Anybody want to drive to Alaska.

[Sean the Nailer]

Interesting trip, with numerous route possibilities. Y'all seem to be getting squared away with the archaic laws that the commie-bastard Punk Martinet is attempting to ram down our throats.

Not every Canadian is a useless fucking LIEberal. Enjoy your trip, there is a LOT to see and do.

 

[alpine44]

Maybe take the ferry back?

Just looked at the ferry prices between Bellingham and Haines.

~$1700 for one person, no stateroom, and a 16'-19' vehicle
Entering a 36' RV gave error that max length is 30'

The cruise through the intercoastal passage is awesome but I'll pass at that price since I have done it already when it was an inexpensive option.
Also, as pointed out above, the highway is now paved and you do not have to drive exactly the same route back between Haines Junction and the US.

 

[alpine44]

Interesting trip, with numerous route possibilities. Y'all seem to be getting squared away with the archaic laws that the commie-bastard Punk Martinet is attempting to ram down our throats.

Not every Canadian is a useless fucking LIEberal. Enjoy your trip, there is a LOT to see and do.

What's the law in Canada regarding percussion revolvers? A Walker replica would be better than nothing.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Drove form Kentucky to Alaska in 02. Nice drive and beautiful country.

 

[Hi-Lux Optics]

I didn a quick Google search and it looks like you can transit firearms through Canada, as ling as it doesnt exceed a Daisey Red Ryder BB gun in caliber. and no red dots on the BB gun.

I mean... you'd put your eye out with that thing. Saw it in a movie once.

 

[BJames]

Would have to look into it, @Sean the Nailer could likely advise us. I'd want a shotty 'hunting' rifle, and my Anaconda.

I figure in my Chevy 3500 Express van about $2500 in gas.

BRING LR & LRM PRIMERS!!

Seriously though, offset the cost of your trip by bringing as many LR & LRM primers and most magnum rifle powders, as you can get your hands on. Have had 2 shipments to the state in 3 years. We’re all starting to get thirsty again.

 

[Duc]

Chicago to Deadhorse in 86 on 68HP (with Big Bore Kit). 12 days round trip. To old/smart to do it that way now! Once we got north we learned to drive around in circles before we set up camp. If we spotted any glowing eyes in the dark that were more than a foot off the ground, we moved on! The sound of the motors shutting off was the same as a gunshot...dinnerbell. Carried alot of spare fuel.
Mine wasn't this pretty when we went up.

 

[taliv]

Where you leaving from

 

[Maggot]

Where you leaving from

I live about an hour south of OKC, but am a bit flexible.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

What's the law in Canada regarding percussion revolvers? A Walker replica would be better than nothing.

Well now, that is a different discussion. BUT, the wording of the law here of late, is that "items made MORE than 100 years ago are NOT considered firearms...." or something to that extent. Off the top of my head, I can't remember the exact wording.

Note that I stated "MADE", not 'designed'. Has to actually have been made. I believe 'Black Powder' has something to do with it too. I'm not going to steer you the wrong way, because my memory sucks.

But I do know something about a "Colt, 1895 Double Action chambered in .41" that is not Non-Restricted, Restricted, OR PROHIBITED. According to the geniac's that be,,,, it isn't even a firearm.

These are the people that make the decisions and are ruling/running this country into the ground.

But I'm not bitter.....

 

[Thereaper1313]

You wanting your Anaconda and shorty for the drive through Canada or for AK? Just ship them to your hotel/cabin in AK and ship them back home after.

 

[Romeo458]

Yes, you can transport firearms through Canada. There are restricted firearms, and pretty much a no go on any pistols now. Any manually operated repeating rifles with fixed magazines are completely legal to be transported through Canada. You declare it at the border, and there is a $25CAD licensing fee at the border that's good for I think 90 days, my memory is a little foggy on that specific part. I took a Marlin 1895 through Canada with us in our camper in '19.

Branden

Pump shotguns are popular with the overland crowd. I'm pretty sure revolvers with a barrel longer than 4.1 inches are also ok but thats it for handgun.

Back when I was going to medic with a group it looked like the M1 Garand I use to overland with was good but I'm sure that's changed now.

 

[alpine44]

Well now, that is a different discussion. BUT, the wording of the law here of late, is that "items made MORE than 100 years ago are NOT considered firearms...." or something to that extent. Off the top of my head, I can't remember the exact wording.

