Driving from Tennessee to Alaska (fairbanks) late june/early july Any suggestions?

If the Impala is rear wheel drive, get rid of it...if it is front wheel drive, it'll be fine in Fairbanks. You don't need 4WD in Fairbanks, but you don't want rear wheel drive.

Do you have passports? If not, get working on them yesterday!

The road isn't bad, the worst parts are from the Alaska border (actually, from around Tok, last time I drove) through Yukon, and even those are in (mostly) good shape. Either have a second spare, or a fix-a-flat on board, just in case. Otherwise, if you've maintained your vehicle(s), and had a recent check-over, you should be fine. Don't winterize until you get to Fairbanks. The folks up there know what is worthwhile, not some generic winterizing a southern mechanic might imagine. Once you are in Fairbanks, use synthetic oil from September to April-ish. Conventional oil is fine for the summer.

Muktuk cabins and "adventures" near Whitehorse is worthwhile. You'll find plenty on the way, just avoid the chain hotels (which you won't find after Edmonton, anyway) and restaurants. If your route takes you through Regina, maybe stop by "Dog River" (Rouleau) not sure if there is anything left there from Corner Gas :-) (if you aren't familiar with Corner Gas, you should be).

Dewclaw's advice is right on.

Also, make sure you have the car registration, insurance, etc. as you will have to show it at the border.

If you have a blended family, you will also have to show permission, notarized, from the other parent of each child. You will also need a health certificate for any pets. And you won't be able to bring firearms or endangered species items across the border. Have your guns shipped to an Alaskan gun dealer. The MilePost and the US and Canada customs web sites have good information.

The road is fine. I have driven it many times, with a carload of kids. Just make sure that you have a few extras, such as water for a leaky radiator, a real spare tire (not the tiny one that comes with the car), and whatever else you think you might want for a drive where the nearest service station could be several hundred miles away. Make sure that your insurance pays for towing in Canada, as well as the USA.

Depending on your cell company, you may have no service in parts of Canada. The stretch between Whitehorse and Alaska is CDMA technology and GSM phones don't work there. There are a few stretches with no cell or am.fm radio reception, because of the beautiful mountains.

It's a beautiful trip and a great opportunity for your family to see our country and some beautiful scenery. The best time to see wildlife is early in the morning (before 8) and after 10 pm. It will still be light at that time in Alaska. Keep your eyes open and you will get some great pictures, and not hit a moose. Stop and rest a lot; it's easy to keep driving and get sleepy.

Have fun!

I really only know about the Canada / Alaska portion. It is fairly remote, and you are in undeveloped areas for vast amounts of time, so you need to be prepared to be self sufficient. And it is insanely beautiful.

The hands down best travel guide for driving is The Milepost, it will have current info on what services are available where, and a mile by mile description of the highways you will be on, including points of interest and camp grounds. As well as accurate information on what to expect. They have a website you can do research on. But buy a current copy of the book to take with you on the trip, you will not regret it.

http://www.themilepost.com/

Also make sure to have passports for travel through Canada, and if anyone in your party has any kind of criminal record you will want to look at the information on the Canadian customs website, as people with criminal records are inadmissible to Canada, and you will be turned back for as little as a DUI in your past, even if you are just planning on driving through.

The other posters have good advice. Get your vehicle(s) in good condition including new wiper blades. You will be coming up here in Orange Cone Season and Tourist Season. Be aware of slow traffic, escorted traffic waits, campers/trailers, and road crews. The drive from TN up to AK is wonderful. You will be driving up the magical and historic AlCan Highway. Do a little research and find out why. Take along a camera and write in a journal. If you belong to AAA have them map out a nice route for you. Luckily, you will be coming into Alaska during summer so motels, gas stations, and cafes will be open. I was born in Fairbanks! Welcome to Alaska!

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