Exploring the Alaska Highway is a bucket-list adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts and road trip aficionados. Stretching over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, this iconic highway offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unique experiences. If you're planning a road trip to Alaska, here are some must-see attractions along the Alaska Highway that promise unforgettable adventures.
Flightseeing tour around Denali National Park. Photo by Dalton Johnson
1. Muncho Lake
Known for its striking turquoise waters nestled amidst rugged mountains, Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Take a scenic break here to marvel at the stunning colors of the lake, go fishing for Arctic grayling or lake trout, and hike along picturesque trails offering panoramic views.
Highlights:
Striking turquoise waters
Spectacular mountain views
Fishing for Arctic grayling and lake trout
Scenic hiking trails
2. Liard River Hot Springs
A perfect stop to unwind and relax, the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park features natural hot springs set in a lush boreal forest. Soak in the warm waters surrounded by tranquil wilderness, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like moose and bears that frequent the area.
Highlights:
Natural hot springs in a forest setting
Relaxing soak in warm waters
Wildlife sightings like moose and bears
Tranquil ambiance
3. Signpost Forest in Watson Lake
A quirky and fun attraction, the Signpost Forest in Watson Lake is a collection of thousands of signs from travelers around the world. Add your own sign to this unique landmark and explore the stories behind the diverse array of signs representing journeys taken along the Alaska Highway.
Highlights:
Collection of signs from travelers worldwide
Opportunity to add your own sign
Quirky and unique landmark
Stories behind the signs
4. Kluane National Park and Reserve
Venture off the Alaska Highway to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Home to Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, and vast ice fields, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers incredible opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (including grizzly bears and Dall sheep), and experiencing the untamed wilderness of the Yukon.
Highlights:
Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan
Vast ice fields and glaciers
Hiking trails with panoramic views
Wildlife viewing including grizzly bears and Dall sheep
5. Kluane Lake
Adjacent to Kluane National Park, Kluane Lake is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on a kayaking or canoeing adventure on the pristine waters, or simply relax on the shores and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Highlights:
Pristine lake surrounded by mountains
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities
Scenic beauty and serenity
Views of glaciers and wildlife
6. Whitehorse
The capital of Yukon Territory, Whitehorse, offers a blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Visit the SS Klondike National Historic Site to learn about Yukon's riverboat era, explore the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see native wildlife up close, and delve into the region's history at the MacBride Museum.
Highlights:
SS Klondike National Historic Site
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
MacBride Museum for regional history
Blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences
7. Teslin
Make a stop in Teslin to visit the George Johnston Museum, showcasing the heritage and culture of the Teslin Tlingit people. Take a stroll along the scenic Teslin Lake and appreciate the tranquility of this northern landscape.
Highlights:
George Johnston Museum showcasing Teslin Tlingit culture
Scenic views of Teslin Lake
Tranquil ambiance for relaxation
Cultural insights and heritage exploration
8. Carcross
Known for its historic charm and outdoor activities, Carcross is a must-visit destination. Explore the Carcross Desert, the world's smallest desert, go mountain biking on scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture at the Carcross Commons.
Highlights:
Carcross Desert, world's smallest desert
Mountain biking on scenic trails
Indigenous culture at Carcross Commons
Historic charm and picturesque landscapes
9. Skagway, Alaska
While technically not on the Alaska Highway, Skagway is a popular side trip from Whitehorse. Delve into the Klondike Gold Rush history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for stunning views, and wander through the charming streets lined with colorful buildings.
Highlights:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for scenic views
Charming streets with colorful buildings
Gold Rush history and cultural experiences
10. Denali National Park
For those extending their journey into Alaska, a visit to Denali National Park is a must. Witness the grandeur of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak, embark on wildlife tours to spot grizzlies, wolves, and moose, and hike trails offering unmatched views of Alaska's wilderness.
Highlights:
Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak
Wildlife tours for grizzlies, wolves, and moose
Hiking trails with unmatched views
Wilderness exploration and natural beauty
Jumping into alpine lakes while road tripping to Alaska. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Alaska Highway is not just a road; it's a gateway to unforgettable adventures and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you're soaking in hot springs, marveling at turquoise lakes, or exploring historic towns, every stop along this highway adds a new layer of discovery to your road trip to Alaska. Plan your journey wisely, embrace the wilderness, and create memories that will last a lifetime.