Ultimate Guide to Salmon Glacier
A Road Trip from Vancouver
Embark on a 3,020-kilometer round trip from Vancouver to Salmon Glacier, one of North America's most breathtaking natural wonders and the world’s largest road-accessible glacier. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for a BC road trip itinerary to Salmon Glacier. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure to Salmon Glacier or a longer trip, this post offers practical Salmon Glacier travel tips, scenic routes, and must-see stops along the way for the best hiking in BC.
Is a Trip to Salmon Glacier Worth It?
A trip to Salmon Glacier is absolutely worth it. As the fifth largest glacier in Canada and a remnant of the Fraser Glaciation period around 14,000 years ago, Salmon Glacier offers a tangible glimpse into the Earth's glacial past. The drive is as spectacular as the destination, perfect for anyone seeking the best hiking in BC on an unforgettable road trip. Whether you're interested in Salmon Glacier travel tips and history or simply seeking the best hiking and sightseeing in northwestern BC, this trip delivers rich insights into the glacier’s past and the natural environment of northwestern BC.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit is from mid-June to September when the Granduc Road is accessible and weather conditions are favorable. If you can spend 5-7 days enjoying northwestern BC, and multiple stops on the way - that’s ideal for this trip. But it can be done with as little as 3 night stops, but that means 11-13 hour drives a day. Here we’re providing an itinerary for the 6-day trip.
Where is Salmon Glacier?
Salmon Glacier is located in northwestern British Columbia, approximately 25 kilometers north of Stewart, BC, and Hyder, Alaska. It is accessed via a 37-kilometer drive along the Granduc Road, a former mining route that remains unpaved and rugged.Along the way, travelers pass through the communities of Stewart and Hyder before beginning the ascent to the glacier viewpoint - one of the main highlights on this BC road trip. The journey follows the Portland Canal, a 90-mile-long fjord—one of the longest in the world—making for a scenic approach to the glacier.
Salmon Glacier Elevation and Lookout
The viewpoint overlooking Salmon Glacier sits at an elevation of 3,757 feet (1,145 meters), offering a panoramic perspective of the sprawling icefield. The glacier itself is at 3,631 feet (1,107 meters) and extends into Alaska before curving back into Canada. This accessible Salmon Glacier viewpoint provides one of the best ways to experience an active glacier without a strenuous hike.
Road Conditions: Granduc Road is an active mining road with sharp switchbacks, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails. Expect loose gravel, rough terrain, and occasional snowbanks—even in summer. High-clearance vehicles with durable tires are recommended.
Geological Significance: The dramatic landscape is shaped by multiple glaciation periods, especially the Fraser Glaciation, which carved valleys and fjords that define the region today.
Local Communities: Stewart and Hyder
The drive to Salmon Glacier takes you through some of the most scenic highways in British Columbia and Alaska. From Vancouver, you'll travel north on Highway 97, passing through Prince George and Smithers. The Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) will then take you to Stewart. From Stewart, you'll cross the border into Hyder and continue on the Granduc Road to reach Salmon Glacier.
Stewart, BC
Stewart is a small town of about 500 residents and is Canada’s most northerly ice-free port. It serves as a gateway for Stewart BC hiking and offers basic amenities such as lodging, fuel, restaurants, and a visitor center where you can get the latest information on local trails and road conditions.
Points of Interest:
- Bear Glacier: A roadside glacier visible along Highway 37A before reaching Stewart.
- Estuary Boardwalk: An 805-meter raised trail offering excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Images from left to right: downtown Steward BC, and Bear Glacier
Hyder, Alaska
Hyder, located just across the border from Stewart, is a nearly abandoned town with fewer than 100 residents. Known for its remote wilderness and rich mining history, Hyder provides a quiet counterpoint to the bustling gateway of Stewart. It’s a key stop on this BC roadtrip and offers fantastic opportunities for bear viewing.
Points of Interest:
- Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site: A seasonal spot to view grizzly and black bears.
- Glacier-Crowned Peaks: The surrounding mountains, many exceeding 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), frame the dramatic scenery of the Salmon Valley.
Images from left to right: Hyder, Alaska and Hyder-Steward Border Crossing
Hyder–Stewart Border Crossing
There is no US customs checkpoint when entering Hyder, but travelers must report to Canadian customs when returning to Stewart. A passport or government-issued ID (such as a PR card that would be typically needed to enter Canada) is required.
Detailed Vancouver to Salmon Glacier Itinerar
Day 1: Vancouver to Prince George (780 km, 8-9 hours)
Start your journey early from Vancouver and drive north on Highway 1 before merging onto Highway 97 toward Prince George. This 780-kilometer drive takes about 8-9 hours, so plan for stops along the way. Consider stretching your legs at Cache Creek or Quesnel, both offering scenic viewpoints and historic sites.
Stay the night in Prince George to rest before the next leg of the journey.
