Best 10 Things to Do in Hyder Alaska in Summer
Wondering what there is to do in Hyder, Alaska? You have come to the right place!
We recently completed a road trip through British Columbia which included a side trip into Hyder.
While this is not somewhere we would recommend as a final destination, if you happen to be in the area it is well worth a stop.
Known as the “Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska,” Hyder offers a mix of history, wildlife, and natural beauty that you can’t miss.
Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!
Things to Do in Hyder in Summer
Hyder, Alaska is a small town that sits on the US/Canadian border.
The town boasts a year-round population of about 60 and is known for its awesome grizzly and black bear viewing.
We visited Hyder towards the end of July. We had the perfect weather to explore this tiny little border town.
1. Visit the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site
Our first stop in Hyder was the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, which is definitely a must-see.
If you are looking to see grizzly bears and black bears fishing for salmon, this is the place to do it!
The best time to visit is from mid-July to September when the salmon run is in full swing.
There are viewing platforms and walkways that offer safe and excellent vantage points for wildlife photography.
Unfortunately, while we were visiting, the salmon run had not yet begun. So alas, no bears!
The fee to get in is minimal, so no big deal. And, there are washroom facilities onsite.
Oh… and watch for the caterpillars! They fall out of the trees and you get covered in them. 😳😳
2. Be in Awe of the Salmon Glacier
bout a 40 km (25 miles) drive from Hyder takes you to the awesome Salmon Glacier.
This is actually the fifth-largest glacier in Canada (yes, the glacier is on the Canadian side).
And while the gorgeous blue and white glacier is definitely worth the drive, be warned!
The drive itself is an adventure. The bumpy gravel road that winds up to the summit (an elevation of about 4300ft) is filled with potholes, loose rocks, and a few sharp turns.
If you are going to do the drive, take your time, and make sure that you have a full-sized spare tire with you and a full tank of gas.
We were in an SUV and definitely would not recommend the drive in a sedan!
There are some pretty great views along the way, including a few abandoned mines. Plenty of opportunities to take some photos.
Oh… don’t forget to bring some bug spray. The mosquitos are killer!
3. Explore Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is a great spot to visit when you’re in Hyder.
It’s the largest national forest in the United States, with over 700 miles of trails, catering to various skill levels and preferences.
The hikes range from easy and fully accessible boardwalk trails to challenging backcountry hikes.
If you are into spotting wildlife you will see everything from eagles to deer. Of course, you will need to be bear-aware, as both grizzlies and black bears live in this forest.
4. Go for A Stroll at the Hyder Port
Hyder’s port area is small but pretty scenic.
We took a leisurely stroll out to the end of the pier to do a little photography.
You’ll find old docks, fishing boats, amazing views of the mountains, and sometimes even see an eagle flying overhead.
We watched the morning fog dissipate on the water, took some photos of the wildflowers, and then moved on to our next spot.
5. Do Some Bird Watching
While we are not birders, we quickly learned that Hyder is an awesome spot to do a little birdwatching.
While we were strolling on the pier, we came across several people with binoculars. Since there weren’t any bears to be seen, I can only assume that they were birdwatching.
Apparently, Hyder is a great spot for spotting eagles as well as a myriad of other coastal birds. Makes sense as the town is situated along the Portland Canal.
6. Photograph Hyder’s Unique Buildings
Driving into Hyder from the Canadian border, the first thing that you will notice are the buildings! It looks like you are visiting the ole west amid the gold rush heydays.
The downtown area is not too big, so it’s really easy to walk around and take some pretty cool photos.
Make sure to get a photo of the Hyder, Alaska sign!
We would definitely recommend going into the little shops too! John and I were able to grab a couple of souvenirs while the kids decided on some yummy fudge.
7. Devour a Seafood Feast at the Bus/The Cabin
This quirky spot started out in a converted bus and has since taken over an adjacent cabin.
This place serves the freshest and most delicious seafood. It is famous for its fresh halibut fish and chips.
This is a very small business – they catch the fish in the morning, serve it up for lunch, and when they run out, they close for the day.
8. Get Hyderized at the Glacier Inn Bar and Restaurant
No visit to Hyder is complete without getting “Hyderized” at the Glacier Inn Bar and Restaurant.
This quirky local tradition involves taking a shot of 150-proof Everclear.
If you can handle it, you’ll earn a certificate and bragging rights.
This is very similar to the Canadian version of getting “Screeched In” which we did in Newfoundland!
The bar itself is a pretty quirky spot. A good portion of the inside was covered in dollar bills!
And not just American money either. You could see all kinds of money from around the world covering the walls.
Besides the challenge, the Glacier Inn offers hearty meals and cold drinks, perfect after a day of exploring.
