Fairbanks or Bust: Road Trip Itinerary

Here is a link to our Google Map directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ywhuGTLWf3CiiECD8

A Road Trip Through Canada to Alaska!

The trek spanning 2,256 miles from our home in Washington to Fairbanks is a formidable journey. Google Maps, with its intricate knowledge of the routes, estimates the drive to take approximately 41 hours. Interestingly, a drive to Chicago, which is a mere 100 miles shorter, is significantly quicker at just 32 hours. This discrepancy likely reflects the varying road conditions and speed limits encountered along the rugged terrain of Canada and Alaska. Frost heaves and unpaved stretches will make for a challenging drive.

In our younger days, a cross-country drive could often stretch for 12 hours each day, as we raced to reach our destination. Driving to Fairbanks we will be passing through some breathtaking areas. The drive to Fairbanks is just as much part of the fun and adventure. Urgency has given way to leisure, allowing us to savor the journey at a relaxed pace. Typically, we would spontaneously seek accommodation when weariness set in. However, this trip demands a departure from our usual spontaneity. Given the remoteness of the roadway we’ll traverse, we’re planning our stops to ensure we always have a place to rest, avoiding the risk of spending the evening in the truck.

Here is a day-by-day itinerary!

Day 1: The Journey Begins.

We will set out on our epic road trip, and our plan is to cover 484 miles in 8 hours and 29 minutes. Our first stop is the rustic charm of Cariboo Log Guest House in Lac la Hache, BC. Located on a lake in the heart of nature, it’s a great place to unwind after a day on the road.

Day 2: Burns Lake 

After the free breakfast at the Cariboo Log Guest House, we will continue our adventure for 5 hours and 43 minutes, driving 319 miles to reach Key-oh Lodge in Burns Lake, BC. How can we not stay at Burns Lake! Here, we hope to sit alongside the lake waters in a couple of camp chairs. We will wander around, stretch our legs, and hopefully enjoy a delicious meal before our restful night.

Day 3: Into the Wild 

The call of the wild beckons as we drive 460 miles over 8 hours and 23 minutes to The Arctic Divide in Dease Lake, BC. This stop has excellent reviews with many saying it is where wilderness meets comfort. We hope to get a room here because there aren’t many places along the highway in this stretch.

Day 4: Gold Rush Dreams 

We will travel back in time as we drive 405 miles in 7 hours and 26 minutes to the historic Best Western Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse, YT. We are excited to visit the famous Yukon Territory. It’s our last stop in Canada.

Day 5: Border Crossings 

The journey takes a dramatic turn as we cross into Alaska, driving 389 miles in 7 hours and 20 minutes. Our stop at Fox 'n Fireweed Cabins on the Alaska Highway is a testament to the casualness, generosity, and friendliness of the people in interior Alaska.

Day 6: The Final Stretch 

Our drive ends with a relatively short 200 -mile, 3-hour and 23-minute jaunt to Fairbanks. Our thoughts will begin shifting from our drive to our jobs at Gold Dredge 8. It will be exciting to find ourselves at the gateway to the Arctic and beginning our Alaska explorations.