Stewart Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive guide to Stewart, Northern British Columbia, and discover the best places to visit, eat, stay and things to do in the area.


Introduction to Stewart

Nestled in the northern region of British Columbia, Stewart is a picturesque town situated in the wilderness of Canada’s North. It is surrounded by majestic mountains, glaciers, and vast national parks, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this pristine region.

Stewart, BC, has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back over 10,000 years. The indigenous peoples, Nisga’a and Tlingit, considered this area as a vital fishing and hunting ground. Later, European traders arrived in search of furs and gold. Today, Stewart is a popular destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

List of Places to Visit in Stewart

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Stewart has a rich past which is steeped in history. Learn about the area’s culture and heritage by visiting the following museums and historical places:

  • Stewart Museum: Explore the town’s past and learn about its indigenous culture, fur trading, and gold rush history in this small, but fascinating museum.
  • Bear Glacier: A spectacular site located approximately 25 miles from Stewart. This massive glacier has retreated over the last few decades, but it is still an impressive sight to behold.
  • Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park: This park is located just a few miles towards the southeast of Stewart, and it is home to the remnants of volcanic activity that occurred some 250 years ago.

Natural Attractions of Stewart: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Stewart’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Visitors can explore the surrounding area and marvel at the stunning alpine scenery, wildlife, and coastlines. Here are some of the top places to visit in the town:

  • Salmon Glacier: Located approximately 37 miles north of Stewart, the Salmon Glacier offers visitors an opportunity to witness one of the largest glaciers in North America.
  • Bear River Estuary: A coastal estuary located near Stewart, the Bear River Estuary is an excellent place for bird watching, hiking, and picnicking.
  • Hyder, Alaska: A small town located across the border in Alaska, Hyder is known for its fish viewing platforms at Fish Creek and exploring the Bear Observatory at Hyder.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stewart

Stewart offers numerous hiking and biking trails with stunning alpine scenery. Some popular routes include:

  • Hudson Bay Mountain: This mountain, located near Smithers, offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
  • Bear Glacier: The hike to Bear Glacier provides spectacular views of the glacier’s stunning blue colour and surrounding alpine terrain.
  • Salmon River Trail: Open from June to September, the scenic Salmon River Trail is a popular destination for hikers seeking an easy day trip.

Best Things to Do in Stewart: Activities and Tours

Stewart has plenty to offer visitors apart from its cultural and historical attractions and hiking/biking routes. Here are some of the best activities and tours in the town:

  • Helicopter Tours: Take in a bird’s eye view of Stewart’s stunning alpine scenery and surrounding glaciers on a helicopter tour.
  • Bear watching: Take a guided tour to view the brown and black bears that call this region home.
  • Fishing: Cast your line into the lakes and streams around Stewart to catch trout, Atlantic salmon, and other freshwater fish.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stewart

With plenty to see and do, a one-week itinerary may be the perfect way to discover everything Stewart has to offer. Here is a seven-day itinerary for your trip to Stewart:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Stewart and check into your hotel. Visit the Stewart Museum.
2 Explore the Bear River Estuary, hike to the Rainbow Ridge trail.
3 Take a helicopter tour around the area, fish for the afternoon.
4 Hike to Bear Glacier, explore the region surrounding the glacier.
5 Visiting the Lava Bed Provincial Park, check out the view of the Nass River from Four Mile Hill.
6 Visit Hyder, Alaska, explore Fish Creek and heading to the observatory.
7 Head back home from Stewart.

Food and Drink Scene of Stewart

Must-Try Dishes

Stewart’s remote location does not consign it to subpar culinary life. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting the area:

  • Arctic Char: A popular dish from the area’s freshwater rivers and lakes.
  • Smoked Meats: Sample delicious smoked meats, including beef, pork, and salmon, among others.
  • Bannock: A traditional Indigenous frybread, definitely have this while in BC.

Local Beverages

When visiting Stewart, you must try the local beers and cocktails made by the region’s breweries and distilleries. Visitors can also try local wines, ciders, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Where to Stay in Stewart: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stewart offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Stewart Lodge: Centrally located, with deluxe rooms and excellent services
  • Ripley Creek Inn: A lovely guesthouse with attentive staff and great amenities.
  • King Edward Hotel: A heritage building that has been fully renovated and offers a comfortable stay in the middle of town.

What to Buy in Stewart: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Stewart has excellent shopping options, with unique handcrafted souvenirs and gift items to bring back home. Here are some popular items to purchase:

  • Indigenous Art and Crafts: Take home some traditional Indigenous art and crafts pieces to decorate your home or office.
  • Smoked Seafood: Buy some fresh, smoked fish that has been caught in the area’s beautiful lakes and rivers.
  • Homewares: Stewart often has a lot of unique homewares crafted by local artisans, and they make perfect keepsakes.

Local Culture and Customs of Stewart

When travelling to Stewart, visitors should respect the local customs and culture. The indigenous population has a deep and significant influence on the area’s culture and history.

Best Time to Visit Stewart

The best time to visit Stewart is between May to October, given the region’s colder climate and snowfall during the winter months. During the summer months, the area experiences more temperate weather and longer daylight hours, making it easier to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stewart

Do:

  • Respect the Indigenous population and their land
  • Take sufficient time when exploring the natural areas around Stewart
  • Try out the variety of local beverages, such as craft beer and spirits

Don’t:

  • Litter in the surrounding wilderness
  • Disrupt the local wildlife
  • Overlook the historical and cultural significance of the region

Safety and Health

Safety in Stewart

Stewart is generally a safe place to visit, and visitors can feel secure while exploring this region. But visitors should exercise caution when hiking or exploring isolated areas since there is a significant risk of wildlife encounters, which may be dangerous.

Health in Stewart

Visitors should take several precautions while travelling north or throughout the province of British Columbia. Ensure that you have up-to-date vaccinations and take insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in this part of B.C.

Getting to Stewart: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stewart

Stewart’s airport is small and reserved for chartered flights and regional airlines. Visitors can connect from larger airports like Vancouver or Terrace.

Bus Stations Near Stewart

There are no bus connections to Stewart from elsewhere in the province.

Other Options

One of the most popular ways to reach Stewart is by car. The drive from Prince George to Stewart is long but beautiful and picturesque, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness some of B.C.’s stunning landscapes.

How to Get Around in Stewart

The town of Stewart is relatively small and easy to navigate by foot. Visitors can rent bicycles or cars to explore the surrounding region, too.

Where to Go Next from Stewart: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can take trips from Stewart to some spectacular nearby destinations located in Northern British Columbia.

  • Smithers: An excellent location for fishing, hiking, and skiing, located approximately 200 miles east of Stewart.
  • Prince Rupert: Located approximately 175 miles south of Stewart and is known for its scenic beauty and notable local history.

Conclusion

Stewart has a lot to offer visitors, including spectacular scenery, rich history, and a unique culture. The town is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure, outdoor activities, and rich cultural experiences. Plan your itinerary well, pack your bags, and head north to Stewart, British Columbia!

Stewart is a famous spot for bear watching. This is a black bear spotted near Stewart. Stewart is a famous spot for bear watching. This is a black bear spotted near Stewart. View of the Salmon Glacier from the viewpoint View of the Salmon Glacier from the viewpoint Grizzly Bear as seen from the viewing platform at Fish Creek during the Salmon run Grizzly Bear as seen from the viewing platform at Fish Creek during the Salmon run Fish Creek Fish Creek