TranslateOverview
Stewart is a small, remote town of roughly 400–500 residents at the head of the Portland Canal, the northernmost deep-water fjord in North America. It sits at the far northwest corner of British Columbia, sharing its southern boundary with Hyder, Alaska — a tiny American community you can walk into without a formal border crossing, though you must clear customs on the way back into Canada.
The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Coast Mountains, ancient temperate rainforest, and some of the most accessible glaciers in North America. Highway 37A, sometimes called the Glacier Highway, connects Stewart to the Cassiar Highway about 65 km to the east, and the drive itself is considered one of the most scenic corridors in BC.
Despite its small size, Stewart draws visitors from around the world, particularly in summer, for bear viewing, glacier access, and the novelty of crossing freely into a foreign country on foot. The local economy has historically been tied to mining, and active and former mine operations are visible in the surrounding valleys.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Stewart is in Canada; Hyder, immediately adjacent, is in the United States. This means a visit to the area can technically involve two countries. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official websites of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for current entry requirements before you travel. Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
Seasonality
Highway 37A is generally open year-round, but winter driving conditions can be severe. Snow, ice, and avalanche risk are real factors from October through April. The Salmon Glacier road above Hyder may be impassable outside of summer months — verify road conditions locally or through BC's DriveBC service before heading up.
What to Pack
- Waterproof outer layers: the area receives heavy rainfall, particularly in late summer and autumn
- Bear spray if you plan to hike or visit Fish Creek (and know how to use it)
- Cash: banking services are very limited; there is no large bank branch in Stewart, and ATM availability is limited — verify locally before arriving
- Sufficient fuel: the nearest large fuel stops outside town require driving significant distances
Connectivity
Cell coverage is limited and can be unreliable. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or similar) before arriving. Satellite communicators are worth considering for backcountry travel.
Getting There
By Road
The only public road access to Stewart is Highway 37A, a two-lane paved highway branching west from the Cassiar Highway (BC Highway 37) at Meziadin Junction. The drive from the junction to Stewart is approximately 65 km and takes roughly 45–55 minutes under normal conditions. From Terrace, BC, plan for approximately 3.5–4 hours of driving. From Prince George, the journey is a full day's drive.
From Alaska
Visitors traveling the Alaska Highway or coming from Juneau via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system can approach Stewart from the north through Alaska on the Cassiar connector routes. Confirm current border crossing procedures for re-entry into Canada at Hyder/Stewart before travel.
No Scheduled Air Service
There is no scheduled commercial air service to Stewart. The nearest airports with regular service are in Smithers, BC (roughly 4 hours by road) and Terrace, BC. Charter floatplane services have operated in the region historically — verify current availability locally.
No Rail or Bus Service
There is no passenger rail or regular scheduled bus service to Stewart. Private vehicle or organized tour is the practical means of arrival.
Getting Around
Stewart is a small town and most of the townsite is walkable on foot. The walk across the invisible border into Hyder, Alaska takes only a few minutes from the town centre.
A personal vehicle is essential for visiting the Salmon Glacier, Bear Glacier, and other sites outside town. The road to the Salmon Glacier climbs steeply above Hyder and becomes a gravel mountain road — verify current conditions before driving, and ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance and tires for variable road surfaces.
There is no local public transit. Fuel is available in Stewart; confirm availability and hours locally as services in small remote communities can change.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Stewart are modest in number and range from small motels and lodges to a campground. The town has enough lodging for most traveler needs in summer, but availability is limited — book ahead, particularly if visiting during peak summer months (July and August) when glacier and bear-viewing traffic is highest.
Camping is available in and around the area. Verify campground locations, facilities, and whether reservations are required before arriving, as policies can change season to season. Some travelers use Stewart as a base while driving the Cassiar Highway and combine it with a night or two of camping along that route.
There is no large hotel chain presence in Stewart. Lodging tends to be family-run or independently operated — verify current operating status and availability directly with accommodations before your trip.
Things to See & Do
Salmon Glacier
One of the largest glaciers accessible by road in North America, the Salmon Glacier is reached by driving through Hyder and up a steep gravel road. The viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama of the glacier flowing through the mountain valley. The road is typically open in summer but conditions vary — ask locally before heading up.
Bear Glacier Provincial Park
Roughly 20 km east of Stewart along Highway 37A, Bear Glacier is a dramatic tidewater-adjacent glacier that has receded in recent decades but remains visually striking. A small lake often contains floating ice chunks calved from the glacier face. This is a roadside viewpoint easily accessible from the highway.
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site
Located just outside Hyder, Fish Creek is one of the most accessible places in North America to observe bears feeding on salmon in the wild. In late July through September, both black bears and grizzly bears are commonly seen at close range from a managed viewing platform. The US Forest Service manages the site; verify current access and any fee or permit requirements before visiting.
Hiking and Nature
The mountains around Stewart offer hiking opportunities, though trails are not as formally developed as in some other BC parks. The area is part of a temperate rainforest ecosystem and wildflower displays in early summer can be exceptional. Exercise standard bear-country precautions on any hike.
Getting "Hyderized"
A longstanding local tradition in Hyder involves visiting one of the two bars and drinking a shot of grain alcohol, after which the bartender stamps your certificate declaring you "Hyderized." This is purely a local curiosity and entirely optional.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Stewart are limited, as befits a town of its size. There are a small number of local restaurants and cafés; options in Hyder are similarly limited. Expect straightforward, hearty food — burgers, comfort meals, and diner-style fare are typical.
Grocery supplies are available in Stewart but selection is smaller than in larger centres. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, consider bringing supplies from Terrace or another larger town before arriving.
Alcohol is available in both Stewart and Hyder, though note that liquor laws differ between BC and Alaska. Hyder's bars are part of its local character and are frequented by visitors and locals alike.
Practical Information
Health and Medical
Stewart has limited medical services. The nearest hospital is in Terrace, BC. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for remote-area travel in British Columbia.
Emergency Services
For all emergencies in Canada, dial 911. In Hyder (US territory), 911 also applies. Cell coverage is unreliable — know the limitations of your device before entering backcountry areas.
Money
Bank and ATM infrastructure is very limited in Stewart. Carry sufficient cash. Some businesses accept US dollars, but do not rely on this — verify with individual vendors. Canadian dollars are the standard currency.
Time Zone Note
Stewart observes Pacific Time (BC standard). Hyder, Alaska observes Alaska Time, which is one hour behind Pacific Time during daylight saving — a small but notable difference if you are coordinating schedules across the border.
Fuel
Fuel is available in Stewart. Given the remoteness of the area, do not let your tank run low before reaching town. Confirm hours of fuel availability locally.
Safety
Wildlife
Bears — both black bears and grizzly bears — are present throughout the area and can be encountered in town, on trails, and at Fish Creek. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food properly. Respect any barriers or distance guidelines at wildlife viewing sites.
Road and Weather Conditions
Highway 37A and the roads above Hyder can be affected by snow, ice, fallen rock, and avalanche debris. Check BC's DriveBC (drivebc.ca) for current road conditions before traveling. Do not attempt the Salmon Glacier road in poor conditions or in an unsuitable vehicle.
Wilderness Preparedness
If hiking or venturing into the backcountry, inform someone of your itinerary. Cell service is not reliable. Carry a first aid kit, navigation tools, extra food and water, and a means of signaling for help. The terrain around Stewart is rugged and rescue response times can be long due to remoteness.
