Alaska Highway Information
The Alaska Highway was built by the American Corps of Engineers during WWII to connect the lower 48 states with Alaska and counter the threat of a Japanese invasion. Beginning in Dawson Creek, B.C., this 2700 km (1700 mile) feat of engineering took 6 months to open the pioneer road through some of the roughest and remotest parts of North America. The Alaska Highway stretches through northern B.C., into the Yukon Territory through Whitehorse and on to Fairbanks, Alaska.
On March 8, 1942 hundreds of pieces of construction equipment were unloaded from trains in Dawson Creek (Mile 0). Crews working from both ends battled cold temperatures, mud, mosquitoes, river crossings and breakdowns. The Alaska Highway construction crews met up at Contact Creek, B.C., on September 24, 1942 and the highway was dedicated on November 20, 1942 at Soldier’s Summit.
The route was chosen not as the simplest but as the most practical to support the Northwest Staging Route. Numerous airfields that were used as part of the lend lease program with Russia were supplied from the new highway. The Alaska Highway was turned over the Canadian government and opened to the public in 1948.
Since the public opening of the “Alcan” construction has never ceased. Constant improvements, straightening and upgrading occur every summer. Now completely paved from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks the Alaska Highway is still a main supply line for Alaska and a major tourist route.
The most scenic stretch of the highway goes from Fort Nelson to Watson Lake. Motorists travelling this section of the Alaska Highway during the summer months canexpect to see awesome vistas and abundant wildlife such as moose, caribou, Stone’s sheep and elk. The highest point of the "Alcan" is located on this section - at Summit Lake Provincial Park. Easily navigated by cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and even the occasional bicycle the Alcan bodes many an adventure. Some of the best fishing in North America occurs in the streams, rivers and lakes around Muncho Lake.
Alaska Highway Celebrates it's 75th Anniversary
Halfway between Watson Lake and Fort Nelson you must stop at the Northern Rockies Lodge. This well-equipped, modern facility offers lodging, dining, fuel service, camping and tours. Spend the night here and save a day on your journey to or from Alaska! Maybe you would like to join the bush pilot and guide for some of the best fishing available from the Alaska Highway for lake trout, arctic grayling, bull trout, northern pike, rainbow trout and walleye! Soaking in the Liard River Hot Springs year round, hiking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, wilderness tours and wildlife viewing are just some of the exciting things to do along the “Alcan” in the Muncho Lake area.