Getting Around Alaska

I live in Alaska, but further south in Kodiak where we have moderating marine climate. But I have driven the Haul Road (now called the Dalton) as far as the arctic circle during the summer.
I'm assuming you've done some research and have made good preparartion for the winter weather that still prevails in March. I'm an experienced winter driver and I wouldn't attempt going north of Fairbanks in March even in my own four wheel drive SUV with studded tires - let alone a rental. March can be the 'tween time this far north. Mostly likely deep winter still but can get freak upsurges in temps, break up and flash floods.
Here is a good link to find out more if you haven't done the research.
http://www.alaskageographic.org/uploads/pdf/dalton-vg2009.pdf
Good luck!

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My traveling companion did not want to take a cruise, and I didn't want to drive or fly, so our alternative was taking the ferry. I'm glad that we did!
We caught M/V Columbia's departure of 6pm on Fri Sept 14 at Bellingham, Washington and traveled up to Haines, Alaska. From Friday until early Sunday morning, there were no stops as we cruised through Canadian waters. For us that was perfect, we had a cabin booked - a double outside cabin, with facilities - bunk beds, an ensuite washroom (toilet and shower, with sink in the cabin) and as we didn't have a car with us, all our luggage was in the cabin with us, and it was tight, but doable - and this gave us a chance to catch up on jetlag, sightsee without the stress of driving, and just relaxing. We were impressed with the food services - quality, quantity and price. The Columbia has a full-service (sit-down with wait staff) dining room as well as the cafeteria/snack bar, and a bar/lounge. The dining room was situated near the stern with lovely windows on 3 sides to take in the view as you ate. Since we were past the majority of the summer vacationers, there wasn't a full load on board, and only a few people brave enough to camp out on deck. There were quite a few using the theatre, and forward lounge to sleep. The scenery was spectacular, the pace relaxing. My friend enjoyed the fact that we weren't being organized and group activities, but what a cruise does allow is all inclusive dining/accomodation/travel, with optional tours at the stops. The ferry schedule is dictated much more by tides and weather, so stops are not as regimented as with a cruise. Ketchikan was a nighttime stop (well early morning), and we didn't get out to see it, as was Juneau - too early to get out of bed. So, we didn't see the towns/villages as a cruise would allow - but don't think any or many cruises stop in Petersburg - and that was gorgeous. The other thing is that the ferry docks are not necessarily as handy to town as the cruise docks - at Juneau, the ferry comes into Auk Bay, 13 miles from town. You should arrange for transportation in advance, if possible, to pick you up. Our arrival in Haines, we had been told that there was a courtesy phone for our motel/car rental in the terminal building, which there was and they collected us quite quickly. It would not have been a welcome walk to town from the ferry dock! We did a land trip from Haines, to Haines Junction, to Whitehorse, and then down to Skagway where we caught the M/V Matanuska to return to Haines, and then on to Prince Rupert. We took the car on the ferry for the hour trip, and had time to do a little more sightseeing in Haines, fill up the tank with gas, and return it to Captain's Choice Motel, with their shuttle returning us to the ferry, before its departure. We did get a cabin right from Skagway through to Prince Rupert, which allowed us to store our luggage at Skagway from the car, and not have to transport it into the shuttle and then by foot onto the ferry at Haines. Depends upon how much luggage/baggage you have with you whether you wanted to have that extra expense - a helpful clerk at Skagway saved us some money by changing our reservation when we checked in so that we didnt' have to change cabins or fuss about. Much appreciated!
The M/V Matanuska was a smaller vessel than the Columbia, but funnily enough, our cabin was bigger - much more space for our stuff. There was only a cafeteria on board rather than the diningroom and cafeteria, but the food was still good. We did experience the uncertainty of travel on the ferry with the delays from weather. We were supposed to have left Petersburg at 4:45am, but due to fog and tides, did not get away until almost 10am. That put all our other stops back, and meant that instead of arriving in Prince Rupert at 12:15am, it was about 3:45am (which was 4:45am Pacific time - the ship runs on Alaska time!) That was a disrupted night, and made for tired travelers for the next few days!
The time thing is something to remember - when you get on board at Bellingham the departure time is 6pm, Pacific time. The moment the ferry casts off, you are on Alaska time, so it is only 5pm! The dining room DOES open at 6pm, but its an hour later than you are thinking!!!
I would highly recommend using the Alaska Marine Highway System as an alternative to cruising. You can make it as comfortable as you wish - by booking a cabin, or roughing it. You've the option of having your car along, or renting when you get to your destination - but do book your car in advance as there aren't a lot of rental agencies - or finding other modes of transportation. You should calculate the costs of the car rental plus ferry charges, vs collecting a car and dropping it off along the way. We took the route of renting where we wanted to be driving - the Alaska Circle Tour, and then after Prince Rupert we took the train to Jasper where we picked up another car rental. We didn't want the bother of a car all the time or to pay to move it from place to place on the ferry.
Will also comment about the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff that we encountered all along the way. We had some nice chats with the staff on the ferry, learning about their lives in Alaska. Oh yes, and they are government employees and are forbidden to accept tips for service on the ferries!!!

