Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
ROUTES? British Columbia - Alaska ROUTES? British Columbia - Alaska
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 13 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville, KY USA
Posts: 2
ROUTES? British Columbia - Alaska
I have 2 weeks. The plan is to have my bike shipped to Billings, MT and then head north from there. I'd like to get to Alaska and back w/o 8-12 hr days every day. I'd like to obviously take a different route up and back. I'm sure there's numerous people who have done this. Do you have route suggestions??? Greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Scott
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Mar 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
Alaska is a big place. Where are you hoping to go?

FWIW, three long days will bring you to Stewart/Hyder, and three back. Another three long days will bring you through the southern Yukon and into Alaska again, and another three back. There's your two weeks....but you had no time to actually see anything. Doesn't sound like much of a holiday to me, especially if you're trying to avoid long riding days.

There are only a couple of routes, and they're obvious on any map. Take a look: the ferry runs up the coast from Bellingham or Prince Rupert; the Alcan; the Cassiar Highway. Take one north, another south, and connect them to Billings in whatever way suits.

If you're trying to see the sights rather than just tag the state, take four weeks (minimum) instead of two. Or, find a way to start and end in Alaska itself, rather than spending all your time getting there and back.

$0.02

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Mar 2009
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
More time needed
Scott
The wife and I did a 6000 mile run to Alaska couple of summers ago in two weeks and we rode hard everyday (from SW Washington and back). This was all the time we had and I did get to see a lot but would have been much better to take it easy and spend four weeks doing it. If all you have is two weeks would suggest the following: cut into Canada and head west to Vancouver (how ever you go do not miss the Kotananies SIC) then take the ferry up to Anchorage to save some time and be able to go a little slower coming back down.

If you ride up the Al-can from Dawson Creek, then back the costal route (Casier SIC I think) you will see a lot. Don't miss the "top of the world hiway", it was great. We were on big road bikes but had no problems with gravel streches (other than some paint chips). If you have time to drop down into Washington let me know.

Also plan on riding in the rain.

Road Hog (Bob)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville, KY USA
Posts: 2
Thanks Mark.

My initial hope was to make it to Denali NP. I wanted to hit Banf and Jasper in BC and then head up to Denali. Sounds like that's not possible. Unfortunately I'm only going to be able to get a couple weeks off this year. I'm trying to make the most of it, but don't want to force it. I did that last year (lot of 10-12hr days) and would have liked to cut 2-3 hours off of that. So I guess first and foremost it's going to be a BC trip or AK trip but not both. Sounds like I could clip AK but not really visit. Have you been to both? Which would you do if you could only do one? Shipping to AK seems a little more difficult and expensive than MT. I guess at that point I'd be best renting a bike in Ak and seeing it that way? I appreciate the info and the honesty... decisions decisions.
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
British Columbia, Kelowna pearlblue1800a Sleep and Eat, North America 0 16 Feb 2009 07:07
Cassiar Highway: British Columbia normw Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 20 Jan 2007 20:33
British Columbia Steve Pickford North America 24 12 May 2004 08:34
British Columbia, Fernie - Hostel kmet Sleep and Eat, North America 0 8 Sep 2001 00:09

 
 

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 05:32.

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