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Jump to
A brief history of racing in Alaska
Alaska’s racetracks and how you can get there
Tips for watching a race
Final word
 

A brief history of racing in Alaska

Alaska has had a pretty rich history of racing. In particular, drag racing has been a consistent staple of the Alaskan racing culture.

Back in the sixties, Alaska had several dragstrips. This included Merrill Field, Polar Raceway, Tanacross Air Base, and Anchorage Dragway. Many of these have since closed. However, throughout the years, many other racetracks have since opened.

Many of the current racetracks are actually circular. Alaska Raceway track, which is a drag strip, is actually an IHRA member since 1995. Currently, the cars that race are all modern racecars specific to their individual sport. But, back in the sixties the cars were mostly regular cars that were modified.
 

Alaska’s racetracks and how you can get there

These are Alaska’s best racetrack with directions on how you can get to each:

• Alaska Raceway Park – This quarter mile drag strip is the premier spot in Alaska racing. There is also a circle dirt track which opened in 2016. This is one of the best places in Alaska to catch a race and it is located in Palmer, Alaska. You can get directions to the track here.
• Capitol Speedway – A three eights mile-long track, Capitol Speedway is a popular dirt track located in Willow, Alaska. The track hosts all kinds of races from stock car races to demolition derbies. You can find directions here.
• Mitchell Raceway – Mitchell Raceway is a quarter mile long racetrack that is the northern-most racetrack in the world. It is made of dirt and is primarily used for non-traditional races. Mitchell Raceway is in Fairbanks, Alaska. Get directions to the track here
• Twin City Raceway – Almost a half mile in overall length, Twin City Racetrack hosts both cars and dirt bikes on its clay track. It’s a great spot to watch a race but bring your own chairs! The track is located in Kenai, Alaska. You can find directions here.
• Kodiak Island Raceway – Kodiak Island Raceway is a less popular but still great racetrack in Kodiak. It is a quarter mile in overall length and is a dirt track. There are both car and motorcycle races here. Get directions here.

Tips for watching a race

When you are watching a race, you will want to enjoy the action while being completely out of harm’s way. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Get a good view but keep a safe distance – At a race it is important to get a good view but to simultaneously be sure that you are a safe distance from the track. Crashes occasionally occur which, even with the guard rail and fence, can pose a potential threat to those sitting close.
• Get a race scanner – Watching the race in person is great. However, you won’t be able to hear the commentator’s updates. With a race scanner, you can listen in to the race updates as they happen.
• Be ready for rain – Racetracks are obviously always outdoors. Races rarely get cancelled due to weather. Be ready for rain with a poncho or umbrella.
• Stay comfortable – Races can be long. They can last for hours in some cases. So, you will want to dress comfortably which means comfortable shoes, clothing and a hat and/or sunscreen. If you are sitting out in the sun for hours, nothing can be more uncomfortable than a sunburn.

Final word

Alaska has a really fun and interesting racing culture. If you live there or are visiting, you should do whatever it takes to catch a race at least once. You can visit the tracks individual websites to see their schedule of events and find out information on purchasing tickets as well. Races are an inexpensive way to have fun and enjoy a day. When you are at a race do your best to stay safe and dry.

Jump to:
General information about Alaska’s road system
Alaska’s Highways
Where you can drive in Alaska
Where you will need to take a plane or boat to
 

General information about Alaska’s road system

Alaska has almost fifteen thousand miles of public roads in the state. However, not all of its communities and towns are connected to each other by roads. Some areas are only accessible by plane or boat. Thus, it is important to know which roads and highways will lead where.

Inclement weather can play a big role in how easily you are able to navigate Alaska’s roads. Be sure you do not attempt to drive on any roads that are currently impassable. If you are only visiting Alaska, try to do so during the warmer summer months so that road conditions will be at their best. Although, you should still be on the lookout for wildlife crossing the road and road issues such as potholes.
 

Alaska’s Highways

Alaska has several major highways which connect much of the southern and middle parts of the state. The following is a breakdown of Alaska’s Highways:

