The Cassiar Highway — Highway 37 — is one of Canada’s most scenic and remote roads. Built in the 1970s, this rugged highway cuts through the wilderness of northern British Columbia, connecting Highway 16 near Kitwanga to the Alaska-Canadian Highway near Watson Lake, Yukon. Originally a rough mining road, it now serves as an alternative to the more famous Alaska-Canadian Highway (Alcan), offering travelers a quieter and wilder route north.
Before the road, the region was accessible only by rough trails and rivers, used by Indigenous groups, fur traders, and gold prospectors. Today, it’s a paradise for road-trippers who want to escape the crowds and experience Canada’s raw beauty.
Starting Point: Prince George, BC
Your trip north kicks off in Prince George, the largest city in northern BC. At this juncture, you can make the decision to drive the Alcan or try a new adventure and head up Cassiar Highway. If choosing the Cassiar, be sure to stock up on gas, snacks, and a solid playlist—there aren’t many convenience stores ahead. Cell service will be spotty at best. If traveling during the summer months, most stores will be open — though not at all hours. Plan accordingly. From Prince George, you will drive west on Highway 16 through dense forests and rolling hills before reaching the turnoff for Highway 37 at Kitwanga.
Kitwanga: Gateway to the Cassiar Highway
Kitwanga is where you officially join Highway 37. Before heading north, check out the historic totem poles in the village, which tell the stories of the Gitxsan people. Fuel up and grab last-minute supplies—services become scarce after this point. Advice given to me during my first drive up was to fill up whenever I saw a service station. This is good advice and has served me well. Even during summer, I’ve come to stations that were closed (family emergency, lunch break, etc.) or not accepting credit cards (electric/internet outage). If you are always on the side of a full tank, you are more able to roll with the circumstances!
Also let family and friends know you will likely be without cell service for a chunk of the drive. Make sure you have good old-fashioned paper maps or have electronic maps downloaded and accessible without connecting.
And while I’ve never felt the need to carry fuel with me, I do doublecheck that my spare tire is in good condition before I head up the Cassiar.
Meziadin Junction: Detour Crossroads
As you head north, you’ll reach Meziadin Junction, a breathtaking spot where Highway 37A branches off toward Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK. Here, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, making it a perfect place to stop for photos. If you’re lucky, you might see mountain goats perched on the cliffs above.
Whether or not you take the detour to Stewart and Hyder, you should stop and gas up at Meziadin Junction. You’ll find one of a kind T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other souvenirs in the small shop. You can also load up on snacks and the junction has a small restaurant.
Meziadin Junction is on Gitanyow territory, and in particular the territory of Wilp Wii Litsxw. The current business structure recognizes this by having Wilp Wii Litsxw as majority shareholder in the business. Gitanyow Ayookxw (Law) places on the Gitanyow the right and responsibility to hold, protect and pass on the land and water of the territories in a sustainable manner from generation to generation.
Lake Meziadin Provincial Park is a great place to stay if you are camping. It’s a popular stop for both residents and tourists with lakeside sites being the most sought after. All sites are first-come, first-serve so plan to check-in early. The Lake and Park offer canoeing or kayaking, cycling, swimming, wildlife viewing, and fishing. In late Summer you can see the salmon spawning in the lake and nearby Hanna and Tintina Creeks. Meziadin Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy nature and has something for everyone.
Stewart & Hyder: A Worthwhile Side Trip
Taking the detour west on Highway 37A leads to Stewart, British Columbia and Hyder, Alaska. These towns are known for their dramatic scenery, the stunning Salmon Glacier and bear viewing at Fish Creek. If you have the time, this side trip is highly recommended.
Stewart, British Columbia is the perfect base for exploration of the area. Ripley Creek Inn is my favorite place to overnight in Stewart. The Inn is a collection of old historic buildings that have been renovated into comfortable and unique hotel rooms. The town of Stewart offers a quaint downtown with cafes and small shops to explore. The Estuary Boardwalk is a wonderful place to view birds and the wetlands with spectacular mountain views thrown in! The entrance to the raised boardwalk is near the visitor information center and travels around 805 meters across the flats of the Portland Canal. Early morning or evening are the best for viewing birds.
