Northern BC's Stewart-Cassiar Highway

Start your adventure in Terrace, northwestern BC’s central hub with daily flights from Vancouver.

Browse local fare at the Skeena Valley Farmers Market then stroll through the lush forest along the Howe Creek Trail, or check out the tree carvings at Ferry Island. Adventurous hikers can tackle sub-alpine hikes in Sleeping Beauty Provincial Park and Bornite Mountain, a moderate hike that follows an old mining trail to a sub-alpine ridge where remnants of historic mining sites can be found. The peak offers panoramic views of the Skeena Valley and surrounding ranges.

Learn about the area’s rich history and experience the mighty Skeena River with Northern BC Jet Boat Tours. Or, treat yourself to a day of guided fishing for salmon or steelhead with Westcoast Fishing Adventures. The mountain biking in Terrace is excellent and enjoyable for all levels. A short drive down Highway 16 brings you to  Extew Falls, which rewards visitors with cool mist and the roar of tumbling water.

After a day of adventure, put your feet up and enjoy a fire at Hidden Acres Treehouse Resort or relax riverside at the Skeena River House.

Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Auto Tour | Northern BC Tourism/Jongsun Park

From Terrace, take Highway 113 up the Nass Valley to the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. A self-guided auto tour through the area takes you to remnants of a volcanic eruption, numerous waterfalls, and the tranquil Drowned Forest.

Drive east along Highway 16 to Kitwanga, the junction to the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. Relive history on an interpretive walking trail at Battle Hill National Historic Site before turning north onto Route 37, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway.

Side Trip: Drive an hour east on Highway 16 to the Hazeltons and visit the renowned ‘Ksan Historical Village. Learn about Gitxsan history and culture, see traditional totem carvers at work, and stroll the shore where the Bulkley and Skeena rivers meet.

‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Head toward Meziadin Junction and stop along the way to enjoy a picnic, swim, or paddle at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park with its stunning natural scenery and crystal clear water. Be on the lookout for wildlife, especially black bears, which can be spotted along the highway.

From Meziadin Junction, take Highway 37A west to Stewart.

Visit the Stewart Museum, housed in a 1910 fire hall, to learn about the town’s colourful mining past. Stroll along the boardwalk for spectacular views of the Portland Canal, or stay the night at Ripley Creek Inn.

Don’t forget to visit the Silverado Cafe and Pizza Parlor for seafood appetizers or pizza.  And before leaving town be sure to pick up a gooey cinnamon bun at Temptations Bakery and Deli.

Follow Highway 37 north from Meziadin Junction to Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park to take in sweeping views of the Todagin Mountains to the east and the Klastline Plateau to the west. A quick paddle across Natadesleen Lake brings you to the trailhead to the dramatic Cascade Falls.

Trip Option: From Tatogga Lake, take a flightseeing tour with Alpine Lakes Air over the volcanic wilderness of Mount Edziza Provincial Park. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, look into a horseback riding expedition with Spatsizi River Adventures.

Flight seeing with Alpine Lakes Air in Mount Edziza Provincial Park | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Trip Option: Stay at nearby Red Goat Lodge and Campground or book a flight into Cold Fish Lake Camp in the remote Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park.

Paddling at Cold Fish Lake Camp in the Spatsizi Wilderness Plateau | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

This region is known for its high concentration of jade. Drive north to Jade City to browse locally mined jade-based souvenirs. Take a side trip to the ghost town of Cassiar and be sure to stop at Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (Boya Lake) to swim or paddle in the vibrant aquamarine waters.

Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (Boya Lake). Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

From here, you can continue on the Great Northern Circle Route, or turn back to hit any stops you missed along the way.

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Feature Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Mike Seehagel

Last updated: June 1, 2021