Note that I stated "MADE", not 'designed'. Has to actually have been made. I believe 'Black Powder' has something to do with it too. I'm not going to steer you the wrong way, because my memory sucks.

But I do know something about a "Colt, 1895 Double Action chambered in .41" that is not Non-Restricted, Restricted, OR PROHIBITED. According to the geniac's that be,,,, it isn't even a firearm.

These are the people that make the decisions and are ruling/running this country into the ground.

But I'm not bitter.....

Thanks for trying to answer the question. I found this in the meantime:

Specific types of firearms | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Unfortunately, black powder replica hand guns are a no-go. But they do allow real (26.5mm) flare guns, FWIW.

So the best approach would be to ship handgun(s) to AK and carry a pump shotty or Fudd rifle in the Canadian wilderness. Even though shipping to AK is inevitably interstate commerce, handguns do not need to go to an FFL, unless they are transferred to a different owner/possessor.

Copied from ATF's website:

May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?​

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to him or herself in care of another person in the state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner “in the care of” the out–of–state resident. Upon reaching its destination, persons other than the owner may not open the package or take possession of the firearm.

 

[Short-bus]

Thanks for trying to answer the question. I found this in the meantime:

Specific types of firearms | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Unfortunately, black powder replica hand guns are a no-go. But they do allow real (26.5mm) flare guns, FWIW.

So the best approach would be to ship handgun(s) to AK and carry a pump shotty or Fudd rifle in the Canadian wilderness. Even though shipping to AK is inevitably interstate commerce, handguns do not need to go to an FFL, unless they are transferred to a different owner/possessor.

Copied from ATF's website:

May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?​

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to him or herself in care of another person in the state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner “in the care of” the out–of–state resident. Upon reaching its destination, persons other than the owner may not open the package or take possession of the firearm.

There is a company in Tok, Alaska that specializes of sorts with people shipping handguns to them, and when they arrive into alaska (Tok), they stop in, pick up their package of handguns they shipped to themselves, and they carry them throughout Alaska, and then ship their handguns back down to the lower 48 on their way back.

Branden

 

[Short-bus]

Just remember when you're declaring your firearm at Canadian customs, that the reason you have it is for wildlife protection while wild camping on the road to Alaska. You CANNOT say it's for protection from bad people. Those little self defense personal pepper spray cans that are popular, those aren't allowed in Canada....but bear spray is totally allowed.

Branden

 

[alpine44]

Just remember when you're declaring your firearm at Canadian customs, that the reason you have it is for wildlife protection while wild camping on the road to Alaska. You CANNOT say it's for protection from bad people. Those little self defense personal pepper spray cans that are popular, those aren't allowed in Canada....but bear spray is totally allowed.

Branden

Thanks for bringing this up. Here are the words form the horse's, err Mounties', mouth:

"Non-residents can usually bring a non-restricted rifle or shotgun into Canada for approved purposes such as hunting, target shooting, wilderness protection or in-transit movement by a reasonably direct route to another point outside Canada."

Note the absence of self-defense as an "approved" purpose.

 

[turbo_bird]

I'd hate to support Castro's spawn in Canukistan but there's a bunch of cool places along the way to AK. Icefields Parkway comes to mind for example. Also, their provincial policies differ like our state laws/attitudes and Alberta is pretty conservative. BC is commie in the South but maybe OK further up North where you would have to cross it.

While I am aware that this is the bear pit, I would nevertheless like to get a little more serious about the idea. Here are the some options I can offer:

• One opening for a co-pilot in my 36' HR diesel pusher. Full private bed in the front. Shared kitchen and bath with shower. I'll be in the rear suite with my two terriers (JRT and Rat) who are fun, hardy travelers. Must like dogs, of course. Fuel (10mpg@65mph) and ferry cost shared. I pay for maintenance, scheduled or not. If someone would like to ride his motorcycle, I would put my Guzzi on a two bike trailer and we could take turns riding the bikes or travel both in the RV when the weather sucks. Without bikes, I could tow a Cherokee XJ to allow a little more independence from each other.
  
  
• Joining a "convoy" in my M1009 (military version of a square-body Blazer) overlander that is outfitted with everything I need for this trip and gets twice the mileage. (The towable XJ mentioned above is also outfitted for overlanding albeit with substantially less interior space.)