The town of Hyder, Alaska is both the geographically easternmost town in Alaska, as well as the southernmost town in Alaska that can be reached by car. However, one cannot drive to Hyder from the rest of Alaska. You have to drive through Canada to reach this small town of 48.
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is a must see for Hyder. Are you interested in viewing Black and Grizzly bears in their nature habitat? Have you always wanted to observe bears fishing but didn’t want to pay fly-in prices? Then you want to visit the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site. During the months of July and August, the bears frequently feed on the salmon moving through the creeks and local rivers. There is an elevated boardwalk for you to view them and forest service staff are on site to answer any questions you may have.
In addition to the bears, you may also see beavers, mink, Harlequin ducks, bald eagles, hawks, Great Blue Herons, and more. If you are a bird enthusiast, this is the place for you with dozens of species of large and small birds.
July through September, a visit requires a pass which is easily attainable online. The hours for the site are 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is located approximately 6.5 km north of Hyder, Alaska on Salmon River Road. Bears are most active in the morning and evening hours.
If you are interested in getting close to a glacier, Salmon Glacier is accessible from Hyder, Alaska. There is a self-directed driving guide that can be downloaded. The road is rough and large motorhomes and/or trailers are not recommended on this road.
Keep in mind that when you travel from Stewart to Hyder, you are crossing an active border, crossing from Canada to the United States. While there is typically no customs or border officers going into Alaska, you will be subject to Canadian border inspection on your return. Make sure to take your travel documents with you and if traveling with pets, be prepared to show vaccination paperwork.
Back to the Cassiar
Back on the main route, you’ll come across Bell II, a small but essential stop about halfway up the highway. Originally a telegraph station, it’s now home to a cozy lodge catering to road-trippers, hunters, and heli-skiers. Grab a hot coffee, stretch your legs, and take in the stunning mountain views. If you’re lucky, you might spot a grizzly wandering nearby (from a safe distance, of course).
The Bell II lodge is an excellent place to stay. Offering everything from lodge rooms, individual cabins, and RV/camping sites. There’s a café with grab and go options or a dine-in restaurant serving delectable home-made dishes to enjoy. At the center of the complex, there is a sauna and hot-tub building where you can relax and soothe your weary traveling bones!!
Iskut: A Remote First Nations Community
Next up the road, Iskut is a small, scenic First Nations community nestled between lakes and mountains. It’s a great spot for a picnic break, with opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The area is rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for bear, moose and eagles. Known for its many lakes and rivers the area also has over 140 species of birds making for excellent bird-watching. There are several Provincial Parks in the area.
Dease Lake: A Remote Outpost with Stunning Scenery
Continuing north, you’ll reach Dease Lake, one of the larger communities along the Cassiar Highway. This small town has a few essential services, including gas stations and a grocery store. There are a couple of hotels in the area as well as camping sites. Dease Lake is the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking views of Dease Lake itself. If you’re into fishing or paddling, this is a great spot to spend some time on the water. During the warmer months, expect to be bombarded by gnats, mosquitos and flies!
Be sure to fill your gas tank here as your next opportunity is over 200 km north. You can also pick-up food and snacks at the deli and grocery store. Bug repellant is also a popular purchase!
Jade City: The Gem of the Cassiar
Further north, you’ll find the legendary Jade City. This tiny outpost is famous for its massive jade deposits, and yes, you can buy a piece to take home. You may also have seen the reality TV show, Jade Fever. The show follows the Bunce family on their mining adventures searching for the elusive million-dollar jackpot jade deposit.
If you’re a fan (or even if you aren’t familiar with the show), you’ll want to stop at their shop. The Cassiar region supplies nearly 90% of the world’s jade, and the friendly folks at the local shop are happy to show off giant slabs of the green stone. Stop here for souvenirs, a quick chat with the locals, and maybe even a free jade-cutting demo.
Good Hope Lake: A Tiny Community with Big Scenery
Just north of Jade City, you’ll find Good Hope Lake, a small but picturesque community. While there aren’t many services here, the surrounding wilderness offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Cassiar: A Former Mining Town
Cassiar was once a booming asbestos mining town but is now largely abandoned. The ghost town feel makes for an interesting stop if you’re into history. The mountains surrounding Cassiar are stunning, so even if you don’t stop for long, the views are worth it.