• Dalton Highway – The Dalton Highway is infamous for its long lonely trek that many consider quite dangerous as well. It is over four hundred miles long and connects the upper north of Alaska near Deadhorse with the rest of Alaska through its connection with Elliot Highway just north of Fairbanks. It is recommended you drive this road with someone and that you do not attempt to drive on the highway during any bad weather.
• Alaska Highway – The most famous highway in Alaska, the Alaska Highway is over thirteen hundred miles long. It runs through Canada into Alaska. It runs from Dawson Creek in northwest Canada to Delta Junction in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is often referred to as a wonderful road trip experience due to all the great scenery along the route.
• Edgerton Highway – Edgerton Highway is a short road, only thirty-three miles long, that extends from the Richardson Highway in Cooper Center to Chitina. On its route you will pass a popular fishery as well as an airport.
• Denali Highway – The Denali Highway is a hundred and thirty-five miles long and runs from Paxson, Alaska to Cantwell, Alaska. The route includes, weather-permitting, great views of several glaciers and mountains. There are also several campsites along the route as well.
• George Parks Highway – At three hundred and twenty-three miles long, the George Parks Highway connects from Palmer all the way to Fairbanks. The road includes exits for Wasilla, the Denali State Park, Denali National Park, Fairbanks and the Fairbanks airport.
• Elliot Highway – Elliot Highway stretches from just north of Fairbanks up to an area called Manley Hot Springs. The total length of the highway is just over a hundred and fifty miles long. Much of the road is gravel and travel can be difficult during the winter months. Amenities are limited, so bring a full tank of gas and some extra food if you will be traveling on this road.
• Haines Highway – At nearly a hundred and fifty miles long the Haines Highway in Alaska stretches from Haines in Alaska to Haines in Canada. The road has some breathtaking scenery as well as a stop at a bald eagle preserve.
• Glenn Highway – The Glenn Highway spans well over three hundred miles. It spans from west to east from Anchorage to Glennallen. The road includes several primary exits for Anchorage as well as exits for Knik River and Palmer.
• Klondike Highway – Almost four hundred and fifty miles long, the Klondike Highway in Alaska connects Dawson City, Canada with Skagway in Alaska. The route includes connections with a ferry terminal, Whitehorse and Alaska Highway.
• Nome Road System – The Nome Road system is not accessible from anywhere in Alaska other than Nome itself. It is essentially about three hundred miles worth of roads surrounding Nome. The roads are mostly just for sightseeing or making stops to hike or fish. You can rent a car once you arrive in Nome by plane.
• Richardson Highway – Richardson Highway stretches from Fairbanks to Valdez and is three hundred and sixty-eight miles long. The highway has exits for Willow Creek, Delta Junction, Alaska Highway and Denali National Park.
• Steese Highway – This highway stretches from Fairbanks to Circle, Alaska and is over a hundred and sixty miles long. The Steese Highway is a National Scenic Byway.
• Taylor Highway – Taylor Highway is a hundred and sixty miles long and spans from Tetlin Junction to Eagle. The highway has exits that lead to Chicken Airport, Eagle and Jack Wade Junction. The road can be fairly tricky to navigate at points due to its narrowness and curves so be careful when you are driving here.
• Sterling/Seward Highway – The Seward Highway in Alaska totals a hundred and twenty-five miles in length. It starts in Seward and ends in Anchorage. The road has great sightseeing and fishing spots and it includes exits for the Alaska Railroad, Portage glacier and more.

Where you can drive in Alaska

You can drive most places in Alaska. There are some more remote places that you won’t be able to drive to which we will discuss below. But, places like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer, Valdez, Denali, Wasillia and more are all accessible by car one way or another.

Some may be easier to drive to than others, but you can get there by car. When you drive in Alaska, be sure to check road conditions before you head out. Try and use an app like Waze which will give you up-to-date crowdsourced information on road and traffic conditions.
 

Where you will need to take a plane or boat to

Unfortunately, there are several areas in Alaska that you can only travel to by plane and/or boat. These areas include: Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Bethel, Nome, Barrow, and Sitka.

You can travel to and from Juneau by car, but you will need to cut through Canada to do so.

For places like Dutch Harbor and Kodiak, you can easily take a ferry there. You can find more information about taking the Ferry in Alaska by reading this guide.

As for places like Nome and Barrow, consider taking a short flight there. You can learn more about getting flights to places like Nome here.

The basics about moving to Alaska

Alaska is a wonderful place to live, however, not everyone would absolutely love it. For example, if you cannot deal with the thought of living with some colder weather, the move to Alaska might not be for you. Alaska has other caveats too such as the wildlife and some periods in certain areas where the night lasts for weeks.

There are also things like the northern lights and the fact that the government pays you to live there to help incentivize you to live there. Either way, if you are moving to Alaska, you will need to be prepared.

You should know too that not all of Alaska is connected by roadways. There are some areas and places that are only accessible by boat and/or plane. Although the larger and more incorporated cities are easily accessible by road.

The people of Alaska are generally pretty friendly and helpful. However, some of them can be fairly reclusive and reluctant to speak to anyone they deem a stranger.

Overall, life in Alaska is quaint and charming. We definitely recommend that you give it a chance if you are considering it!
 

