Key Highlights

• Embark on a bucket list RV road trip along the legendary Alaska (Alcan) Highway, winding through breathtaking landscapes.

• Discover the untamed beauty of Kluane National Park, a wonderland of mountains, and pristine lakes.

• Explore glaciers and snow-capped mountains and view abundant wildlife in beautiful Kenai Peninsula

• Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era in the historic and vibrant town of Dawson City.

• Enjoy the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace, from stocking up in Whitehorse to finding scenic overnight stops.

Why Choose an RV Adventure through Yukon and Alaska?

Are you wondering why an RV trip is the best way to see this region? The answer is simple: freedom and flexibility. An RV gives you a home on wheels, allowing you to change plans at a moment's notice without worrying about hotel bookings. This is especially valuable in a place where accommodations outside of major towns are few and far between.

Imagine waking up to a view of a serene lake or pulling over for a spontaneous hike whenever the mood strikes. An RV allows you to have all your creature comforts while staying in some beautiful and remote locations. You can cook your own meals, relax in a comfortable bed, and truly connect with the wilderness around you.

For anyone with Alaska and the Yukon Territory on their bucket list, an RV adventure offers an unparalleled way to experience the vastness and beauty of the Yukon and Alaska. It turns a simple road trip into an immersive journey you will never forget.

Essential Planning for RVers

Getting ready for your first Yukon and Alaska road trip might seem daunting, but a little planning goes a long way. Before you hit the Highway, it's important to think about your route, timing, and what you’ll need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

We’ll walk you through the key aspects of planning your road trip itinerary. From understanding the roads to choosing the best season, these tips will help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

What is the best time to take my Yukon and Alaska RV road trip?

The best time to drive to the Yukon and Alaska is between late spring and early fall. This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and access to popular attractions. Planning your Yukon and Alaska RV road trip during these months ensures a more enjoyable and memorable adventure.

What do I need to do before Hitting the Road?

A well-thought-out packing list is key to a successful journey. Before you start looking at RV rentals, make sure you have your essential documents in order. Your packing list should focus on practical items. Think layers of clothing for unpredictable weather, sturdy hiking shoes, and bug repellent.

Budgeting for a Yukon and Alaska RV Road Trip

Creating a budget is an essential step in planning your road trip itinerary. Your total cost will depend heavily on your travel duration, which can range from one week to a month or more. A typical trip exploring the main loop takes about 7 to 14 days and you should allow a minimum of 14 days (preferably more) if you wish to do both the Yukon Loop and Alaska.

Your biggest expenses will likely be fuel and the RV rental itself. Gas prices are higher in the North, so factor that in. You can save money by cooking most of your own food, as restaurant options are limited and can be pricey outside of the main towns and cities.

Here’s a breakdown of major budget categories:

• Fuel: Plan for long distances between each gas station.  Fuel costs will be higher than in your private car. CanaDream’s TCA truck and camper averages around 15L/100km and a Class C around 22-25L/100km.

• Campgrounds: Costs vary from free boondocking spots to full-service RV park locations. Provincial and state parks charge between $20 and $30 a night and private campgrounds range from $30 to $90 per night.

• Food: Stock up on groceries in Whitehorse to save money.

• Activities: Set aside funds for tours, park entry fees, and museums.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Itinerary

Now it’s time to build your dream road trip itinerary! The key to planning your Yukon and Alaska RV road trip is to remain flexible. The best trips allow for spontaneous stops and unexpected discoveries, whether it's a beautiful viewpoint or an interesting side trip.

This step-by-step guide will help you structure your plan while leaving room for adventure. Let's start by figuring out how much time you have and what you want to see.

Step 2: Mapping Out Key Destinations

Once you know your timeline, you can start mapping out your must-see spots on your Yukon and Alaska RV road trip. It should be packed with bucket list destinations, from vast wilderness areas to historic towns. Begin by listing your top priorities.

Do you dream of seeing the massive glaciers in the fjord areas of Alaska?  Or are you drawn to the Gold Rush history of Dawson City? Use these key destinations as anchors for your route. Plot them on a map to see how they connect and what other interesting places lie in between.

