Overview
Stewart is a small, remote community at the head of the Portland Canal in northwestern British Columbia, roughly 960 km north of Vancouver. It sits at the end of the only ice-free fjord on Canada's Pacific coast and is surrounded by peaks that exceed 2,700 metres, making it one of the most scenically striking small towns in Canada.
The town's population is measured in the hundreds, yet it draws a steady stream of travelers every summer because of its extraordinary concentration of accessible wilderness — glaciers, bears, and alpine terrain — within a short drive of its compact streets.
Immediately across the border lies Hyder, Alaska, a tiny unincorporated community connected to Stewart by a short road. The two settlements function as a single travel destination and the border crossing between them is informal by North American standards, though standard passport rules still apply.
Stewart has a genuine frontier character shaped by a mining history dating back to the early 1900s. The economy today mixes residual mining activity, tourism, and services for the surrounding region.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Stewart is in Canada, and crossing into Hyder means entering the United States. Travelers therefore need to satisfy both Canadian and US entry requirements. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official websites of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and US Customs and Border Protection for current requirements before booking.
When to Go
The main visitor season runs from roughly June through September. The road to Salmon Glacier (the Glacier Highway / Granduc Road) is typically snow-free and passable for regular vehicles only in summer — confirm current conditions locally or with the regional district before driving it. Winters are long, snowy, and dark; some local businesses close or reduce hours significantly outside summer.
What to Pack
- Waterproof layers: the area receives very high annual rainfall and conditions change quickly
- Bear spray (available locally or bring your own — verify airline rules if flying)
- Sturdy footwear suitable for wet, uneven terrain
- Cash, as card acceptance can be limited in very small communities
- A full tank of fuel — the nearest large service centres are far away
Connectivity
Cell coverage and internet access are limited compared with urban BC. Download offline maps and any critical information before arrival.
Getting There
By Road
The primary route is BC Highway 37A, which branches west from the Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) at Meziadin Junction and runs approximately 65 km to Stewart. This is the only paved road into town. The drive from Terrace, BC takes roughly three to four hours under normal conditions; from Prince George it is a full day's drive. Road conditions on the Cassiar Highway vary — check DriveBC before departing.
By Air
There is no scheduled commercial air service to Stewart. The nearest airports with regular commercial flights are in Terrace (Terrace-Kitimat Airport, YXT) and Prince Rupert (Prince Rupert Airport, YPR). From either point, travelers drive or arrange onward ground transport. Verify current schedules with airlines directly.
By Ferry
BC Ferries serves Prince Rupert, from which Highway 16 connects east toward the Cassiar Highway junction. The Inside Passage ferry route between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert is a scenic option but adds considerable travel time. Check BC Ferries for current schedules and reservations.
Getting Around
Stewart is a walkable town for its core streets. A vehicle is, however, effectively essential for accessing the main attractions — the Salmon Glacier road, Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site in Hyder, and the surrounding backcountry all require driving.
There is no public transit within Stewart. Car rentals are not available locally; arrange a rental vehicle in Terrace or Prince Rupert before arriving. Fuel is available in Stewart — fill up whenever possible given the remoteness of the area.
The short drive into Hyder, Alaska requires crossing the international border. Carry valid passport documentation for both the outbound and return crossings. The return crossing back into Canada is a standard CBSA port of entry.
Things to See & Do
Salmon Glacier
One of the largest glaciers accessible by road in North America, Salmon Glacier sits approximately 37 km from Stewart along the Granduc Road (also called the Glacier Highway). The viewpoint above the glacier offers a sweeping panorama of the ice field. The road is unpaved and steep in sections — check surface conditions locally before driving, and allow extra time. The glacier has been retreating visibly over recent decades, making current visits particularly notable.
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site (Hyder, Alaska)
In late July through September, chum and pink salmon push up Fish Creek and draw large concentrations of both black and grizzly bears. The US Forest Service maintains a raised boardwalk observation platform that allows close, safe viewing. Access is free; arrive early in the morning or evening for the most activity. This is widely considered one of the most accessible grizzly bear–viewing opportunities on the continent.
Bear Glacier Provincial Park
Located along Highway 37A between Meziadin Junction and Stewart, Bear Glacier is a dramatic tidewater glacier that descends almost to road level. A pullout allows roadside viewing; the turquoise meltwater lake at its base is a frequent photography subject. Do not approach the glacier edge — calving ice is hazardous.
Exploring Stewart and Hyder
The Stewart Historical Society Museum offers context on the region's mining and pioneer history — verify current opening hours locally. Walking Hyder's short main street gives a sense of the community's quirky, end-of-the-road atmosphere. The tradition of getting "Hyderized" (a local shot ritual at the local bar) is a long-standing piece of local folklore travelers often mention.
Hiking and Photography
The surrounding Coast Mountains offer significant backcountry opportunities, but most require experience and preparation. Day hikers should stick to established trails and inform someone of their plans. Wildflowers along Highway 37A are notable in June and July.
Food & Drink
Stewart's dining options are limited given its size. A small number of local restaurants and a pub serve the community; menus tend toward comfort food and Canadian standards. Do not arrive expecting a wide variety of cuisines.
Grocery supplies are available at a local store, though selection is more limited and prices are higher than in larger centres — a common reality in remote northern BC communities. If you have specific dietary requirements, carry supplementary provisions from Terrace or Prince Rupert.
Hyder has at least one bar that has operated for many years and is part of the local social fabric. Hours and current operation should be confirmed locally.
Practical Information
Medical and Emergency Services
Stewart has very limited medical infrastructure for a community of its size. Serious medical emergencies typically require evacuation to Terrace or further. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is strongly advisable. For emergencies in Canada, dial 911. For emergencies in Hyder (US side), also use 911, though response resources in such a remote Alaska community are limited.
Money
Bring Canadian cash. Some businesses accept credit cards, but connectivity issues can affect card terminals. ATM availability is limited — verify locally.
Fuel
Fuel is available in Stewart. Because the nearest communities with reliable services are hours away, fill up before departing in any direction.
Border Crossing Hours
The crossing between Stewart and Hyder is a small port of entry. Crossing hours and procedures may differ from major crossings — verify current hours with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before planning a late-night visit to Hyder.
Wildlife Awareness
Black bears and grizzly bears are present in and around both Stewart and Hyder. Store food securely, do not leave attractants in vehicles or outside overnight, and carry bear spray when hiking.
Safety
Stewart is a small, generally low-crime community. The principal safety considerations are environmental rather than social.
Wildlife encounters are a real possibility within and around town. Bears are regularly seen on the outskirts of Stewart and along area roads. Maintain safe distances, never approach wildlife, and follow BC Parks and US Forest Service guidance at viewing sites.
Driving hazards include narrow, winding roads; wildlife on the road; rapidly changing weather; and the absence of services or cell coverage over long stretches. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle — including warm clothing, water, and a basic first-aid kit — whenever driving remote roads in this region.
Weather can deteriorate quickly at any time of year. In higher elevations, summer snowfall is possible. Check forecasts regularly and do not attempt the Salmon Glacier road in marginal weather conditions.
