Hi all,

I'm headed to Alaska in the 175 with the wife and our two springer spaniels here in the next two weeks for the season (flying job). I flew the "Trench" up the last time, Afton, Kalispell, Cranbrook, Prince George, Mackenzie, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Northway, etc.

This time, we're going to stay east of the big rocks, and fly the highway up. Any suggestions? Best places to buy fuel/stay, where to avoid, etc. Departing from Afton, WY. Sure appreciate any info.

bushpilot490 wrote:Hi all,

I'm headed to Alaska in the 175 with the wife and our two springer spaniels here in the next two weeks for the season (flying job). I flew the "Trench" up the last time, Afton, Kalispell, Cranbrook, Prince George, Mackenzie, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Northway, etc.

This time, we're going to stay east of the big rocks, and fly the highway up. Any suggestions? Best places to buy fuel/stay, where to avoid, etc. Departing from Afton, WY. Sure appreciate any info.

You're in luck...maybe. I'm about to publish an excellent guide to flying to Alaska in the knowledge base, written by Grassstrippilot. He has an epic thread with lots of info where the article is culled from. I'll find it in the morning and post.

Thank you, that would be great Zzz!

bushpilot490 wrote:Thank you, that would be great Zzz!

If you overnight in Grande Prairie, Ab, aeroshell is the cheapest gas by a good chunk. If you need anything mechanical, I'm about 10 minute flight NW of GP. Hit me up and I'll be happy to help out!

Be aware that we had a fuel contamination issue in Canada this year. Some fuel supplies were quarantined and have not yet been replaced. Some airports are running low. I don't think the Esso refinery in Edmonton is producing fuel again yet. There is only one refinery in all of Canada that Produces 100LL. Some is being imported, but prices are through the roof on those supplies.

Recommend you call ahead to any potential fuel stop, and also check notams diligently.

Maybe take some empty fuel containers with you in case you have to tote premium auto fuel to the airplane. Eligible for mogas?

We have a solid supply of 100LL left here in Airdrie at fair prices. CEF4 near Calgary.

Yes I forgot to mention this. The refinery is producing again, so stock will be getting replenished...

https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/gras ... aska-20769

Good to thread.

When I drove it in 2016 I really liked the little town/lodge of Toad River. There is a small strip next to the campsite, which has a restaurant and wifi. I don't know if the strip is private or if there is fuel, but if I was flying through I would look into stopping.

https://skyvector.com/airport/CBK7/Toad ... ay-Airport

akschu wrote:When I drove it in 2016 I really liked the little town/lodge of Toad River. There is a small strip next to the campsite, which has a restaurant and wifi. I don't know if the strip is private or if there is fuel, but if I was flying through I would look into stopping.

https://skyvector.com/airport/CBK7/Toad ... ay-Airport

It’s public, and if you take Mogas you can taxi across the highway right to the gas pumps. On the other hand, the direct leg between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake goes over the particularly scenic Grand Canyon of the Liard. Can’t go wrong.

A1Skinner wrote:

bushpilot490 wrote:Thank you, that would be great Zzz!

If you overnight in Grande Prairie, Ab, aeroshell is the cheapest gas by a good chunk. If you need anything mechanical, I'm about 10 minute flight NW of GP. Hit me up and I'll be happy to help out!

Thank you A1Skinner, I appreciate that.

Pinecone wrote:Be aware that we had a fuel contamination issue in Canada this year. Some fuel supplies were quarantined and have not yet been replaced. Some airports are running low. I don't think the Esso refinery in Edmonton is producing fuel again yet. There is only one refinery in all of Canada that Produces 100LL. Some is being imported, but prices are through the roof on those supplies.

Recommend you call ahead to any potential fuel stop, and also check notams diligently.

Maybe take some empty fuel containers with you in case you have to tote premium auto fuel to the airplane. Eligible for mogas?

We have a solid supply of 100LL left here in Airdrie at fair prices. CEF4 near Calgary.

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!

akschu wrote:When I drove it in 2016 I really liked the little town/lodge of Toad River. There is a small strip next to the campsite, which has a restaurant and wifi. I don't know if the strip is private or if there is fuel, but if I was flying through I would look into stopping.

https://skyvector.com/airport/CBK7/Toad ... ay-Airport

Toad River looks awesome! No 100LL though?

At this point thinking of clearing customs in Lethbridge, then north to Grand Prairie? Then Whitehorse via FT. Nelson and Watson Lake, then on into Northway for customs. Any insights?

bushpilot490 wrote:At this point thinking of clearing customs in Lethbridge, then north to Grand Prairie? Then Whitehorse via FT. Nelson and Watson Lake, then on into Northway for customs. Any insights?

Watson lake has really nice camping on the field, and it’s way more pleasant next to the lake than anywhere in town.

I agree with that! I made the mistake of taking a $100 round trip cab ride into town there last time. Was not impressed. Should have made use of the gazebo.

Suggest you clear Canadian customs at CEQ4, which shares common grass runway with H28. That way you don’t need to file a cross border flight plan nor get a discrete cross border transponder code. Plus (!!) you avoid the landing fee at Lethbridge.

Camping spot is also available at Whitehorse right next to the tower. Two wonderful museums within a hundred yards of your camping spot at Whitehorse if you get stuck there—even if you aren’t stuck, well worth visiting. You can walk to town from the airport at Whitehorse.

tedwaltman wrote:Suggest you clear Canadian customs at CEQ4, which shares common grass runway with H28. That way you don’t need to file a cross border flight plan nor get a discrete cross border transponder code. Plus (!!) you avoid the landing fee at Lethbridge.

Camping spot is also available at Whitehorse right next to the tower. Two wonderful museums within a hundred yards of your camping spot at Whitehorse if you get stuck there—even if you aren’t stuck, well worth visiting. You can walk to town from the airport at Whitehorse.

Ted, thank you! Del Bonita is a great idea, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Also thanks for the camping heads up at Whitehorse. Was not aware of that either.

When landing at Del Bonita to clear Canadian customs, they told me to point your plane North toward their border crossing--that's how they know to come out to you.

Side note: Del Bonita is a backwater two lane road that probably has 10 cars a day crossing there. So, appropriately, the Canadian side is a very small, very modest "building." On the other hand, the U.S. side has a monstrosity that undoubtedly cost many, many millions!

I see you have a C-175 with the 180 Hp engine. I got my license in one of those many years ago! Great plane!

Depending on your travel date Northern Rockies Lodge is having a fly-in April6 to 8. Land on their 3000' ice strip, free trip to Liard Hot Springs and BBQ on Saturday and free pilots breakfast on Sunday. All for the price of renting a room at a very reasonable rate. Between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake along the highway.

Ted's TR is good: https://backcountrypilot.org/features/c ... -to-alaska

Don't count on the strip at Del Bonita or at Sweet Grass being free of snow yet. Buddy landed on skis at Coutts (Alberta side of Sweet Grass) just a few weeks ago. We've had 70% more snow here in Calgary than usual.

Seems early for camping. Try for a hotel that will provide ground transport. Have no suggestions, but hotels in Ft. Nelson are hungry these days. Watson Lake, not as much, but you're arriving before their busy season. Sometimes there are cabs operating, sometimes not.

More good points from pinecone. It was -35 celcius here yesterday morning. Definitely cold for camping. Also a fair bit of snow around yet. As in 2-3 feet in most places. Ot sure if toad river is plowed or not...