Hyder ~ Stewart ~ Weather ~ Things To Do ~ Wildlife 
Hyder, Alaska is located at the head of the Portland Canal in southeast Alaska and is the most southerly place in Alaska. Hyder is just 2 miles from Stewart, British Columbia and 75 air miles from Ketchikan, Alaska. Hyder, Alaska lies on the boundary of the Tongass National Forest and the Misty Fjords National Monument. This ghost town itself is a quaint step back into time. The roads are not paved, the horses run wild, the dogs bark and the children laugh and play. Bears wander through the streets, without causing too much trouble! Hyder was originally called the Portland City and the name was changed in 1914 after Frederick Hyder, a Canadian mining engineer. Hyder's boom years occurred between the 1920 and 1930. 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" and as the "Grizzly bear capital of southeast Alaska". Hyder's economy is based primarily on tourism today. Spawning chum salmon return to Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska in late July and August, attracting grizzlies, black bear and bald eagles. Viewing platforms afford a unique vantage for awesome natural spectacle. Hyder, Alaska is also the gateway to the spectacular Salmon Glacier. The Salmon Glacier is the fifth largest glacier in North America. Miles and miles of the most beautiful glacier ice you will ever see. Hyder is the place you come to get Hyderized. Not sure what "getting hyderized" means? Our friendly bartender will pour you a shot of pure grain alcohol. After you have gulped down your shot the bartender tips the glass over on the table and lights the excess, which burns a bright blue flame. You have now been Hyderized - and we will issue you a certificate to prove it! Make sure to buy a T-shirt in the gift shop in the hotel and tell the world that you have been Hyderized! 
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 1890s and the townsite was named in 1905. The pilings at the head of the Portland Canal, which are visible on your way to Hyder, Alaska, are the remains of Hyder, British Columbia. It has been estimated that over 10,000 people resided in the area during World War I yet the population was reduced to less than twenty at that time. Stewart was founded by two American brothers, John and Robert Stewart. Stewart is Canada's most northerly ice-free port. Stewart will also continue to serve as a transshipment point for mineral concentrates, other bulk commodities and general cargo. Stewart is located on the Canada-United States international boundary and offers fresh and saltwater fishing, boating, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling (all year long!). Both Stewart and Hyder are resource-richa area that includes mining, forestry, fishing, aquiculture, transportation and tourism.
Hyder is located in the maritime climate zone with warm winters, cool summers and heavy precipitation.
British Columbia and Alaska boasts a variety of wildlife. The area is one of the last frontiers where you can view wildlife in its natural habitat. Moose are commonly found in willow thickets or browsing in wetlands. Grizzly bears and Black bears tend to stay in the forest, making them harder to spot. But in spring they can be found foraging on the first greens springing along roadsides. In late summer, you can see them foraging for berries on open slopes or fishing for salmon at Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska. Look for mountain goats on craggy mountain sides. Spawning salmon can be seen in mid-summer at Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska and the Bear River, with bald eagles above. If poplar trees have been chewed off just above ground level, chances are a beaver has transported them to his dam. Scratches going up a tree indicate the path of a climbing black bear. The Portland Canal contains Orca whales, seals and otters that play at our doorstep. Salmon, halibut, prawns and crab fill our area. Take time to look around you with a spotting scope or binoculars - you'll be amazed at what you might see! |
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