Best 15 Stops on the Legendary Alaska Highway

My biggest takeaway from my roadtrip to Alaska is that the journey is as much about the drive and the stops along the way as it is about the destination. Driving the entire 1,390 miles of the Alaska Highway is such a legendary experience for which I will be forever proud of myself. This historic route, stretching from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska, is a corridor through some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes. It is also a living museum and a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Here are the 15 major stops on the way that I recommend, each contributing to the legendary character of the Alaska Highway.

Alaska Highway Road Condition

The Alaska Highway was once notorious for rough conditions (and probably still is to some people). But it has been improved significantly over the years. On my way to Alaska in early to mid July 2023, the majority of the route was paved and drivable by all types of cars. It may not be the smoothest highway, but so are California highways. The toughest section which was all in loose gravel was the last 30 miles in the Yukon Territory leading to the US-CA border. That section was extremely bumpy and had numerous frost heaves and potholes on the road. I was able to drive only 20 miles per hour in my Class C RV.

However, a month later on my way back in late August, the road condition had been improved a lot likely due to aggressive summer constructions. I drove about only 5 miles on loose gravels and the rest was all paved. So don’t let the rumor scare you. The Alaska Highway is no different than any other highways in terms of road conditions. Just stay updated with the latest conditions and advisories before you depart.

1. Dawson Creek, British Columbia – Start of the Alaska Highway

Dawson Creek, the official start of the Alaska Highway, is a pioneer village and an art gallery with murals depicting the highway’s construction. Taking a photo of the famous “Mile 0” post is a must.

2. Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia

Stone Mountain Provincial Park is a lesser-known gem on the Alaska Highway that offers a tranquil escape into the wild. It’s known for its distinctive, jagged peaks of the Stone Mountain Range. The most popular trail, Summit Peak Trail, leads to the park’s highest accessible point and offers panoramic views of the Northern Rockies.

Ariel and I didn’t have time for this challenging trail. Instead we took the 3.9-mile Baba Canyon Trail. It was a unique and fun experience because the trail was essentially a climb over riverbed rocks and required us to find our own ways.

We also stopped at the crystal-clear Summit Lake in the park. Directly accessible from the nearby campground, the lake is great for water activities. As you continue your journey on the highway, the turquoise Toad River is running next to you meandering through the Northern Rockies. Make sure to take a snap of this picturesque view.

3. Muncho Lake, British Columbia

Muncho Lake is a jewel on the Alaska Highway, renowned for its deep jade color, a result of copper oxide leaching from the bedrock. Hugged by the Canadian Rockies and rich forests, it stretches over 12 kilometers along the Alaska Highway. You can access it from any pull-off area for water activities, dry camping, or simply sun-bathing. The tranquil, picturesque landscape and the vibrant, natural hues are surreal.

In addition, the Muncho Lake Provincial Park where the lake is located provides other recreational adventures from wildlife viewing to hiking. Ariel and I hiked the short and easy Mineral Lick Trail. It leads to a natural mineral lick where wildlife, especially stone sheep, come to lick and replenish essential nutrients. This unique walk not only provides spectacular views of the Northern Rockies but also is educational.

4. Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia

Liard River Hot Springs are located in the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park on the Alaska Highway, nestled in the lush wilderness of British Columbia. These natural, mineral-rich hot springs range from 42°C to 52°C year-round, providing you a serene escape into nature’s embrace and a perfect spot for relaxation after a long drive.

The park also has camping facilities, which are filled up quickly and require booking in advance. The park is generally dog-friendly, but pets are not allowed on the boardwalk that leads to the hot springs or around the hot spring pools. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the campground to the hot springs. There are changing rooms on site.

I also recommend spending some time on Liard River and Trout River to enjoy the tranquil nature. In particular, check out the Whirlpool Canyon which is a quiet spot for watching Liard River rapids, as well as Allen’s Lookout which provides a panoramic vista of the sweeping northern landscape.

