Moving to Kenai in Winter

I%26#39;m going to do an internship on the Kenai NWR and I need to be there in early Feb. I%26#39;m driving all the way from NJ because I hope to turn it into a permanent move. It%26#39;s going to take me about 2 weeks(4600 miles) and I%26#39;ll be coming in my subaru Forester. I plan to come into Canada from Great Falls MT area eventually coming through Whitehorse up the Alaska Hwy to Tok down the Tok Junction to Glenn Hwy, etc.

Has anyone driven this route in January? I%26#39;m guessing I%26#39;ll need a block heater and possibly a batter warmer. Are chains a must? Are there any roads in AK or Canada that require chains in winter? Also I%26#39;m hoping to conserve my budget so places to stay along the way would be helpful. I know this is the AK forum but I%26#39;m hoping some of you also know a little about Canada in winter as well. I%26#39;m going to have winter camping gear, tools, extra food, etc. So winter survival isn%26#39;t my concern. Any advice/help is appreciate. I%26#39;m very excited about moving to AK but I%26#39;m sure the trip would have been easier if it weren%26#39;t in January.

Thanks!

Moving to Kenai in Winter

Actually, I think this was a good place to post, as many of us Alaskans have driven the road in January/February. There was a thread about the Alcan in the winter recently - I will do a search and bump it for you, as it gave much of the details you are interested in.

It does sound like you will be prepared, but you must think about survival more than the basic - I have been on the Alcan when temps dropped 50-60 below - when doing something as simple as changing a tire can be life threatening. Not meaning to scare you, but you really need to be prepared for that. Yes, you will need the block/battery/oil pan heater. I don%26#39;t know about chains - have never seen that, and not really a concern with your AWD.

I am sure others will jump in with advice and suggestions - the first that comes to mind is a stop at Liard Hot Springs! :) Also the Muncho Lake lodge (I think that is the name) simple but clean hotel and great food. I%26#39;ll go find that post now - good luck to you! :)

Moving to Kenai in Winter

Thanks for the advice Coalminer. I%26#39;ll look for the thread about Alcan in winter. Counting the days till Kenai:)

best web host