The drive through the Icefields Parkway is ok, but full of tourists. The drive through the Cassiar region of BC is way better, hardly anyone there and no cell service for hundreds of miles. The side trip to Stewart is pretty cool, and there's a glacier there you can look at on the way, albeit not as big as the tourist trap one north of Banf. The border was closed, so we couldn't go across to Hyder, but I'm sure it's open again now. If you do go through Cassiar and want a break from camping, look up www.vinesandpuppies.ca. I did a tenting roadtrip with wife and kids to Whitehorse a couple years ago with a couple nights stay in Cassiar at one of the cabins. That was one of the ways I managed to sell my wife on tenting at other places along the way. The cabins are a bit rustic and definitely off grid, but it was pretty nice to show up at the end of the day to a home cooked dinner waiting for us and a real bed. The lady that does it all is pretty cool. There's still gravel sections along the main road, and the trip from Dease Lake to Telegraph Creek is all dirt/gravel I think. That road was washed out when we went, so we didn't get to go there, but it's just a side trip anyway. We had dirtbikes with, so my 9 year old son and I did some exploring around the old Cassiar asbestos mine. It's a good route if you want to get away from tourists and crowds, and don't mind missing out on driving the first part of the Alaska highway. As far as bringing guns, I'd be tempted to just not tell anyone. I live in Canada though, and don't have to deal with that particular border issue at least. Once you're away from cities though, most people have a much more practical attitude towards guns, even here in Canada.
Kristian

 

[turbo_bird]

Well now, that is a different discussion. BUT, the wording of the law here of late, is that "items made MORE than 100 years ago are NOT considered firearms...." or something to that extent. Off the top of my head, I can't remember the exact wording.

Note that I stated "MADE", not 'designed'. Has to actually have been made. I believe 'Black Powder' has something to do with it too. I'm not going to steer you the wrong way, because my memory sucks.

But I do know something about a "Colt, 1895 Double Action chambered in .41" that is not Non-Restricted, Restricted, OR PROHIBITED. According to the geniac's that be,,,, it isn't even a firearm.

These are the people that make the decisions and are ruling/running this country into the ground.

But I'm not bitter.....

I don't know the antique status laws exactly either, but it's something like made before 1900 and chambered in an obsolete cartridge makes it legally not a firearm in Canada. I think the crooks in charge probably have a list of allowable obsolete cartridges, but I don't really know where to look for it.
Kristian

 

[Cardboard55]

I wanted to do the Nova Scotia - Newfoundland - Labrador - New Brunswick loop for a long time. With as messed up as Canada is under Trudeau, not going to bother. Should have done that and the Alaska drive 30 years ago. That and the Blue Train in S. Africa. And the Concorde (as if I could have afforded it back then, lol).

 

[acudaowner]

Id think about it in a rental car but not putting that many miles on my everyday car lol ,

 

[beretta_man11]

If someone is driving it from the Southeast, I'll flip you some money to deliver a raft from Mississippi to Soldotna (south of Anchorage)

 

[alpine44]

The drive through the Icefields Parkway is ok, but full of tourists. The drive through the Cassiar region of BC is way better, hardly anyone there and no cell service for hundreds of miles. The side trip to Stewart is pretty cool, and there's a glacier there you can look at on the way, albeit not as big as the tourist trap one north of Banf. The border was closed, so we couldn't go across to Hyder, but I'm sure it's open again now. If you do go through Cassiar and want a break from camping, look up www.vinesandpuppies.ca. I did a tenting roadtrip with wife and kids to Whitehorse a couple years ago with a couple nights stay in Cassiar at one of the cabins. That was one of the ways I managed to sell my wife on tenting at other places along the way. The cabins are a bit rustic and definitely off grid, but it was pretty nice to show up at the end of the day to a home cooked dinner waiting for us and a real bed. The lady that does it all is pretty cool. There's still gravel sections along the main road, and the trip from Dease Lake to Telegraph Creek is all dirt/gravel I think. That road was washed out when we went, so we didn't get to go there, but it's just a side trip anyway. We had dirtbikes with, so my 9 year old son and I did some exploring around the old Cassiar asbestos mine. It's a good route if you want to get away from tourists and crowds, and don't mind missing out on driving the first part of the Alaska highway. As far as bringing guns, I'd be tempted to just not tell anyone. I live in Canada though, and don't have to deal with that particular border issue at least. Once you're away from cities though, most people have a much more practical attitude towards guns, even here in Canada.
Kristian

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I was wondering how the alternative to following 40 and 97 (Eastern route) would look like.

