Looking for info on transiting to Alaska thru Canada

We have a small group of RVs, a 6,9 and 10, a 182 and an Europa going to Alaska this July. We are looking for any advice on stops in Canada along the way to PAFA in Alaska. We plan to meet in Cutbank, MT and clear Canadian customs at Lethbridge, Canada. After that we are not sure of best stops for fuel, food or lodging. Recommendations from those who have gone before will be appreciated.

Lots of info about routes, processes, decals and fees, and procedures on the web; visit AOPA to start.

Canada's easy. Phone before crossing to establish your arrival with customs. You'll need to be on an active international flight plan with a squawk code from FSS before crossing. More often then not, you'll be issued a clearance number by phone after landing and you're in.

Your biggest difficulties will be US CBP. Your most important asset will be web and phone access while in Canada to deal with the US. You must file and receive clearance to leave (dah, permission to leave the US, Comrade) as well as enter via eAPIS. Then - most important - phone the CBP office serving your intended port of entry to establish an ETA appointment with an inspector. The ePISS folderol does nothing towards this important point, and you needn't bother amending it if your timing changes. Ketchikan, at least, is very cooperative regarding short-notice ETA changes via phone; they know weather can screw up a schedule. Again, be on an international flight plan with a code from NavCanada.

Print out and carry with you the list of CBP airport office phone numbers available on their web site. Don't expect cell or internet access at many Canadian airports. Only major airports have FBOs, "flying clubs" at smaller airports usually are unmanned and locked. Many times, I've sought entry to some airport office and begged to get on the net through their office system to file the miserable eAPIS notice and phone CBP for the all-important arrival appointment. Caution: neither of the border services deal in GMT. Make sure you're talking the same time zone (which, BTW, isn't noted on the CBP phone list).

My favorite route is Boise (you'd be westbound over the Rockies) to Prince George, Smithers, Ketchikan, Skagway, Whitehorse, Alaska interior. More spectacular than inland, more airports, though what's in between is wet. Vlad has a good thread about flying along the highway.

John Siebold

My route was Bellingham (KBLI), Prince George (CYXS) night stop, Smithers (CYYD), Watson Lake (CYQH). Whitehorse (CYXY) night stop , Northway (PAOR) to Fairbanks.

Returned along the coast Yakutat, Ketchikan and then direct Olympia avoiding Canadian paperwork. Friday Harbor would be a bit shorter on that leg, otherwise you'd need to do Canpass and US customs again with a Canadian stop.

Stopped at the Coast Inn resort of the North in Prince George and the Gold Rush Inn at Whitehorse.

one minor point......

RV7ator said:

.......... Only major airports have FBOs, "flying clubs" at smaller airports usually are unmanned and locked. ...... John Siebold

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this may have been your experience...true that FBO's are on the decline.....but....in many cases, during the 'flyin' season'....many small airports have a flying clubhouse, open to airside persons, the coffee is on, washrooms clean, and wifi posted on the bulletin board!....so I'm just making the point that generalizations may not hold in all cases.
....... if you fly up the interior of BC, there are decent airfields every 30 to 100 miles, ok cel coverage, clearing customs near the border, like Penticton or Kelowna, most often results in a brief phone conversation on the ramp, and NO visit by any CBP ...you just go on your way.

good points by John to cover your bases and have lots of contact info for those cases where things arent' going quite to plan!

North to Alaska

Yes, as noted above, the biggest challenge you may encounter is dealing with US customs & EAPIS procedures on both sides. Do your research ahead of time!
I should mention that Canada has very different gun laws, so know this before hand by inquiring with Canada customs in advance.
Your routing suggests a fairly straight forward course following the AlCan highway (we just call it the Alaska Highway), which winds NW through Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Ft Nelson, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, than on to Alaska. These communities all have good airports, accomodations, etc., & are mostly generally spaced right for fuel stops. Wide open flying all the way up to Grande Prairie, than graduates to wide valley flying with a few passes along the way beyond. Fantastic scenery all the way.
Think of flying in Canada as what it was like to fly in the US 10 years ago. Nexrad ends just south of Grande Prairie, you can still get Metars / Area forcasts & such from NavCanada on their area FIS frequencies farther north. These frequencies change from area to area & usually listed in Airport Comm listings. Flight Following will disappear about Edmonton. There is a common VFR frequency of 126.7 used for pireps, position reports, & weather alerts. It is strongly advised to file Flight Plans with NavCanda, 1-866-992-7433, they are usually automatically opened but you are responsible to close them. Flying in a group you could suffice with flying on Flight Itineries as long as all know how to activate emergency services if needed.