Here are a few destination ideas to build your route around:

Whitehorse: Your grand northern adventure begins in Whitehorse, the vibrant capital of the Yukon. This welcoming city, situated on the banks of the Yukon River, is the perfect place to get your bearings and prepare for the journey ahead. It’s the last major hub for supplies, so it plays a crucial role for all RV travelers.
Top attractions in and around Whitehorse include:

• Miles Canyon for a scenic walk along the river
• The Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see local animals
• Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs (formerly Takhini Hot Springs)– enjoy some relaxation before or after your road trip
• Downtown Whitehorse for its shops and galleries

Carcross - Yukon Terminus for the White Pass & Yukon Railway and home to the oldest general store in the Yukon.  Beautiful Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert are close by.

Skagway – historic gold rush town located on the inside passage and a popular cruise ship port. Highlights here are the  preserved historic downtown area with its wooden boardwalks and shops and the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Carcross Desert | Skagway Harbour

Juneau – the only state capital in Alaska not reachable by road.  If you plan to include Juneau on your itinerary, you can either take your RV with you on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry or leave it parked in Skagway or Haines and take the fast ferry or Fjord Express.  Day trips are available if you prefer not to stay overnight.

Haines – another picturesque village at the edge of North America’s longest and deepest fjord, Haines prides itself on being real, authentic and unashamed.  It’s also home to the world’s only hammer museum, a quirky collection of more than 2,000 different hammers.  It’s a port for small cruise ships and also part of the Alaska Marine Highway.  Ferries sail from here to Skagway, Juneau, Bellingham, Prince Rupert and various island ports along the inside passage.

Haines Junction – this small town boasting fewer than 1000 people is host to hundreds of visitors as they pass through each year travelling south to Haines, north to Alaska or east to Whitehorse. Lying at the crossroads of the Haines and Alaska Highways, the town is the gateway to Kluane National Park and also an ideal base for wilderness adventures of all types.

Kluane National Park: For stunning mountains, hiking, and glacier flightseeing. It's a must-visit destination on your Alaska Highway road trip. Reserve a campsite in Kathleen Lake campground and enjoy beautiful lake walks, swimming and fishing (license required). North of Kathleen Lake, stop to stroll along the beaches of Kluane Lake.

Anchorage – a dream destination for hiking, dog sledding, food, entertainment, water sports and sightseeing in all directions. Day or overnight trips are also offered to Seward and Whittier or north to Denali Park. 

Seward – Gateway to cruising in the Kenai Fjords. Tour durations range from 2 hours to a full day.  Check out Kenai Fjords Tours by Pursuit to choose a tour to suit your own time table.  If you prefer not to drive yourself to Seward, consider taking the train. Many cruises are scheduled to allow day trip train passengers to connect with tours in the Kenai Fjords.

The Road to Seward | Haines Harbour

Whittier – base for day cruises in Prince William Sound, sea kayaking, hiking, historic sites, jet ski tours, mountain views and more.

Valdez – located on a deepwater fjord in Prince William Sound and surrounded by some of the world’s tallest coastal mountains, picturesque Valdez offers glacier and wildlife cruises, spectacular views, helicopter tours, kayaking, fishing, rafting, rock climbing and much more.

Denali Park - many travelers on a longer Alaska road trip make the journey to the iconic Denali National Park and Preserve. This world-famous national park is home to the tallest peak in North America and offers a wilderness experience on an epic scale.  Private vehicles, including RVs, are only permitted on the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road. To travel deeper into the park, you must use the park's shuttle or tour bus system. This helps minimize traffic and protect the park's fragile environment. For a great chance to see the park's namesake peak, head to viewpoints along the first 15 miles of the park road on a clear day. The visitor center can provide maps and suggestions for easy trails suitable for all fitness levels. This side trip is about soaking in the immense scale of the Alaskan wilderness.

Fairbanks – the second largest city in Alaska and an easy drive north from Denali National Park.  A visit to Chena River State Recreation Area provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, hot springs and much more. Enjoy a visit to Pioneer Park and stroll through the old town (free admission), check out the Salmon Bake nightly in the park and then bed down (legally) in the parking lot (small overnight charge applies).

Fairbanks | North Pole

North Pole – quirky year-round Christmas village just east of Fairbanks on the highway east to Tok.  Despite its name, it’s about 1700 miles south of geographic North pole and over a hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle, but is a interesting stopping off point along the highway. Here you’ll find candy cane light poles, holiday themed streets and the famous Santa Claus House.  Letters from children addressed to the North Pole arrive here each year.

