Stewart-Cassiar Highway
Canada
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- 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.
- 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
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
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Where to Eat
- Bell II Lodge RestaurantCanadian
Offers hearty meals in a rustic setting, perfect for travelers seeking comfort food along the highway.
- Tatogga Lake Resort RestaurantLocal Diner
Serves home-cooked meals with a view of Tatogga Lake, a cozy stop for breakfast or dinner.
- Kinaskan Lake Lodge RestaurantSeafood
Known for its fresh fish dishes and serene lakeside dining experience.
- Dease Lake Inn RestaurantAmerican
Provides classic American fare with generous portions, ideal for refueling during your journey.
Things to Do
- Bear Glacier Provincial ParkNature
Witness the stunning Bear Glacier descending towards Strohn Lake, accessible via Highway 37A.
- Fish Creek Wildlife Observation SiteWildlife Viewing
Observe black and grizzly bears feeding on salmon during July and August.
- Jade CityLandmark
Explore the family-run jade mining operation and shop for unique jade souvenirs.
- Kinaskan Lake Provincial ParkNature
Enjoy camping and fishing with spectacular northern scenery at Kinaskan Lake.
Travel advisory
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.