Day 1 – Arrival in Stewart
This morning, after a delicious breakfast in Prince Rupert, you’ll continue onto Stewart. This remote town, lies on the Alaskan border and has a population of around 500. The final 40km to Stewart take you along the famous Glacier Highway, winding through a beautiful valley with high, snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers and tumbling waterfalls. You will soon pass Bear Glacier, where you can stop to admire the views and stretch your legs, before arriving in Stewart. Your accommodation is made up of several restored heritage buildings, each with their own unique character, with a popular café located just across the street.
Day 2 – Visit Hyder, Alaska
Today you’ll cross the border to find the abandoned ghost town of Hyder, a quirky Alaskan outpost nestled in the remote wilderness. The dusty streets are lined with run-down wooden buildings, like something out of an old western, and although it’s quite faded and run down on the surface, it’s full of charm and character. Here, you’ll find the Fish Creek Observation Site, which is one of the best places to spot black and brown bears. In the months of July and August, the salmon run takes place in the river, when thousands of salmon return from the ocean and swim upstream, returning to their birthplace. This is a great time to observe the bears catching their next meal from the river and there are boardwalks where you can safely watch them in action.
Visit the Salmon Glacier
If you’re looking for more to see after Fish Creek, you can drive another 20km along a winding road, passing waterfalls across the border back into Canada to see the Salmon Glacier. This is the fifth largest glacier in North America and easily accessible from the road. From the viewpoint you’ll have an incredible view looking down over the icy blue glacier, that flows through the mountains like a frozen river.
Day 3 – Departure from Stewart
Today you’ll say goodbye to the Alaskan border, leaving the cooler temperatures behind you and descending towards the centre of British Colombia. Heading to nearby Smithers, you could follow the Totem Pole Route to Prince George, passing colourful totem poles and traditional First Nations villages.
Accommodation
