Salmon Glacier, the world’s largest road-accessible glacier, is a breathtaking spectacle located near Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder, Alaska.
As the fifth-largest glacier in Canada, it is a remnant of the Fraser Glaciation period, which reached its peak around 14,000 years ago.
This awe-inspiring natural formation stands as a testament to the power of nature and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience of towering ice and panoramic vistas.
How to Get There
Salmon Glacier is about 39 km from Stewart, BC, via Hyder, Alaska, and Granduc Road. Start your journey at the Stewart Visitor Information Centre, where friendly and knowledgeable staff will provide you with a self-guided auto tour handout detailing 14 points of interest along the route. Stops 2 through 9 are in Alaska, while the remainder are in Canada. Look for the numbered signs to guide you on this incredible journey.
First Stop: Stewart
A Glimpse into the Past: Stewart is a charming town that flourished during the early 1900s gold rush. Once a bustling community of 10,000, it now has a population of just 401 (2016 Census). Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, it remains a hidden gem brimming with history and scenic beauty.
Second Stop: Entering Hyder, Alaska
Border Crossing: To reach the Salmon Glacier viewpoint, you must pass through Hyder, Alaska, and re-enter Canada. Note that while there is no U.S. customs checkpoint entering Hyder, Canadian border control (CBSA) is in place when returning to Stewart.
Third Stop: Hyder, Alaska
Alaska’s Easternmost Town: Hyder is a quaint town with a population of 87 (2010 Census). Lacking direct road connections to other Alaskan communities, its residents rely on Stewart for essentials like electricity and groceries.
Fourth Stop: Tongass National Forest
Nature’s Grandeur: Dear Lykkers, named after the Tlingit Tongass clan, this national forest spans 16.7 million acres and features glaciers, mountains, and waterways, making it a natural paradise.
Fifth Stop: Moose Pond
Wildlife Haven: Home to geese, ducks, porcupines, red squirrels, and bald eagles, Moose Pond is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
Sixth Stop: Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing Area
Bear-Viewing Paradise: During salmon spawning season, this area is renowned for grizzly and black bear sightings. Designated boardwalks provide safe vantage points to observe the action.
Seventh Stop: Tital Trail
Historic Path: This 8 km trail, built in 1922, leads to an old-mine site, showcasing the region’s mining legacy.
Eighth Stop: Riverside-Mine
A Glimpse of Mining History: This once-thriving silver and copper-mine now features remnants of structures damaged by fire and floods.
Ninth Stop: Nine Mile
Confluence of Rivers: At this spot, Texas Creek meets the Salmon River, offering scenic views of the old bridge remains.
Tenth Stop: Premier Border Crossing
International Journey: This historic crossing served miners traveling between Canada and the U.S. during the early 20th century.
Eleventh Stop: Indian Mines Viewpoint
Mining Heritage: From this viewpoint, you can see the cut line of an old tramway connecting the Indian-Mine to Premier-Mine.
Twelfth Stop: Premier Mines Viewpoint
Legacy of Wealth: Operational from 1910 to 1953, this-mine was among British Columbia’s richest mineral deposits and featured a 17 km-long aerial tramline.
Thirteenth Stop: Toe of Salmon Glacier
First Glimpse: As you approach the summit viewpoint, you’ll see the glacier’s terminal moraines, marking the edge of its advance.
Fourteenth Stop: Summit Viewpoint
A Panoramic Masterpiece: Located at an elevation of 3,757 feet, the summit offers jaw-dropping views of Salmon Glacier. The coordinates are 56°10’08.4″N 130°03’04.2″W.
Tip: Apply bug spray before your visit, especially in summer months, as the area can have a significant number of bugs.
For the adventurous, the road continues to Granduc-Mine, but it is not maintained and may be closed due to active mining operations.
Salmon Glacier is not just a destination but a journey through time, history, and nature’s grandeur. Make sure to add it to your travel list!
