 Key West, FL – the start of the journey North | As I was thinking about my year-long roadtrip and wandering around Key West, Florida, I couldn’t help but marvel at the fact that I was exactly at the halfway point of my epic adventure. Six months down, and another six months of thrilling escapades awaited me. It was like the intermission of a spectacular show, and I had the best seats in the house, the driver’s seat! With this unique juncture in mind, I found myself grappling with a rather delightful dilemma: the choice of the route that would guide me from this sun-soaked tropical paradise to the Arctic Circle’s icy embrace. There are so many options and routes to choose from! |
What made it even more intriguing was that, thanks to the grapevine, my family had caught wind of my Arctic-bound escapades and decided to jump aboard the adventure train. They were so excited about my polar pilgrimage that they wanted to join me and planned to meet me in Anchorage, Alaska. From there we would head to the Arctic Circle together.
Time was of the essence as I grappled with the task of charting a road trip course that would take me on a memorable journey from Key West to the Arctic’s frosty wonderland, all while ensuring I arrived in time to pick them up at the airport.
The simplest route on this epic roadtrip adventure led straight to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the starting point of the legendary Alaska Highway. This direct path offered the prospect of a relatively swift journey, slicing through the heart of North America. The temptation to rush there in a hurry was hard to resist, but as it turned out, I had more time available than I expected. This surplus of time meant I could savor the journey, allowing for memorable experiences and moments instead of a mere race to the destination.
With six months behind me and six months ahead, I began exploring alternative routes that would take me from the balmy Southeast all the way to the Arctic North. Why settle for the ordinary when I could zigzag my way through the Southwest, then make a beeline for the North via various scenic detours? Or perhaps, I could cut right through the heart of the U.S. before beginning my journey North.
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After an assortment of route-doodling and contemplation, I settled on a plan that blended the direct route with a touch of personal flair. I decided to incorporate Charlotte, North Carolina, into the itinerary for a long-overdue visit with my brother. And why stop there? Carmel, Indiana, beckoned for a cousinly catch-up.
| For an extra dash of adventure, I hatched a plan to cross the border near Thunder Bay, Ontario – not only because it sounded delightfully thunderous but also because it offered the opportunity to glide along the shimmering Great Lakes, including the majestic north shore of Lake Superior. Along the way, I’d venture through places I’d only heard of in passing: Oshkosh, Wisconsin; the legendary Green Bay; and the charming city of Duluth, Minnesota. This would also take me across Canada on the Trans-Canada Highway. |  |
What Route Should I Take to drive to the Arctic Circle?
Here is a list with some of the options I considered when deciding how I’d drive to the Arctic:
- Direct Route via Alaska Highway:
- Description: This is the most straightforward route, starting from Key West, Florida, and following the Alaska Highway. It’s the quickest way but involves a long drive through diverse landscapes.
- Southern Zigzag Route:
- Description: This route takes you through the southern states, such as Texas, Arizona, and California, before heading up the West Coast and into Alaska. It allows for exploring the southwestern U.S. along the way.
- Eastern U.S. Route:
- Description: Travel up the eastern side of the U.S., passing through cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, and making stops in cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri. You can then head west toward Alaska.
- Central U.S. Route:
- Description: This route takes you through the heartland of America, passing through states like Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota before reaching Canada and eventually Alaska. It offers a mix of rural and urban experiences.
- Great Lakes and Northern Route:
- Description: Cross into Canada near the Great Lakes region, driving along the northern shore of Lake Superior. This route offers scenic views and opportunities to explore cities like Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Duluth, Minnesota, before entering Alaska.
- Coastal Route:
- Description: Drive along the eastern coast of the U.S. before crossing into Canada and following the Canadian coast, passing through maritime provinces. Eventually, you’ll make your way to Alaska along the coastline.
- Canadian Prairie Route:
- Description: Travel through the Canadian prairies, passing through cities like Winnipeg and Saskatoon, before entering the Canadian Rockies and eventually reaching Alaska.
- Mountain Adventure Route:
- Description: Head west through the Rocky Mountains, experiencing stunning mountain vistas. This route takes you through states like Colorado and Montana before reaching Canada and Alaska.
- Pacific Northwest and West Coast Route:
- Description: Start from Key West and head west, crossing the country to reach the Pacific Northwest. Then, follow the coastline northward, passing through Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, before entering Alaska.
- Eastern Canada Route:
- Description: Travel east through Canada, exploring provinces like Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, before entering Newfoundland and Labrador and then making your way to Alaska.
As I looked ahead to the road, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the second half of this incredible journey held the potential for even more remarkable moments than the first. With each mile taking me closer to the Arctic’s wonderland, I eagerly anticipated the adventures, stories, and memories that were waiting to unfold, and I couldn’t wait to share them with all those who joined me on this unforgettable roadtrip.
