Gas Stations Along Alaska Highway
One huge misconception about driving this highly regarded northern highway has graduated from the long gone history from the days of old. Truly there was a time when finding gas stations along the Alaska Highway was something one really had to be ready to take into consideration. Just 20 years ago, packing a pair of 5 gallon jerry cans along was considered prudent planning; today it's considered unnecessary and dangerous.
These days things are very different from those great old days of past. Gas stations along the Alaska Highway are more than plentiful but still, like on any longer drive, one needs to fill up when fuel becomes available. Passing by can be a big mistake, especially as you get further up along the Alaska Highway and away from the towns and settlements. From the time you leave Fort Nelson it's a wise traveler that never lets their gas tank drop below that ½ tank mark whenever possible. As I approach the ½ tank point I begin keeping an eye out for the next available fuel stop.
About the Gas Stops on the ALCAN Highway
Gas stations come in many shapes and sizes up here in the north of 60° region (1). With a limited number of towns and settlements there has been a need for fuel and rest stops for travelers and commercial traffic alike. Thus we have seen the roadhouses of the north take a prominent roll along the remote stretches of the ALCAN Highway (2).
Both gas and diesel can be found at many of the lodges and RV campgrounds in the north too. Propane can be a bit more difficult but is still available in many locations. Some examples of gas stops include Toad River Lodge, Buckinghorse River Lodge, Pink Mountain Lodge, Tetsa River Outfitters, Contact Creek Lodge and many others. These mentioned offer far more than just gas for the car. These historically significant stops are all travelers favorites. They offer some great home made foods, comfortable lodging and most of all a great glimpse into the past history of the Alaska Highway.
Many of the gas stops offer that nostalgic feel reminiscent of a true Alaska Highway roadhouse straight out of a romantic black and white movie. Many of these gas stations along the Alaska Highway offer all of the services needed by travelers including repairs and towing if that should become necessary. Some allow free overnighting in their parking lots for customers and others have campgrounds that include tent areas located just off the road too.
Even the side trips typically offer fuel stops these days. Montana Services in the photo to the left is located in Carcross Yukon on the road to Skagway, Alaska.
So planning your fuel stops really is more of a not passing opportunities when they present themselves. Never passing up a gas station when your gauge is registering ½ tank or lower and filling up in the major towns like Fort Nelson, Watson Lake and Whitehorse Yukon is just a wise percaution to take.
Continued at — Gas prices along the Alaska Highway
(1) NORTH OF 60° NORTH LATITUDE is where the circumference of the Earth is as much as it is at the Equator. it is found at the southern border of the Yukon Territory. The Arctic Circle is located at 66° 33' 44" (or 66.5622°) north from the equator or 6.5622° north of the Yukon's southernmost border.
(2) ALCAN HIGHWAY is another name for the Alaska Highway that comes from a shortening of the name Alaska-Canadian Highway.
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