Synonymous with travel in the north, the 62nd edition of the Milepost is valued by visitors to Alaska and nearby areas. The guidebook provides a mile-by-mile highway log for Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory detailing the significant attractions, jumping off points to other forms of transportation and key highway intersections.
The Milepost is regarded as the bible of north country travel. Field editors verify route information provided by the guidebook every year. The 2010 edition holds 784 pages of information that is supplemented with some 800 photographs and more than a hundred different maps. Even those that can only dream of travel north this year will find this guide to be a welcome armchair companion for planning future adventures.
Along with its exhaustive route information, the Milepost offers details how to cross the border with a minimum of trouble, provides hints for erstwhile birders and explains ferry travel options.
Mile-by-Mile Highway Logs
The Milepost details the east and west access routes to Alaska through Alberta and British Columbia respectively. Every major highway system found in the north is logged mile-by-mile to permit in depth trip planning. Supporting this effort, the guidebook describes the sightseeing, wildlife viewing, camping and accommodations that are available at points of interest along each highway. Some of the major routes are shown below and the Milepost describes some additional 35 roads and highways found in the north.
- Alaska Highway (BC 97, YT 1, AK 2)
- Campbell Highway (YT 4)
- Cassiar Highway (BC 37)
- Dalton Highway (AK 11)
- Dempster Highway (YT 5, NWT 8)
- Denali Highway (AK 8)
- Edgerton Highway/McCarthy Road (AK 10)
- Elliott Highway (AK 2)
- Glenn Highway/Tok Cutoff (AK 1 and 4)
- Haines Highway (AK 7, BC 4, YT 3)
- Parks Highway (AK 3)
- Richardson Highway (AK 2 and 4)
- Seward Highway (AK 1 and 9)
- South Klondike Highway (AK 98, BC 2, YT 2)
- Steese Highway (AK 2 and 6)
- Taylor Highway (AK 5)
Additional Features Found in the 2010 Digital Edition
Along with road and safety information, the Milepost offers some extra benefits to its users. The guide includes a detailed pull-out map that measures 21 by 31 inches. Map information for key points includes GPS coordinates and mileage charts. Purchasers are granted access to the digital version of the Milepost that adds links to business websites along the way, with embedded video and slideshows of featured locations.
The Milepost is available for $29.95 ($34.95 Canadian) at most bookstores or online at the Morris Communications website. Something that might be of additional interest to history buffs is Morris’ reprint of the 1949 1st edition of the Milepost. Times have changed!
Copyright © 2010 by Alan Sorum
