Stop 4: Hyder — Bears & Glaciers
The grand finale with friends — grizzly bears catching salmon, the spectacular Salmon Glacier, and one last night together at a campground whose owners love Israel. Soak it in — after this, the group heads home and you head north.
Tickets: 13 people
Dates: Aug 20–21
Best viewing times: 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM
Site: Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, Hyder, AK
Watch grizzly bears catch sockeye salmon right from the boardwalk. Stay ON the boardwalk at all times — these are wild grizzlies! Bring binoculars for close-up viewing. The 6 AM visit is often quieter and the light is incredible.
Departs: 1:00 PM from Stewart
Arrival: Meet at 12:30 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Weather-dependent: Confirm and re-confirm 1 week before AND the morning of
The Salmon Glacier is one of the most accessible large glaciers in North America. The views from the top of the access road are jaw-dropping — a river of ice flowing between mountains.
Address: 909 Hyder Ave, Hyder, AK
Phone: (250) 636-9006
Nights: Aug 20–21
Amenities: 30A hookups, showers, laundry, dump station
Note: Owners are evangelical Christians who love Israel — expect a warm welcome!
Contact: [email protected]
Entrance: From the west on GrandView Drive
Night: Aug 22 — Last night together with the group
This is where the RVs get returned and the group flies home. Your adventure continues north!
Aug 22: Phase 1 Ends Here
The Tal/Nili families return RVs in Terrace and fly home. Your family's adventure continues — rent a car or fly to Whitehorse and reverse the highlights you haven't seen yet. Dawson City, Kluane glaciers, and Tombstone's Arctic wilderness await!
🛃 The Hyder Border
Hyder, AK is a strange place — accessible only from Canada (Stewart, BC). The US side has no border post, just a sign. Coming back into Canada: small Canadian customs at the Stewart border, ~10 min.
💵 Currency
Hyder uses US dollars despite being in Alaska. Stewart is Canadian dollars. Carry both. Some places take either currency, but confirm before purchasing.
🐻 Bear Count
Best viewing: arrive at the boardwalk before 6 AM or stay past 9 PM. Bring a red light flashlight for dawn/dusk visits — less disruptive to bears than white light.
📱 Cell Service
Stewart/Hyder area has BC Mobility service in Stewart town. Hyder has minimal signal. Download offline maps before arriving. Skagway's WiFi is the last reliable connectivity.