Stewart Archives - Iron Roamer

I left Stewart for the Yukon looking forward to see the sites another time. This time taking pictures.

Traveling north you soon realize how big British Columbia is. There are huge stretches between towns and gas stations. And I saw more black bears that other vehicles. Ok, maybe a slight exaggeration. I tried to get pictures of these bears but they quickly run into the bush.

I wanted to stop early and was thinking of a motel near Deas Lake. I started to learn the motels are expensive the more north you go – $115 Cdn for one in Deas Lake. Camping may be the choice for the day. I kept going hoping to find something.

Got to Watson Lake and it was the same thing. Expensive. I checked out Nugget City. It describes itself as, “Nugget City, Yukon – Worry free 24HR Gas & Diesel. Enjoy unique gift items and native art in The Northern Beaver Post. Enjoy a stay in one of our 4 star cottages, or go all out and try our Jacuzzi suite! The Baby Nugget RV Park is one of the Yukon’s newest and most moderen RV Parks, and is proud to offer you a WIFI connection based upon availability. The Wolf It Down Restaurant and Bakery offers a wide variety of menu items including our famous buffalo steaks, burgers and BBQ rack of ribs! For our rustic campers we offer an enjoyable, and natural tenting area with a creek nearby for fishing.”

As you would expect, the cottages were expensive. I just had it in my mind I wanted a bed tonight rather than tenting. I guess I haven’t quite gotten into the rhythm of camping yet. And I sort of wanted to do half and half, camping and hotels. I resigned myself to camping and asked the clerk about it. She responded by saying that they did have single rooms with just a bed for $68. She sold me.

After paying, she advised me the wi-fi was just to get email and I couldn’t upload or download anything. Then she directed me to the Atco trailers stuck in the back.

Across from my room were the co-ed washrooms and showers. It looked like the staff of the “City” lived in the Atco trailers across from mine. I guess I was in staff living quarters. Oh well. Time to check out the food at the Wolf it Down restaurant. Like everything it was expensive. Spaghetti for $19. I decided I need a beer. Or two. Had to try the local brew.

My route for July 6, 2016.

I was happy with my choice to stay in a hotel in Prince George and get out of the rain. When I woke up it looked like I wasn’t the only one seeking refuge from the rain. Pretty cool seeing them. Obviously I am not the only one doing this.

There are two routes from Prince George to head up to Alaska. One is up the Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and along Hwy 1. I decided to take the other route along Hwy 16 and up Hwy 37 to Hwy 1. I’ll take the other route on the way back.

I love reading the blogs of other motorcycle adventurers. Along this route was a place recommended by many of them – Hyder, Alaska, and Stewart, British Columbia.

The ride was pretty uneventful until the end of the day when I needed to find a place to stay. I was close to Stewart but would have to head 61 km down a dead end road in hopes that I would find a place to stay. I decided to go for it. I suppose I could always bush camp. I always say that but haven’t done it yet.

I don’t know about you, but when I get excite about something I get a huge grin on my face that I can’t stop. It wasn’t long down the road to Stewart I got that grin on my face. I love places that constantly have me saying, “WOW!” And this was one of these places – towering snow capped mountains, long ribboned waterfalls, a turquoise colored river, and best of all a glacier! Tomorrow I would take better photos.

As I entered Stewart I saw a campground sign for Rainey’s. Bonus. A $15 Cdn camping spot with hot showers. See my review of the campground.

The campground attendant said to go to the Glacier Inn in Hyder for dinner.

Hyder is a weird little place. There is only one way in and out, and that is through Canada. Despite this, Hyder has it’s own little time zone and is one hour behind Stewart. Go figure.

I got to the Glacier Inn and no one was there. Huuuummmmm. I drove around town for a bit and it looked like most buildings were either boarded up or closed. Then I saw a sign saying, “The Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska.” Now that explains it all.

Going into the town there is no US customs. But leaving Hyder there is Canadian Customs. Now I thought given the situation it would be more or less a wave through. But no. The Custom’s officer would not accept my enhanced drivers license and wanted proof of citizenship. He then wanted to know how long I had been there, where I had been, what I was bringing back and question my responses. At least he didn’t search my bike.

After dinner at the King Edward Hotel it was back to my campsite and a good night sleep. Couldn’t wait to look at the sites again when I leave the next morning.

Here was the day’s route for July 5, 2016.

Entering Yukon, Canada

Spectacular Stewart, British Columbia, Canada