The best places to move to in Alaska

1. Anchorage – The biggest, most populated and most famous Alaskan city is number one on our list of best places to move to in Alaska. The city has almost three hundred thousand people living there according to a 2018 estimate. The climate has some extremes throughout the year averaging as low as 5 degrees in the winter to as high as 78 degrees in the summer. Jobs available are from a variety of fields including tourism, transportation, military, general business and more. The culture of Anchorage includes a performing arts center, multiple museums, college sports, the annual Iditarod sled race and more. Anchorage is also home to a variety of wildlife including bears and moose. It has a bunch of schools and a couple of hospitals that service the area.
2. Fairbanks – The second city on this list has a population of over thirty-two thousand people according to a 2018 estimation. Fairbanks has very cold weather sometimes. Temperatures can drop as low as 40 below zero but during the short yet warm summer, they can reach as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The city also gets a considerable amount of snow each year. The economy is based around jobs in transportation and government primarily. The city has some nearby schools and hospitals that service the area.
3. Juneau – Alaska’s capital is another great spot to move to on our list. There are a good number of jobs available in government, tourism and fishing. The city has a population of over thirty thousand according to a 2018 estimate. Temperatures are actually pretty moderate in Juneau. Most of the year, the temperature averages fall between 32 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The culture includes a professional theatre that produces plays as well as a few music festivals. It does rain or snow in Juneau over two hundred days a year on average. It has several schools and a hospital.
4. Ketchikan – Ketchikan is the next city on the list with a population of just over eight thousand people. The climate is pretty mild and wet with temperatures normally ranging from about 30 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a considerable amount of rain throughout each year.
5. Badger – Badger is the last city on the list but it still deserves your consideration for moving. The city has a population of just over twenty thousand people. The most numerous jobs in Badger are in transportation, construction and retail. The city has some nearby schools and hospitals that service the area as well.

Tips for moving to Alaska

• Prepare for the cost of living – The cost of living in Alaska is fairly high by comparison to many other places in the United States. This includes the cost of food and rent/property as well.
• Get some warm winter clothes before you go – The winter months in most places can be particularly cold. Be sure to have what you need to in order to bundle up.
• Be sure you stay there at least a year as a citizen – If you live in Alaska as a citizen for at least a year you will receive a permanent fund dividend. This is money that the state will pay you for living there. It’s just under a thousand bucks per person each year.
• Learn about specific safety precautions before you head there – There are things in Alaska such as bears and frostbite that you need to be aware of and how to avoid them. Do this before you travel to Alaska.
• Get ready for odd daylight hours – In Alaska, there are periods in certain areas where the sun will not come up for extended periods and other times where it will not go down for extended periods. Research this before you head there so you are mentally prepared.

Conclusion

Alaska is definitely a state like no other. In fact, moving there will take some adjustments. However, that doesn’t mean it is not a great place to live. You just need to be properly prepared to make a few changes. Once you do it can be a really nice place to live, work and raise a family.

Once you do make the decision to move to Alaska, you will have the decision of driving all the way there, selling your car and buying a new one, or shipping your car there. If you do decide to ship your car there, go with the experts at Alaska Car Transport.

Basic info about the Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is Alaska’s train line which opened over a hundred years ago. It runs from the center of Alaska near Fairbanks down to southern Alaska in Seward and runs in both directions.

It is not only a great way to get from one area of Alaska to another, it is a wonderful and very comfortable way to sight-see. In fact, some of the trains are primarily intended for sight-seeing. There are five different trains you can take on the Alaska Railroad, some of which run year-round and some run seasonally. The trains are:

• Coastal Classic – The Coastal Classic runs from Anchorage to Girdwood and Girdwood to Seward and in the opposite direction for both of those trips. Ticket prices vary based on the class of ticket you choose, what time of year that you are traveling and the age of the passenger. If one adult traveled from Anchorage to Seward round-trip during the summer with the regular class ticket the trip would cost just over $300.

  The Costal Classic only runs during the summer but a trip on this rail line does include some fantastic views of Alaska’s mountains and wilderness.

• Denali Star – The Denali Star runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks. That full trip is divided into separate trips from Anchorage to Wasilla, Wasilla to Talkeetna, Talkteena to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks. The line has the same division of stops going south as well.

  This is the most popular train on the Alaska Railroad. It only runs in the summer from May through September but that is more than enough time to take a few trips on the outstanding route. The route includes great views of rivers, mountains and canyons. As with the other Alaska Railroad trains, ticket prices will vary based on the type of class you pick, the passenger’s age and the time of year that you are traveling. If one adult traveled from Anchorage to Fairbanks in June with a roundtrip ticket it would cost $498.

• Glacier Discovery – The Glacier Discovery train is exactly what it sounds like, a train with a route where you will have breathtaking views of glaciers. The train runs from May to September travels from Anchorage to Whittier with several stops in and around Girdwood and Portage.

  The prices of the tickets for this train will vary based on the age of the passenger, the class of ticket that you choose and when you are traveling. If one adult took a round-trip on this line in June from Anchorage to Whittier, the ticket would cost $100.

