Stewart
Stewart (population: 496) is located on the BC/Alaska border, 145 km (90 mi) inland from the Pacific Ocean at the head of Portland Canal. Across the border lies Hyder, southeast Alaska’s only road-accessible community. The breathtaking Hwy 37A, which cuts through the Coast Mountain range, links Stewart to the Stewart/Cassiar Hwy (Hwy 37).
Stewart’s colourful history has been tied to the boom-and-bust mining industry. It was named for two prospector brothers who settled on the site in 1902, and for some years it was a mining boomtown.
Sparkling lakes, thundering waterfalls, sub-alpine forests and over 20 hanging glaciers are visible from the road. Visitors to Stewart and Hyder experience nature in all its unspoiled splendor.
Watch bears feed off enormous salmon runs or visit the famous Bear Glacier, one of the few blue glaciers with the easiest access in the world. Walk on one of the hiking trails that reveal the evidence of old gold and silver mines and take visitors through a trip through the magnificent coastal forest, mountain streams and alpine meadows.
Fishing enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. Try the magnificent fishing in the numerous streams and lakes. You can observe the spawning of the rare Alaskan Chum Salmon at Fish Creek in Hyder, AK.
Or make the spectacular drive from Stewart to Hyder that goes through the Salmon River valley right up to the old Granduc mine along the Berendon Glacier. Travelers are guaranteed to see the spectacular view of Salmon Glacier, it is the fifth-largest glacier in the world (11 km/7 mi long).