Colorful Boya Lake
Boya Lake is also one of the few lakes in the north that is warm enough for swimming. The park offers two short hiking trails, a mountain bike trail and limitless bays and islands to discover by canoe or motor boat.
The lake is noted for its colour and clarity. The bottom is composed of marl, a mixture of silt and shell fragments. The crystal clear waters and aquamarine lake colour are a result of the light reflecting from the marl bottom.
Provincial Tā Ch’ilā Park offers scenic camping and a wide variety of water recreation opportunities with Boya Lake’s superb water clarity and colour, beckoning the traveler to explore its many islands and bays. Tā Ch’ilā is situated on the Liard Plain, an area carved out by glaciers 20,000 years ago. The area is characterized by long ridges, or eskers, and elongated hills, or drumlins.
Connecting to the Alaska Highway
The Cassiar Highway ends at the Alaska-Canadian Highway about 29 km West of Watson Lake, Yukon. From this junction you can head west on the Alcan towards Whitehorse. But if you have got the time, a detour east to Watson Lake is worth the trip. Not only can you fill up on fuel and good food, you can stop at the famous Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake—thousands of travelers have left their mark here with homemade signs from all over the world.
Tips for Driving the Cassiar
The Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) is a scenic but somewhat challenging drive, known for its narrow, two-lane road with little or no shoulder, and some rough patches, especially closer to the Yukon border.
Road Conditions:
- Most of the route is paved or chip-sealed, but expect some rough patches and bumps.
- The highway is generally narrower than most two-lane roads, with little or no shoulder.
- Road conditions vary depending on weather and time of year, so be prepared for potential changes.
- Keep an eye out for potholes, especially closer to the Yukon border.
- Some sections are marked with signs or flags for rough conditions, but not all, so stay alert.
Scenic Route:
- The Cassiar Highway offers stunning scenery, including mountains, rivers, and lakes.
- It’s a good alternative to the Alaska Highway, offering a different and more remote experience.
- There are plenty of safe spots to pull over and enjoy the views.
Safety Considerations:
- Always drive with your headlights on, regardless of the time of day.
- Be aware of potential wildlife, especially bears.
- Be prepared for limited services in some areas, including cell, fuel and food.
- Check road conditions and weather forecasts before you travel.
- Be cautious of mining trucks that travel through the area at rapid, often dangerous speeds.
Distance and Travel Time:
- The total distance from the junction of Highway 16 to the Yukon border is 725 kilometers (450 miles).
- Driving time will vary depending on road conditions and your pace, but expect a significant amount of time to cover the distance.
Fuel Stops:
- Fuel is available at Stewart, Bell II, and Dease Lake. Note that Jade City does not have fuel.
Wildlife Along the Way
The Cassiar offers an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunity. However, the lack of a shoulder along the road makes it difficult to stop. Also be aware that wildlife can step out from the forest and vegetation right onto the road. If you take your time, you are likely to see black bears, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, lynx and foxes.
Cassiar vs. Alaska-Canadian Highway: Which Route to Take?
Both routes have their charm, but they offer different experiences:
- Alaska-Canada Highway: More services, smoother roads, and a historic feel. In the Northern Rockies area you are guaranteed to see buffalo. Because of the wide road and shoulder, it is easy to pull over to see wildlife and in addition to the buffalo, you will likely see bear, caribou, sheep and moose. Scenery is stunning.
- Cassiar Highway: Fewer people, more wilderness, and incredible scenery. Because of the narrow road and no shoulder, it is NOT easy to pull over to see wildlife. However, there is not a lot of traffic so if in a safe spot, you might be able to stop briefly. Viewing wildlife will take some luck and slower driving but there is lots of wildlife if you look.
If you like adventure and don’t mind fewer gas stations, take the Cassiar. If you want more comfort, go with the Alcan. Either way, you’ll get an epic road trip.
Plan Your Trip
Check out these links for maps, road conditions, and travel tips:
Get ready for an unforgettable journey—just watch out for the bears!
