families along Alaska Highway.
The Alaska Highway is a scenic and historic route that runs through Canada and Alaska, and it can be a great road trip destination for families.
Make sure to plan your route and accommodations in advance, as there are fewer services and amenities along the highway than in more populated areas. Keep the family engaged by having them look for wildlife, such as caribou, moose, and bears, and by having them participate in scavenger hunts and other interactive activities.
Along the Alaska Highway, there are many rest stops and campsites that offer opportunities for the family to explore and play. The Alaska Highway has many visitor centers that provide information about the history and culture of the area, and also have interactive exhibits that can help keep the family engaged. Always remind everyone to stay within sight and to not wander off, especially when in the wilderness.
Is the Alaska Highway safe for a family trip?
The Alaska Highway is generally considered safe to drive, but as with any road trip, there are certain precautions that should be taken. The highway is well-maintained and well-marked, but it can be challenging to drive in some areas due to the remote wilderness and varying weather conditions.
Camping on the Alaska Highway with kids
Camping with kids along the Alaska Highway can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. Look for campgrounds that offer amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and fire pits. Some campgrounds may also have designated family sites with extra space for kids to play. Make sure you have all the necessary camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and a camping stove. Bring enough food and water for the trip, and pack extra snacks and activities for the kids to keep them entertained.
Remember to emphasize safety and respect for nature throughout the trip, and to keep the experience age-appropriate and fun for the kids. With proper planning and preparation, a camping trip with kids can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family along Alaska Highway.
Fishing along the Alaska Highway with kids
Alaska is a great place for fishing, many visitors can fish for salmon, halibut, and other fish species in the rivers and ocean. When fishing with kids along the Alaska Highway, make sure to have the appropriate fishing licenses, teach them the regulations and safety rules of fishing, and supervise them closely at all times. While camping and fishing, you can teach your kids about the wildlife and the ecosystem of the area, you can also teach them how to set up a tent, start a fire, and properly clean fish.
Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring all necessary gear, such as life jackets, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Remember to keep the fishing experience age-appropriate and fun for the kids by using smaller fishing rods, and teaching them the basics of fishing. Encourage patience and safety while fishing and you’re all set for a memorable family fishing trip.
Wildlife Viewing along Alaska Highway with kids
Along the Alaska Highway you can see bears, moose, caribou, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Taking a wildlife viewing trip with kids can be a fun and educational experience. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to plan ahead by researching the area and finding out what types of animals you might see. This will help your kids get excited about the trip and give them a sense of what to expect. Keep the itinerary simple, as young children have short attention spans, and don’t try to cover too much ground in one day. Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, and bring binoculars, a camera and snacks. Remember to respect the animals and their natural habitats and to follow all park rules and guidelines.
Alaska Highway best attractions must-stops with kids
There are many fun and educational attractions for kids along the Alaska Highway. Some popular options include:
1. Walter Wright Pioneer Village
HISTORIC MILE 1.5 (2,4 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 55.768933, -120.259309
ADDRESS: 1901 Alaska Hwy, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4P7, Canada
Walter Wright Pioneer Village is a historical village in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada. It is a living history museum that showcases the life and culture of the early settlers in the area. The village features a variety of restored and reconstructed buildings, including homes, a school, and a church, that are furnished and decorated to reflect the time period. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the lives of the early settlers through hands-on activities, such as blacksmithing and quilting demonstrations, and costumed interpreters who bring the history to life. It is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the people who settled it.
2. Muncho Lake Provincial Park
HISTORIC MILE 456 (698 KM) MUNCHO LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 58.925968, -125.768967
ADDRESS: MI 456 Alaska Hwy, Muncho Lake, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada
Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a provincial park located in the northern region of British Columbia, Canada. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, with the Muncho Lake being the main attraction. The lake is large and deep, and has a distinctive blue-green color caused by the rock flour in the water.
The park is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. There are a number of hiking trails in the park, including the Alpine Trail which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The park is also a great place for fishing, with rainbow trout and lake trout being the most common species found in the lake. Boating and canoeing are also popular activities and rentals are available.
3. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
HISTORIC MILE 496 (765 KM) LIARD RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 59.425575, -126.100870
ADDRESS: 75100-81198 Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies B, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada
Liard River Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Liard River Valley in British Columbia, Canada. It is a popular destination for families with kids, as the hot springs offer a unique and fun experience for children of all ages.
The hot springs themselves are located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by forest and mountains. The warm water is perfect for kids to play and relax in, and the natural minerals in the water are said to have healing properties.
