Day 6 – Cassiar Hwy. vs. Alcan (Alaska) Hw

 



There are two highways for travelers who want to drive through British Columbia into the Yukon Territory. One is the often heard of Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Hwy which runs from Dawson Creek, BC, all the way to Delta Junction, Alaska, a total of 1,390 miles. A parallel highway is the Cassiar Hwy. It starts mid-way through BC and runs up to the Yukon where it connects with the Alcan. The Cassiar is much shorter running only 450 miles. 


While both highways run essentially north-south and both travel through spectacular mountain ranges, there are some big distinctions between the two. For example, the Alcan, which was finished in 1942, has grown to be a much larger, more well-traveled highway. It is wide and has good shoulders. On the other hand, the Cassiar, is relatively new since it was completed in 1972. It is still a much more remote highway that is narrow with very little, if any, shoulder for most of its length. Also, painted lines to mark lanes and the edge of the road only run a short way from the southern access. Whereas, the Alcan has clearly painted lane lines. In addition, carefully planning your route through the Cassiar is essential because there are very few places to get fuel. In contrast, the Alcan has much larger towns with more frequent fueling opportunities and tourist facilities.

Being more remote does have advantages though for those that journey on the Cassiar. The traveler along this road is more likely to see wildlife such as black bear, grizzly bear, and moose. That aspect tends to be the reason people venture along this more rugged road.  When friends of ours told us about the Cassiar, we decided to give it a try. It has not disappointed us with both its remoteness and wildlife viewing. This
trip, in addition to the typical sightings, we saw a couple of porcupines waddling along and a fox carrying something. We think it may have been a kit, but the photo wasn't clear enough to determine that. 

Although the Alcan tends to be more civilized, our trip north this time provided the viewing of a large black bear crossing the highway in between traffic and later a young grizzly bear munching on leaves along the side of the road.

Both roads take you through beautiful country and the journey to parts unknown is well worth it.

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