Top of the World Highway and Chicken, Alaska

Waking up around 8:30 we stripped the bed, turned in the key and hoped in the car. Instead of crossing the river in the ferry we were heading into the mountains the other way. The top of the world drive awaited us. Looking at the map and the lack of places that we could get gas, I was relieved we decided to fill up the previous day.


Right away the road got really steep and before we knew it we were up in the mountains. I can see why they call it top of the world. When the thick fog wasn't severely limiting our vision you could see mountains in the far distance, deep valleys and (almost too close for comfort) sheer drop offs down steep cliffs. The road conditions in parts was not helping. The altitude made the roads slippery in the fog and parts of the road had soft shoulders that would led to a nasty drop.

 Despite the popularity with tourists, the route is underdeveloped and narrow with little to no safe places to pull over for pictures. Because of this, unfortunately we have no photos to show, you'll just have to believe us.


We arrived at the Poker Creek - Little Gold Creek Border Crossing, one of the only shared border crossings between Canada and the USA. I would not want to be any of the border guards working there though. Very isolated (I stress the isolated) but I got to use my passport for the first time and got a caribou stamp.

Chicken, Alaska was the first town on the American side. And being the first town in a while it seemed like a logical place to stop. It had nothing to do with its silly name (Nothing at all). So we rolled into Chicken and stopped in downtown to see the sights.

Downtown Chicken!

The town is cut off in the winter since the State doesn't plow the highway. The population is 50 to 60 during the summer and around 15 during the winter. We went into the cafe and had a tasty blueberry pie. A good chance to use some of the American money that we have been carrying around since Guelph.

The live mascots of the town

We walked around and watched some people panning for gold. Didn't seem like they were having any luck.

The much larger metal cousin

The metal chicken had a sign next to it listing other poultry themed towns around the world and their distance from Chicken.

Leaving Chicken we headed southward. The roads slowly became more reliable and eventually we reached a town called Tok where we filled up on gas. Feeling anxious to set up for the night after a long drive we turned out bearings towards the Canadian border.

Welcome to Alaska

At the international boarder, Amy in the Yukon, Bill in Alaska

On the Canadian side we stopped shortly at Beaver Creek to use some Wifi and then headed to the Snag Creek Provincial Campground. By the time we arrived it was raining pretty hard and elected to make dinner under the kitchen shelter. We were not alone. Many other campers were drying out and the wood burning stove was already hot. I was excited to make the chili dish we had planned. By the time all the ingredients were in, the rain had let up, Amy and I headed to our campsite and quickly set up the tent. As soon as we got back to the stove the meal was done and the rain started to pour again. Perfect timing.