Sitka to Cordova Road Trip: Alaska's Coastal Highway

Did you know that no road connects Sitka to the mainland? To drive from Sitka to Cordova, you must first take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Sitka to Juneau, then drive the 50-mile Glacier Highway to Skagway, cross into Canada via the South Klondike Highway (Yukon Route 2), connect to the Alaska Highway (AK-1/AK-2), and finally head south to Cordova via the Copper River Highway (AK-10). This extraordinary loop spans roughly 1,200 miles and multiple ecosystems, but the road-logic puzzle is part of the adventure.

The most direct route by road: Sitka > (ferry) > Juneau > Skagway > Whitehorse > Haines Junction > Tok > Glennallen > Cordova. Estimated driving time: 20–25 hours excluding ferries and breaks. The journey crosses the 60th parallel, passes through Kluane National Park, and ends on the edge of Prince William Sound.

For a tool to discover stops along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey is a hybrid of ferry and highway. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Sitka to Juneau costs roughly $50–$80 per person plus vehicle fees; reservations are recommended months in advance. From Juneau, the Glacier Highway (AK-7) is paved and well-maintained. At Skagway, cross the US-Canada border (open 24/7). The South Klondike Highway is narrow but paved. In Canada, gas is available in Carcross and Whitehorse.

Fuel stops are sparse; fill up every half tank. Between Haines Junction and Tok (200+ miles), there is no gas except at Beaver Creek (Yukon side) and Northway (Alaska side). Carry extra fuel cans if possible.

• Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway, Sitka terminal (57.0534° N, 135.3324° W)
• Border: Skagway port of entry (59.4669° N, 135.3122° W)
• Major gas: Juneau, Skagway, Carcross, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Beaver Creek, Tok, Glennallen

Accommodation: Lodging is available in Juneau, Skagway, Whitehorse (mid-range hotels), Tok (motels), and Cordova (small inns). In Yukon, consider Kluane National Park campgrounds. Reservations recommended in summer.

Road quality varies. The Glacier Highway is paved; the South Klondike has steep grades and sharp curves. The Alaska Highway is generally paved but can have frost heaves. The Copper River Highway is paved for 50 miles then gravel; watch for potholes. In winter, daylight is short (4–6 hours) and snow possible from October to April.

Family suitability: The route is long for young children. Plan stops every 2 hours: Carcross has a small playground; Whitehorse has a water park. Pets allowed on ferry (kennels provided); carry proof of rabies vaccination for Canada entry.

• Rest zones: Yukon government maintains pullouts at Miles Canyon, Carcross Desert, and Kluane visitors center.
• Fatigue management: Drive in shifts if possible. Longest no-stop gap: Haines Junction to Tok (3+ hours).

Pet-friendly framework: Many motels in Whitehorse and Tok accept pets; call ahead. National parks require dogs on leash. At border crossings, dogs must be healthy (no quarantine).

The route crosses the Yukon's Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site, a massive transboundary protected area. Kluane National Park features the world's largest non-polar icefield and Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan (19,551 ft).

• Kluane Glacier: Visible from the Alaska Highway near mile 1,600.
• Wrangell-St. Elias: View from the Tok Cutoff (AK-1) near Glennallen; massive glaciers like Root Glacier.

Local commerce: At Cordova, the Copper River Highway ends near the million-year-old Childs Glacier. The Cordova Chamber of Commerce (61.3167° N, 145.6667° W) offers maps. Buy Copper River salmon direct from fishermen in season (May–September).

Hidden off-route spots: The McCarthy Road (dirt) leads to Kennicott Mine ghost town in Wrangell-St. Elias; requires high-clearance vehicle. The Edgerton Highway leads to Chitina, where you can dipnet for salmon.