RoadAtlas
Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada — Adventure
North America

Stewart-Cassiar Highway

Canada

In short: Stewart-Cassiar Highway is a 740 km adventure road trip in Canada, typically driven over 4–5 days, best in Jun–Sep. Highlights: Kitwanga Junction, Gitanyow, Meziadin Junction.

Distance
740 km
Duration
4–5 days
Best Season
Jun–Sep
IconicModerateAdventure

Cut from dense forest in the 1970s through the wildest and most isolated territory in British Columbia, following trails used by gold prospectors, loggers, and miners. Grizzly bears, ghost towns, ancient totem poles, lava fields, and the staggering Salmon Glacier await.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Roughly 20 percent of the highway remains unpaved and chip-seal sections produce flying debris; a gravel guard and two spare tires are strongly recommended. Fuel stops can exceed 200km apart and cell coverage is virtually nonexistent along most of the route, so carry satellite communication and extra provisions.
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Stops along the route

Kitwanga Junction — Departure — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Departure
Kitwanga Junction
Where BC-37 leaves the Yellowhead Highway. The Gitxsan village of Gitwangak and Battle Hill National Historic Site rise above the Skeena River.
Hotels
Dease Lake — City — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
City
Dease Lake
The highway's remote heart, framed by the volcanic Rainbow and Spectrum Ranges whose multi-coloured peaks owe their hues to hydrothermal activity.
Hotels
Telegraph Creek — City — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
City
Telegraph Creek
A detour down a one-lane cliff road into the Stikine Canyon. Gold Rush telegraph station and boomtown remnants sit intact and almost entirely unvisited.
Hotels
Watson Lake — Arrival — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Arrival
Watson Lake
The Alaska Highway junction and Sign Post Forest, where over 100,000 hometown signs from around the world mark the Cassiar's northern terminus.
Hotels

Things to Do

Landmark
Gitanyow
A living Gitxsan village with some of the oldest standing totem poles in the world, over 150 years old and still on their original sites.
Meziadin Junction — Landmark — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Landmark
Meziadin Junction
The turn-off for the Stewart spur road. Meziadin Lake fills a deep glacial valley and the road west leads to one of Canada's most dramatic glacier drives.
Salmon Glacier — Nature — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Nature
Salmon Glacier
One of the largest road-accessible glaciers in North America, viewed from a ridge above Stewart. Fish Creek below draws grizzlies to salmon runs each August.
Bell II Lodge — Landmark — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Landmark
Bell II Lodge
An isolated fuel and rest stop mid-highway, deep in the Skeena Mountains. Heli-skiing outfitters operate from here in winter across vast untracked terrain.
Bear Glacier Provincial Park — Nature — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Nature
Bear Glacier Provincial Park
Witness the stunning Bear Glacier descending towards Strohn Lake, accessible via Highway 37A.
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site — Wildlife Viewing — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Wildlife Viewing
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site
Observe black and grizzly bears feeding on salmon during July and August.
Jade City — Landmark — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Landmark
Jade City
Explore the family-run jade mining operation and shop for unique jade souvenirs.
Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park — Nature — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Nature
Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park
Enjoy camping and fishing with spectacular northern scenery at Kinaskan Lake.

Where to Eat

Bell II Lodge Restaurant — Canadian — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Canadian
Bell II Lodge Restaurant
Offers hearty meals in a rustic setting, perfect for travelers seeking comfort food along the highway.
Local Diner
Tatogga Lake Resort Restaurant
Serves home-cooked meals with a view of Tatogga Lake, a cozy stop for breakfast or dinner.
Kinaskan Lake Lodge Restaurant — Seafood — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
Seafood
Kinaskan Lake Lodge Restaurant
Known for its fresh fish dishes and serene lakeside dining experience.
Dease Lake Inn Restaurant — American — Stewart-Cassiar Highway — Canada
American
Dease Lake Inn Restaurant
Provides classic American fare with generous portions, ideal for refueling during your journey.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway drive?

The Stewart-Cassiar Highway covers 740 km from start to finish.

How long does the Stewart-Cassiar Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4–5 days on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?

The recommended season for the Stewart-Cassiar Highway is Jun–Sep.

Where does the Stewart-Cassiar Highway start and end?

The Stewart-Cassiar Highway runs from Kitwanga Junction to Watson Lake.

What are the main stops on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?

The Stewart-Cassiar Highway passes through Kitwanga Junction, Gitanyow, Meziadin Junction.

Can I drive the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Stewart-Cassiar Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, based on its 740 km length.

Is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway safe to drive?

Roughly 20 percent of the highway remains unpaved and chip-seal sections produce flying debris; a gravel guard and two spare tires are strongly recommended. Fuel stops can exceed 200km apart and cell coverage is virtually nonexistent along most of the route, so carry satellite communication and extra provisions.

What scenic tier is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?

The Stewart-Cassiar Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.