• Hurricane Turn – The Hurricane Turn train runs year-round with a different route in both winter and summer. During the summer the train travels from Talkeetna to Hurricane with stops in Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Twin Bridges and Chulitna. In the winter the train travels from Anchorage to Hurricane with stops in Wasilla, Talkteena, Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Twin Bridges and Chulitna.

  The trip includes renowned and panoramic views of Alaska’s rivers and valleys. The prices of the tickets for this train will vary based on the age of the passenger, the class of ticket that you choose and when you are traveling. If one adult took a round-trip on this line in June from Talkeetna to Hurricane, the ticket would cost just over $100.

• Aurora Winter – As the name suggests, the Aurora Winter Train only runs during the winter and on weekends only. In December, February and March there is some select mid-week service but normally the train only runs on weekends during the winter. The train travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane, Healy and Nenana.

  As with all the other trains, ticket prices vary based on several factors. If one adult was going to take a round-trip on this train in January from Anchorage to Fairbanks it would cost $432.

Alaska Railroad’s route

The Alaska Railroad make stops at the following places on its route:

• Eielson Air Force Base
• Fairbanks
• Nenana
• Denali
• Talkeetna
• Wasilla
• Palmer
• Anchorage
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
• Girdwood
• Whittier
• Portage
• Grandview
• Seward

The railroad also includes several “flag stops” which are stops that are not scheduled but can be “flagged” by a passenger if they need to get off there. These stops include: Hurricane, Chulitna, Twin Bridges, Canyon, Gold Creek, Sherman, Deadhorse, Curry, and Chase.

The full route is 470 miles and would take over sixteen hours to get from Seward to Fairbanks. However, this would require a transfer and a likely layover.
 

Interesting facts about the Alaska Railroad

• There are several “event trains” that run during the year for special occasions. These trains include an Easter train, a kids Halloween train, a family fun train, a beer train and more. You can find more specific information on these trains here.
• Kids under two can ride for free but only if they sit on your lap. If you want them to have their own seat you will need to buy a kid’s ticket.
• Several trains feature glass dome seating for certain ticket levels, visit the Alaska Railroad Website for more information on how to get a seat in one of these cars.
• There are senior and military discounts available. Your best bet to get one of these rates, if you qualify, is to give them a call.
• Over the years, the Alaska Railroad has won awards from National Geographic Traveler, USA Today Travel, Trip Advisor, and the National Tour Association.

Conclusion

The Alaska Railroad is one of the most popular ways to see the great state of Alaska. It’s a cozy and comfortable trip yet it includes breathtaking and expansive views of much of Alaska’s natural beauty. The trains include some great amenities including dinning cars, comfortable seating and some even have bar cars. Do yourself a favor and be sure to take a trip on the Alaska Railroad as soon as you get the chance!

Car battery basics

You depend on your car battery to operate properly in order for your car to be able to start. Everyone knows that, but not everyone is aware that taking certain steps to care for your battery can make or break its performance later on.

First, and most obviously, the way the battery is connected makes a tremendous difference in the performance or lack thereof of your car battery. If you leave the connection loose, you could possibly hit a bump in the road and knock the connection off. This would cause the car to lose all power and stop wherever you were driving. This is obviously something that could be incredibly dangerous.

Also, car battery connections can become corroded over time. Be sure that your battery’s connections are not corroded, if they are, then get your battery serviced or replace the battery.

Next, the battery should not be that old because batteries lose the ability to hold a charge over time. The older a battery gets, the more likely it could end up dying on you. You should replace your car battery every five years.
 

The way a car battery reacts to temperature

As you might expect, the temperature outside has a considerable effect on the battery. Very hot temperatures (over 90 degrees) can accelerate corrosion on the inside of a car battery. This can considerably lower a battery’s ability to retain a charge.

Cold temperatures can affect the battery’s ability to provide power to the car. The colder out it is, the slower your battery can effectively deliver power to your car. If it is cold enough, batteries can even freeze. This is fairly rare, but it can occur. It is dependent on the level of charge your battery is carrying.
 

Keep the battery clean

Like pretty much anything else in your car’s engine, how clean your battery is directly affects its performance. Obviously, you should make sure that you wipe away any excess dirt or grime, but corrosion is the biggest issue in terms of keeping the battery clean.

After the warmer summer months, your battery likely has a bit more corrosion than normal. Before the winter cold hits, you should clean any corrosion and dirt from the battery.

Here is how you can clean your car battery:

1. Mix some baking soda with some water
2. Take the cables off the battery (the car must be off before you do this).
3. Take an old toothbrush and dip it in the baking soda and water mixture, then start gently scrubbing off the corrosion and dirt.
4. Wipe off any residue left from the baking soda.
5. Put a bit of petroleum jelly on the battery terminals (this will help prevent corrosion in the future).
6. Re-attach the battery cables.

