Netflix is reportedly preparing to release a documentary focused on the Alaska Highway, a historic route that holds a unique place in North American history. Spanning over 1,500 miles from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska, the highway is both an engineering marvel and a symbol of wartime collaboration and determination. Although Netflix’s upcoming project has yet to debut, the Alaska Highway has already been the subject of several notable films and documentaries, each shedding light on its origin, cultural significance, and the adventurous spirit it continues to inspire.
One of the more contemporary documentaries related to the Alaska Highway is Alcan Highway (2013), directed by Finnish filmmaker Aleksi Salmenperä. This film follows the journey of Hese Tolonen, a Finnish man with a lifelong dream of living on the road in a mobile home. Hese travels to Alaska to revive and rebuild a dilapidated 1950s truck into a livable vehicle. With the help of a few friends, he sets off on a memorable road trip along the Alaska Highway to Vancouver Island. Alcan Highway is more than just a travelogue; it is a deeply personal story of freedom, friendship, and determination. Through Tolonen’s quest, viewers are offered a modern lens through which to view the Alaska Highway, one that blends physical adventure with introspection and emotional growth.
Another essential film about the Alaska Highway is Building the Alaska Highway (2005), part of the acclaimed PBS “American Experience” series. This documentary provides a thorough and historically rich account of the road’s construction during World War II. Built in a mere eight months in 1942, the 1,520-mile route was a strategic project initiated by the United States to establish a military supply line through Canada to Alaska, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Thousands of American soldiers, including many African American troops, were sent into the rugged and remote terrain to accomplish what seemed impossible. The film dives deep into the logistical nightmares, harsh climates, and grueling labor that defined the building process. It also highlights the broader socio-political impacts of the project, including its role in desegregating the U.S. military and strengthening U.S.-Canadian relations. This documentary paints a vivid picture of how the Alaska Highway emerged not just as a road, but as a testament to human resilience and cooperation in times of crisis.
For those interested in a historical perspective, Alaska Highway (1949) is a classic documentary that chronicles the early days of the route’s existence. Produced shortly after the road’s completion, the film serves as both a record of accomplishment and a promotional tool, emphasizing the highway’s strategic and commercial importance. It illustrates how the road transformed access to the North, opening up trade, travel, and new opportunities in a region previously cut off from the rest of the continent. Though older in style and tone, Alaska Highway offers valuable context on how the road was perceived during its earliest days and reflects the optimism of the post-war period.
Despite the upcoming Netflix documentary, these earlier films have already laid a strong foundation for understanding the multifaceted legacy of the Alaska Highway. Each project presents a different angle: Alcan Highway brings a contemporary and personal story; Building the Alaska Highway offers an in-depth historical analysis; and Alaska Highway (1949) serves as an early documentary artifact that captures the significance of the road soon after its construction.
Together, these documentaries reflect the enduring fascination with the Alaska Highway. Whether viewed as a vital military route, a path of personal freedom, or a symbol of engineering excellence, the highway continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike. As Netflix prepares to add its voice to this narrative, anticipation is building for a fresh and comprehensive portrayal of the highway’s past, present, and future. The upcoming documentary could explore not only the technical and logistical challenges of building such a road, but also the lives it has touched, the cultures it connects, and the stunning natural landscapes it traverses.
In sum, while viewers await Netflix’s take on the Alaska Highway, there is already a rich archive of films that delve into its significance. From stories of human endurance to modern tales of adventure, the Alaska Highway remains one of North America’s most storied routes, well deserving of continued attention and exploration through film.
