TranslateOverview
Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder, Alaska, occupy the head of the Portland Canal — one of North America's longest fjords — and together form one of the most unusual border communities on the continent. The two towns are separated only by a short stretch of road; crossing between them requires no checkpoint on the US side and only a simple Canadian customs station when returning to Stewart. The combined population is small, numbering in the hundreds, yet the area attracts travelers from around the world.
The surrounding landscape is dominated by Coast Mountains, hanging glaciers, dense boreal and coastal temperate rainforest, and the Salmon River valley. The region sits within the traditional territory of the Nisga'a and Tahltan peoples, and its modern non-Indigenous history is rooted in mining — most visibly in the ruins of the Granduc and Premier mines and the historic Granby smelter site.
What draws most contemporary visitors is the accessible wildlife. Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, just outside Hyder, offers a viewing platform where black and grizzly bears regularly feed on spawning chum and pink salmon during summer and early autumn. Few places in North America allow this level of safe, close-range bear observation from a managed platform. Bald eagles, moose, wolves, and mountain goats are also regularly seen in the area.
The Salmon Glacier — reachable via the unpaved Salmon River Road above Hyder — is one of the largest glaciers accessible by road in North America. Views are genuinely spectacular, and the road is typically drivable by standard vehicles in dry summer conditions, though it requires caution.
Before You Go
Passports and Border Crossing
Both a valid passport and, for non-Canadian visitors, any required Canadian entry documentation are essential. Entering Hyder from Stewart is effectively open — there is historically no US customs presence at the Hyder entry — but returning to Canada through Stewart requires passing through Canadian Border Services. This means all visitors must meet Canadian entry requirements. Do not assume the open US entry means border rules can be bypassed. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official websites of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for current requirements before travel.
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage in this corridor is limited and can be unreliable. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or similar) before you arrive. Some local businesses offer Wi-Fi; verify availability on arrival.
Vehicle and Road Readiness
Many roads in the area, including the Salmon River Road to Salmon Glacier, are unpaved and can be rough or muddy. A vehicle with good clearance is advisable, though many travelers make the drive in standard cars during dry conditions. Carry a spare tire, water, and basic supplies. Check road conditions locally before heading up.
Supplies and Fuel
Stewart has a small grocery store, fuel station, and basic services. Hyder has very limited services. Stock up on fuel and any specialty supplies in Stewart, or better yet in Terrace or Prince Rupert before the drive in.
Getting There
By Road from Canada
The primary access route is BC Highway 37A (the Stewart-Cassiar connector), which branches west off Highway 37 (Cassiar Highway) near Meziadin Junction. The drive from Meziadin Junction to Stewart is approximately 65 km and passes through the Bear Glacier Provincial Park corridor, where the Bear Glacier and its meltwater lake are visible directly from the highway — a striking sight in its own right. The highway is paved and generally well-maintained.
From the south, the most common approach is via Prince Rupert or Terrace on BC Highway 16, then north on Highway 37 to Meziadin Junction. The total drive from Terrace is roughly 340 km. From the north, travelers coming down the Alaska Highway or Cassiar Highway simply head south on Highway 37 to the junction.
By Air
There is no scheduled commercial air service to Stewart or Hyder. The nearest airports with regular service are in Terrace (YXT) and Prince Rupert (YPR), both in British Columbia. Charter floatplane service has historically operated to the area; verify availability and current operators locally or through regional tourism contacts.
No Ferry Access
Despite being at the head of a navigable inlet, there is no regular passenger ferry service to Stewart or Hyder. The Alaska Marine Highway System does not extend this far up the Portland Canal.
Getting Around
There is no public transit in Stewart or Hyder. A personal vehicle is essentially required to explore the area fully, particularly for reaching the Salmon Glacier viewpoint, Fish Creek, and the various trailheads and viewpoints scattered along the valley.
The distance between downtown Stewart and the US border into Hyder is very short — walkable for most visitors. Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is a few kilometres outside Hyder along the Salmon River Road and is reachable on foot, though most visitors drive. The road to the Salmon Glacier viewpoint climbs steeply and covers a much greater distance — walking the full route is not practical for most visitors.
Some visitors choose to join guided tours departing from Terrace or Prince Rupert, which handle transportation and provide naturalist interpretation. If driving yourself, a detailed paper map or pre-downloaded offline map is strongly recommended given the cell coverage gaps.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Stewart is limited but functional. The town has a small number of motels, lodges, and bed-and-breakfast-style properties. During the peak summer season — particularly late July and August when wildlife viewing is at its best — accommodations can fill quickly. Book well in advance for summer visits.
Hyder has historically had very limited accommodation; options there are minimal. Most visitors base themselves in Stewart.
