ABOUT
FUN FACT
Photo credit: Carrie-Ann Eftodie
Indigenous to Northern BC, Fireweed helps rebuild ecosystems after a fire or clear cut. It also has a story of foretelling winter! Fireweed blooms bottom to top – once completely bloomed, the first snowfall of the year is said not to be far. Next to predicting winter, this versatile plant also has uses from teas and salad to fire starter.
Stewart BC
Credit: Camus Photography
Situated at the end of the 90-mile-long Portland Canal, surrounded by majestic forestry and the Cambria Icefields, resides the small town of Stewart. Founded in 1902 by Robert M and John W Stewart, Stewart has been a mineral exploration icon since the early years of the 20th century. By 1910 Stewart and Hyder (then known as Portland City) were joined by a two mile long “road” made from pilings across the tide flats. The area then hosted close to 10,000 people who were still residing in tents, waiting for buildings to be built on the pilings much like the “road” between Stewart and Hyder. Some of these buildings and pilings can still be seen on the tide flats today.
Fast forward to today, with a population of 500 people, this little town has everything a larger town would have to offer including grocery stores, post office, hotels and motels, restaurants, a museum, and shops. Along your journey through Stewart, you can view restored heritage buildings marked by historic signage. Stewart and Hyder both offer wonderful recreational activities from fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing from both land and water.