Alaska – a long, daunting trip that often sways road-trippers for one reason or another and keeps them in the lower 48 of the United States. Budget-conscious travelers might wonder if you can drive a campervan from Seattle to Anchorage.
We have good news! The short answer is yes! And we’ve planned a detailed Seattle to Anchorage road trip itinerary tested with an Escape Campervan! Be it camping spots, border crossing tips, or places to check out along the way, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this read, you’ll be well prepared to crush a road trip from Seattle, Washington, to Anchorage, Alaska, with the help of your Escape Campervan rental! You can do this round trip or fly into either destination city, where we have our hubs located for your convenience.
3 Things to Consider Before You Drive To/From Alaska
Whether you are starting with a campervan rental from Seattle or Anchorage, Escape Campervans are fully equipped! All you need to bring is food, clothing, and any gear needed for your adventures.
Packing for your trip to (or from) Alaska
Alaska has varied weather conditions, even in the summer, and temperatures can dip below freezing and well above 70 degrees within very short time windows.
Bring plenty of clothing layers, proper gear for your activities, a first aid kit, bear-proof food storage, and bear spray. A Mile Post Travel Guide for this trip might be a good investment with the lack of guaranteed cell coverage.
When traveling through areas with long stretches of empty road and no cell reception, it’s important to plan ahead. Always make sure to have at least one full day’s supply of food and water with you, and fill up your fuel tank whenever it gets close to half empty.
Driving to Alaska through Canada
This trip is best completed in the summer, though it can still be cold, with some areas along the way still having snow/ice. Always check road conditions before starting your day’s travels. Escape Campervans are front-wheel drive; they should not be driven off-road where 4×4 is required. They can manage leveled, packed dirt roads, which you may encounter on roads where repairs are being made.
But how long is the drive from Seattle to Anchorage? Directly, it is just over 2,000 miles without any side trips. By following this itinerary, you’ll add over 1,000 miles (worth every mile!) and drive a total of 54 hours.
Most people take at least four weeks to complete this trip and see everything – we suggest at least two weeks and pick and choose what sights you want to see. This isn’t a trip to speed through – make sure you enjoy each moment of it!
Crossing the US / Canadian Border
When crossing the Canadian border, regardless of direction, please remember that Border Service Officers are, in fact, officers of the law. Keep things short and to the point; no small talk or joking. Know your license plate and vehicle info, and have all your documents prepared in advance and ready to hand off. Be sure to remove any window coverings prior to approaching the border so agents can look in the van easily.
Items to have on hand when crossing the US / Canadian border include:
Proof of travel (campground reservations, scheduled tours, itineraries, etc.) or be prepared to describe your travel plans in detail if you don’t have reservations
Personal documents such as a Driver’s License and Passport
If you have pets, you will need to provide their health documentation and proof of vaccines, as well as a CDC form, and have them microchipped
No weapons
No fresh fruits, vegetables, or potted plants
Review the current requirements before leaving, as changes are often being made. Remember that if you are traveling with a dog, if your campervan does get searched, you will be required to put your dog in a crate while the campervan is searched. If your dog is not crate trained or has separation anxiety, this can cause problems and delay your passage across the border.
Camping in Canada and Alaska
If you’re wondering where you can camp between Seattle and Anchorage, there are many campgrounds along your road trip from Seattle to Anchorage, many of which require a minimal fee. RV parks are also abundant, although they are typically more expensive ($30+ per night). Most offer Wifi, showers, and laundry services, so the fee may be worth it if you plan to use the amenities.
There are also many free, dispersed camping spots you can stay at. Utilizing apps such as iOverlander and Campendium are great for finding free and paid spots to camp.
Make sure to plan your stops well in advance, as cell service can be spotty or non-existent in many areas. You can use apps like GAIA GPS that have cell service map overlays to see what sections of your trip won’t have service. Many gas stations have Wifi available for a fee, and most towns do have cell service, but be prepared for no service between stops.
