Adventure Meets Serenity: 13 Things to Do In Stewart, BC

In the pristine wilderness of northern British Columbia, the charming town of Stewart awaits those seeking an unforgettable adventure. Known for its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich history, this tranquil escape offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and serene relaxation. With a population of just over 500, this small historic mining town is a gateway to adventure. From hiking through ancient forests to fishing in crystal-clear rivers, there is no shortage of things to do in Stewart, BC. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this picturesque town is sure to rejuvenate your spirit.

Located at the head of the famous Portland Canal, Stewart is Canada’s most northerly ice free port. It’s a little-known treasure in northwest British Columbia. From helicopter tours to scenic highways, there are surprisingly many exciting things to do in Stewart, BC.

Northern BC Road Trip: Follow along with our Northern BC road trip with all my comprehensive travel guides! After making our way to Prince Rupert on the Inside Passage Ferry, we road-tripped through Northeast British Columbia to Terrace and the Nass Valley, Stewart and Kitimat. See the road trip itinerary for all the details.

History of Stewart

Northern British Columbia is home to a number of remote and rugged towns, but few can match the frontier spirit of Stewart. Located on the Alaskan border, this town owes its existence to the brave pioneers who settled here and the rich history they left behind.

Originally the hunting grounds of the Nisga’a people who inhabited lands around the Nass River., the Portland Canal was first explored by Westerners in 1793 by George Vancouver.

In 1898, the first 65 settlers arrived in the area, mostly prospectors in search of gold and other precious minerals. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Stewart brothers in 1902 that the town began to take shape, and in 1905, Robert M. Stewart, the first postmaster, gave the town its name.

Gold and silver mining dominated the early economy, fueled by the discovery of rich silver veins in nearby Hyder, Alaska. At its peak prior to World War I, Stewart boasted a population of around 10,000, which has since declined to its current population of 500.

How to Get to Stewart

Stewart may not be the easiest town to get to, but it does make for an epic road trip. If flying, you will likely have to fly to Vancouver (YVR) and then find a connecting flight to Terrace (YXT). You will still have a four-hour drive from the Terrace airport to Stewart.

However, the drive will likely fly by as the Highway 16 route is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Stewart is also located across the border from Alaska, so many people like to combine this stop with a trip to the quaint town of Hyder, Alaska (the easternmost point of Alaska that can be reached via car).

The Best Time to Visit Stewart

The best time to visit Stewart is during summer, specifically July and August. You can expect temperatures to range from 10 to 16 degrees Celsius, which is great for getting outside and exploring.

Your chances of spotting wildlife are also much higher during these months. The salmon return to Fish Creek in late July and, therefore, attracts bears and eagles.

The Best Things To Do in Stewart, BC

Here are the 12 best things to do in Stewart to help you plan an amazing getaway!

1. Watch Wildlife From Fish Creek Viewing Platform

Perhaps the most popular thing to do near Stewart is observe the grizzlies from the Fish Creek Viewing Platform in a remote section of the Tongass National Forest.

Located just 10 minutes from the Stewart Visitor Centre in Hyder, Alaska, wildlife enthusiasts can safely view the bears fishing in the river from above. Hyder is located on a small strip of the US that is mostly surrounded by British Columbia and is the most southern community in Alaska that can be reached by car.

From July to early September, Fish Creek becomes a bustling hub of activity as salmon make their way upstream to spawn. The salmon attracts a host of predators, including black and grizzly bears, wolves, and eagles. This is a prime opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to witness nature at its most raw and captivating.

To catch a glimpse of the bears in action, visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or at dusk when the animals are most active. As the salmon run slows in early September, bear sightings become less frequent.

For photographers, I recommend you stake out a spot on the platform and wait for the wildlife. The viewing platform is open during July and August, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

2. Take a Heli-Tour

It doesn’t get much more adventurous than taking a Helicopter tour over the rugged terrain of British Columbia. Yellowhead Helicopters offers three different tours ranging from 20 to 40 minute flights.

During each flight, you’ll fly over waterfalls, the Cambria Ice Fields, glaciers, lush meadows, and mountains. You may even get lucky and spot a grizzly or two!

3. Drive to Salmon Glacier

Salmon Glacier, located near Stewart and Hyder, is the world’s largest road-accessible glacier and the fifth-largest glacier in Canada. It is a breathtaking natural wonder! Today, as temperatures rise and the glaciers begin to melt, visitors can witness the spectacular formation that has been revealed.

For those seeking an even closer look, a self-guided sightseeing tour along Salmon Glacier Road is a must. Originally built to connect Stewart to mining interests, this scenic drive offers stunning views of the glacier and its surroundings. Beyond the bear viewing platform, the road winds its way to the summit viewpoint, where visitors can enjoy a perfect view of the area and picnic. 

Although the Salmon Glacier is a sight, the drive to get there is also an adventure. The Granduc Mine Road is a 37 km gravel road leading right to the glacier. The road is rough, with plenty of potholes and no guardrails, so drive slowly and carefully.

However, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views throughout the entire drive. After one hour or so and a climb of over 4,000 ft, you’ll reach the overlook of the Salmon Glacier.

Insider Tip: Make sure you have a spare full-size tire. We and another group had flat tires from this road, and you have to return to Terrace to get a repair. 

