Border Approximate Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Nearest Cities
🇺🇸 Hyder, AK, 🇨🇦 Stewart, BC
Coordinates
55.92°N, 130.00°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-30 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), summer
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Limited near Hyder (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps
Safety Information
Remote, wildlife risks
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About AK & BC & 🇨🇦 Stewart & 🇺🇸 Hyder
General Overview
Tucked in Alaska’s misty Panhandle, the Hyder, AK – Stewart, BC border connects to British Columbia’s Cassiar region via International Street. This unique crossing, with no U.S. inspection station, allows free entry into Hyder but requires Canadian customs checks for northbound travel, offering a quirky blend of coastal charm and glacier-studded scenery.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
Established in the early 1900s during a mining boom, this crossing served prospectors and loggers, with Stewart’s port driving fish and timber trade. It handles minimal commerce, mostly seafood, with CA$10 million annually. The towns function as one, sharing BC’s phone code and accepting CAD in Hyder. The region’s Tsimshian heritage, with cross-border cultural events, adds depth. In 2025, tightened Canadian smuggling checks increased northbound scrutiny, causing minor delays. Check news for disruptions, as protests or port issues can impact operations, as seen in past fishing disputes.
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Open 24/7 for Canada-bound travel, U.S.-bound entry has no inspection, a rarity among U.S.-Canada borders. Canadian immigration in Stewart, at 7039 Glacier Highway, processes northbound entry, with waits under 15 minutes, even in summer. Most nationalities receive a 90-day visa-free stamp for Canada; U.S. entry requires no formalities but carry a passport for Canada-bound travel. After-hours entry uses a phone system at the customs post. NEXUS lanes are unavailable. English is widely spoken. Wait times are rarely posted; call Canada Border Services (1-800-461-9999) for updates. Hyder’s “Hyderized” tradition—downing a shot at local bars—adds a quirky post-crossing ritual.
Scam Awareness
Scams are rare due to low traffic. Money changers in Stewart may offer poor rates; use ATMs or banks there, like CIBC on 5th Avenue. Taxi drivers may inflate fares (~$15-20 USD); negotiate upfront. Unofficial “border helpers” offering paperwork assistance are unnecessary—avoid them. Duty-free shops are absent, but local vendors may sell “tax-free” fish or crafts; verify legitimacy with Stewart’s established businesses. In 2024, Reddit users reported fake fishing guides targeting glacier visitors—book tours through Stewart’s visitor center to avoid scams.
Transportation Options
No public buses cross; taxis (~$15 USD) or private cars take 5 minutes between Hyder and Stewart via International Street’s paved route. From Stewart, BC Transit buses to Terrace (3 hours, ~CAD 40) are infrequent—check schedules at Stewart’s visitor center. In Hyder, no public transit exists; private cars or ferries to Ketchikan (4 hours, ~$60 USD) are options. Roads wind through fjords, with glacier and bear views. Pedestrians can cross easily, as towns are adjacent. Winter ice requires caution; check BC’s 1-800-550-4997 for updates (no Alaska 511 for Hyder). The route’s coastal cliffs and waterfalls add stunning appeal.
Nearby Attractions and Tips
Hyder’s Fish Creek Bear Viewing Area, 2 km north, offers grizzly sightings in summer—book through official operators. Stewart’s Salmon Glacier, 20 km north, is North America’s fifth-largest, accessible via guided tours. The Stewart Historical Museum highlights mining history. Carry USD or CAD, as both are accepted in Hyder, but ATMs are scarce. Stay in Stewart for cozy lodges like Ripley Creek Inn or campgrounds like Rainey Creek. A Canadian SIM card ensures connectivity, as U.S. signals are weak. Try local seafood, like halibut at Stewart’s Bitter Creek Cafe, or visit summer markets for Tsimshian crafts. The “Hyderized” bar tradition is a fun local quirk.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
Summer (June-August) brings mild, rainy weather (15-25°C) and peak tourism, with minimal waits due to low volume. Winter (December-March) delivers heavy snow (-5 to 5°C) and icy roads, requiring winter tires; check BC’s 511 services. Spring and fall are quiet but rainy, with fog possible. Peak holidays, like Canada Day or U.S. Independence Day, see slight traffic increases, so cross early. Summer bear-viewing season and Stewart’s film festival add vibrancy to the area.
Planning Your Crossing
Bring a passport for Canada-bound travel, vehicle documents, and cash for small transactions. Use official transport, check wait times by phone, and avoid unofficial vendors to steer clear of scams. This unique crossing connects Alaska’s coastal wilderness with BC’s glacier country, offering a seamless blend of adventure, history, and natural splendor for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.