9. Cross the Border into Stewart, BC
So we actually started in Stewart, BC during our trip to Hyder. We spent the night, wandered through the quaint town, had an incredible lunch, and finally saw some grizzlies.
Just a short distance from the US border, there is a really nice park with a wooden boardwalk that takes you through an estuary.
While walking along the boardwalk, we noticed a mamma grizzly and her 2 cubs. They were also in the estuary.
Given that the boardwalk was on ground level, and they were walking alongside it, we knew to keep our distance.
We ended up stuck on that boardwalk for at least an hour (not that we minded), as the little family was blocking us from getting back to our vehicle!
Once they settled in the tall grasses for a little siesta ( and a good distance from the walkway), we were able to sneak past and head back.
And if you are curious about where we had lunch, it was at the Toastworks Toaster Museum! Yep, you read that right.
You will find a small toaster museum in the heart of town that doubles as a Mexican restaurant. While the food took a little longer to be served, it was definitely worth the wait.
We would give this small family business a definite recommendation!
10. Visit the Stewart Historical Museum
While you are across the border, the Stewart Historical Museum is a great place to stop and visit.
Located right in downtown Stewart, you can learn about both Stewart and Hyder’s history.
The museum has displays that show the ups and downs of gold mining in Stewart and nearby communities.
⛰️ Fun Fact: Hyder is so isolated from the rest of Alaska that its 60 residents rely heavily on the nearby Canadian town of Stewart (population 600). They set their clocks to Pacific Standard Time instead of Alaska Standard Time, use Stewart’s area code, send their kids to schools in Canada, and do most of their grocery shopping across the border.
Where to Stay in Hyder Alaska
While I was researching for this blog post, I could not find any hotel accommodations in Hyder. Many of the places that are listed online have all been permanently closed.
As I mentioned earlier, we stayed in Stewart during our visit. There were plenty of hotels and rentals (VRBO) to be found.
And seeing what a short drive it is to Hyder, it won’t be an issue (unless of course, you don’t have your passport with you).
How to Get to Hyder, Alaska
Getting to Hyder is part of the adventure. Here’s how you can make your way to this unique Alaskan town.
By Car
- Hyder is only accessible by road from Stewart, British Columbia.
- Drive along the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) in northern British Columbia.
- Turn onto Highway 37A at Meziadin Junction.
- Continue about 65 km (40 miles) until you reach Stewart, then cross the border into Hyder.
- This section of the drive is extremely scenic with several great places to pull over and view the glaciers.
- There’s no border checkpoint when entering Hyder from Stewart, but remember to carry passports for returning to Canada.
By Air
- The closest major airport is Terrace-Kitimat Airport (YXT) in British Columbia, about a 4-hour drive away.
- Rent a car from there and follow the driving directions above.
Border Information
- Hyder is unique—no U.S. customs station entering Hyder, but you’ll pass Canadian customs returning to Stewart.
- It’s a tiny, one-person operation. But the officer was very thorough, even taking a peek into our trunk.
- Make sure to carry passports and proper ID for everyone in your family.
Where to Eat in Hyder Alaska
Despite its small size, Hyder has a few spots to grab a bite.
The Glacier Inn
Known for its famous “Hyderization” shot, the Glacier Inn also serves up classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips.
The Boundary Gallery
For a quick snack, the Boundary Gallery & Gifts is renowned for its Hungry Bear Fudge. Trust us, it was delicious!
Aside from all the cool souvenirs, they also serve up cinnamon buns and other baked goods, coffee and cold drinks.
Hyder Alaska FAQs
Yes, Hyder, Alaska is worth a visit for its unique wildlife viewing and awesome glacier landscapes. That said, we would only make our way there if we were in the area. It’s not worth a visit if that is your sole destination.
To cross the border from Stewart, BC into Hyder, Alaska, you don’t need any documents since there is no official border control.
To cross the border from Hyder, Alaska into Stewart, BC, you will need a valid passport or another acceptable form of identification, such as an enhanced driver’s license or a Nexus card. Canadian border control is present, so proper ID is required for entry.
The best time to visit Hyder, Alaska is from mid-July to September. During this period, you can witness the salmon run and the resulting bear activity at the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, and the road to Salmon Glacier is usually clear for access.
Yes. Most places in Hyder, Alaska accept both American and Canadian currencies. The only exception is the U.S. Post Office, which only accepts US dollars.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in Hyder Alaska
Hyder is a unique corner of Alaska that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve visited.
It’s small, welcoming, and surrounded by amazing nature that families can easily explore together.
Even though it was isolated, there was enough to keep us busy for a few hours—from bear watching and glacier viewing to trying tasty seafood.
If you’re planning a trip to northern BC, don’t skip this little Alaskan town.
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