Driving Bellingham to anchorage

Question

Hi can I get some suggestions on an itinerary and where to stop/stay driving from Bellingham to anchorage. We are not in a big rush and are thinking of driving 6-7 hours a day …. Maybe taking 6 days to drive it so need 6 nights of lodging . Thank you in advance for any insights/ideas/recommendations . It would be some time in April .

Answer

Driving from Bellingham, WA to Anchorage, AK in April is an adventurous trip with some potential winter/spring road conditions to consider, especially in northern British Columbia and the Yukon. Planning 6–7 hours per day over 6 days is a smart pace, giving you time to enjoy scenery and avoid fatigue.

Here’s a suggested itinerary with approximate stops and lodging ideas:

Day 1: Bellingham → Prince George, BC (~6.5–7 hours)
- Drive north on I-5 into Canada, then follow BC-97 north.
- Stop for lunch in Quesnel or smaller towns along the way.
- Overnight in Prince George; options include chain hotels or local motels.
Day 2: Prince George → Fort St. John, BC (~6–7 hours)
- Continue north on BC-97 and then BC-29 to Fort St. John.
- Check weather conditions; April can still have winter-like roads.
- Overnight in Fort St. John, which has a range of hotels.
Day 3: Fort St. John → Watson Lake, YT (~6 hours)
- Follow Alaska Highway (BC-97 → BC-2 → Yukon border).
- Watson Lake is famous for its Sign Post Forest, a good stop to stretch.
- Overnight in Watson Lake; several lodges and motels available.
Day 4: Watson Lake → Whitehorse, YT (~6 hours)
- Continue on the Alaska Highway through beautiful Yukon scenery.
- Consider a short detour to Takhini Hot Springs near Whitehorse.
- Overnight in Whitehorse; plenty of hotel and lodge options.
Day 5: Whitehorse → Tok, AK (~6.5–7 hours)
- Cross the border into Alaska and follow the Alaska Highway.
- Enjoy views of Kluane National Park and surrounding mountains.
- Overnight in Tok; it’s a small town with several lodges and motels.
Day 6: Tok → Anchorage (~6–7 hours)
- Take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) to Anchorage.
- Scenic stops possible at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park viewpoints.
- Arrive in Anchorage and check into your lodging.

Additional Tips:

Check weather and road conditions daily; winter/spring conditions can persist, particularly in northern BC and the Yukon.
Fuel up whenever possible; some stretches have long distances between stations.
Carry emergency supplies, blankets, and food, especially in April when winter weather may still affect roads.
Make lodging reservations in advance; smaller towns like Watson Lake, Tok, and Fort St. John have limited options.
Enjoy scenic detours where safe; Kluane National Park and Takhini Hot Springs are highlights along the route.

This itinerary provides a balanced pace, approximately 6–7 hours of driving per day, with chances to see key landmarks and safely navigate the Alaska Highway route.

Driving Bellingham to anchorage

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