Moving by Ferry Can Be Easy
Using the Alaska ferries to move from the Lower 48 to Alaska is not only a relaxing & time saving alternative to driving, but provides some of the most remarkable scenery found anywhere. It's important however to be prepared and follow the guidelines.
Also note that many Inside Passage ports (Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell) are located on islands, so if moving to Anchorage or Fairbanks between Oct and Feb you will need to travel to Haines & then drive through Canada after disembarking.
Between March and September travelling through Canada can only be avoided by taking the cross-gulf ferry from Bellingham to Whittier
Crossing the US /Canada Border
Canada has very strict regulations border crossing regulations and being prepared will make the crossing quick & easy.
Always answer any border officers' questions politely, completely and honestly. Do not be chatty or evasive.
Passports
Anyone over 18 yrs crossing any border anywhere, now needs a valid passport. Children under 18 yrs & travelling with their parents do not require passports.
Firearms:
The Alaska Marine ferry system allows passengers to travel with sealed, empty weapons. Any ammunition must be stored in a place separate from the gun.
Handguns and any automatic or semi-automatic guns are illegal in Canada & can result in both confiscation & entry refusal
Unloaded rifles & ammunition can be taken across the Canadian border but must be declared at the time of crossing
DUI Convictions (driving under the influence)
Canada considers a DUI conviction a felony and may refuse entry into the country. Travellers with a DUI are advised to call their State Justice Department to get the charge expunged so there are no disappointments at the border.
A handy site is http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/prior-criminal-offenses/resolving-criminal-inadmissibility-to-canada/#.V-yuWNze70o
Pets
Pets must have a certificate of good health ( done within 30 days of travel & have a current rabies tag.
Open dog food is ok to take into Canada from the US but it is not OK to take that same open food into the US from Canada
Active Duty Military
Soldiers on active duty and being transferred to a base in Alaska can present their Transfer Orders at the boarder in lieu of a passport.
50% Discounts for Vehicle Drivers Using Alaska Ferries
Vehicle drivers using the Alaska ferries between 01 October 2016 and 30 April 2017 pay only 50% of the regular driver fare.
May 2016- Sept 2016
Bellingham - Haines: Driver + 15' vehicle = 1,719.00
Winter Special: (01 Oct 2016 - 30 Apr 2017 )
Bellingham - Haines: Driver + 15' vehicle = 1,479
All driver discounts are automatically calculated when ferry bookings are made on www.ferrytravel.com
Alaska Ferry Travel Notes
Ferry trips between Bellingham and Whittier are seasonal & are now sold out of vehicle
space through September 2016.
Service on this cross-gulf route is
scheduled to resume in March 2017 but booking is expected to begin in
late November /December 2016.
Note that the cross-gulf sailings must be reserved months in advance to ensure space as they are historically sold out for each summer by March/April.
Currently service to
Anchorage, Fairbanks , Homer etc is available from the lower 48 between Bellingham WA and Haines AK.
Passports are required as the Hwy from Haines takes drivers through Canada.
Active military can show their orders at the border in place of a passport.
Alaska Ferry Definition of Changes vs Cancellations
The Alaska Marine ferry management has re-emphasized that "if a customer is changing the city pairs on their ferry booking - they will be assessed the appropriate cancellation penalty for the sailing they are canceling, regardless if they are increasing the value."
That means for example that if a passengers books a trip Bellingham-Whittier (or between any ports), and then changes the destination- e.g.
-changes their trip from Bellingham-Whittier to Bellingham-Haines, the new request will NOT be treated as a change, but as an original booking cancellation and so will be subject to a cancellation penalty.
The request change, i.e. now Bellingham - Haines, will be treated as a new booking.
Change penalties have always been lower than the penalties for cancellations so it is important to be aware of this Alaska Marine Ferry System policy prior to booking
