Re: Heading to Alaska for the summer (bucket list trip)
I think it's been years since I've visited this sub-forum, but your post definitely caught my eye. Congratulations on getting to do this trip! My plans and dates are pretty much identical to yours, so I'll have to be on the lookout for a neighboring Wyoming plate up there. I did the same thing in '24 spending all summer there. Scores of pics and videos are but a couple clicks away. I'm a landscaper only unless an animal happens by, so I don't have any answers for the sheep you seek. I'm glad you're going to do the Dalton. It is so good that I had to do it twice. I hope you're planning for the Dempster as well. That would be a real shame to miss since you have all that time and going to be up there anyway. It is exceptional. It sounds like you're open to it and other suggestions. Obviously, there isn't much for roads in Yukon, or Alaska for that matter, so there isn't much to suggest that wouldn't be a surprise. The north and south Canol roads are great, though the Ross River ferry for the north road is time sensitive. For reference, it was going to shut down for the season on October 8 in 2024.
If the Dempster or Canol roads end up being of interest, it was my preference from the outset to cross into Yukon the first week of September, which is when that northern border crossing closes, give or take. Otherwise, I think it's a 6-hour drive to from Whitehorse to Dawson, only to backtrack south again later.
As far as the road into Kananaskis, I assume you're referring to Forestry Trunk Road 40 north out of Coleman, right? I did that in 2005. Just an easy passenger car road. I didn't get any good shots from there with the weather I had on that day, but would you believe I do have some snapshots for you here? That one and the following 10 until the paved parking lot pic are from along there.
My tip: I carry one all the time, but if you don't, I would certainly suggest a bug zapper racket for when mosquitoes get inside. I don't think there's an easier way to get rid of them. I like the good quality Black Flag ones found at Lowe's.
Oh, and be sure to familiarize yourself with Stompin' Tom Connors' Long Gone to the Yukon song to get further amped up and take it with you!
Re: Heading to Alaska for the summer (bucket list trip)
I think it's been years since I've visited this sub-forum, but your post definitely caught my eye. Congratulations on getting to do this trip! My plans and dates are pretty much identical to yours, so I'll have to be on the lookout for a neighboring Wyoming plate up there. I did the same thing in '24 spending all summer there. Scores of pics and videos are but a couple clicks away. I'm a landscaper only unless an animal happens by, so I don't have any answers for the sheep you seek. I'm glad you're going to do the Dalton. It is so good that I had to do it twice. I hope you're planning for the Dempster as well. That would be a real shame to miss since you have all that time and going to be up there anyway. It is exceptional. It sounds like you're open to it and other suggestions. Obviously, there isn't much for roads in Yukon, or Alaska for that matter, so there isn't much to suggest that wouldn't be a surprise. The north and south Canol roads are great, though the Ross River ferry for the north road is time sensitive. For reference, it was going to shut down for the season on October 8 in 2024.
If the Dempster or Canol roads end up being of interest, it was my preference from the outset to cross into Yukon the first week of September, which is when that northern border crossing closes, give or take. Otherwise, I think it's a 6-hour drive to from Whitehorse to Dawson, only to backtrack south again later.
As far as the road into Kananaskis, I assume you're referring to Forestry Trunk Road 40 north out of Coleman, right? I did that in 2005. Just an easy passenger car road. I didn't get any good shots from there with the weather I had on that day, but would you believe I do have some snapshots for you here? That one and the following 10 until the paved parking lot pic are from along there.
My tip: I carry one all the time, but if you don't, I would certainly suggest a bug zapper racket for when mosquitoes get inside. I don't think there's an easier way to get rid of them. I like the good quality Black Flag ones found at Lowe's.
Optional tip for consideration, but can easily do without: CB for the Dalton Highway. I didn't have one last time, but will take a handheld unit this time for truck traffic. Could be useful if their view of you is blocked by their dust on longer straightaways and to say thanks when they allow you to pass.
Oh, and be sure to familiarize yourself with Stompin' Tom Connors' Long Gone to the Yukon song to get further amped up and take it with you!
May 03, 2026 at 03:18 AM
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