Friday 25 January 2019

Road Trip: Part 1 - The Yukon and Northeastern BC

Liard Hot Springs, Northern BC

    Hey folks. After having our son Eli in March 2018 we decided to plan our first family road trip. We chose the Yukon, Alaska, and northeastern BC. Mostly because we live in northern BC making it relatively cheap for us to see this northern part of Canada and the U.S. with a baby. We spent 5 weeks on the road covering the Yukon, Alaska, and northeastern BC. It was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Here's where we went, and how we did it in a 2 part series (because this would be way too long a post to cover all of it at once). I will also cover a top 10 list later on the blog for best things to see in the Yukon, Alaska, and Northern BC, as well as a post on road tripping with babies so stay tuned.

How We Did It

Kinaskan Lake Campground, Northern BC

     
     Chad put in some serious hours in the months just after Eli was born to build us a beautiful little truck camper. It is definitely LITTLE. It has benches along the sides of the walls with a storage area above the roof of the truck. Chad built a small foldable table that opens up to fit in the open floor space between the benches along the walls if we wanted to eat inside in rain. This table also folds up and sits on a ledge attached to each of the benches to close the gap over the floor space and creates a a flat platform across the camper width for us to fold out two tri-fold mattresses for a bed. This left enough space along the edge for a wooden frame that Chad built for the spot for Eli's bed. This wooden frame sat around 3 or 4 blankets that we stacked to act as a little mattress for Eli. In the corner Chad installed 2 electrical outlets and a thermostat to hook up to electric at RV sites so we could run a small heater and charge kindles or phones. We stored our food and cooking bins under the bed, and clothing and personal effects in the over head storage. We had a couple hooks set up by the door at the end of the trailer for coats, towels, and anything that needed to be hung to dry. Chad also installed a C-channel along the back end of the camper and wrapped the edge of a tarp around a dowel and then slid it through the C-channel to make an easy awning. I made some window covers and a cover for the roof vent to  black out the light at night time since daylight would often last until 11pm. Chad also insulated the camper super well so it was ideal for travelling with a baby. We rarely needed our heater as our body heat was enough to warm up the camper.


     We then planned out the entire trip around camping and RV sites. We aimed originally to travel 3-4 hours a day, which left lots of time to explore. We also spent several days in some places that we wanted to spend more time in. 

Where We Went

Map of our drive starting in Kitimat, BC (southern most coastal tip of blue line on map)

     We started out heading north up the Cassiar highway in northwestern BC. We stayed at Meziadin Lake, Kinaskan Lake, and Boya Lake campsites through northwestern BC. We stopped for lunch and a look around at small towns along this highway such as Dease Lake and Jade City. We also passed through some pretty intense burn areas from years ago where you can see the burnt up forest for miles in all directions.


      We very quickly figured out a camp set up and take down routine that allowed us to unpack or pack up in 20 minutes. This was key as it allowed us lots of time to really enjoy our late afternoon and evenings at the campsite we stopped at for the night. We mostly stayed at provincial park sites that usually came with a fee, but BC is also full of free rec sites that provide slightly fewer camping amenities, but still provide the basics (i.e. bathroom stalls, fire pits, cleared sites, and picnic tables).


Watson Lake, YT

     Our first stop in the Yukon was Watson Lake. A small southern Yukon community that provides the first real grocery store, gas station, accommodations, and restaurants upon entering the Yukon. The last stop with similar amenities was Dease Lake (4 hours away) along the Cassiar highway. Watson Lake is also the renowned home of the Sign Post Forest. Basically, a small park full of sign posts covered with signs from all over the world. People passing through get a chance to leave their mark on this little patch of the beautiful Yukon Territory. So be sure to bring your sign if you're heading this way.

Main Street, Dawson City, Yukon

     We then headed straight up through the Yukon to Dawson City, skipping past Whitehorse and all the small towns along the way. I know that seems like we blew through the territory, but I don't regret not stopping everywhere and we spent time in Whitehorse later on. The time in Dawson City was definitely worth it. 


     The main street and side streets throughout this little town were full of kitschy little shops to pick up a souvenir or some beautiful gold jewellery. It is after all renowned for its gold rush history. The buildings are historic, most of the streets are still dirt with boardwalks maintained as the primary sidewalks throughout town. We took an evening walking tour (highly recommend) which got us into some of the more restored buildings. The hiking and community trails also lead to some pretty spectacular views.