Not as big adventure as the James Dalton Highway but beleive me...can be more than enough for humans:)) Just 60 miles but please notice this is a gravel and dirt road and recommended to keep the speed limits.

Better to use a truck or land rover rather than RVs. A one way journey takes about 2,5 - 3,5 hours and at least 4 or more by RVs. Watch for current weather conditions and slow down because ... (picture 1).

At the end of the road, you will find parking area and possible to leave your car here for 5 dollars.

I am a life long Alaskan, I used ABC for a winter camping trip and was given the motorhome with a full *hitter.... NOT fun. Alaska has a bunch of people that rent out their motorhome on the side to help pay for it or rent it out all of the time. Try chekcing out Craigslist to see if you can get a better deal that the large shops.

I suggest Clippership if you want to use a regular business:
5401 Old Seward Highway
Anchorage, AK 99518-1458
(907) 562-7051

Let me know if you want ideas on camping places! Camp grounds fill up quickly in teh summer so you may want to make reservations for camping during a weekend.

Christy

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My sister arrived a day earlier to Alaska than myself and she got a car to rent for 5 days which I booked through Expedia for about $220 (Hertz)- to be picked up from airport (May 2009). She said she paid about $350 though when she arrived because there were some miscellaneous charges and taxes (Alaska is known for high taxes on car rentals at the airport, and we have heard that the tax may be less if you rent at the city of Anchorage itself rather than the airport - we have not confirmed this though).

But having the car was worth it -- we drove over 1000 miles during one of the best springs in Alaska during its 50th year of being a state. Our car was a red humble Ford Focus which was brand new (with only 300 miles on it) and we had no problems whatsoever. The weather was perfect and driving was easy at the time we visited.

When we visited, the snow was already melting and so there were also several waterfalls alone the mountainsides we passed on the road...

Driving times from Anchorage to the following Areas:
to Denali Park.................................5 hours
to Talkeetna...................................2.5 hours
to Fairbanks...................................7 hours
to Seward......................................2.5 hours
to Kenai/Soldotna..........................3 hours
to Homer.......................................4 hours'
to Glenallen..................................3.5 hours
to Valdez.......................................7 hours
to Cantwell....................................4 hours

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The first time we saw a bald eagle was when my sister and I were driving on our first day in Alaska and I was talking with my wife on the phone, and this huge bird flew over our car, spreading its 7 foot wingspan for us to enjoy! Unfortunately, we did not have a camera on hand!
But it was funny when I saw an ad saying that the State Bird is Alaska Airlines! Hehehe….true enough this “bird” does fly around 20 cities throughout the state – and I also got the cheapest flights going to Alaska through this airlines. I paid only $10 for my RT ticket from Phoenix (plus $75 processing fee) through my accumulated 25, 0000 mileage with Northwest Airlines (Alaska Airlines is a partner airline!). It was sooooo affordable and my flights were all on-time, owing to good weather.
However, due to natural weather conditions and situations (like a volcanic spewing about 3 weeks before), flights may of course be cancelled.
When you arrive in Alaska, you will see all these jets with an “Eskimo looking” man painted on its tail – and don’t be fooled that Alaska Airlines is a small company --- it does fly over the lower 48 states. You can also earn Bonus Miles --- especially when you book through alaskaair.com

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If you are doing any driving in Alaska a fabulous book and wealth of info is the book Milepost.
"The Milepost provides maps, diagrams, photographs, and most of all, an almost mile by miles travelogue of what to expect in driving the major roads of the North Country. The information provided will allow the traveler to locate the next gas station, campground, hotel, or scenic spot. The advertisements allow some advance planning for areas where few hotel beds may be available. Travelers can also plan ahead for fishing charters on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska or the operating hours of visitor centers or the few but sometimes excellent museums that can be found along the roads. In buying the most recent edition of the Milepost, travelers can expect reasonably up-to-date information on major road construction. The Milepost includes some information on major hiking trailheads just off the main roads, but hikers should seek elsewhere for detailed information on off-road routes. The Milepost includes posted schedules for the Alaska Marine Highway System." (from Amazon) I saw this book at BArnes and Noble. I see it is out of stock at the moment on Amazon. It was very helpful. Nothing like knowing which milepost is known to have bears hanging out.

First, buy the Milepost. A great mile by mile resource for the Alcan.

The highway is in good shape (paved) the whole way. Winter is actually better as they aren't repaving portions like they do in the summer, but you do have to worry about ice.

Plan it out so you have a warm place to stay each night - hence the real need for the Milepost. Temps can vary between -40 and +20 in the winter. Remember you have to go a lot further north than Anchorage before you reach Tok and head south again.

If it were me, I wouldn't tow anything in the winter. Start sliding a load on ice and you can't do anything to recover it.

I went for 20 years in Alaska without studded tires and when I finally got some 10 years ago I couldn't believe the difference. Much more control on the ice. And I've driven front wheel, back wheel and four wheel drive. Give me four wheel any day. Front wheel is better than nothing but with all the weight in front, the back slides out from you when braking on ice.
The key to safe driving on ice is not do anything suddenly - stop, start, or turn.

Keep a set of chains in case you get heavy snow, but they keep the highway well plowed year round for the trucks.