Your Guide to Celebrating the 81st Anniversary of the Alcan Highway
The Alaska Highway was the engineering marvel of World War II and was once described as the largest and most difficult construction project since the Panama Canal. 2022 marks the 80th Anniversary of this Engineering Marvel! This website is dedicated to honoring the people and communities along the highway that have played a vital role for three-quarters of a century of the Alcan Highway. Not only will you find out about the fascinating history of the Highway but the many fun and unique events that are scheduled to celebrate this historic milestone.
Communities on the Alaska HighwayVisit each community along the Alaska Highway virtually, before you experience it in person! Find out what each unique town has to offer, as well as planned events for the Alcan Highway Anniversary.
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Alaska Highway Lodges, Legends & LivesThe Alaska Highway began as a truly wilderness trail and quickly attracted people with a pioneering spirit. Here are some of
their stories... more.... |
Alaska Highway 75th Anniversary EventsFind out what each community on the Alaska Highway has planned for the big 75th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway!
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Complete Guide to the Alaska HighwayLearn more about the Alaska Highway and find valuable information to plan your next Alaska Vacation with the FREE Bell's Alaska Travel Guides.
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The Alaska Highway began as a truly wilderness trail with gravel roads, steep grades, muskeg and log bridges to navigate. The difficult and exhausting work inspired one poet to write, ‘The Alaska Highway, winding in and winding out, fills my mind with serious doubt, as to whether ‘the lout’ who built this route, was going to hell or coming out!’
More than 11,000 soldiers and engineers, 16,000 civilians and 7000 pieces of equipment were called upon to build this 1500 mile road through the vast wilderness of northern Canada and Alaska. In less than nine months these hardy men managed to connect Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Delta Junction, Alaska. And, on November 20, 1942, the official ribbon cutting took place at mile 1061, known as “Soldiers Summit.” |
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The successful completion of the Highway in such a short time was accomplished by having teams start in both Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson and work their way north. Meanwhile, two other teams started in Whitehorse and worked in opposite directions; one southeast towards Dawson Creek and one northwest towards Alaska. The fifth and final team pushed the road through from Delta Junction to the Canadian Border.
The final tally for the Alaska Highway was approximately $140 million U.S. dollars, making it the most expensive construction project of World War II.
The Alaska or Alcan Highway, as it became known, now bears little resemblance to the original trail, save for the same spectacular scenery. It is now a good year round highway that sees thousands of visitors drive its length safely and comfortably each year.
For updates on traveling to Alaska During the COVID-19 Pandemic click here.
The final tally for the Alaska Highway was approximately $140 million U.S. dollars, making it the most expensive construction project of World War II.
The Alaska or Alcan Highway, as it became known, now bears little resemblance to the original trail, save for the same spectacular scenery. It is now a good year round highway that sees thousands of visitors drive its length safely and comfortably each year.
For updates on traveling to Alaska During the COVID-19 Pandemic click here.
