Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Alaska highway or Stewart-Cassiar highway Alaska highway or Stewart-Cassiar highway
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Alaska highway or Stewart-Cassiar highway
In August I'll be heading from Alaska down to Jasper. Which route would be "nicer"? Would you advise going down the Alaska highway,through Dawson Creek to Prince George OR down the Stewart-Cassiar through Smithers?

Also, is it worth taking the detour from Tok North East to Dawson City and then down to Whitehorse. How navigable is this road? The Lonely Planet suggests the Canadian side is fully paved and the Alaskan side is OK unless it rains!

Thanks
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jul 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
I like the Stuart Cassiar, not least because I like Telegraph Creek and Stuart/Hyder. I like the Top of the World highway, too. And Dawson. Maybe I just like stuff indiscriminately....but I positively hate RV´s, and I´ll organize a trip so as to avoid as many as possible.

Hope that helps.

Mark

(from El Salvador, where there are no RV´s whatsoever)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Northern Arizona, USA
Posts: 103
I actually like them both, and either is fun and beautiful. As for the Chicken to Dawson loop, it is lots more dirt(hardpacked) then shown on maps, easily done, but the as mentioned the motorhomes are in the road crown and it is very dusty and next to impossible to see around them. Passing is a chore too. Worth it? YES! Fun trip and we enjoy Dawson City for its touristy feel.
Allen.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Jul 2010
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
I just returned from Alaska/Canada last week.

I prefer the Cassiar over the Alaska Hwy. However, if you have not been on either one, then either one offers plenty to see.

I have traveled the Cassiar the 3rd time now since 2007. It is in it's best shape I've seen so far. There were only two constructions between km 500 and 650. One construction site is 5 miles long the second was 3 miles long. All firmly packed dirt with some gravel. Nothing challenging. I rode it two-up.

Cassiar






Definitely take the Detour via Dawson City, YT. IMO, it is well worth it. The US side is firmly packed dirt. The Canadian side is a mix of paved with long sections of small size gravel. This year was definitely more gravel on the Canadian side than in 2008. But, ride-able without problem. Again, I did it two-up on a GS and I'm by no stretch an off-road expert...

Top of the World / Dawson City








Enjoy, it is a awesome ride
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Last edited by T.REX63; 13 Jul 2010 at 02:13.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
As I wanted to see Hyder and the bears and salmon, then the Cassier was the only way back down.

I did most of the Alcan in bits and pieces, but not all in one go. The road from Tok to Dawson City was a good ride, yes it was bumpy but who cares. Unfortunately, during my time there last August, Alaska was burning, so the views were limited due to smoke, that said it was still new and fun.

The road south of Dawson then the dirt east to Laird River and then Watson lake was great, just take extra fuel

If you have never done any of them, then do what you feel comfortable with, there will be RVs on the dirt, but you can go around them. The main highway was a lot greener and I saw more Moose and other traffic hazards, so the choice is yours.

Have fun
TravellingStrom
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
Between the two I'd definitely choose the Cassiar with a side trip to Telegraph Creek (gravel) from Dease Lake. Another neat side trip is to Stewart and into Hyder Alaska, get Hyderized and then thake the gravel road through New Ayansh to see a geologically recent lava field. This spits you out halfway between Smithers and Terrace.

From there head east on the Yellowhead highway (hwy 16 to Prince George and Jasper). The Icefields Parkway to Banff is gorgeous.

The downside of taking the Cassiar is that you'll miss Liard Hotsprings, but definitely more interesting IMHO.


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dalton Highway, Alaska TrailX Route Planning 7 18 Feb 2010 18:59
Feul Alaska Highway origonalbe North America 6 13 Feb 2007 16:27
Cassiar Highway: British Columbia normw Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 20 Jan 2007 20:33
Alaska Highway Peter Colwell North America 6 3 Feb 2002 10:48
Alaska Highway Peter Colwell Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 25 Aug 2001 06:05

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:26.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top