RV and vehicle camping is popular, and there are campsite options in the area. BC Parks manages sites in the region; check the BC Parks website for reservation availability and current campground status. Some travelers camp informally, but bear country protocols (bear canisters, proper food storage, understanding of local regulations) must be followed rigorously in this area.
Verify all accommodation options and current availability through local tourism resources or booking platforms, as properties in small remote communities can change ownership or close seasonally.
Things to See & Do
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site
This US Forest Service-managed platform, located just outside Hyder, is one of the premier bear-viewing locations in North America. During the salmon run — generally peaking in late July through August — black bears and grizzly bears congregate at the creek to feed, often within a short distance of the viewing platform. The site is staffed by a wildlife interpreter during peak season. Arrive early in the morning or in the evening for the highest bear activity. Check current conditions and any access advisories with the US Forest Service before visiting.
Salmon Glacier
The Salmon River Road above Hyder climbs to viewpoints overlooking the Salmon Glacier, part of the larger Boundary Ranges icefield straddling the Canada-US border. The glacier is one of the largest accessible by road in North America. The road is unpaved and demands careful driving; conditions vary by season and recent weather. The views of crevassed blue ice pouring between mountain walls are genuinely impressive. The road also passes through an area with additional wildlife sighting opportunities.
Bear Glacier
On BC Highway 37A between Meziadin Junction and Stewart, the Bear Glacier and its striking turquoise-blue proglacial lake are visible from the road. This is a compelling stop on any drive into the area. Note that the glacier has been retreating significantly in recent decades — the lake itself has grown as the ice has pulled back.
Hiking
The area offers hiking opportunities ranging from short walks to more demanding backcountry routes. Trails include routes in the Clements Lake area and approaches to various mountain viewpoints. Trail conditions and access can vary; check with BC Parks and local sources for current information. Bear awareness and proper food storage practices are essential on all backcountry outings in this region.
Local History
Stewart has a small local museum covering the mining and pioneer history of the area. The town's streets retain a number of historic buildings. Hyder, at its peak a small mining boom town, retains a frontier character. The town is known informally for the tradition of "getting Hyderized" — a ceremonial shot of spirits offered at the local bar — though travelers should exercise their own judgment about participation.
Food & Drink
Dining options are limited in both towns, which is worth factoring into your planning. Stewart has a small number of restaurants and a cafe offering standard diner-style and comfort food. Seasonal hours and closures are common; hours can shift with tourism volume, so verify on arrival.
Hyder has very limited food service — historically a bar and a small number of informal options. Do not rely on Hyder for a full meal without confirming current businesses are operating.
Self-catering is a practical strategy for many visitors. Stewart has a grocery store where basic supplies can be purchased. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, stock up thoroughly in Terrace or Prince Rupert before making the drive in, as selection in Stewart is limited by the town's size and remote supply logistics.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Stewart has a small RCMP detachment, a medical clinic, and fire services. For serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital with significant capacity is in Terrace — a drive of several hours. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for visitors to remote areas of BC.
Hyder, being in Alaska, falls under US jurisdiction for emergency services. Call 911 on either side of the border for emergencies; be aware of response time limitations in such a remote location.
Currency and Banking
Stewart has a bank and ATM. Hyder has no bank; bring US cash if you intend to spend money there, though some Hyder businesses accept Canadian currency. Verify exchange rates and card acceptance with individual businesses.
Internet and Phone
Cell service is limited and can drop entirely in parts of the valley and on the Salmon Glacier road. Download everything you need offline before arrival. Satellite-based emergency communication devices (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach) are worth considering for backcountry excursions.
Bear Safety
This is genuine grizzly and black bear country. Even in town, bears move through the area, particularly during salmon season. Follow all posted guidelines, never feed or approach bears, store food and scented items properly, and carry bear spray and know how to use it. Attend any ranger or interpreter briefings available at Fish Creek.
Safety
The Stewart-Hyder area is a remote wilderness corridor. The most significant safety considerations are environmental rather than social — the community is small and generally safe by typical crime metrics, but the surrounding landscape demands respect.
Wildlife: Bears, moose, and other large mammals are present throughout the area year-round. Bears are especially active and concentrated near Fish Creek during salmon season. Maintain safe distances, never approach wildlife, and follow bear-safe food storage practices at all times. Carry bear spray when hiking.
Road and driving hazards: Unpaved mountain roads can be slippery when wet, prone to rockfall, and challenging in low visibility. Drive slowly, use pullouts, and watch for wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk. The drive on the Salmon River Road to the glacier requires particular attention.
Weather: Conditions can change rapidly in coastal mountain terrain. Fog, rain, and early-season or late-season snowfall at elevation are possible even in summer. Layer clothing appropriately and carry rain gear.
Remoteness: Medical and rescue response times are long. Trip plan with someone not on the trip, carry communication devices for backcountry excursions, and do not underestimate distances or terrain.
