Anyone made this trip up North and can provide any do's and dont's? Thanks for any input

Well, there are several routes, I normally go up the coast. The problem with that is that no one really knows what the weather is along the route. Every time I get a briefing I shake my head, because the briefer talks like they know what it is doing, but the fact is that the reporting points are so far apart that there can be much different conditions in between. Also, if you have to put down along most of the trip it will likely end up badly, there is a lot of untamed country out there. If you are prepared for that it is the shortest route, and will save a bundle on gas and time.
I always go direct to KTN or JNU If the winds aren't too bad. If you are on floats it would be wise to have a couple cans of gas to stop and put in if the winds are bad. That is assuming you carry 80 gal, you will need that much on a good day.
Good luck, it is Gods country up there, I try to get there every year if possible..............

I don't know what your experience level is but following the Alcan Hwy is the more conservative plan. You can almost for sure expect to have a weather delay day or two and it's awfully conforting to look down and most of the time see a place you can land if need be. Remember when you get far up north, the mag compass doesn't work too well and the terrain all looks the same. Especially if the weather is not cooperating. It's really easy to get disoriented and if you make a bad decision it can go real bad fast. You're going to be in the middle of nowhere on your own. Some of the legs will push the limits of your aircrafts range and depending what time of the year you do the trip will affect the options availible. Canada is expensive compared to the US, so expect $$$$ for fuel, food and lodging should you need a place to get out of the weather. Expect landing fees at alot of Canadian airports as well as from NavCanada. Make DAMN SURE you have your ducks in a row as far as customs and firearms are concerned for both US and Canada. -Not knowing the regs and following them will get you some huge fines and possible confiscation of your aircraft if you really piss off the wrong person. Also make sure you bring your own tie downs as in Canada you must supply your own. Some serious heavy rope with some length. If you have more specific questions, I'll try to respond with what my own experiece has been. I flew my 185 down from ANC last spring.

PM me and I'll fill you in on all the info you need (Canadian side), places to stay, cutoms, phone numbers in case shit hits the fan, a place to park, eat and sleep while in CYXY. Also, there is a recent tread called "what is required to fly from lower 48 to Alaska"

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11546

Cheers, BCT

Buy a copy of the Canadian Flight Supplement, and take the time to look through it for an hour or two while planning.

Understanding the nuances might save you some embarrassment if nothing else. One example being when VFR flight plans are automatically opened and closed, and when they aren't. Another is how landing circuits are slightly different there than here. And since on-field FSS hardly exist here any more outside Alaska you'll want to know a bit about MF airports and what your responsibilities are there.

Also: if you choose to go inland know that both Fort Nelson and Fort St John now have landing fees that will not be waived. Be damned if I'll ever go to either again unless I'm having some sort of difficulty. Most planes should be able to stretch from Dawson to Watson Lake.

I enjoy flying in the Canadian system they take good care of us Yanks.