The townsite of Stewart, B.C. looking south down the Portland Canal
This page was last updated on: July 2, 2009
Stewart,
British Columbia, Canada
History
Stewart's setting can only be described in superlatives, combining an oceanfront location with alpine scenery, glaciers, ice fields, and spectacular waterfalls. This setting and the outdoor recreation opportunities it offers, contribute in an important way to the communities lifestyles. The area offers, fresh and saltwater fishing, boating, hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and numerous other activities.
Stewart's colorful history has been dictated by the fortunes of the mining industry. The first exploration in the area took place in the late 1890's and the town site was named in 1905. An estimated 10,000 people resided in the area n the early 1900's, attracted by the prospects of gold; yet during World War I the population was reduced to less than twenty. Stewart was founded by two Scottish brothers, John and Robert Stewart.
Major mines such as Premier Gold, Big Missouri and Granduc Copper have been established in the Stewart area. These projects created the impetus for population increases and attracted a skilled work force to the community. Mining is also primarily responsible for the development of support services such as heavy duty mechanics, welding shops, and transportation-related businesses, which provide service to all the basic resource industries. Today employment in the community is much more broadly-based and includes opportunities in transportation, mining, logging, retail and hospitality sector, and public administration.
As a contact zone between the Coast Range Batholith and sedimentary formations to the east, the Stewart area is highly mineralized and contains proven reserves of a wide range of precious and base metals including gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc.
A view of the Hyder Dock (foreground), Town of Hyder & Salmon River (background)
Portland Canal
Town of Hyder
Salmon River
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Hits Since August 17, 2001
Hyder, Alaska, United States
History
Hyder was originally called Portland city, and the name was changed in 1914 after Frederick Hyder, a Canadian mining engineer who predicted a bright future for the area. Hyders boom years occurred between the years 1920 and 1930, and the Riverside Mine extracted gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and tungsten until 1953. By 1956, all major mining had closed except for Granduc Copper Mine in Canada, which operated until 1984.
Hyder is known as the "Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska." Hyder's economy is based primarily on tourism today.
Visitors usually make more than one visit to Fish Creek bear viewing area, trying to view grizzlies and black bears as they feed on the spawning salmon.
Continuing on past Fish Creek visitors will re-enter Canada and begin their assent to the Salmon Glacier.
There are two public boat launching facilities to the Portland Canal one located in Stewart and one in Hyder. Be sure to check the tide tables to ensure safe launching.
Hyder
Stewart
The Border
Portland Canal
The photo to the left shows the close proximity of the towns of Hyder, Alaska and Stewart British Columbia. In the center of the photo you can see a fine line, this is the international border between Alaska and British Columbia
Welcome To
Stewart, British Columbia
and Hyder,Alaska
This is a private WEB page constructed
for the enjoyment of Residents and Visitors
Stewart Business Websites
Stewart is located in the centre of the photo
>
This site is privately designed, and maintained
Every attempt has been made to provide relevant, up to date, information
The photos on this website are copyright protected and are not to be copied or re-used
without the prior written authorization of their respective owner.
Some Other Stewart & Area Websites.
Hyder, Alaska Business Websites
Parts of the movie Insomnia, starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank were filmed in Stewart in July 2001
Website Directory
British Columbia is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 grizzly bears, or roughly 30% of North America's total brown-bear population. Biologists and bear guides say in some regions their numbers have dwindled recently, mostly because of habitat loss.
This is where I enjoy my lunch in the summer. How does it compare to your dining room? Salmon Glacier is the most beautiful and most accessible glacier to the travelling public in Canada --- the only thing missing is an Information Kiosk.
Spirit Bear courtesy of L. Kasum Photos taken at km70 on Hwy 37
in June 2008
Enjoy your visit to this area....but remember, when returning to Stewart, B.C. from Hyder, AK you will be crossing an International Boundry -- you will find it far easier to cross the border if you have adequate personal identification.
Salmon Glacier and the area surrounding the Glacier would be a National Park if it was anywhere else in Canada -- or in any other country. This is a spectacular experience !