The beaten path follows the Eastern route from Banff to Haines Junction (Red Marker). Alternatively you can take the Western route between Jasper and Watson Lake, through the Cassiar region, and avoid driving the same way back and forth if you do not take the Haines-Bellingham ferry.

However, both option go through the Icefield parkway between Banff and Jasper (the Southern fork in the image) which is pretty but obviously very busy. You can bypass this section by heading from Banff toward Kamloops and then North but this is from my experience much longer and more demanding with a big RV or 5th wheel rig. Completely different landscapes and population densities, so if you have time, do both.

 

[Maggot]

Id think about it in a rental car but not putting that many miles on my everyday car lol ,

It already has 270 K. Like al Chevy vans and trucks of that era the paint is peeling badly but mechanically shes near perfect. All amsoil lubricants since new, new brakes, Besides its a Chevy, parts and labor widely available. Has the heavy cargo mat and insulated panel package so not too m uch vibration.

 

[alpine44]

Unfortunately, I cannot join Maggot this year due to work commitments and other obligations but I am seriously planning to do the same trip next year. Looking forward to his recon report.

As far as the added miles on the vehicle is concerned, I would ask myself what provides the better return. Putting 10k on the odometer via the mindless, daily commute or during a trip of a lifetime (for most of us). I am going to use my personal vehicles as much as I can for exploration for as long as our overlords allow this extravagant accumulation of carbon penalties. Once you live in your 15 minute city, owning nothing and being happy, you will regret not having cruised frivolously until the wheels fell off.

 

[Maggot]

Unfortunately, I cannot join Maggot this year due to work commitments and other obligations but I am seriously planning to do the same trip next year. Looking forward to his recon report.

As far as the added miles on the vehicle is concerned, I would ask myself what provides the better return. Putting 10k on the odometer via the mindless, daily commute or during a trip of a lifetime (for most of us). I am going to use my personal vehicles as much as I can for exploration for as long as our overlords allow this extravagant accumulation of carbon penalties. Once you live in your 15 minute city, owning nothing and being happy, you will regret not having cruised frivolously until the wheels fell off.

As I mentioned in our PM keep in touch, this goes for anyone else, as, barring a surprise, Its looking like it will be next year for me as well. gives us ore time to plan. I'm considering a move to NM anyway so it would change the logistics a bit.

 

[alpine44]

It already has 270 K. Like al Chevy vans and trucks of that era the paint is peeling badly but mechanically shes near perfect. All amsoil lubricants since new, new brakes, Besides its a Chevy, parts and labor widely available. Has the heavy cargo mat and insulated panel package so not too m uch vibration.

Don't forget to have the wheels balanced and possibly even the driveshaft. It will be worth every penny when driving for days on end.

My out-of-balance indicator are the ear tips of my Jack Russel. Once they start wiggling while he's napping, it's time to balance the rotating stuff on the vehicle.

 

[ColinW]

*sigh* Oh my dear Alaska....That's God's country! Driven the ALCAN highway twice(San Diego to Homer, then Homer to Seattle).

One of the most beautiful road trips you can take is the Denali Highway, from Cantwell(west) to Paxson(east). You have 130+/- miles of dirt road, stunningly beautiful landscapes, right in the middle of the Alaska mountain range. Some ELR shooting options all along the way too.

 

[alpine44]

As I mentioned in our PM keep in touch, this goes for anyone else, as, barring a surprise, Its looking like it will be next year for me as well. gives us ore time to plan. I'm considering a move to NM anyway so it would change the logistics a bit.

I just saw that you also have to postpone. Let's all keep this simmering along. It would be great to get an informal 'convoy' together. Not necessarily to drive in formation like a motorcycle club but to connect and socialize at certain points.

I will also cross-post on steelsoldiers later this year since I had a lot of fun on shorter adventures with that crowd. They do not care if you show up with a Korean poorbox at their rallies as long as you share the value in keeping engines turning and wheels rolling. (Fuck virtual reality and the metaverse)

 

[frankxtc]

Sounds like a fun trip!
I drove the RV from Florida to Alaska in 2019, solo.
Had a .38 revolver and a shotgun.
Had a Garmin iNreach satellite device, so I could text the wife while she was at work in the Florida heat, and mess with her.
Spent the Summer driving all over, an amazing, once in a lifetime (old guy) experience.

