I thought I would ask some locals to their opinion of the condition of the cassiar hwy in the winter. In the next couple months I will be moving from Palmer ak to olympia wa and would prefer to drive down the cassiar vs taking the alcan toward Edmonton and cutting back. I have heard some stories of the road being impassable inthe winter months though. I will be driving my 2003 duramax dually only towing a 7k car trailer with some furniture and stuff so not heavily loaded.

My main motivation to take the cassiar is I have already driven the other way with my dad four years ago and this time I am driving with my brother since my dads passiv a month ago. This is my brothers first trip north of Washington and outside the continental us for that matter. I want to make the drive as memorable for him as possible and I think the cassiar will be alot more adventurous than the other route.

So any real life experience with the cassiar in the winter? Tips, hints , do's don'ts?

I've only driven it in the summer but i can't imagine that they'd leave Dease Lake cut off from the outside world. The scenery is beautiful but it is a lonely road so make sure you are prepared for everything.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/driver_info/route-info/hwy37/hwy37.htm then you can also go tohttp://www.drivebc.ca/ and get current road conditions there is alot more traffic on the Alcan,so if you have a problem more help available. On both hiways in the winter you will have to make sure about fuel stops as alot of the gas stations in the campgrounds and such are closed for the winter make sure you have GOOD tires, preferably winter tires. carry warm cloths,water, food, sleeping bags and carry a candle in a metal coffee can for warmth if you break down. If your going the Alcan try to pre book rooms around Dawson Creek,Ft St John and Ft Nelson as they can be slim pickings in the winter due to oil and natural gas activity