We camped overnight at the glacier to see it at sunrise and sunset.

4. Go Fishing

Wild Northern Adventures offers several options for fishing charters in Stewart. Visitors can choose from 4, 8, and 12-hour charters to share with four other family members or friends.

Make sure to pack layers, snacks (or meals), your tidal fishing license, sunscreen, and your camera for this exciting adventure.

5. Take a Sightseeing Cruise

If fishing is not your thing, but you still want to explore the Portland Canal, Wild Northern Adventures also offers one-hour sightseeing cruises. You’ll have a unique view of Stewart from the water and many opportunities to observe birds, bears, and maybe even whales!

6. Take a Hike

There are several hikes to choose from in and near Stewart that are sure to be amazing! For those looking for a challenge, head to the Ore Mountain trailhead. This 11km trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake at the end. It’s important to note that it is not well-maintained and difficult due to the elevation gain, but beautiful nonetheless.

8. Tour the Stewart Museum

History lovers will love a stop at the Stewart Museum. This quaint historical museum is open year-round (with reduced winter hours) and is chalked full of interesting information. The staff members are knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions which leads to a pleasant visit.

9. Visit Hyder, Alaska

Although several of these activities on this list are actually located in Hyder, it’s worth it to spend some time exploring the actual town of Hyder. As stated previously, Hyder is just across the border in Alaska. It’ll only take 10 minutes to get there.

In Hyder, you can check out some of the gold rush-era saloons, place a dollar on the $20,000 wall, or visit the quirky toaster museum.

Hyder has a local tradition where guests can choose to get Hyderized by consuming a shot of 151 Proof Everclear.

10. Paddle or Swim in the Nearby Lakes

Grab your inflatable paddle board and spend a day out on the water! Just 10 minutes from the town center, you’ll find Clements Lake Recreation Site, a great place for a paddle, swim, or picnic. If you are up for a longer road trip, drive 49 minutes northeast to reach Meziadin Lake Provincial Park.

11. Meziadin Fish Ladder

The Meziadin Fish Ladder is a unique stop during your Stewart getaway. This concrete passageway is located just downstream from Meziadin Lake and is a great place for more wildlife viewing.

During late summer, visitors can witness large chinook and sockeye salmon leaping into the air as they navigate the ladder. But it’s not just the fish that draw visitors to this spot – grizzly and black bears, eagles, moose, and wolves are also frequent visitors, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Meziadin River Fish Ladder has a rich cultural and historical significance, known as Lak-an-Zoq by the Nisga’a and Gitanyow people.

Today, visitors can see seasonal fishing camps and smokehouses along the north bank of the Meziadin River, and the use of traditional dipnet fishing methods by the Gitanyow. All the salmon they catch goes to the community for food.

The original fish ladder was built in 1914 to help salmon navigate through Victoria Falls and was replaced with the current ladder in 1966. Today, over 200,000 fish are counted each season, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of the Nass River Sockeye Salmon run.

12. Bear Glacier

Bear Glacier Park is a 542-hectare paradise for outdoor lovers. After arriving from Highway 37, you’ll see the famous Bear Glacier in the distance, surrounded by waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and Strohn Lake at the base.

The history of the area is just as fascinating as the glacier itself. In the 1940s, ice filled the entire pass, but as the glacier began to retreat, Strohn Lake was formed in the exposed basin. The glacier continued to recede over the years, and in 1967, it melted away from the valley wall, causing Strohn Lake to be no longer dammed.

Today, visitors can stop at a viewing point to take in the magnificent views of the glacier

13. Estuary Boardwalk

If you are looking for more of a stroll, head to the estuary boardwalk right next to the visitor centre. This flat and easy trail across the tidal flats gives visitors the perfect opportunity to bird-watch and check out local plants.

The boardwalk allows visitors to explore the rich estuary at the head of the Portland Canal. Over 100 species of birds have been observed at this location, which is popular with bird watchers. It is best to walk in the early morning hours or the late evening hours to see the birds.

Where to Stay in Stewart

Stewart offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to rustic lodges, providing visitors with a comfortable and authentic experience of the region.

Ripley Creek Inn

The Ripley Creek Inn has various guest options, from the main Inn to renovated historic buildings. In this quaint inn, every room has its own unique design. Some of the historic buildings originated as prospectors’ cabins, old stores, lodges, and even a former brothel! 

Located in the heart of Stewart, the Ripley Creek Inn is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of northern British Columbia.

Where to Eat in Stewart

Although the options are pretty limited, you’ll still be able to find a couple of restaurants for a bite to eat. However, if you are gluten-free, I recommend packing your own dinner and lunches. 

Trudy’s Temptations Bakery & Deli

Trudy’s is open Wednesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a great place to stop for breakfast or a light lunch. I was able to get a gluten-free option here (Hashbrowns, eggs, and bacon), but they also have bagels and other baked goods. I’ve heard the salmon cream cheese is delicious!

 Silverado Cafe and Pizza Parlour

Silverado Cafe is the go-to place for dinner after a day full of adventures. This small pizza parlour is only open between the hours of 4 and 8 (Thursday to Tuesday), and serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and other dinner plates.

FAQ’s about visiting Stewart, BC

I hope that you have been inspired to explore the beauty of this unique destination. So why not plan your next adventure to Stewart and discover the magic for yourself?

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