On Stewart-Cassiar Hwy Road Trip

Embark on the On Stewart-Cassiar Hwy Road Trip, starting in Kitwanga, Canada and ending in Watson Lake, Canada. Along the way, explore the towns of Stewart, Telegraph Creek, and Cassiar, all of which offer unique experiences and attractions. The entire road trip is a total of 1082km and can be completed in 3 days. The best time to embark on this road trip is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the roads are clear. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as good road conditions. Please be aware that some sections of the road may be curvy or narrow and that seasonal road closures may occur due to weather. Despite this, this road trip provides a very high level of experience and memories, and can be managed with a moderate budget. Enjoy the adventure!

Kitwanga in Canada is the perfect starting point for your road trip on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. Located in the beautiful British Columbia, Kitwanga is a small unincorporated community in the Northwest of the province. It is an ideal base for exploring the region’s fascinating history and culture, as well as its stunning natural scenery. One of the most interesting sights in Kitwanga is the Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site. This important archaeological site is the largest pre-contact settlement in the area and is a reminder of the region’s rich First Nations heritage. Other must-see attractions in the town include the Kitwanga Mountain Viewpoint and the Kitwanga River. The closest international airport to Kitwanga is the Prince George Airport (YXS). Car rentals are available at this airport, making it easy to get on the road and start your journey on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. With its fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty, Kitwanga is the perfect starting point for your road trip on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Start your road trip from Kitwanga, Canada to Stewart, with a drive of just 213 km and taking under 3 hours. This stage of your journey will take you through some of the most interesting places in Canada. On the way, you will visit the Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of the region and the old fort. Enjoy the stunning views of the Kitwanga River Valley as you drive through the winding roads. You will also pass through the Meziadin Lake Provincial Park, where you can take a break from your drive and enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. As you reach Stewart, you can explore the picturesque town and visit the Stewart Museum, which showcases the history of the area. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and that some sections may be narrow or winding. Additionally, there may be a lack of gas stations along the route, so make sure to plan accordingly. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" for this stage.

Embark on an incredible road trip beginning in Stewart and ending in Telegraph Creek! This 502km journey will take you fewer than 9 hours to complete, and there will be plenty to see and do along the way. Start off your trip in Stewart and take in the breathtaking views of the Salmon Glacier. Then, follow the road to the old gold-mining town of Hyder, where you can take a walk through history and visit the old mine sites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the abandoned ghost town of Stewart. Continue on your journey and make a stop at the historic Dease Lake Trading Post, where you can pick up some souvenirs and get a taste of local culture. As you drive further, take in the incredible views of the Spatsizi Plateau. You’ll then arrive in Telegraph Creek, where you can explore the local museum, take in the picturesque views of the Stikine River, and enjoy some delicious food at one of the local restaurants. Be sure to keep an eye out for any seasonal road closures and winding roads along the way. You should also be aware that there may be limited access to gas stations at some points in your journey, so make sure to plan ahead. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Telegraph Creek, Canada to Cassiar, a journey of 224km that would take you less than 6 hours to complete! As you drive along the winding roads, you will be greeted with the picturesque vistas of the Canadian wilderness. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and the road is quite narrow in spots, so keep your eyes peeled! Additionally, there may be limited gas stations at this stage, so make sure to plan accordingly. Along the way, be sure to take some time to explore the area and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. There are plenty of interesting attractions to explore, from the historical sites of Telegraph Creek to the stunning natural beauty of Cassiar. Accommodation, restaurants, and campsites are available along the route, so make sure to plan ahead and check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information.

Embark on a 142 km journey from Cassiar, Canada and end your adventure in Watson Lake, and experience the beauty of the northern wilderness. Along the way, you will be met with lush forests, meandering rivers, and breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy the journey as it may take less than two hours to drive, but the memories you'll take away will last a lifetime. Keep an eye out for the seasonal closures on certain sections of the route, and the stunningly beautiful scenic roads. At Cassiar, take the time to explore the history of the area, starting with the First Nations who first made the land their home. Learn about the gold rush days and the boomtown that was Cassiar. When you reach Watson Lake, be sure to check out the Signpost Forest, the largest of its kind in the world, and the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, where you can learn about the northern lights, the aurora borealis. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Watson Lake, Canada is the ultimate destination of the On Stewart-Cassiar Hwy Road Trip. Located in the Yukon Territory, this small town is a great place to explore the great outdoors. Watson Lake is the home of the world-famous “Sign Forest”, a collection of over 75,000 signs from around the world. It’s a sight to behold, and a unique way to experience the town’s history. The town’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a great spot for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the surrounding area by bike, kayak, or canoe, or take a scenic hike around the area. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can take a floatplane tour of the nearby lakes and mountains. The breathtaking views are truly a sight to behold. Watson Lake is also home to the Northern Lights Centre, which offers guided tours and educational programs about the Aurora Borealis. For those who are arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Whitehorse Airport (YXY). From there, visitors can rent a car and drive the remaining distance to Watson Lake. At the end of the On Stewart-Cassiar Hwy Road Trip, visitors will be rewarded with the opportunity to explore the beauty of Watson Lake, Canada. With its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and ample outdoor activities, it’s the perfect place to end a road trip.

Before you set off

Embark on the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy Road Trip, a magnificent 1,082-kilometer journey from Kitwanga to Watson Lake through Canada's untamed northern wilderness. This route, also known as Highway 37, leads adventurers through a tapestry of deep forests, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes, punctuated by charming towns each with its own unique allure.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Kitwanga: The gateway to the Stewart-Cassiar, rich in Indigenous Gitxsan culture, marked by totem poles that tell ancient stories.
• Stewart: Nestled at the head of the Portland Canal, this town is the threshold to the Bear Glacier and the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Boundary Ranges, part of the Coast Mountains.
• Telegraph Creek: A hidden gem with hairpin turns offering dramatic vistas of the Stikine River Gorge and a glimpse into the traditions of the Tahltan First Nation.
• Cassiar: A reminder of Canada's resource-driven past, this now-quiet locale serves as a base for wilderness adventures and exploration of the surrounding natural beauty.
• Watson Lake: Notable for the quirky Sign Post Forest, a collection of over 80,000 signs from globe-trotters, and the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, which offers a spectacle of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.

Best Time to Go:

Late June to early September is the prime window to travel the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy, offering the best chance for favorable weather, accessible Roads, and full services in the small communities en route.

Potential Risks:

The Road can be challenging, with some unpaved sections and sharp turns. Wildlife crossings are common, requiring vigilant driving. Moreover, services are sparse, so plan fuel and supply stops carefully. Seasonal Road closures can occur due to snow or landslides.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Cassiar Highway intersects with the Nisga'a Highway, which leads to the Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park, the site of Canada's youngest volcanic eruption.
• Stewart is connected to Hyder, Alaska, the only place in Alaska accessible by Road without passing through Canadian customs.
• The Stewart-Cassiar is part of the grander Pan-American Highway system, which stretches from Alaska to Argentina.

A good choice for:

Traversing the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy is more than a Road Trip; it's an expedition into the heart of Canada's northern frontier. With each mile, travelers are invited to immerse themselves in the enchanting mix of cultural heritage and untamed nature. It's an epic narrative that unfolds with each turn in the Road, promising enduring memories and stories to share.