The Great Wilderness: Northern BC's Stewart-Cassiar Highway

Start your adventure in Terrace, northwestern BC’s central hub with daily flights from Vancouver.

Browse local fare at the Skeena Valley Farmers Market then stroll through the lush forest along the Howe Creek Trail, or check out the tree carvings at Ferry Island. Adventurous hikers can tackle sub-alpine hikes in Sleeping Beauty Provincial Park and Bornite Mountain, a moderate hike that follows an old mining trail to a sub-alpine ridge where remnants of historic mining sites can be found. The peak offers panoramic views of the Skeena Valley and surrounding ranges.

Learn about The Great Wilderness’ rich history and experience the mighty Skeena River with Northern BC Jet Boat Tours. Or, treat yourself to a guided wilderness adventure with Terradise Eco-Tours . The mountain biking in Terrace is excellent and enjoyable for all levels. A short drive west on Highway 16 brings you to Extew Falls, which rewards visitors with cool mist and the roar of tumbling water.

After a day of adventure, put your feet up and enjoy a fire at Hidden Acres Treehouse Resort or relax riverside at the Skeena River House.

RV driving through the Drowned Forest in Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park.

From Terrace, take Highway 113 up the Nass Valley to the   Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisg̱a’a Park (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park). A self-guided auto tour through the area takes you to remnants of a volcanic eruption, numerous waterfalls, the tranquil Drowned Forest and the world-class Nisga’a Museum.

Drive east along Highway 16 to Kitwanga, the junction to the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. Relive history on an interpretive walking trail at Battle Hill National Historic Site before turning north onto Route 37, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway.

Side Trip: Drive an hour east on Highway 16 to the Hazeltons and visit the renowned ‘Ksan Historical Village. Learn about Gitxsan history and culture, see traditional totem carvers at work, and stroll the shore where the Bulkley and Skeena rivers meet.

‘Ksan Campground in Hazelton.

Head toward Meziadin Junction and stop along the way to enjoy a picnic, swim, or paddle at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park with its stunning natural scenery and crystal clear water. Be on the lookout for wildlife, especially black bears, which can be spotted along the highway.

From Meziadin Junction, take Highway 37A west to Stewart.

Visit the Stewart Museum, housed in a 1910 fire hall, to learn about the town’s colourful mining past. Stroll along the boardwalk for spectacular views of the Portland Canal, or stay the night at Ripley Creek Inn. Before leaving town be sure to pick up a gooey cinnamon bun at Trudy’s Temptations Bakery and Deli.

The Salmon Glacier near Stewart.

Of course, no trip up the Stewart-Cassiar would be complete without a visit to the largest vehicle-accessible glacier in the world, the Salmon Glacier. Bring your passport, as you’ll need to cross through Alaska to get there, and be sure to stop in at the Stewart Visitors’ Centre to get the road conditions.

Follow Highway 37 north from Meziadin Junction to Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park to take in sweeping views of the Todagin Mountains to the east and the Klastline Plateau to the west. A quick paddle across Natadesleen Lake brings you to the trailhead to the dramatic Cascade Falls.

Trip Option: From Tatogga Lake, take a flightseeing tour with Alpine Lakes Air over the volcanic wilderness of Mount Edziza Provincial Park. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, look into a guided expedition with Spatsizi River Adventures.

Flight seeing with Alpine Lakes Air in Mount Edziza Provincial Park | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

Trip Option: Stay at nearby Red Goat Lodge and Campground or book a flight into Cold Fish Lake Camp in the remote Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park.

Paddling at Cold Fish Lake Camp in the Spatsizi Wilderness Plateau | Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain

This region is known for its high concentration of jade. Drive north to Jade City to browse locally mined jade-based souvenirs. Take a side trip to the ghost town of Cassiar and be sure to stop at Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (Boya Lake) to swim or paddle in the vibrant aquamarine waters.

Paddlers at Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (Boya Lake) | Andrew Strain

From here, you can continue on the Great Northern Circle Route, or turn back to hit any stops you missed along the way.

Feature Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Mike Seehagel

Last updated: Feb 28, 2024