The Alcan Highway did not begin as a tourist route, but instead as a military operation. Completed in 1943, construction commenced during World War II because of the need for an emergency route between Alaska and the continental United States. Paying all the costs of the road's construction, the U.S. turned over control of the Canadian portion of the road six months after the end of the war, while retaining control of the section in Alaska.
In the years immediately after construction, a traveler had to apply for a special military permit to travel the Alaska Highway. It opened up to the general public in 1948, but remained a dangerous road to travel. Many portions of the road remained unpaved, but tourism still grew steadily. Lodges and government-run campgrounds opened up all over the highway, along with gas stations, garages and cafes.
While the historic mileposts no longer give an accurate distance due to the shortening and straightening out of the highway in recent years, they still mark important locations for both tourists and locals. Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the southern end of the Alaska Highway, remains a popular historic spot. Delta Junction, Alaska marks the historic northern end of the highway. Contact Creek, the meeting point of the two teams working to build the highway from north to south, also bears historic significance.
Most of the Alcan Highway winds through wilderness and undeveloped land, and largely remains a scenic route. Travelers see the beauty of the Yukon wilderness firsthand. Tourists flock to the area for fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports. Wonowon, British Columbia, located alongside the highway, leads to rivers, mountains and other natural wonders. Another destination, the Tetsa River Regional Park, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, remains a popular area for nature lovers along the highway.
For tourists who love animals, the observation of a wide variety of wildlife is possible. Deer and moose commonly graze alongside the Alcan Highway and drivers must take care to avoid them.
The Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge enjoys popularity among tourists for its rich variety of animal and plant life. Located in Alaska, it runs adjacent to the Alaska Highway for more than 60 miles. Nature lovers can drop by the Visitor's Center to learn more about the wildlife, or go camping out in the wilderness.