Tok - While Tok is primarily a service town, it also offers a nice introduction to Alaskan outdoor activities, especially for the first-time visitor. The surrounding area is rich with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and gentle hikes. It's a great place to ease into your Alaska trip.   If your travel plans have you visiting Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks etc, Tok is your western gateway to mainland Alaska and east to Dawson City and beyond.

Top of the World Highway – this iconic road is the shortest distance between Tok and Dawson City but is open only during summer months.  The Taylor Highway is mostly gravel so expect rough roads and spectacular scenery with no towns or services between Tok and Dawson City on this 5-hour journey.  The road between Chicken and Jack Wade can be narrow with steep drops. Allow plenty of time and travel with care. Cross from the United States back into Canada at the remote border crossing of Little Gold Creek. From there the road is wider but still has long stretches of gravel.

Dawson City: No Yukon and Alaska RV road trip is complete without a visit to Dawson City. This vibrant town on the Klondike Highway feels like a living museum of the Klondike Gold Rush. Its dirt streets, historic wooden buildings, and lively saloons transport you back to the late 1890s when thousands of prospectors flocked here seeking fortune. Dawson City is incredibly fun to explore. It has many historic buildings administered by Parks Canada. During the summer months, guided tours are offered which gain access to the inside of some of these restored buildings.  It’s worth checking out tour options and times with the tourist information centre on the main street. You can also try your hand at gold panning, visit the cabins of famous writers like Jack London and Robert Service, or enjoy a can-can show at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall. Drive to the top of midnight dome for panoramic views of the town and Yukon River. See a massive gold-dredging machine at the Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site. The town's unique atmosphere makes it a highlight of any northern adventure.

Top of the World Highway | Dawson City

Step 3: Booking Campgrounds and Overnight Stops

Securing your overnight stops is a critical planning step, especially during the peak summer months. While the Great North offers a sense of freedom, popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. It's wise to book spots in or near key destinations like Whitehorse, Skagway, Haines Junction, Kluane Park and Dawson City ahead of time, particularly if you’re travelling from June to late August.

You'll find a range of options for accommodations on your Yukon and Alaska RV road trip. Government-run campgrounds are often beautifully situated but may offer fewer amenities. Private RV park locations provide full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities, which can be a welcome comfort after a few days on the road. Don't forget about the possibility of dispersed camping/boondocking (free camping) in designated areas for a truly off-grid experience.

Your options for overnight stops include:

• Territorial and National Park campgrounds

• Private RV parks with full services

• Designated free camping spots

• Rustic lodges or cabins if you want a break from the RV

Step 4: Packing Essentials and Preparing Your RV

With your route mapped and campgrounds booked, it's time for the final packing and preparation. A detailed packing list will ensure you don't forget anything important for your RV trip. Think beyond clothes and food—include items for vehicle maintenance and safety.

Key items for your final packing list:

• Layers of clothing for all weather conditions

• Insect repellent, sunscreen and bear spray

• A physical map or road atlas (cell service is unreliable)

• A well-stocked fridge or cooler with snacks and drinks for long drives

Step 5: Final Safety Checks and Pre-Departure Tips

Just before you hit the road, run through a final set of safety checks. This is your last chance to catch any potential issues that could cause problems on the remote northern roads. One of the most common challenges is dealing with vehicle trouble far from help.

Double-check your tire pressure, fluid levels, and lights. Make sure your bear spray is easily accessible, not buried in a bag. Inform someone of your travel plans and expected check-in times. Remember that you will be without cell service for long stretches, so being self-sufficient is key.

Final pre-departure tips:

• Fill your fuel tank at the last major gas station before a long stretch.

• Download maps and music for offline use.

• Secure everything inside your RV to prevent items from shifting during the drive.

Conclusion

Embarking on a Yukon and Alaska RV road trip is an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories. By following this beginner's guide, you'll be equipped with the essential knowledge and tips needed to navigate your journey seamlessly. From exploring the vibrant culture of Whitehorse to marveling at Denali National Park, each stop offers something special for every traveler. Remember, the key to a successful trip lies in thorough planning and embracing the unpredictable nature of the wild. Now that you're armed with the right information, it's time to hit the road and discover the beauty that awaits you. For information on RV rentals and things to do along your route, visit CanaDream at www.canadream.com.