Keep the battery charged

As we already mentioned, your car battery loses its ability to hold its charge as time goes on. Extreme temperatures in the winter can help accelerate how quickly your battery can lose its charge. This is obviously something that you should be concerned with if you live in Alaska. However, there are some simple ways that you can help keep your battery charged.

Here are some tips to help keep your car battery charged:

• Wait a few moments before you turn on your accessories – In the winter you might want to turn everything on as soon as you jump in your car but if you wait a minute or two before you turn the heat, lights and radio on you will give the battery a chance to grab some charge off of the alternator.
• Park the car with the front facing away from the wind – The car should always be parked with the front facing away from the primary direction of the wind. So, if the wind is blowing north the car should be facing north. This way the majority of the wind is hitting the rear of the car which will protect the battery from the wind and its effects. If you have a garage to park your car in that is even better.
• Keep the battery clean – We know we just mentioned it above, but it is worth mentioning again, keeping your car battery clean greatly improves performance and overall battery life.

Basic info about car clubs

If you live in Alaska and have some spare time, joining a local car club is a great way to spend it. It is also a good way to showcase a car that your proud of or to show how much passion you might have for a particular type of car.

These clubs will require very affordable annual membership dues. Most will be between $25 and $100. Most of these clubs do not require that you own one of their cars either. So, you can still join if you are just passionate about a certain type of car.

These clubs hold both monthly and annual meetings and events. So, as much as participation is not necessarily required, it is recommended that you take part in the clubs’ activities as much as you can.
 

The list of car clubs located in Alaska

The following are a few of the oldest and most popular car clubs that you can join in Alaska:

• Alaska Sports Car Club – Alaska Sports Car Club was founded back in 1958. Membership is through the Alaska Lions Club and costs $100 per person or $150 for a four-member family. The club holds multiple events each year including races, fundraisers and much more.
• Artic Air-Cooled VWs – Artic Air Cooled VWs is a club dedicated to the Air-Cooled Volkswagen in Alaska. You do not need to own a VW for membership so you can join if you are just an enthusiast. The membership fee is $24 per year.
• Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska – Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska is a car club dedicated to antique cars. To join you do not need to own an Antique vehicle, but you do need a membership in the Antique Automobile Club of America which costs $40 each year. The club has monthly meetings with club cruises after the meetings during the summer months.
• Anchorage Corvette Association – The Anchorage Corvette Association was founded in 1969. The club charges $40 for new members and $30 for renewals as well as $50 for families to join. They hold monthly meetings as well as several cruises and other events each year.

Helpful tips for joining a car club

Before you join a new car club, there’s a few things that you should know first. Here are a few tips to consider when joining a car club:

• Reach out to the club or a member with any questions you might have – You will want to reach out to the club or a member of the club directly with any questions or concerns that you might have.
• Most clubs won’t require you to own one of their cars – If you are just an enthusiast of a certain type of car and do not personally own one, you can likely still join the club. Just contact the individual club and ask them before you send a membership payment.
• Be sure to take care of your vehicle – If you plan on showing your car off at a car club’s events, make sure that you keep the car clean and that you get the required maintenance to make sure that the car is running properly. It would be off-putting to fellow members if your car wasn’t working or was really dirty.
• Get involved – It does not make sense for you to join a car club if you are not going to actively participate in the club’s activities. Be sure to take part in meetings, cruises, shows and whatever else the club holds as much as you can.

Conclusion

Joining a car club is a fantastic way to spend some of your extra time. It is a fun hobby where you can meet other car enthusiasts just like yourself and have some serious car conversation. You won’t regret the memorable experience of joining a car club.

If you are in Alaska and want to join a car club but want your car shipped there first, contact Alaska Car Transport today for a free quote and more information on how we can get your car to Alaska safe and sound!

History of Alaska Highway

Alaska Highway was originally built as a supply route for the American military during the second World War in the 1940’s. Regular civilians did not have access to drive on the road until 1948. After the war, the Canadian part of the highway was turned over to Canada.

Then in the 50’s and 60’s the vast majority of the road was paved over by both the United States and Canada in their respective portions of the highway.

Since then it has been considered one of the primary ways to drive into Alaska from both Canada and the United States.
 

Basic information about Alaska Highway

The highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction in Alaska and is seventeen hundred miles long. Since Canada took control of its portion of the highway, it has shortened the highway by almost forty miles mainly by bypassing residential areas.

The highway is so long you could encounter different types of weather conditions along the way. Although it is extremely rare for the highway to close because of weather, you might want to consider taking a trip on this highway only in the spring or summer months as the weather can get pretty bad on occasion in the winter time on certain stretches of the highway.

The highway takes about 5 days to drive if you are driving for over twelve hours a day. We recommend you only drive for eight hours per day.
 

