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Chris Gale
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Chris Gale
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JF Bergeron
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JF Bergeron
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JF Bergeron
By Al Harvey
If you love a good road trip, nothing in 2017 will top the world famous Alaska Highway. It’s the most ruggedly spectacular driving route on Earth and one about to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Eleven thousand US Army men built the Alaska Highway. They did so with the help of hardy Canadian civilians and the blessing of the Government of Canada, who granted right-of-way in exchange for ownership of the road once it was built and the war was won.
The war? That would be World War II. In 1942, the U.S. President called for construction of the behind-the-front Alaska Highway. A military lifeline, it would connect the Lower 48 and Canada to the top of the continent via three massive swaths of untamed, unassailable wilderness: Northern British Columbia, the gold rush country of Canada’s Yukon, and the remote Alaskan Territory (which was not yet a state).
It was a miracle the men and machines were able to bash and clear their way through, scraping out the highway corridor in eight months. There were hundreds of miles of heavily treed forests, the continent’s highest mountains, bog that sank their equipment, mosquitoes and grizzly bears. And once it was finished, some of its roadside signs read: “Prepare to meet thy maker.”
Next year, the Alaska Highway turns 75. It’s easy to forget, collectively, how and why it began. Most of the people who built it, after all, are gone. This anniversary will provide a shared opportunity for fortunate travelers to recall events that could have changed the world.
The folks who live along the Alaska Highway today – many as a result of its construction – are expecting and welcoming plenty of visitors from around the world next year with plenty of events, productions and celebrations throughout the highway corridor.
Whether you’re an RV traveler or Harley Davidson biker, an outdoor adventurer or war history buff, a gold rush fanatic or a family of car campers, a ride along the Alaska Highway for its 75th should be on your list of things to do in 2017. Join the party under the Northern Lights.
Here are three ways to convince someone to join you on an Alaska Highway road trip:
Nature. Wild has never looked this perfect. The splendour of scenic vistas, with wild animals moving in and out of view, can be experienced right from the Alaska Highway. Adventurous souls can get even closer to nature via endless hiking trails and riverbeds. There are mountain climbs and scrambles. There are challenging outdoor activities for every skill level.
History. The Alaska Highway was built to help us win World War II. It’s full of amazing historical interest, like a wild, living museum. Milepost markers line the roadside, sharing stories from the past. Hiking trails feature interpretive signage. There are original wood culverts and boardwalks. It’s an immersive, interactive travel experience.
Journey. People here are as good as they make ‘em. Many of the small businesses in Northern BC, Yukon and Alaska are hunting and fishing guides, wilderness outfitters, tour operators, transportation and backcountry accommodations providers, who are on a mission to help you love this region as much as they do. Look them up along the way.