Preparation is key here, and knowing where you’re going is only part of it; make sure you are bear-aware and follow Leave No Trace to avoid attracting any wildlife. The National Park Service has good information about bear safety on their website and in the visitor centers. You can watch a 20-minute informational video at your first stop if you haven’t read up on bear etiquette before.
Don’t forget about the other predator in Alaska: the mosquito. These pesky insects are active all day and can be relentless. Make sure to have repellent on hand, and consider using items such as citronella candles (outside your campervan only) or electronic devices to create a mosquito-free zone.
9 Must-See Places Between Seattle and Anchorage
Seattle
The Sea-Tac airport, where you will pick up or drop off your Escape Campervan, is actually about 25 minutes south of Seattle. We recommend doing some local exploring in Seattle before hitting the road or dropping off your campervan.
Seattle has many famous attractions to check out, such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Sky View Observatory, a Sunset Sailing Tour, and so much more.
Cascade Falls Regional Park
Upon crossing the Canadian Border, let your first major stop on your Seattle to Anchorage road trip be to cross the suspension bridge and take in the powerful beauty of Cascade Falls. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh Canadian air, and explore the town for the rest of the day.
Pro Tip: On the iOverlander app, if you toggle on the “tourist attraction” filter (blue camera icon), there are also a ton of additional roadside stops, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints to check out.
[Driving from Seattle to Banff, you’ll pass through the Canadian “Glacier NP” – the views are magnificent even from the road, and there are plenty of hikes available]
Banff and Jasper National Parks
Two top-rated national parks that can be explored in the Canadian wilderness are Banff and Jasper National Parks. Each of them is known for its extensive sightseeing, trails, crystal clear waters, alpine trails, and more.
Make sure you check out both parks and don’t skip out on a rewarding soak in the warm, inviting mineral waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs or the scenic Jasper SkyTram that offers aerial views of the park.
The drive from Banff to Jasper on the Ice Fields Parkway is magnificent. Plan on multiple stops and a few small hikes along the route – this is not a road you’d want to speed through.
Jasper NP is also home to the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, where you can see the Milky Way, tons of shooting stars, and the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Don’t skip out on these- they’re some of our top recommendations for this road trip to Anchorage!
Some camping options are:
Lake Louise offers gorgeous paid campground options as well and is located more in the heart of BNP.
Esplanade Bay Recreation Site and Bush Arm Recreation Site are both superb free camp areas that are often not crowded and have lakefront sites, amazing views, tables, fire pits, and toilets. There’s no cell service, so be prepared to get there.
Whistlers Campground in Jasper is a great and affordable campground to check out, with charming views, cell service, and nice amenities.
Between Jasper and Whitehorse
Our next main stopping point is Whitehorse, but there are a few places along the way to get out, stretch, catch some z’s, and see some things. This is a prime time to utilize apps like iOverlander and Campendium to decide how you want to break up your driving, what types of sites you want each night, and where to fuel up or grab food.
Make sure to be prepped before leaving Jasper, as this is one of the longer stretches where you can go for a while without seeing gas stations or grocery stores.
Chetwynd is a town known for hosting the world’s most prestigious chainsaw carving competition and a huge collection of intricate wood carvings to observe.
Tetsa River Lodge is highly regarded for having a safe place to rest and AMAZING cinnamon rolls you have to try! Please have an extra one for us.
Muncho Lake has camping for a small fee at MacDonald or Strawberry Flats Provincial Campground. Otherwise, enjoy the lake for swimming, scuba diving, watersports, and scenic views.
Liard River Hot Springs is another great chance to relieve your muscles on the way to Anchorage from all the driving and adventuring you’ve been doing with your campervan rental. There are opportunities to camp in the lodge at the hot springs, or you can camp for free overnight at the bridge just a few minutes south.
Whitehorse
The Yukon’s biggest city, the lively main street combined with all the colorful buildings and vibrant street art, makes for a perfect combination with the surrounding backdrop of the three big Yukon mountains.
This town is quite modern and touristy compared to the small outposts you pass on the way from Banff to it. The restaurant scene is also more developed.