Along with other resources mentioned, you could also check out:
http://www.copanational.org/TransborderOps.cfm

Sounds like you are passing thru on this trip, maybe next time you could make Canada your destination, explore your northern neighbor. We have a huge, wide open land mass to get lost in! Think- less than 1% being MOAs, & NO TFRs! & Canadian Beer!

hibeam said:

We have a small group of RVs, a 6,9 and 10, a 182 and an Europa going to Alaska this July. We are looking for any advice on stops in Canada along the way to PAFA in Alaska. We plan to meet in Cutbank, MT and clear Canadian customs at Lethbridge, Canada. After that we are not sure of best stops for fuel, food or lodging. Recommendations from those who have gone before will be appreciated.

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Gene and guys you will a blast flying up north. Excellent choice on the place to meet and clear as a group. All necessary bureacratic procedures are well covered above. Plan an extra day or two if going VFR it could be a challenge to stay together as a group during the venture. Don't rush through Canada it's an amazing country to explore with super friendly people and breathtaking views.
Take a look at CanAlaska squadron trip.

I will tell you where I stopped and fueled on my trip to help with decision making on your route.
1. Dawson Creek CYDQ has moderately priced avgas for British Columbia. There is a pilot shack open 24/7 and couple couches. You can wait adverse weather there or stop for a group member to catch on you.
2. CBK7 or Mile422 on Alaskan Highway. A good size strip with a lodge adjacent to it. There is a fellow RV6A builder based on it he will show up. No avgas but there is a fuel pump across the road.
3. CYSQ Atlin. Send a message to Greg Arehart he is usually there in the summer. He will give you ton of advice on local accommodations and sightseeing.
4. Dease Lake CYDL there is avgas and it's a bit pricey. Taxi to the helicopter outfit, come inside and ask somebody to operate the pumps.
5. Burwash, Carmacks have fuel and an attendant is usually around during the day. These are fire bombers aux airports but their pilot shacks are locked.
6. Dawson City CYDA has everything. Hotels, food, transportation you name it.

Take your time and go easy enjoying the trip. Call Fairbanks Customs they are friendlies. Upon landing ask ground to taxi to the terminals the officers will come to you but expect up to 10 minutes delay if they are serving an airliner.
Manage your liquids when coming to Fairbanks from Canada, after clearing you have to taxi across the runway to the base of the control tower where pilot lodge is with restrooms.



Please let us know how the trip goes. Likely you won't have much free time to report from the field but make a lot of pictures. Remember you would be less flexible flying as a group. Plan well and take your time.

hibeam said:

We have a small group of RVs, a 6,9 and 10, a 182 and an Europa going to Alaska this July. We are looking for any advice on stops in Canada along the way to PAFA in Alaska. We plan to meet in Cutbank, MT and clear Canadian customs at Lethbridge, Canada. After that we are not sure of best stops for fuel, food or lodging. Recommendations from those who have gone before will be appreciated.

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Give Vic Syracuse a call - he's done it an number of times.
John

One point I don't recall seeing in all the good advise is to be sure to call CANPASS at least 2 hours ahead to arrange customs. 1-888-CANPASS. They get a bit testy if you don't... http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html

Gene,

Please check your PM.

Thanks

Jim Butcher

Cut Bank is great stop. On return to US, call well in advance- customs guy must drive from ?? to meet you. Best US customs experience I've found anywhere. Lethbridge customs also great (as we're all in CA), FBO did not handle overnight parking well, but good to work with. Short flight Cut B to Lethbridge added a fuel stop for me - would be better, perhaps, to fly further North if customs available. And, As the book title says, bring your own ropes. Pls call or write if any questions. J. P.s. Watch the Wx! I had two scud runs from un forecast Wx. What is better than having an "out". Ans; having more than one.

Oh Boy!!!

Been on the road all week and just checked this thread. You guys are great to help us get through the details. Some of us are familiar with E-apis since we used it in the Caribbean. The info you provided will take a while to digest. I may have more questions later. Thanks again.