The ultimate North American road trip has long been considered the drive to Alaska. The vast expanse of natural beauty holds endless opportunities for adventure. The largest number of travelers to Alaska from the lower 48 states crosses into Canada in Coutts Alberta, where the adventure begins. The very essence of outdoor life can be experienced on the trek across Alberta into the Yukon arriving in America’s largest state, Alaska.
Fly Fishing in the City
Calgarym Albertam is one of the few cities in the world that has premier fly fishing in the downtown section of the city. The Bow River runs through Calgary and teems with legendary-size rainbow and brown trout. Hike the banks and look for swirling holes where hungry trout lay in waiting for an afternoon snack. You can catch and release or save your catch on ice for a dinner rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
West Edmonton Mall World Water Park
The last place you may think of yourself on a road trip to Alaska is in a shopping mall. The West Edmonton Mall is not your ordinary shopping mall. Home to the world’s largest indoor water park, this 800-store mall has plenty of activity to satisfy everyone. After a long drive, you can soak in the many hot tubs or stretch your muscles on some of the 17 different slides. Every experience level is available, from small children’s slides to the adrenaline-pumping Tropical Typhoon, where strong swimmers splash into a 10-foot pool at breakneck speeds.
Golf at Mile Marker Zero
Dawson Creek, British Columbia, is the start of the Alaskan Highway. Mile marker Zero lets you know you are at the beginning of your wilderness drive across British Columbia and the Yukon. This is a great place to stop and get some exercise before the long drive. Hit a bucket of balls or play a full 18 holes at Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club. The course is open to the public and a beautifully constructed 18 hole course that will satisfy even the most avid golfers.
Horseback Riding
Whitehorse Yukon starts the last long stretch to the Alaskan border. Horseback riding tours are available through several visitor ranches in the area. Sky High Wilderness Ranch offers trips ranging from three hours to seven days. Here you see some of the most amazing backcountry wilderness in the Yukon. If the long drive has been getting to you, Whitehorse is the perfect place for a wilderness camping trip. Three-day guided wilderness camping trips are available through Sky High Wilderness Ranch.
Pan for Gold
The best way to experience the true spirit of Alaska is to indulge in a little of what brought so many people to Alaska. Panning for gold is still popular in Tok, the first place you visit in Alaska. Once you cross the border into Alaska, the settlement of Tok is still 90 miles away. Upon arrival, you find the Main Street Visitors Center in the center of town. This is a must-stop location for information on your Alaskan adventure. Learn about where to purchase equipment and where to go for some old-fashioned gold panning. The many streams in the Tok area are still rich with gold, waiting for would-be prospectors to discover. Hiking along the streams looking for shiny nuggets works out the miles of road behind and welcomes in the spirit of Alaska.
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