4. Sign Post Forest
HISTORIC MILE 635 (978 KM) WATSON LAKE, YUKON
GPS: 60.063341, -128.714075
ADDRESS: Mile 635, Alaska Hwy, Watson Lake, YT, Canada
Sign Post Forest is a fun and interesting place for kids to visit. The forest is filled with thousands of signs from all over the world, which can be fun for children to read and learn about different places. They can see signs from different countries, states, and even cities, which can help them learn about geography and the world around them.
Additionally, the forest is a great place for kids to explore and experience nature. There are hiking trails and the area around the forest is great for camping. Kids can learn about different types of trees and plants and enjoy the wildlife that is found in the area. It’s also a good spot for families to take a break while on road trip, as they can add their own sign and make a memory together.
5. Northern Lights Centre
HISTORIC MILE 635 (978 KM) WATSON LAKE, YUKON
GPS: 60.062494, -128.710777
ADDRESS: 807 Frank Trail, Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0, Canada
The Northern Lights Centre is an educational facility located in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, that is dedicated to educating visitors about the Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis. It is a great destination for families with kids, as it offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to engage and educate children about this natural phenomenon.
The Centre has several interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn about the science behind the Northern Lights, as well as the cultural significance of the aurora borealis to different indigenous cultures. They can also learn about the best places to view the Northern Lights, as well as the optimal conditions for viewing them.
6. George Johnston Museum
HISTORIC MILE 804 (1244 KM) TESLIN, YUKON
GPS: 60.168207, -132.720583
ADDRESS: Nisutlin Bay Bridge, Teslin, YT Y0A 1B0, Canada
George Johnston Museum is a small museum located on the Alaska Highway (KM 1244) about 800 meters (0.5 miles) west of the Nisutlin Bay Bridge in Teslin, Yukon, Canada. It is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Teslin Tlingit people. The museum is operated by the Teslin Tlingit Council and it is likely a small facility or a cabin. It may not be as grand as larger museums, but it offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Tlingit people.
If you would like to visit more museums along the Alaska Highway, check out my blog post: Alaska Highway – TOP 8 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along ALCAN
7. Miles Canyon
HISTORIC MILE 912 (1418 KM) Canyon Crescent, YUKON
GPS: 60.661443, -135.029358
Miles Canyon is a narrow gorge located on the Yukon River near Whitehorse, the capital of the Canadian territory of Yukon. The canyon is known for its rugged beauty and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. The canyon is also home to hydroelectric power generation facilities. There is a historical train nearby called White Pass and Yukon Route, which runs through the canyon and offering views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
8. S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
HISTORIC MILE 918 (1419 KM) WHITEHORSE, YUKON
GPS: 60.713361, -135.048265
ADDRESS: 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1V8, Canada
The S.S. Klondike is a National Historic Site located in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is a restored paddle wheeler that once plied the waters of the Yukon River during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. The S.S. Klondike is a great attraction for kids as it offers a glimpse into the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and allows visitors to explore the ship and learn about its role in the development of the Yukon.
The National Park Service offers guided tours of the ship, which include information about the ship’s history, and the life of the people who worked and traveled on it. There are also interactive exhibits and historical artifacts on display that kids can explore. Additionally, the site offers a playground and picnic area for families to enjoy.
Overall, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site is a great destination for families looking for an educational and fun-filled outing.
9. Frosty’s Restaurant
HISTORIC MILE 1016 (1578 KM) HAINES JUNCTION, YUKON
GPS: 60.755752, -137.511517
ADDRESS: Mile 1016 Alaska Hwy, Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0, Canada
Ready for ice creams? Kids love ice creams! Frosty’s Restaurant has been in business at the same location since the mid-1980s. Originally known as Frosty Freeze, it was a one man operation in a one room drive-in with a grill and deep fryer. The existing building was constructed in 1998 and now staffs as many as 18 people. This is a great place to eat ice cream during your Alaska Highway trip!
10. Mukluk Land
HISTORIC MILE 1317 (2120 KM) TOK, ALASKA
GPS: 63.342257, -143.080552
Mukluk Land is an attraction located in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is an indoor playground and entertainment center that offers a variety of activities for children and families. The attraction features a large inflatable play structure, a climbing wall, and a variety of games and activities. It also has a small café and seating area for parents to relax while their children play.
Mukluk Land is a great place for families to spend a few hours and enjoy some indoor fun, especially during colder months when outdoor activities may be limited. The inflatable playground is suitable for children of all ages and offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and burn off energy.
Mukluk Land is a family-friendly attraction that offers a great way for kids to have fun and stay active. It is a great place to visit for families with children looking for indoor activities in Whitehorse.
👍 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”.