What is so special about the Alaska Highway, formerly known as the Alcan (Alaska-Canadian Highway)?
For many years, there had been talks between officials in United States and Canada about building a road connecting the contiguous US to Alaska with no agreements reached. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Japanese threats to the west coast of North America and the Aleutian Islands during World War II, the two governments reached an agreement. The highway, winding through wilderness, first broke ground in March 12, 1942 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia with the end point in Delta Junction, Alaska. 10,000 troops and 16,000 civilians endured extremely harsh conditions to penetrate the mountains and swamps. In June, 1942, the Japanese invaded Kiska and Attu islands in the Aleutians, adding a new sense of urgency to the project. The estimated 1,520-mile highway was completed in only 8 months and 12 days, with the two ends meeting at Contact Creek (mile 588) on September 15, 1942 and the construction ending on October 23, 1942, with a few vehicles transiting the entire length. An official dedication was held on November 20, 1942. The highway was opened to the public in 1948. It was declared the greatest engineering marvel of its time.
Through the last 80+ years, portions of the old Alaska Highway have been rerouted and many sections straightened, with its total length now approximately 1,390 miles. One such section that was rerouted was at the Kiskatinaw River, only 20 miles from Dawson Creek (Mile 0). A hairpin turn and odd grades forced the construction of a very unique wooden bridge. Engineers developed the 534-foot bridge that has both a slope and a 9-degree bank to accommodate the bend in the highway. In the 1970’s, many of the oil and gas companies coming into the area could not use the bridge due to weight restrictions. A new road was built that bypassed the Kiskatinaw Bridge. We were fortunate to stay in a provincial park right at the base of the bridge, which was the site used for the construction workers to stay during the building of the original bridge (it took them 8 months).
While at our Kiskatinaw campsite, it was time to try our next variation of S’Mores. This time we used Dave’s favorite cookie, the Oreo, as a base. I am not a fan of Oreo’s, but adding the roasted marshmallow and milk chocolate to the Oreo was a winner. This variation received 4 thumbs up!
Our next stop was Fort Nelson, BC about 270 miles from Kiskatinaw. The scenery along the two-lane highway was gorgeous. I tried to take pictures along the drive, but it is hard to capture the beauty of the area.
We stopped at an RV park in Fort Nelson which had a restaurant on-site. Helen and I bellied up to the bar, sitting on horse saddles while the guys went to re-fuel our trucks. We enjoyed deep fried pickles (really, they were good) and the guys joined us for some wings and later dinner.
Speaking of food, we heard the cinnamon rolls at the Testa Lodge, just about an hour north from Fort Nelson, could be considered the best you have ever eaten. Could they de-throne Buc-ee’s? Or the Wall Drug cinnamon rolls? Or the homemade cinnamon rolls from the RV park in Montana? Such pressure. We stopped by the lodge and made a quick trip inside to buy them and head back out. Our goal was to snag a coveted first-come, first serve camping spot along the gorgeous Muncho Lake. Stay tuned to the next blog for the results!
Oops, I almost forgot to share photos from a couple stops on our way to Mile 0, albeit very touristy In fact, Beaverlodge, BC had the Beaver statute installed just to attract tourists. Maybe the same for the sundial, as we did stop in Grand Prairie to see it (and to buy fuel and visit a Starbucks). As you can see, it was quite chilly (in the 50’s) and windy. In Helen & Greg’s sundial photo, can you spy a photo bomb? Dave just having fun.
Thanks for following along as we drive along the Alaska Highway.
I can’t believe I liked S’Moreo’s Brenda, S’Moreo’s are a close second to the original Dave, and I’m ready to swim at Muncho Lake so please get a spot Murphy
What an unbelievable experience you’ve had and will have!
Interesting that Pearl Harbor tipped the scales in favor of building the roadway. While traveling Canada’s canal system, we learned it was Americans starting the War of 1812 that convinced Canadians of need for transportation beyond the St Lawrence Seaway.
Safe travels!!
Keep posting 😊
The C roll looked delicious
Wonder why they didn’t open the road to the public until 1948, 6 years after it was dedicated.
I bet everything his so green and nice. Lots of new growth
Don’t forget To pick up some bear food along the way. You might wish you had some
Hi Ron – the road didn’t open at first as it still needed a lot of work done; it was done so quickly for the military to use.
Not funny about bear food!