Categories: Travel

Canada’s most Northerly, ice-free seaside town is in British Columbia

Photo via Shutterstock

Stewart is a breathtaking border town situated just across from Alaska’s Misty Fjords National Park, and trust us when we say it’s an other-worldly destination you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.

As Canada’s most Northerly, ice-free port, Stewart attracts visitors from across the world, who come to take in the surrounding forests, Cambria ice fields, and historic Portland Canal, according to Stewart Tourism.

The road to Stewart

Visitors from elsewhere in British Columbia can access the incredible town via the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway, AKA the window into BC’s “true North,” according to Tourism Northwest BC.

The 724-kilometre highway stretches from Route 16 at Kitwanga via Highway 37 until it reaches the BC-Yukon border. Along the way, travellers will find multiple stops at provincial and wilderness parks, remarkable wildlife, frozen waterfalls, and towering glaciers. This includes the fifth largest glacier in the world, Salmon Glacier, which is just 37 kilometres north of the town of Stewart.

Imagine driving for hours and hours with minimal to no crowds, just open wilderness and crisp, winter skies ahead. That’s exactly what you’ll find along this route!

While cell service along Highway 37 is limited, you’ll be able to unplug and enjoy stops at several charming communities along the way – Kitwanga, Stewart, Dease Lake, and Jade City.

Note that the road to the Salmon Glacier is unpaved in some sections, and technically runs through the U.S., so make sure to check any travel restrictions before your visit!

Stewart’s historic downtown

The quaint downtown is reminiscent of its mining past, with colourful wooden buildings lining the streets. The Stewart Museum paints a picture of what life was like in 1898, and it’s also worth swinging by the town’s ‘toaster museum,’ Toastworks!

Those who want to splurge on a special tour of the area can take to the skies via Yellowhead Helicopters on a magnificent heli-tour of the area’s glaciers, grizzlies, and mountain scenery.

Ready to embark on a backcountry adventure?! It’s certainly a journey to get there, but all the best experiences are worth the trek.

Happy winter adventures!