5. Watson Lake, Yukon

Watson Lake in Yukon, Canada, is perhaps most famous for the Sign Post Forest, an ever-growing collection initiated by a homesick American solider in 1942 that now features over 80,000 signs brought by travelers from around the world. This quirky outdoor museum is quite impressive and symbolizes the rich history of the Alaska Highway. Additionally, Watson Lake, the lake this city is named after, is a serene body of water and a peaceful retreat for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, with the northern boreal forest reflecting on its calm surface.

6. Teslin, Yukon

Teslin is a small village resting along the Alaska Highway and perched on the shores of the long and narrow Teslin Lake. Rancheria Falls in the area provide a short hike to two small waterfalls in the woods. It’s a great place to stretch legs and walk dogs. Teslin is also notable for its large Indigenous population, primarily the Tlingit people. To check out their cultural heritage, I highly recommend the George Johnston Museum and the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre. These centers preserve artifacts, traditional crafts, and photographs from the Tlingit community.

7. Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, was such a pleasant surprise for my drive of the Alaska Highway. I didn’t think I would enjoy this remote town this much. It simply has so much to offer from historical sites to natural beauty.

Whitehorse Downtown

To start off, as the largest city in Northern Canada, Whitehorse is a great place to refill your necessities and even service your car. The downtown area has all types of diners, bakeries, and coffeeshops. In summer months, the Shipyards Park holds a weekly event where you can find delicious bites at food trucks. I had one of the best hand-pulled Chinese beef noodles there.

Klondike National Historic Sites

If you are interested in Whitehorse’s history back to the gold rush era, have a visit to the famous Klondike National Historic Sites. These sites preserve the heritage and tales of those who undertook the arduous journey north, driven by gold fever. S.S. Klondike is another iconic place to visit. It’s a preserved sternwheeler reminiscent of the area’s riverboat past.

Whitehorse Fish Ladder

The Whitehorse Fish Ladder is a great place to learn about a salmon’s migration journey. It is the world’s longest wooden fish ladder, designed to help salmon migrate past the Whitehorse Dam on their journey to spawning grounds. You can witness the incredible journey of the chinook salmon and learn about their life cycle at the adjacent interpretive center.

Whitehorse Hiking Trails

For nature lovers, Whitehorse is also the starting point for many wilderness excursions. Surrounded by mountains and the Yukon River, the territory boasts endless outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the summer.

For example, the Millennium Trail is a scenic riverside pathway offering panoramic views and a peaceful stroll alongside the rushing Yukon River. It’s well-maintained and dog friendly, perfect for jogging, walking, and biking. It also connects to key points in the city including S.S. Klondike. Another incredible hiking destination is Miles Canyon. It’s known for its striking basaltic cliffs and amazing views of the blue Yukon River. The Miles Canyon Loop takes you around the canyon.

8. Kusawa Lake, Yukon

Kusawa Lake is a short detour from the Alaska Highway. It was a tough drive for me along the Takhini River but worth every effort. The Takhini River, winding through the stunning landscapes of Yukon, offers a serene escape into the untouched wilderness. This river is known for its gentle flow, making it almost like a lake and ideal for canoe and kayak expeditions. The river flows past the natural Takhini Hot Springs, a popular year-round destination for both locals and tourists seeking to soak in its mineral-rich waters.

As you drive to the Kusawa Lake Campground, a peaceful and crystal-clear water body expands in between rugged mountains. Kusawa Lake stretches about 70 kilometers, perfect for all types of water activities and fishing. Thanks to its remote location, it’s not as crowded as other lake parks. The silence is only broken by the call of the wild and the lapping of water against the shore.

9. Haines Junction, Yukon

Haines Junction sits at the crossroads of the Alaska Highway and Haines Highway, serving as a gateway to the Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon. This picturesque village is framed by the breathtaking Saint Elias Mountains. The views are already spectacular from the highway, let alone when you hike into the mountains. At the heart of the village, the Haines Junction Village Monument symbolizes the unity between the people of Haines Junction and the stunning wilderness that envelops them. It’s another photo-worth spot.

10. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

Kluane National Park and Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal icefields and Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan. Its vast wilderness provides a sanctuary for grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and over a hundred bird species. Kluane’s landscapes range from lush forest valleys to alpine tundra which promise breathtaking vistas and adventure opportunities. In addition, like other Canadian national parks, it’s dog friendly.

Day 1: Kluane National Park Visitor Center and Kathleen Lake

You can start at the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre in Haines Junction. As you drive south on the Haines Highway, you will see the trailhead of the popular Auriol Trail which is 9.2 miles long and quite challenging. But it’s a great one offering a sample of the park’s diverse ecosystems. Afterwards, relax and picnic at Kathleen Lake and enjoy an easy walk around it. Ariel and I kayaked on the lake. The water was cold but manageable in summer months. The view of the surrounding glacier-peaked mountains was incredible. For the night, Kathleen Lake Campground is only 1km from the lake providing quiet tent and RV campsites. On clear days, the unpolluted skies offer amazing stargazing opportunities.

Day 2: Rock Glacier and Soldier’s Summit

Hiking the Kathleen Lake Cottonwood Lake Trail that is close to the campground is a perfect way to start your 2nd day. This moderate 4.4-mile trail provides sweeping views of the Kathleen Lake and its surrounding lush forests.

I also recommend a short hike on the Rock Glacier Trail. This’s a unique one because you will get to walk on an inactive glacier and climb over red glacier rocks. At the top, panoramic views of Kluane’s dramatic mountain scenery and the vast Dezadeash Lake are breathtaking.

After you return to the Alaska Highway, Soldier’s Summit Trail is a must-see. This short but significant trail commemorates the 1942 completion of the highway, a crucial undertaking during World War II. It leads to an overlook where the highway’s official opening ceremony was held. Along the trail, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness, the windy Alaska Highway, and the beautiful Kluane Lake.

Ceremony plaque for the completion of Alaska Highway

11. Destruction Bay, Yukon

Destruction Bay is named after a storm that destroyed part of the Alaska Highway during its construction. But now this small lakeside community is known for its awe-inspiring views of Yukon’s largest lake, Kluane Lake, and its surrounding mountain ranges.

Kluane Lake is fed by glacial waters of surrounding icefields. And its water levels are different every year, subject to dramatic natural changes of these ancient glaciers. As you drive on this section of the Alaska Highway, the shimmering blue hues from Kluane Lake are so stunning that you will want to pull over every 5 minutes. And there are many pull-off areas for photo taking, short walks around the lake, boating or kayaking on the lake, and even boondocking next to the lake. It’s a paradise for those seeking tranquility.

12. “Welcome to Alaska” Sign

Before you go through the US custom, you will first see the iconic sign of “Welcome to Alaska.” Congratulations! You made it to Alaska, the Last Frontier, the 49th state of America! Everyone journeying on the Alaska Highway stops here to take a photo to celebrate this significant milestone and capture the sense of achievement. It represents not just a change in geography but also an invitation to the vastness and wild beauty of Alaska’s landscapes.

13. Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary sprawling across nearly 700,000 acres to conserve wildlife populations and their habitats, including those of migratory birds. It also offers breathtaking scenery of lakes, wetlands, and forests. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers with trails and boat accesses. However, because of the rich and complex ecological system of this area, bugs including mosquitoes are extremely aggressive. Ariel and I suffered tremendously after a 2-minute walk. So be sure to wear head nets and deep-wood bug sprays.

14. Tok, Alaska

Tok is the first major Alaskan town for travelers heading north on the Alaska Highway. As I mentioned in my other blog about major highways in Alaska, it is a crucial stopover for travelers entering or exiting the state, providing essential services, such as fuel, accommodations, and dining options.

15. Delta Junction, Alaska – End of the Alaska Highway

Delta Junction marks the official end of the Alaska Highway. It is rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. See our visit to the famous Rita’s Roadhouse in this blog.