The best places to stop along the way

There are pits stops you can make for gas and amenities like food or lodging every thirty to fifty miles or so. There are also historic mileposts along the highway. In many cases, people in residential areas use these mileposts to refer to their location by word of mouth or even in their mailing address.

Towards the start of your drive on the Alaska Highway, you will encounter exits for Fort Nelson and the Heritage Museum. Later in the drive, you can stop off and see the Liard river, Coal river, contact creek and Watson Lake. This is around the five to six-hundred-mile mark.

Later in the drive, you can stop off at the George Johnston Museum as well as the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre.

Around the eight-hundred-and-eighty-mile mark, you can stop off at the Wolf Creek Yukon Government campground for some r&r. You can also visit the famous and wonderful town off Whitehorse.

Then, just before the nine-hundred-mile mark you can visit Dawson City. You can also quickly connect with the Takhini Hot Springs, Hot Springs Campground and Hostel and Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Just before the thousand-mile mark, you can stop off at Haines Junction.

Just before the fourteen-hundred-mile mark, you can visit the quaint town of Delta Junction.

Finally, towards the end of the highway, you will have reached the North Pole.
 

Tips for driving on Alaska Highway

• Bring extra supplies – Load your car up with extra windshield wipers, a spare tire, extra gas, food, a first aid kit and more. You never know when an emergency situation might arise.
• Stay Alert – There are hazards such as wildlife which could pop up on the road occasionally. Make sure that you stay alert. You can do so by drinking coffee, an energy drink or even by keeping your window open for fresh air.
• Get some rest – Make sure you get a good amount of sleep before you venture out on such as long drive. You definitely don’t want to fall asleep while you are driving.
• Bring a friend – You should have at least one person to talk to and switch off driving with. You should not try and drive more than eight hours in a day.
• Take pictures – Driving this road is an experience that you will never want to forget. Make sure you snap some photos to look back on, while you aren’t in the middle of driving of course.

Conclusion

The Alaska Highway is a must for anyone who wants the truest Alaska experience. You can see and enjoy much of the gorgeous expanse that makes the state so great.

If you are headed to Alaska and want to skip the awful rental process, you can always ship your car there with Alaska Car transport. Give us a call today and we’ll get your car to Alaska without a problem.

When is the best time to go to Alaska?

If you are going to be traveling to Alaska for a vacation or extended trip, you should think about when exactly that will be. The winters can be brutally cold and full of inclement weather. The fall might be alright to visit during if you head there earlier on in the season.

However, the later part of the spring and throughout the summer have classically been when most people end up visiting Alaska.
 

Decide what you want to do and see in Alaska

There are a ton of great sights and attractions to see in Alaska. In fact, there are too many to see on one trip. So, you will need to pick and choose which sights you want to see exactly.

You can always take any of the various tours that exist. These are a great and efficient way to see a bunch of sights in one shot while you have the help of an expert guide at your side. In fact, we recommend trying at least one of the many great helicopter tours.

The following are the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska:

• Denali National Park – Probably the most popular attraction in Alaska, this park is home to all sorts of wonderful wildlife such as bears, wolves, birds, elk, reindeer and more. It also has some of the most scenic geography in all of Alaska including mountains, tundra and more.
• Glacier Bay National Park – A must see spot in Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park has some of the most picturesque glacier views in the entire world. It boasts some of the world’s most amazing glaciers as well as views of whales and penguins too.
• Alaska Highway – Alaska Highway is one of the most scenic routes in North America and an experience that you will not soon forget either. You will be able to see the lush wilderness in ways you likely didn’t think possible.
• Alaska Railroad – This railroad will take you through some of Alaska’s most popular areas including Anchorage, Denali National Park and more all while you enjoy a relaxing and amenity filled train ride.

What will you need to bring?

You will need to take several things with you on your trip so you are prepared to venture out to see all that Alaska has to offer.
These are some of the things you should bring with you on a trip to Alaska:

• A GPS or roadmap – There will be several areas in Alaska where your phone will not get any service, especially when you are out on the road. So, you will need a backup if you are driving yourself around to each destination. You can pre-program most GPS so that you won’t need to have it connected to the internet.
• A portable phone charger – If you are out seeing the sights for an entire day, you will likely lose the charge on your phone. If you have a portable charger, you can get your phone charged back up without needing to worry about stopping somewhere to do so.
• Your roadside assistance card – If you get stuck out on the road in Alaska, you might need some help. With a Triple-A you could avoid that awful situation with just a phone call.
• Some snacks – Unfortunately, some of the highways in Alaska have long stretches without any stops where you can stop to get something to eat. Bring some snacks such as protein bars to help get you through any trips that you might be taking.
• Extra emergency supplies – Just in case you do happen to get stuck out on the road while you are traveling, you will want to have some extra emergency supplies with you. Things like extra windshield wipers, road flares, kitty litter (for tire traction), and a spare tire could be the difference between completing your trip and getting stuck out on the road.