Did not go into Canada, drove the RV on to the Alaska ferry in Bellingham, Wa.,
Drove off the ferry in Whittier, Ak 5 days later. Same for the return path.

Too old to do it again by myself, but I sure would like to see the Canadian NW!
Possibly I will be reincarnated as a Canadian Moose, then I will get to see it.....

Garmin sat trace up & back:

 

[Short-bus]

Make sure you hit Hyder, one of the most beautiful drives in that i've ever done. 2nd place was the drive down into Valdez. While in Hyder, make sure you visit the The bus, and get you some seafood from her. I had the Halibut, and I still crave more to this day. Salmon glacier is up the road, and a great visit as well. Skeeters were really, really bad while we were there, so make sure you have spray or bug nets.

Branden

 

[acudaowner]

take turns peddling and you would get a hell of a work out .

70 hr trip by car 3,816.2 mi lol that a lot of beer on the wall songs on that trip .

 

[Maggot]

take turns peddling and you would get a hell of a work out .

70 hr trip by car 3,816.2 mi lol that a lot of beer on the wall songs on that trip .

I dont think my 73 year old ass would take many turns in the basket.

 

[Maggot]

I just saw that you also have to postpone. Let's all keep this simmering along. It would be great to get an informal 'convoy' together. Not necessarily to drive in formation like a motorcycle club but to connect and socialize at certain points.

I will also cross-post on steelsoldiers later this year since I had a lot of fun on shorter adventures with that crowd. They do not care if you show up with a Korean poorbox at their rallies as long as you share the value in keeping engines turning and wheels rolling. (Fuck virtual reality and the metaverse)

Fuck Justin.

 

[Emerson0311]

If you come through Dawson Creek, let me know ahead of time, and I’ll stop to say hi, unless you are a leftie. If you are a leftie, we don’t cotton to your kind in these parts.

 

[Im2bent]

@Cowpokey just look for his van out front......

 

[Maggot]

@Cowpokey just look for his van out front...... View attachment 8134628

Sorry, thats a Ford.

 

[Twins82]

Savannah ,Ga to Alaska

 

[Maggot]

I expect that @Lowlight could give some good tips on Alaska, I've seen a couple of his vids. Got himself a hot looking friend up there. Wonder if he has any classes lined up for next year up. That would be a hoot, drive up and take a class.

 

[Lowlight]

June and July we are in Alaska every year

We stay in Willow, and our classes are just south of Talkeenta at the range there

I have a ton of time in AK, 9 year, about 35 days per year for the most part we stay at the Sheep Creek Lodge

Some of the more fun things we do

If you want more traditional Alaska know you might want to fly to spots

Especially to check out the mountains and glaciers

or you can float a river

lots of critters too

Bring a gun cause these guys are curious too

They will stop by to say HI

Some times later in the night when you are sleeping

And finally yes, Karin is there along with a host of other woman

 

[Im2bent]

Holy shit I'm thinkin.....

 

[Maggot]

^^^I'm sensing

Holy shit I'm thinkin.....

Beat me to it.

 

[Maggot]

June and July we are in Alaska every year

We stay in Willow, and our classes are just south of Talkeenta at the range there

I have a ton of time in AK, 9 year, about 35 days per year for the most part we stay at the Sheep Creek Lodge

View attachment 8134702

Some of the more fun things we do

View attachment 8134704
View attachment 8134706

If you want more traditional Alaska know you might want to fly to spots

View attachment 8134707

Especially to check out the mountains and glaciers
View attachment 8134710
View attachment 8134714

or you can float a river

View attachment 8134715

lots of critters too

View attachment 8134716View attachment 8134717


Bring a gun cause these guys are curious too
View attachment 8134718
They will stop by to say HI
View attachment 8134720
Some times later in the night when you are sleeping

And finally yes, Karin is there along with a host of other woman

View attachment 8134722

Great shot of the glacial river. Doesnt show up tha tway in professional polished photos.

 

[Lowlight]

Some Alaska Scenery

 

[The D]

Holy shit I'm thinkin.....

Oh my God, I can’t imagine what a shitshow that would be.

Sign me up!