Home / Communities / Northern BC / Stewart

Last reviewed: July 17, 2026

Stewart is a small community located in the far northwestern corner of British Columbia, situated at the head of the Portland Canal, which forms part of the border between Canada and the United States. It lies approximately 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver and is accessible via Highway 37A, which winds through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the province. The area is surrounded by towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, ancient glaciers, and dense boreal and coastal rainforest. The Bear Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in British Columbia, is located just a short distance from the community. Stewart experiences a subarctic climate with heavy snowfall in winter and cool, moist summers, though its position at sea level moderates temperatures somewhat compared to other communities at similar latitudes. Stewart is a remote, rural community with a small population of just a few hundred residents, giving it a distinctly tight-knit, frontier character. The community has a rich history rooted in exploration, gold rushes, and mining booms that date back to the early twentieth century, and much of that heritage remains part of the local identity. Despite its remote setting, Stewart maintains a quiet, self-sufficient community feel and is notable for its unique status as a Canadian community that shares a cross-border relationship with Hyder, Alaska, its American neighbour directly to the south. The surrounding wilderness offers extraordinary opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography, drawing visitors from around the world who come to witness the spectacular natural environment, including bears fishing along nearby salmon streams. The economy of Stewart has historically been driven by mining, as the region sits within a mineral-rich corridor that has supported exploration and resource extraction for well over a century. Mining activity continues to play a central role in the local employment base, with ongoing interest in precious and base metal deposits in the surrounding mountains. Forestry and tourism also contribute to the local economy, with the area's dramatic glacial and wilderness scenery attracting a growing number of visitors each year. The community offers essential amenities including basic retail services, fuel, accommodations, and dining options to serve both residents and travellers. Access to broader services and regional amenities typically involves travel to Terrace or Prince Rupert, the nearest regional hubs. For real estate advice specific to Stewart, ask to be referred to a REALTOR® through our Referral REALTOR® link.

Stewart, situated at the head of the Portland Canal near the Alaska border, experiences a cool, hypermaritime climate strongly influenced by its position within a deep coastal fjord. Winters are notably mild for the region, with average temperatures typically ranging from around -5°C to 2°C, though cold snaps can push temperatures lower when continental Arctic air penetrates through mountain gaps. Snowfall is exceptional — Stewart regularly records among the highest annual snowfall totals in Canada, with several metres accumulating through the winter months. Rain and mixed precipitation are also common during shoulder seasons. Summers in Stewart are cool and relatively short, with average temperatures generally ranging from 10°C to 18°C, occasionally climbing higher during warm spells. Precipitation remains present throughout the year, reflecting the community's rainforest setting, though summer months offer slightly drier and brighter conditions. Fog frequently develops along the canal corridor, and the surrounding Cambria Icefield and Coast Mountains create dramatic localized weather patterns. Wildfire smoke from interior BC can occasionally drift into the valley during late summer, though Stewart's wet coastal nature limits direct fire risk.

© 2026 EZtoFind.ca · Doug LeMaire, REALTOR® · Fraser Property Management Realty Services Ltd. · MLS® data © CREA DDF® · Climate © Environment and Climate Change Canada · Population © Statistics Canada. General information only — not real-estate, legal, tax, or financial advice.