When you drive to Alaska, the road has a way of leaving its mark on you. It’s not just the miles you cover but the moments that make you stop, look around, and truly feel the scale of the world. On my drive, there were three experiences that stood out and defined the journey: standing at the Canada-Alaska border, driving those endless highways that stretch into the wilderness, and seeing my first glacier. Each of these moments wasn’t just beautiful—they were unforgettable.
A selfie with my Dad capturing the moment we made it to Alaska. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Standing at the Canada-Alaska Border
The border crossing between Canada and Alaska might seem like just another stop on a map, but for me, it was so much more. After days on the road, seeing that “Welcome to Alaska” sign felt like a major milestone. My Dad and I pulled over, stretched our legs, and took it all in. I’ll never forget the grin on his face as he stood with one foot in Canada and the other in Alaska, claiming his moment of international glory. It was simple, maybe even a little cheesy, but it summed up what the trip was about—celebrating the journey as much as the destination.
That moment at the border also made the vastness of the trip hit home. We’d driven so far to get there, passing through countless landscapes and long stretches of wilderness. Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel like we’d truly earned the experience. It wasn’t just about getting to Alaska; it was about everything it took to arrive.
The road to the mountains, kind of intimidating but stunning. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Endless Highways of Alaska’s Wilderness
Once we crossed the border, the landscape seemed to stretch even farther. Alaska’s highways are a world of their own. They go on forever, winding through mountains, forests, and valleys. Driving them feels like stepping into a postcard—except it’s real, and you’re part of it.
I remember one stretch where the road seemed to disappear into the horizon. On either side, the land rolled out in waves of green, dotted with lakes and framed by towering peaks. We drove for hours, and it felt like we were the only people in the world. That kind of solitude is rare and humbling. It makes you realize how small you are and how vast the planet truly is.
Every so often, we’d pull over just to take it all in. Those stops weren’t planned, but they became some of the most memorable parts of the drive. It wasn’t just about getting somewhere—it was about being present, letting the landscape sink in, and appreciating the sheer scale of Alaska.
Bear Glacier hiding in plain sight while driving to Alaska. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Seeing My First Glacier
Of all the moments on the trip, seeing my first glacier stands out the most. We were driving along a remote stretch of road when we came to Bear Glacier. It was massive, towering above the surrounding landscape. The top of the glacier disappeared into the clouds, and the icy blue face seemed to shimmer in the light. It was cold, the wind whipping across the thermal lake in front of it, but I didn’t care. I was in awe.
That was the first time Alaska felt real to me. Up until then, it had been an abstract idea, something I’d read about or seen in photos. But standing there, staring at the glacier, it hit me: this is Alaska. This is what makes it so incredible. It’s raw, untamed, and unlike anything else.
For my Dad, it was just as special. We stood there for a while, not saying much, just taking it in. Moments like that don’t need words. They’re about feeling connected—to the place, to each other, and to the journey itself.
A final selfie together in front of Exit Glacier before Dad flew home. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Looking back, these moments—the border, the highways, the glacier—defined my drive to Alaska. They weren’t just stops along the way; they were reminders of why the journey mattered. Driving to Alaska isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about everything you see and feel along the way, the memories you make, and the awe that stays with you long after the trip is over.
