Alaska

To bring a rifle or shotgun across the border basically requires you fill out a form, pay a fee and declare it as you cross the border. The problem would be trying to bring a handgun across.

On the subject of handguns moving through Canada, thanks to all who replied.  The bear repellent sounds promising; various articles I've seen seem to bear that out.  (Sorry, couldn't resist ). But my main interest in handguns is in repelling the two-legged variety of predators.

Originally posted by Leo B We hope to in the next few years. Some people we know did it by taking the big Ferry boat out of Washington up to alaska then toured arouind in their camper and took the ferry back down to the states. Saves some serious driving and Canadian (sorry) gas prices.

We got a quote for a 35 hr ferry ride from the Seattle area to Ketchikan, nearest point in Alaska they went to- for the r-pod and a Toyota FJC it was $4400 round trip   And that was without a cabin- if you want that it is roughly another $500.  And NO they won't let you stay in your r-pod.
Other catch was they say it is booked up by Feb for summer travel.
We wanted to go on our 30 day out west trip we just returned from but decline to pay that kind of money for the ferry.
 
Still trying to figure out what to do about the pesky Canadian handgun laws....wife and I both carry 100% of the time where we are allowed, which is most states.  I could agree to not taking handguns into Canada, taking the trusty 12 gauge for that portion of the trip, but the big question is what do you do with them in the meantime so you have them when you return?

I was going to say, mail it to yourself in AK (option 4).  Not sure if you can send it to General Delivery, though, or what paperwork may be required.

My nephew in Alaska inherited a handgun from his grandfather here in the lower 48 and the only way it could be shipped is from one gun store here in lower 48 to ship it to another licensed gun store in Alaska...