Alaska Bike Tour

The 11th Great Alaska Highway Ride, presents the best of this famed highway (formerly known as the Al-Can). We'll be starting at Milepost 0 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and finishing almost 1400 miles later at Milepost 1422 in Delta Junction, Alaska. Your monumental bicycle tour winds it's way through thick forests, over rolling hills and down river valleys surrounded by towering glacial shrouded mountain ranges.

Our ride starts in the rolling forested hills of British Columbia, where small towns still pop-up along our route and rivers carve wide valleys for the road to follow. Once we crest Steamboat Mountain on day 6 the grandeur of the Northern Rockies envelopes our route for the weeks to come. Explore the wildlife of Stone Mountain Provincial Park and the scenic beauty of Muncho Lake Park.

As we enter the Yukon Territory the towns become fewer and farther between. But the unbelievable alpine scenery more than makes up for the lack of civilization . . . . nothing better than relaxing in a campground's hot tub, after a day of riding, with blue Kluane Lake to your left and towering snow capped peaks to your right. The snow capped peaks keep getting closer and closer as we work our way along side the Wrangrell - St Elias Mountain Range and into Alaska.

We'll relax in comfortable motels on our layover days along our route. . . Whitehorse and Muncho Lake Provincial Park. You'll enjoy an afternoon of soaking-away-the-miles in the soothing Liard Hot Springs. And some added bonuses... the wildlife still dots the roadsides... traffic is light... and some of our campground hosts bake the best cinnamon rolls and pies you'll ever encounter. Enjoy the ultimate wilderness road bike tour!

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1 - We will gather in Dawson Creek in late afternoon, where you will have a chance to get your bike ready, meet your fellow riders and review the weeks to come. (breakfast, lunch & dinner on your own)

Day 2 - We're off heading up the Alaska Highway. You'll pedal past Charlie Lake and along a stretch of the original highway to check out the curved Kiskatinaw Bridge. We'll wind down today's ride at the Shepherd's Inn where you can check out some of the great baked goods after dinner. 72 mi

Day 3 - Civilization bids us adieu as we continue north today. Old timers and guidebooks talk about Suicide Hill and the wooden Sikanni Chief Bridge along today's route, but they are only remembered with plaques now. We will camp on the banks of the Sikanni River tonight. 88 mi

Day 4 - Moose are known to frequent our next stretch of road, perhaps we will be lucky and see these forest giants. Our camp tonight is in Prophet River site of Lum & Abner's, one of the first cafes along the Alaska Highway (the current cafe still bakes great pies). 68 mi

Day 5 - Our last day in the rolling hills of British Columbia takes us to the Muskwa River (lowest point on the Alaska Highway) then into our first town Fort Nelson and a relaxing night in a motel (with a pool, a rare commodity up here). 57 mi (motel accommodations tonight, dinner on your own)

Day 6 - Your first big climb takes you up and over Steamboat Mountain. From our lunch spot on top you will catch a glimpse of the awesome Rocky Mountain grandeur that you will be riding through for the rest of the tour. We'll camp at Tetsa River Ranch tonight, the "Cinnamon Bun Center of the Galactic Cluster" (and yes they are that good !). 71 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 7 - We reach the highest point along the highway today, as we climb to Summit Lake, then descend into Stone Mountain Provincial Park. You have some great opportunity to see and photograph the Stone Mountain Sheep today. We'll finish the day in Muncho Lake Provincial Park. 84 mi (motel accommodations tonight, dinner on your own)

Day 8 - A layover day in Muncho Lake Provincial Park, perhaps some hiking, fishing, flightseeing or just lounging around on the porch of the lodge enjoying the spectacular views. (motel accommodations tonight, all meals on your own)

Day 9 - An easy day with a great finish. It's a downhill run out of Muncho Lake Park as we head for the Liard River Valley. Here we will find Liard Hot Springs, an almost tropical enclave in the wilderness. A long afternoon soak in the hot springs is sure to work out all the kinks. 36 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 10 - Well rested and refreshed, we tackle our first century ride of the tour. Pretty much following the Liard River, we will be passing such colorful watering holes as Fireside and Contact Creek, before arriving at our stop, Iron Creek and its delightful lake side camp. 96 mi

Day 11 - It's a short 37 miles to Watson Lake today, giving you ample time to explore the Signpost Forest, Museums and Northern Lights Theatre. 36 mi (motel accommodations tonight, dinner on your own)

Day 12 - You'll pick up the Rancheria River today, following its course as it winds back and forth between British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. We'll be camping tonight at Rancheria Campground (and if you want a couple miles further down the road is Rancheria Falls, not very imaginative with their names eh?) 75 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 13 - We'll follow the Rancheria River for a while longer before crossing the Continental Divide today. Our camp tonight enjoys scenic views of Teslin Lake and canoes are available for an evening paddle. 83 mi

Day 14 - You'll be pedaling along the shores of Teslin Lake for most of today, with a chance to explore the museums of Teslin town, home of the Tlingit Indians. We'll set camp at Johnsons Crossing tonight on the banks of the Teslin River. The bakery here runs neck and neck with Tetsa for the best cinnamon buns in the world. 41 mi

Day 15 - The last day of this leg takes us to the only real city along the Alaska Highway, Whitehorse (but still small with only 21,000 people; 31,000 in the entire Yukon Territory). 81 mi (motel accommodations tonight, dinner on your own)