Miles Canyon is a great sightseeing spot with an easy hike just before entering the town, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
One of the top attractions here is canoeing the Yukon River, so find an outfitter with your desired trip lengths and pricing and hit the water! Use this town as your chance to fuel up and grab groceries.
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is a luxurious facility with hot springs, saunas, yoga, steam rooms, and a café where you can fully relax for a bit before hitting the road again to resume your trip to Anchorage.
Skagway
To reach Skagway, you need to take a different route from the main road to Anchorage before you get to Whitehorse. This is at least a full-day trip, and you’ll have to drive back the same way. The scenery is stunning in both directions.
Carcross, which is on the route between Whitehorse and Skagway, is definitely worth a stop. You can take a leisurely stroll through the town center.
The options for exploring Skagway are vast, so make sure to take full advantage of the unique opportunities here. Choose between sea kayaking between mountains, boarding a train on Alaska’s scenic railway for an excursion through the heart of the Yukon on a real gold-rush-era railroad, or take a helicopter to a dog camp on Denver Glacier and meet the adorable team of pups that will take you on a dog sled race (a little pricey, but when will you have this opportunity again?!).
If you’re trying to keep costs down, the water, hiking, and biking activities around Skagway are also abundant and worth checking out.
Skagway is a popular stop for cruise ships, so the downtown area may feel a bit like Disneyland when 10,000 people from two or three ships descend upon it.
Tok
Only six hours from Anchorage, Tok is a great place to stop and fuel up your campervan rental. Although not as exciting as other points of interest, if you’re itching to get out and stretch your legs, you could make this a half-day stop.
Start off with a scenic drive down the Tok Cut-Off to take in the foliage and maybe even spot migrating caribou! Then hit the Tok Trail System in the center of town for a quick stretch and stroll, finishing your day at Fast Eddy’s for tasty pizza and a great atmosphere.
Valdez
Taking the Richardson Highway to Valdez is well worth it, as it has been dubbed one of “America’s Most Scenic Roads” and leads you to Worthington Glacier at Milepost 29, one of the state’s most accessible glaciers you can come across.
Additionally, if you want to explore Thompson Pass, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, and it can be a beautiful place to spot the Northern Lights.
Valdez is the access point to visiting Columbia Glacier’s face by boat, and there are other boat and kayak tours to glaciers in the area,
Glenn Highway
Glenn Highway is a scenic byway with multiple scenic opportunities to enjoy while you shake out the stiffness in your body. From short hikes to waterfalls, gold panning, and tours of glaciers, there’s something for everyone.
Anchorage
Thousands of miles later, you’ve reached the end of your Seattle to Anchorage road trip. The adventure hasn’t ended yet, though! There is still so much to explore in Anchorage with your campervan rental.
Here are some of our top picks:
Hike or bike the 11-mile stunning Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, accessible all year long and offering a trove of things to experience. You might even spot some whales, moose, and other wildlife on this trail!
Explore Potter Marsh, a prime area for immersing in nature and spotting wildlife.
Come back into town for a bite to eat, and take your taste buds for a test drive at F Street or AK Alchemist Coffee.
Book Your Road Trip from Seattle to Anchorage Today!
While that’s entirely your choice, and Alaska is still beautiful in the winter, this adventure is really best done in the summer.
This road trip doesn’t demand a specially equipped car, and the drive isn’t more challenging than any other backcountry road. However, due to the long distances and lack of services, reliability is crucial, followed by comfort and good fuel economy.
Escape Campervans only permits our new Voyager class vans to travel between Anchorage and Seattle, minimizing the risk of any mechanical issues affecting your trip.
There is a lot of planning that goes into embarking on this road trip, but you can rest easy knowing that with Escape Campervans, your campervan rental is here and waiting to get you safely from Seattle to Anchorage and back, collecting epic memories along the way!
Choose to make the drive there and back or fly into Seattle, pick up your campervan rental, and fly out of Anchorage after completing your trip (or vice versa).
We have hubs in most major airport locations across the US, so adventuring with Escape Campervans is always accessible. Make your next summer adventure one to reminisce about for years to come; book your rental today, and let us take you to some of the most amazing places in North America.
