Life with ArielStewart-Cassiar Highway is British Columbia Highway 37 that goes from Kitimat, BC all the way to the Yukon Territory border. As part of my roadtrip to Alaska, I drove the northernmost section from the Yellowhead Highway junction in BC to the Alaska Highway junction in Yukon Territory.
It was gorgeous with little to no traffic. I was able to stop at any time on the side of the road and enjoy wild nature: snow peaks, layers of green mountains, vast forests, colorful wildflowers on both sides of the highway, blue lakes, and green rivers. Moreover, there was almost no trace of human civilization other than a few rest stops, gas stations, and traffic signs. There was no cell signal, no power lines, no buildings, and no billboards, just a two-lane road in the middle of complete wilderness. Stewart-Cassiar Highway has become my favorite highway so far even though I drove in gloomy weather.
Meziadin Lake Provincial Park
Meziadin Lake Provincial Park is a well-known provincial park among the locals because of the beautiful Meziadin Lake, a great place for doing water activities or simply enjoying the lovely lake view. I didn’t find any hiking trails here. Ariel and I stayed at the campground for a night which can be reserved online. I highly recommend booking in advance because the park is very popular in summer. The campground is well-maintained with pit toilets, electricity hookup on site, boat launch, and water hookup at the entrance. About half of the 66 campsites here are on the lake from which you will be able to conveniently launch your kayak, boat, canoe or paddle board.
Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park
Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park is another provincial park featuring a gorgeous lake. I liked this park more than Meziadin Lake Provincial Park because:
- Kinaskan Lake is much bigger and clearer sitting between Skeena and Coast Mountain Ranges, so I got spectacular mountain views as well;
- There is more space between each campsite which means more privacy;
- Launching boat directly from the campsite is easier because it’s more like a beach, whereas at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park, you will have to carry your rig a few steep steps down to the lake;
- It’s less crowded and easier to find a site, even though online booking in advance is not available.
However, Kinaskan Lake’s campground has fewer amenities. For example, campsites don’t have any hookups. Water is not potable and can’t be hooked up either. Also, it’s first come and first served. So nothing is guaranteed. The camp host is also pretty strict about checkin and checkout time.
Eddontenajon Lake
I came across Eddontenajon Lake when driving north on Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It was such a pleasant surprise. The water was crystal clear and no one was around. The sweeping view of the lake and Tuktsayda Mountain behind it was picturesque. There are also 2-3 free campsites by the lake, although it has no amenities. Ariel loved this lake. We tapped into the water and played fetch.
Mehan Lake
Compared to other lakes, Mehan Lake is the smallest. But the calm lake is beautiful in its own way reflective of everything around it: the low clouds, dark forests, and pink wildflowers. When we visited, it was an overcast day, the lake was still, forests were misty, and wildflowers looked particularly bright, like a mysterious scene from a fairy tale. There are a few picnic tables around but no hiking trails, so Ariel and I just walked along the lake.
Lower Gnat Lake
I didn’t plan to stop at Gnat Lake but was caught by the stunning view from the highway. This lake is shaped by grassy islands and accompanied by smooth mountain ranges. It’s a scenic and serene spot for fishing and boating. We didn’t see a single soul or car at the lookout and very much enjoyed the silence of nature.
Dease Lake
Dease Lake is a city on Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It’s a great place to refill gas and groceries because the next place that has services is about 200km away. Don’t be fooled by the rustic buildings of the city. You will find all types of supplies here from kitchen ware to toilet paper. The city is named after the beautiful and vast Dease Lake. Views of this lake are limited from Stewart-Cassiar Highway. You will have to drive onto the side roads to get access to the water. Alternatively, camping at Water’s Edge Campground will get you close to the water. It’s over 40 CAD per night and dry camping only, a bit pricy but good location.
Jade City
As the name indicates, Jade City is known for its jade. Even though a city, I found only one commercial building, Cassiar Mountain Jade Store. It’s a gift shop offering souvenirs made of jade, wood and other types of stones found in the area. It’s a good place to take a brief break and stretch legs while getting some souvenirs.
Boya Lake Provincial Park
Boya Lake Provincial Park is named after the special Boya Lake mostly known for its clarity and aquamarine color. The unique color is a result of light reflection from the marl bottom. Even in gloomy weather, the clear blue was bright and vivid on my camera. Furthermore, unlike other provincial parks that feature a lake, this park offers hiking trails and boat rentals in addition to day use areas and campgrounds around the lake. Both the Beaver Lodge Trail and the Lake Shore Trail are dog friendly, short and easy. They lead to countless bays and islands of Boya Lake where you can appreciate this beauty from different angles. Note that campgrounds here sell fast but can be booked online in advance.
Other Random but Beautiful Views on Stewart-Cassiar Highway
There are numerous other stunning views on Stewart-Cassiar Highway. I was tempted to stop every five minutes or record my drive the entire way. I’m sharing below some pictures of random stops that I made on the highway but are not mentioned above.