Day 16 - A free day in Whitehorse. There are museums to explore, trails to hike, rivers to canoe, coffee shops to relax in and more. Folks doing the shorter 10 day trip will be joining us today. (motel accommodations tonight, all meals on your own)

Day 17 - Our other century day. This ride takes us from the rolling hills around Whitehorse to the foot of the glacial shrouded St Elias Range. The scenery just gets better and better as your day progresses. We'll be camping in Haines Junction tonight at the foot of this spectacular mountain range. 97 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 18 - After yesterday's long ride, we have a couple of leisurely fifty milers. Today we are enroute to the turquoise colored Kluane Lake and the most beautiful of all our campgrounds, Cottonwood. You can enjoy a soak in their hot tub, with the lake on one side and the towering rugged mountains on the other. 50 mi

Day 19 - This morning's ride continues along Kluane Lake, with a stop at the Burwash Landing Museum. Afternoon will find us pedaling through the immense landscapes that characterize the next section of highway, untouched wilderness for as far as the eye can see. We'll stop at Kluane Wildness Village tonight. 50 mi

Day 20 - Our last full day in Canada, takes us deeper into this wilderness region, with the Wrangrell St Elias Range to our south and miles of untouched rolling forestlands to the north. We'll be bedding down indoors in Beaver Creek tonight. 84 mi (motel accommodations tonight, dinner on your own)

Day 21- We made it to Alaska ! Twenty miles outside Beaver Creek we cross the border, then enjoy a ride across the Tetlin Wildlife Refuge enroute to our camp located on the shore of a beautiful lake within the refuge. 54 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 22 - A leisurely day takes us to Tok Junction. A popular stopping point for Alaska Highway travelers, it's a good chance to start picking up those mandatory gifts for folks back home. 57 mi

Day 23 - We're heading for Delta Junction and the end point of the Alaska Highway. A relatively flat but long ride through the Alaska Buffalo Range will bring us to Milepost 1422, the official end to the highway. Before everyone changes out of cycling gear, we will gather for some group photos to celebrate an awesome ride. 112 mi

Day 24 - We will pack the bikes before a late morning shuttle folks to Fairbanks. You have most of the day free to explore as you see fit. We will gather at dinner time and enjoy a delicious Salmon Bake . . . all you can eat Salmon and Halibut . . . a cyclist's dream meal. (motel accommodations tonight, lunch on your own)

Day 25 - Shuttles will be available to Fairbanks Airport, throughout the day. See you next ride.(breakfast on your own)

Day 26 to 40 - Expand your adventure into a trip of a lifetime, now that you are in Alaska why not sign up for our BEARS ride and explore the best of Alaska. Check out  BEARS today.

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Tour cost: $3795
Single supplement: $750
Tour deposit: $400

Note: This tour's prices are set and billed in US Dollars. Prices shown in other currencies are approximate.

Lodging:

Camping & Motels

What's Included:

• 8 nights in motels (double occupancy)
• 17 nights in campgrounds
• Most meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) except as noted in itinerary
• Sagwagon
• Baggage transport
• Guide staff
• Shuttle from Nisku (Edmonton Airport) to Dawson Creek
• Shuttle to Fairbanks Airport
• Morning route notes

Camping Equipment Rentals:

For folks without suitable camping gear, we offer a rental package that includes a roomy Eureka Timberline tent, warm sleeping bag with flannel liner, inflatable ground pad and storage duffel. The cost for this is: $125 for a single person package, $220 for a two person package.

Meeting & Flights:

Meet at the Ramada Inn in Nisku at 8 am on Day 1

Fly into Edmonton (YEG) before 7 am on Day 1
Fly out of Fairbanks (FAI) after 9 am on Day 25

NOTE: Guests will probably need to schedule their arrival in Edmonton the day before the tour starts, as currently there are no flights that arrive early enough. Contact us about discounted room rates at the Ramada Inn.

Short Versions

It is possible to join us for just part of the ride if the "boss" won't give you enough time to play. Whitehorse is really the only city with reasonable air service, along the route, so that is our recommended break point. You can ride the first leg from Day 1 until Day 16 for $2795. Or join us for the finale from Day 16 until Day 25 for $1795. To book a shorter leg, just include a note requesting this option when you submit your application. Your flight schedule to/from Whitehorse (YXY) can be anytime on Day 16.

Indoor Options

If you prefer a bed and roof over your head to camping, it is possible to do the majority of this trip using motel and cabin accommodations. With the exception of a couple of nights, there are motels or other indoor accommodations nearby all of our campgrounds. Pedalers does not offer a "motel package", you will pay each hotel directly when you check in, and there is no discount on the tour price if you elect to use indoor accommodation. For budgeting purposes, it would run about $1700 - $2300 extra to stay indoors each night (based on prices in effect during the 2007 ride). Please be aware that you will need to camp a couple of nights where there is no indoor option.

Route Conditions

The entire ride is on paved roads, with light to moderate traffic. Pavement is a bit course and suitable for touring, sport road and also performance road bikes with wider tires (25 or wider). The terrain is hilly, with only two big alpine style climbs.

Visas & Travel Documents:

Passports are required for all guests. Your passport should have at least 6 months validity past your intended travel dates. Visas maybe necessary for folks other than US or Canadian citizens.

 

Click map for detailed version (large image, 110K)