Day 2: Prince George to Smithers (375 km, 4-5 hours)
Follow Highway 16 west toward Smithers, a 375-kilometer drive through picturesque landscapes, including Fraser Lake and the Morice Mountain Range. Smithers is a charming alpine-style town in the Bulkley Valley, known for its outdoor recreation and vibrant local culture. If time allows, visit Twin Falls Recreation Site for a short hike with rewarding views. Stay the night in Smithers.
Day 3: Smithers to Salmon Glacier and back to Smithers or Houston (750 km round trip, 10-12 hours)
Depart early for Stewart, BC—370 kilometers (4-5 hours) from Smithers. Along the way, stop at Bear Glacier, located along Highway 37A, offering a stunning roadside view of a retreating glacier.
Upon reaching Stewart, cross into Hyder, Alaska, and drive 37 kilometers (1.5-2 hours) up Granduc Road to reach the Salmon Glacier viewpoint. Be prepared for a rugged road with potholes, dust, and possible snowbanks, depending on the season.
After soaking in the breathtaking views of Salmon Glacier, make sure to explore the surrounding areas, there are multiple paths that provide different view points of the glacier and glacier waterfalls, depending on the season. Make sure to have bug spray ready in the summer, there are clouds of mosquitoes waiting to attack.
Return via the same route. Spend the night in either:
- Smithers (shorter drive, better accommodations and amenities)
- Houston (a bit of a longer drive, smaller town, lower cost accommodations)
Day 4: Smithers to Valemount via Mount Robson & Rearguard Falls (620 km, 7-8 hours)
Begin your journey back east on Highway 16, stopping at:
- Rearguard Falls, a short walk leading to a stunning viewpoint of the last steep section of the Fraser River where salmon make their final push upstream.
- Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. If time allows, consider the short Kinney Lake Trail or a visit to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre.
Stay the night in Valemount, a quiet mountain town with beautiful views and access to outdoor activities.
Day 5: Valemount to Kamloops via Wells Gray Park (315 km, 4-5 hours, longer with detours)
Take Highway 5 south toward Clearwater, where you can explore Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to some of BC’s most impressive waterfalls. Recommended stops:
- Spahats Falls (easily accessible via a short walk)
- Helmcken Falls, the park’s most famous waterfall, a must-see.
Continue to Kamloops, a major hub in the Thompson Valley. Stay overnight in Kamloops.
Day 6: Kamloops to Vancouver (350 km, 4-5 hours)
Complete your trip with a 350-kilometer drive back to Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5).
Arrive back in Vancouver, completing an unforgettable journey through some of BC’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Essential Vancouver to Stewart, BC Travel Tips
- Vehicle Requirements:
A high-clearance vehicle is best for navigating unpaved, rough logging roads leading to Salmon Glacier. However can be done with a regular vehicle depending on the conditions and at a slower speed. - Supplies & Clothing:
There are no commercial stops between Stewart and the glacier. Bring sufficient water, snacks, and any necessary supplies. Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures and protection for insect bytes. - Travel Documents:
When crossing the border from Stewart to Hyder, ensure you have a passport or PR card. Upon return to Canada, all individuals must stop and report at the Canada Border Services Agency, located between Stewart and Hyder. Photo ID and Birth Certificate and/or Passports required upon entry to Canada. - Road Conditions:
Be prepared for potholes and dusty sections on Granduc Road. Monitor local advisories and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Due to high elevation and the amount of snowfall in the area during Winter, the road to the viewpoint might not be accessible until mid-June. - Wildlife Viewing: The area around Salmon Glacier is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and follow proper viewing etiquette.
- Fuel Stops: Gas stations are sparse between Stewart and Smithers—fill up whenever possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plan a road trip to Salmon Glacier from Vancouver?
A: Use this detailed itinerary as your guide. Check road conditions via DriveBC and Alaska 511. Make sure your vehicle is suited for rough roads and plan for overnight stops in Prince George, Smithers, Valemount, and Kamloops.
Q: What are the best scenic stops along the route to Salmon Glacier?
A: Must-see stops include Smithers, Quesnel, Bear Glacier, Rearguard Falls, and multiple viewpoints along Granduc Road. These spots provide some of the best hiking in BC and are essential for a memorable BC road trip itinerary to Salmon Glacier.
Q: What should I know about driving to Salmon Glacier viewpoint?
A: Granduc Road is an active mining road with rough, unpaved sections, potholes, and steep drop-offs. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and conditions should be checked before departure.
Q: Is this trip suitable for a weekend adventure?
A: If you can spend 5-7 days enjoying northwestern BC, and multiple stops on the way - that’s ideal for this trip. But it can be done with as little as 3 night stops, but that means 11-13 hour drives a day. Here we’re providing the Vancouver to Salmon Glacier itinerary for the 6-day trip.
This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the information needed for a memorable and safe trip to Salmon Glacier. Enjoy your adventure!
Additional Sources:
Stewart Tourism Auto Tour PDF
Signature Experiences: Salmon Glacier