     We spent our first night at a cheap campsite across the Yukon River. There is a very accessible ferry that runs for no charge to get you back and forth. Also, the camping in the Yukon is great. It's super affordable at $12 a site (for territorially run sites) and comes with free firewood in addition to the other basic amenities (bathroom stalls, fire pits, cleared camp sites, and picnic tables). We planned our trip to be there for their Discovery Days weekend, which celebrates the gold rush era. We stayed the rest of our trip at the Goldrush Campground and RV Park, making it more affordable while still offering a lot of services (i.e. showers, laundry, electricity, etc).

Dawson City, YT

     After spending some time in Alaska (see Part 2 of the trip series), we came back into the Yukon through Snag Junction and headed south towards Kluane National Park.

     We really wanted to spend some time in and around Kluane National Park and passed through Haines Junction, Yukon on our way there. This was another good spot to fuel up and get some food. We headed south towards Haines, AK and camped at a campsite just outside of Kluane. There are several off the highway on the East side of Kluane. We spent a day hiking out to St. Elias Lake (so gorgeous) and took in some of the beautiful mountain and lake views that Kluane has to offer. This was pretty easy day hike. Chad carried Eli the whole way and we sat and had lunch at the lake.

St. Elias Lake Trail, Haines Junction, YT

    We then headed over to Whitehorse for a couple day stay at the Hi Country RV Park, and to check out what Whitehorse has to offer. A very cool city with some very cool spots to eat, drink, and shop. However, like some of the other cities we visited, we found Whitehorse to be underwhelming. In hindsight, if we could've spent a few more days in the area we could've checked out some more of the amazing hikes around the city. I strongly recommend planning enough time around cities so that you can explore beyond the sidewalks of the downtown core. Whitehorse also boasts some pretty incredible museums and easy outdoor activities such as hot springs.

*Disclaimer*: I may have mentioned it earlier on, but Chad and I are not city people. We LOVE the outdoors and a chunk of all of our holidays are planned around how we are going to spend time out in the natural environment. We are always keen to see the next city we might be visiting, but find ourselves bored with the downtown vibes usually within a day.


     We checked out the S.S. Klondike and spent a day walking around the Yukon Wildlife Preserve taking in the beautiful animals native to the area. Definitely allow yourself at least a half day if you're headed to the preserve and expect a long walk on an easy, flat dirt road. There was lots of beautiful picnic spots in the preserve so a picnic lunch would be ideal here.

 Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Whitehorse, YT

     We also took in a short day hike out to Miles Canyon near to town. Super easy half day hike along a small canyon leading into the city. Be aware though that there is a set of stairs to get down into the canyon from the parking lot. Afterwards we checked out the fisheries in the area (Chad's priority everywhere we go) and checked out some of the shopping and food in Whitehorse. Both of which were pretty eclectic and delicious.

Miles Canyon, Whitehorse, YT

After a 1 day detour down to Skagway, AK (it was just so close, we couldn't resist), we then headed south past Watson Lake and down into northeastern BC. We spent a night at the Liard Hot Springs. I highly recommend that you do not miss this if you're passing through. Even if you can give it just a couple hours. Do it. It is a natural hot springs that the BC parks have maintained and turned into this beautiful little steamy forest mecca for you to bath in. We hung out in the lower pool as it was cool enough for us to bring Eli in for a little dip. It was pretty cold outside and raining, but we were still all so warm in the water.

Liard Hot Springs, BC

     Uggh, I was so sad to leave. But we continued on south through the Northern BC rockies passing through beautiful spots like Muncho Lake, and stopping for the night just south of Stone Mountain Provincial Park. The drive between the Liard Hot Springs and Stone Mountain is breathtaking. And if you're going to see wildlife in BC, you are sure to see the bison and elk off this stretch of highway.

 Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Fort Nelson, BC

     We wanted to stay at the provincial park campground, but when we got there around 3pm on September 2nd it was already -2 degrees celsius so we headed about a half hour down the valley towards a lower altitude since we figured we would need a plug-in for heat.

 Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Fort Nelson, BC

Baba Canyon Trail, Muncho Lake area, Northeastern BC
 
    Despite the cold, Eli was a trooper and we got in a few hikes in the area. We also saw quite a bit of wildlife between Liard Hot Springs and Stone Mountain Provincial Park (i.e. bison, caribou, mountain goats, and big horned sheep). We left the sleepy little RV park at the Tetsa River and continued on south. We stopped in to visit with some friends in Fort St. John for a night, but otherwise headed back west across BC to our home in Kitimat. We've done this drive a number of times and were pretty ready to be home after 5 weeks on the road.

