Where to Paddle along the Stewart–Cassiar Highway

12 January 2026 Itineraries

The Stewart–Cassiar offers exceptional paddling on world-class rivers and lakes, all set within one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in BC. For RV travellers drawn north by curiosity and a taste for open horizons, this is one of the most immersive ways to experience the region’s raw and rugged terrain. From quietly paddling the stunning blue waters of the Tā Ch’ilā (Boya Lake) to navigating the wild, fast-flowing currents of the Stikine, this route rewards those willing to venture beyond the open road and into its waterways.

Meziadin Lake & Strohn Lake, Stewart

Highway 37 wastes no time when it comes to impressive lakes. Sitting at the intersection of Highway 37A, Meziadin Lake is a scenic, glacier-fed lake well stocked with Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, and Dolly Varden. Several salmon-bearing creeks feed into the lake, drawing bears and other wildlife to its shoreline in fall. Paddlers can launch directly from the campground and, within minutes, glide into quiet bays framed by snowy mountain peaks. For anglers, an on-site convenience store sells fishing licences and basic gear, and if that’s not available, the gas station at nearby Meziadin Junction is another option.

A mere twenty minutes down the road brings you in view of Bear Glacier, one of BC’s most visibly prominent glaciers, and the tributary that feeds Meziadin’s chilly waters. At its base sits Strohn Lake. While the glacier once kissed the roadway, it’s since retreated, turning what was a massive block of ice into the current-day lake. Paddlers can launch from a sparse boat ramp and make the brief journey across to the glacier, getting an even closer view of this once icy monolith and its shifting face, a humbling reminder of the forces still shaping this wild landscape today. 

Kinaskan Lake, Bell 2

Further north past the outpost of Bell II, Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park offers an RV-friendly basecamp (there are over 50 sites available) with direct water access. Long and narrow, the lake is framed by the Skeena and Coast Mountain ranges and dense forest, creating sheltered paddling conditions close to shore. Early mornings often bring glassy water and the chance to spot moose or waterfowl along the banks.

From the lake’s south end, the Iskut River empties into neighbouring Natadesleen Lake, where a short hike leads to the babbling Cascade Falls. RVers needing to stock up on supplies, gas or diesel can refuel at Bell II. 

Iskut Lakes Chain, Tatogga

The Iskut Lakes Chain strings together 50 kilometres of wilderness lakes along the central stretch of the Stewart–Cassiar Highway. Even more impressive is its backdrop: here, the small community of Tatogga unfolds into one of North America’s last wild frontiers, encompassing both the rust-hued volcanic streaks of Mount Edziza Provincial Park and the “Grand Canyon” of the Stikine. This corridor of lakes sits within Tahltan territory and offers extensive opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, many of which are accessible from RV-friendly access points.

At the chain’s southern tip lie Natadesleen and Kinaskan lakes, while Kluachon Lake anchors its northern end. Tatogga and Eddontenajon lakes lie between them. From Eddontenajon Lake, you can base yourself at the Red Goat Lodge and Campground, which offers easy water access and frequent wildlife sightings—the surrounding area is home to one of North America’s largest populations of Stone’s Sheep and moose—while farther north, Morchuea Lake Recreation Site provides a quieter alternative, with striking views of Mount Edziza.

Cold Fish Lake and the Spatsizi Plateau

Cold Fish Lake is tucked deep within Spatsizi Wilderness Provincial Park—one of Canada’s largest protected areas—and reached only by a 54-kilometre multi-day trek or by floatplane. Getting here is a true wilderness commitment: a handful of rustic cabins, maintained by BC Parks, offer simple shelter, but visitors must leave their RV behind and pack in all food and gear. But here, your effort is rewarded with near-total solitude in a landscape that sees only a few dozen visitors each year. Paddlers can explore the shoreline by inflatable SUP or settle into the quiet stillness of a place defined by its vast scale and remoteness. Floatplane access into Cold Fish Lake is available through Alpine Lakes Air (Burns Lake) and Klappan Air (Iskut).

The Stikine River

The Stikine River is a vast, silt-laden artery that drains glaciers, plateaus, and mountain ranges across the north before barrelling its way through an 80-kilometre, steep-walled canyon, earning it the nickname the “Grand Canyon of the North.” Its strong currents draw expedition rafters and big-water kayakers from around the world. Access is generally near the quiet town of Telegraph Creek, home of the quaint Stikine Riversong lodge.

Dease Lake

Expansive and windswept, Dease Lake is the largest lake along the Stewart–Cassiar Highway and a prime destination for anglers. Beneath its surface swim Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and Rainbow Trout. Local guides and outfitters can help identify the best fishing spots, while nearby campsites offer quiet, scenic places to cast a line. Dease Lake connects to the Dease River, a 265-kilometre waterway offering whitewater enthusiasts access to Class I and II waters. The community of Dease Lake also serves as a key service hub along this stretch of Highway 37, with fuel, groceries, lodging, and other essentials available to RVers.

Tā Ch’ilā Provincial Park (Boya Lake)

If there is one lake synonymous with the Stewart–Cassiar, it’s Tā Ch’ilā (Boya Lake). This luminous, blue-tinged lake is one of the last stops before the Yukon border and well worth spending a few days at. The lake’s signature colour results from light reflecting off marl deposits and shell fragments that have settled on the lakebed, creating waters that rival tropical destinations in hue. Paddling here is gentle and meditative. Canoe between small islands, leisurely trace the shoreline, or simply drift along and absorb the lake’s colour shifts as clouds pass overhead. Interpretive trails at both ends of the lake provide insight into the area’s ecology and geology, while the park’s campground offers vehicle-accessible sites and basic amenities.

Planning Your Paddle

The Stewart–Cassiar passes through the traditional territories of the Nisga’a, Tahltan, Iskut, Dease River, and Kaska Dene First Nations. These waterways are not empty corridors of wilderness, but thriving ecosystems shaped by centuries of stewardship and cultural knowledge. To paddle here is to move through a landscape alive with culture and history.

RVers should keep in mind that fuel stops are sparse along the Stewart–Cassiar, with Bell 2 and Iskut serving as key places to top up gas tanks and supplies. Canoe and kayak rentals are limited—make sure to bring your own paddling equipment or arrange rentals in advance through lodges or outfitters near Stewart or Iskut. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly, making preparation and flexibility essential to your northern paddling adventure.