Things To Do
Stewart and the surrounding Northern British Columbia region offer a vastly diverse landscape filled with outdoor recreation possibilities, not to mention easy access to Alaska.
The town's relative isolation adds to its charm as a very special place of untouched wilderness and exception wildlife.
View Alaskan brown grizzlies and black bears at Fish Creek, saltwater fish for all five species of Pacific salmon, snowmobile deep-powder alpine bowls, or learn some local history at Stewart's Historical Museum or on a walking tour of local historic buildings.
Summer is a popular time to visit Stewart, as bear watching is best during the July-August salmon run and glaciers are easily accessed on scenic drives. Fish Creek, just a few minutes drive across the American border, offers incredibly close viewings of Alaskan brown grizzlies and black bears in their natural environment eating spawning salmon. Bears are also a common sight on many of the area's hiking trails, but remember to always keep a safe distance.
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Hyder and Salmon Glacier
Take a drive to Hyder, Alaska, "the friendliest ghost town in Alaska," or even farther to Salmon Glacier. Hyder is even smaller than Stewart and distinctly American. Continue down Hyder's main road to view Salmon Glacier, the fifth largest glacier in the world, as well as the old Granduc Mine, once the main location for mining activity in the area.
Water Activities
Stewart's saltwater and freshwater fishing is impressive and easily accessible. Prize saltwater catches include all five species of the Pacific salmon, halibut, shrimp, prawns and crab. Lake and river fishing is found farther south, where Highway 37A meets Highway 37.
Hiking
Hike a challenging intermediate-to-advanced trail, or stroll the boardwalk through the tidelands behind the Stewart Visitor Centre. Along the boardwalk, view the remnants of old pilings in the water, which were once the foundation of an old highway and railway track to Hyder. Bird watching from the boardwalk is great. Watch for resident geese, but be aware that they will defend their territory.
Winter Activities
There is no shortage of snowfall in the Stewart area, and some houses become entirely snowed-in during the winter months. As a result of such heavy snowfall, winter sports in Stewart are incredible. Snowmobiling in the vast mountain and glacial terrain is a favourite pastime with locals, as are backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Stewart also has a heli-skiing operator that offers hundreds of fresh, deep powder runs.
Where to Start
Contact the Stewart Visitor Centre for the most comprehensive information about things to do in Stewart and the surrounding area. The Visitor Centre is open daily in the summertime, but is closed in the winter.
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