Where are you going to stay?

You will also need to figure out where you are going to stay during your Alaskan excursion. This will be heavily dependent on what you are planning on seeing while you are in Alaska. For example, if you are mostly interested in the National Parks it would make sense that you stay in Anchorage as it is pretty much in the middle of several National Parks.

Here are some of the most popular places people stay while they are visiting Alaska:

• Anchorage – As we just mentioned, Anchorage is a great place to stay if you are planning on checking out the incredible national parks in Alaska. It is also the best place in Alaska to stay in terms of restaurants, hotels and other amenities as over half of Alaska’s population live in Anchorage and the neighboring areas.
• Juneau – Juneau is another great place to stay if you are visiting Alaska. It has a considerably smaller population than Anchorage but still has over thirty thousand people living there. The hotels and restaurants are excellent in Juneau as well. Staying in Juneau will afford you the best opportunity to visit the Glacier Bay National Park.
• Kodiak – If you plan on visiting the National Parks in Kodiak, then Kodiak is a fantastic place to stay. Its population isn’t huge, but it is still around seven thousand people at any given time. There are also a bunch of good options for dining and lodging. There are also a bunch of museums and even a brewery on the island just in case you get bored of the nature preserve (you won’t).

Start getting ready for your Alaskan trip

Make sure that by the time you are ready to leave for Alaska, you are completely ready for your trip there. Get the right clothes and be sure that all your travel arrangements are set in stone.

If you are going in the spring, you will want to bring warmer clothes but not quite a full winter outfit. Bringing a heavy jacket, light jacket and some gloves is your best bet to be prepared for all sorts of temperatures.

If you are going during the summer, then you should pack for weather between fifty and eighty degrees. Temperatures at night can drop pretty low compared to the average highs of seventy or eighty degrees. Of course, all of this depends on where you are in Alaska. The state is so big that temperatures can vary by over thirty degrees between the north and south parts of the state. Odds are that you will be in the lower part of the state.
 

Conclusion

Your trip to Alaska will take effort and the proper planning but it will be well worth it once you arrive there and start to experience the incredible wilderness, beauty and expanse that Alaska has to offer.

The preparation for your trip will involve a lot of decision making including the decision about what to see and what to leave for your next trip to Alaska.

If you are visiting Alaska for a more extended stay, it might make sense for you to ship your car there rather than ship it. If you choose to ship a car to Alaska, or you just have questions about the vehicle transport process, give us a call today at (907) 331-3100.

The benefits to taking a defensive driving course in Alaska

The primary and best benefit to taking a defensive course in Alaska, or any where for that matter, is the cost of your car insurance will drop significantly. On average, you can expect to save about 10% annually in Alaska as a result of taking a defensive driving course. However, some providers like E-surance will give up to a 15% discount for taking such a course. Things like your age and previous driving record will also play a role in how big a discount you can get for taking a defensive driving course.

Taking a defensive driving course can also help you reverse the effects of a previous traffic violation. You can reduce points that you received on your license by taking a defensive driving course for example.
 

Why taking the course online is easier

These classes take between four and eight hours to complete. The in-person classes usually take four or five hours and are usually held at night or on the weekend at a driving school. The online classes can easily be completed from the comfort of your own home at a pace that suits you over the course of a month.

So, if you wanted to take it easy and complete a half hour at a time, you could do the online course that way. You could not do that with the in-person course. You would need to complete the course in one four or five hour segment after work or on the weekend.
 

Providers of online defensive driving courses for Alaska

The following are the recommended and DMV-approved online defensive driving providers for Alaska.

• AARP – This course costs $25 and will take 8 hours. You have thirty days to complete it once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• Go To Traffic School – This course costs $30 and will take 8 hours. You have thirty days to complete it once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• Traffic School Online – This course costs $30 plus an in-person testing fee that can range from 9 to 15 dollars. The course will take 8 hours to complete. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• Safe2Drive – This course costs $24. The course will take 8 hours to complete. You will have 30 days to complete the course once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• I drive Safely- – This course costs $26. The course will take 8 hours and you will have 30 days to complete the course once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• DrivingUniversity.com – The course costs $30 plus about $8 in shipping for the course completion certificate. The course is 8 hours long and you will have 30 days to complete it once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.
• AlaskaDriver.com – This course costs $40 and will take 8 hours to complete. You will have 30 days to complete it once you start it. The final exam must be taken in person at a testing center.

Conclusion

So, you can avoid having to spend 4 to 8 hours taking the course after-work or on the weekend by taking the online version. You will need to show up in person to take the final exam but that only takes less than an hour in most cases. Plus you can take the course at your own pace and in small increments each day.