Stay tuned for a few more upcoming posts on our road trip travels, especially about road trips with babies where I cover some of the pros and cons to this form of travel, as well as what were essential for getting us through this trip.

Please comment below if you've visited the Yukon or northern BC and what places you liked the best.

-Katie









SHARE:

24 comments

  1. Such great pics! Everyone should do that trip! We have done the same route in 3 separate trips, except we did not go to Fairbanks and crossed the Denali Hwy instead up to Delta Junction. So many faves its hard to choose a favourite: Kluane, Liard, Dawson City, Haines/Skagway... We stayed in Liard for FIVE HOURS one day! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. We definitely loved it and would highly recommend it. You've pretty well mentioned all my faves. I can't pick just one.

      Delete
  2. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? If you have never been on a camping trip, now is the time to do so! You do not have to be a related to Daniel Boone or any other outdoors person, just rely on a good leader and follow his/her game plan.New and Used RV Dealer Missouri

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eat healthy (somewhat) - we're not suggesting diets are for road trips. But someone once said that the best way to feel "terrible" on a road trip is to eat "terrible". Substitute your own appropriate words, there.cheap disney world tickets

    ReplyDelete
  4. For others, nothing beats getting out a good old road map and plotting where to go. There are several major reasons why taking a road trip is such an awesome adventure. downtown core condos for sale

    ReplyDelete
  5. Also, make sure the person you're traveling with has the same travel mind-set. If you're all about must-see checklists and running from sight to sight and they're all about chilling out and exploring in a relaxed way, you're probably going to run into trouble. vape store

    ReplyDelete
  6. Medical School, and the equally renowned Corvinus School of Economics - in addition to a forward thinking district council and mayor, and all the factors necessary for regeneration have come into rapid alignment in the 9th district. serviced Apartment budapest

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those people who prefer to have a managed budget along with proper management for the facilities one requires during vacation, often choose all inclusive vacation. visit this site right here

    ReplyDelete
  8. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure.Tour Packages to Northern Areas of pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Especially if you get to meet and befriend wonderful locals and fellow tourists. But sometimes, as a tourist, you’re an easy target for scammers. Türkei Reiseführer

    ReplyDelete
  10. The content is top character, you can easily find numerous exclusive. There is something special about them. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with all of us and if you are searching for the best. Please do keep up the great work.Mykonos villas rental

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors.hotels in tulum

    ReplyDelete
  12. Travel is an important part of our life and I think this is the best way to create positivity in life. Travel to new places in the world is also a way to learn about new things in the world. I think it is best for health.Tanzania Tours

    ReplyDelete
  13. Remember certification only comes after the student successfully passes the state exam. You only need your phone for the online class and a google chrome browser.all inclusive cancun

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is great to know that anyone can travel at any time if they realize that just by walking out of your house or your drive to work is an adventure all on its own. boutique hotel in Egypt

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good tip. I never thought to bring one on one of my trips. I might buy one from Amazon. Thanks for sharing!Turkey Tours from Istanbul

    ReplyDelete
  16. It is great to know that anyone can travel at any time if they realize that just by walking out of your house or your drive to work is an adventure all on its own.Strand Ferienwohnungen in Oropesa del Mar

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next. Titusville Florida

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am very impressed with your post because this post is very beneficial for me and provide a new knowledge to me. Outstanding holiday packages

    ReplyDelete
  19. Because of the many stock market investors who speculated in real estate, the problems surrounding sub-prime loans with the resulting foreclosures and bank failures, and falling home prices. Tanzania Adventures and Safaris

    ReplyDelete
  20. The process is so simple Just go to online emergency visa to Pakistan visa application form and fill out the Pakistan visa Information requirements and UK all citizens traveling to Pakistan ,get the evisa. island life hawaii

    ReplyDelete
  21. Travelling is something we all want to experience in our lives. Whether it be to another country or even just an out of town trip, we all want and need to get away from the daily grind. It is difficult, though, to travel seeing as it is expensive. Car hire in Portugal

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fast track programs demand a high level of commitment and discipline from students. The accelerated pace requires focused studying, active participation, and efficient learning to stay on track and succeed in the program. fast track surgical tech programs

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for sharing this article! Please keep sharing more helpful content. If anyone needs legal support, kindly visit our page. Thank you! Cambodia Vespa tour

    ReplyDelete

Blogger Template Created by pipdig