Alaska Transportation

Flying into Anchorage or Juneau is by far the quickest way. You can also take a cruise up through the Inside Passage from Vancouver. I have never done this, but hear it is a fantastic trip. Personally, I would always want to get off the ship to go exploring and not just for a quick 2 hour port-of-call. This brings me to the third option: Drive up from British Columbia. This is the way I did it, but I was on a time constraint. If you have the time, enjoy the trip up. There is some really spectacular nature and stretches of road where you won't see much traffic (at least not in May and Sept.) May was a really good time to see bears along-side the highways. They were feeding on dandelions which seem to grow first in the open areas of the forests, which of course, includes highways. I drove both directions along the Yellowhead Hwy and the Cassier Hwy. I didn't join the Alaska Hwy until I was in the Yukon Territory. The other route is to start earlier on the Alaska Hwy in British Columbia. My original plan had been to return that way but then I just had to go to Hyder and see the bears fishing, which I really enjoyed.
Once you're in Alaska (I'm talking about the main circuit between Seward and Fairbanks) the best way do get around is your own personal vehicle. Rentals will be expensive but you'll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Camping will save you a lot in accommodations and food (if you are cooking). There is a train which goes between Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks. I don't know what the schedule or fares are like. Auto ferry's will take you between certain towns such as Valdez to Whittier. For access to most of Alaska you will need to travel by ship or small plane. This is only if your aim is to go way off-the-beaten-track. There's plenty to keep you busy in areas where you can drive to, even though this is a very small portion of the state! If you will be driving yourself, definatly invest in the MILEPOST. It's an invaluable resource for traveling around Alaska as well as getting there from British Columbia.

Alaska Transportation

Visiting Alaska?

Visiting Alaska?