See Alaska from the sky

Alaska is the largest state in the entire country, by a long shot. It is over six hundred and fifty thousand square miles wide. It is more than twice the size of Texas. So, you really need to choose which sights you want to see and plan properly before you venture out to see them.

However, you can always get the best view of the incredible state of Alaska while seeing more of it than you ever could in a car by taking a helicopter tour. That’s right, helicopter tours of Alaska are a regular tourist attraction and they are incredible to say the least.
 

Helicopter tours in Alaska

There are dozens of helicopter tours in Alaska to choose from and they are all worthwhile experiences during your time in Alaska. Which ones you choose to embark on depend on your specific travel and sight-seeing agenda.

The best helicopter tours in Alaska are:

• Alpine Air Alaska – Alpine Air Alaska has been in business for almost thirty years now. They offer a ton of awesome tours that you can choose from. They also offer things like transportation to the best hiking and fishing spots via helicopter as well as pilot lessons. Some of the best tours they offer are:
  
  • 30 Minute Heli Tour – As you can tell from the title, this is a half-hour long tour where you will travel into the TwentyMile river valley for some incredible glacier viewing. The cost is $299 per person and tours depart several times per day throughout the year.
  • Helicopter Glacier Landing – This is a tour where you’ll get incredible aerial views of several famous glaciers and even land on one of them over the course of an hour. The cost is $399 per person and tours leave multiple times per day throughout the year.
  • Prince William Sound Tour – This has everything the glacier landing tour has plus it also includes a return trip over the Prince William Sound. Although all the tours are great opportunities to see wildlife, this one is especially good. The tour takes about an hour and a half. The cost is $499 per person and tours depart several times per day throughout the year.
  • Ultimate Summer Tour – This is the longest and probably the best tour that Alpine Air Alaska offers. This tour can be customized to combine the glacier landing tour or the Prince William Sound tour with their glacier dog sledding summer tour. The tour costs between $850 and $950 per person and only runs from May through August.
  • Directions: Alpine air Alaska is located at 599 Mt. Hood Dr Girdwood, AK 99587. You can enter your address here for directions.
• Ascending Path – Ascending Path is an Alaska Tour company that has been in business for almost twenty-five years now. They offer hiking tours, train tours, climbing tours, helicopter tours and even Kayaking tours. They offer some of the most interactive helicopter tours of Alaska around. Their Alaskan helicopter tours include:
  
  • Helicopter Glacier Hiking – This is a great tour that takes you from Portage Valley to Spencer or Lake George Glacier. Normally you would land and actually hike and explore the glacier for a little bit. However, as of right now, due to a recent ice melt that is not part of the tour. The tour costs $529 per person and requires a minimum of three people to take flight.
  • Helicopter Ice Climbing and Caves – This is another wonderful glacier and wilderness tour with some breathtaking aerial views. Most of the time, this tour includes guided ice climbs but due to the recent ice melt, this is unfortunately not part of the tour at the moment that this is being written. The tour costs $639 per person.
  • Ultimate Overnight Camping – One of the most adventurous helicopter tours you can embark on, the Ultimate Overnight Camping tour is an overnight excursion that you won’t soon forget. It starts with a train glacier tour. Then you will take a kayak tour with a guide and eventually you will experience the awe of two incredible helicopter tours. You will also physically spend time on the glacier. The tour costs $1999 per person and operates from June through September.
  • Directions: Ascending Path is located at 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587. You can enter your address here for directions.

    Understand that some tours are booked as a combo rail-hike. If this is the case, you can take the Alaska Railroad from downtown Anchorage and meet your tour guide along the way.

• Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska – An Alaskan tour company that has been operating since 2004, Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska offers guided tours including snow machine tours, dog sled tours and helicopter tours. They are a family run company as well. The helicopter tours they offer are:
  
  • Fly & Ride – This tour is only offered in the winter, but it is well worth the wait. You will get a helicopter tour of Denali and the Iditarod trail with some amazing picturesque views and then you will land and get either a dogsled tour or snowmobile tour. The tour starts at the Anchorage airport and lasts about four hours. It costs $799 per person.
  • Glacier Dog Sledding – This tour is the perfect combination of aerial sightseeing and true Alaska travel via dogsled. It includes a thirty-five-minute helicopter tour of the glaciers followed by an hour-long dogsled tour. It costs $569 per person.
  • Directions: – Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska is located at 23880 Long Lake Rd, Willow, AK 99688. You can enter your address here for directions.

Conclusion

Taking a helicopter tour of Alaska is likely the best way you can see the incredible expanse of the biggest state in the Union. These tours can lead into other wonderful adventures such as dogsledding, hiking and much more.

If you are going to be relocating to Alaska, visiting Alaska, or even already live in Alaska, you owe it to yourself to take one of these incredible tours. You won’t soon forget it.