
A guide to driving B.C.s
rugged and beautiful Highway 37
Highway 37 North traverses through some of
the most remote and beautiful scenery in British Columbia. It is one of only two land
routes to the State of Alaska and has small populated areas along the way. The total
distance from the junction of Highway 16 to the Yukon border is 725 km (450 miles).
Although no restrictions are placed on hours for travelling
this road, motorists are cautioned that there may be logging trucks on various sections of
the highway.
Road Conditions
Most of the route is hard surface (either pavement or
sealcoat) but some portions are gravel. Road conditions vary depending on the weather and
the time of year. Even in good weather some sections of the highway will have potholes and
broken sealcoat. For safety, travel with headlights on at all times.
Snow can occur at any time of the year (although not
typically during the summer months) causing slippery conditions and poor visibility. For
up-to-date road conditions information, visit the Ministry of Transportation Road Reports
at: Drive BC
Wildlife
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Bear, caribou, moose, fox and many other species
of wildlife can frequently be found on and along the highway. In the late spring and early
summer, adults and their young may be crossing the road to find new habitat. Drivers
should be alert for these potential hazards. Be advised to admire wildlife from the safety
of your vehicle. Do not attempt to feed them. |
Points of Interest
Telegraph Creek Road
This narrow, winding route travels 115 km (71 miles)
southwest from Dease Lake to the historic community of Telegraph Creek on the west bank of
the Stikine River. Many of the original buildings from the gold rush days of late
1800s remain, including the former Hudsons Bay Company store. The road has
very steep grades, up to 20%, and untreated gravel surface (very dusty in dry weather).
Drivers are urged to use extreme caution and allow 2.5 to 3 hours each way. There are
limited facilities in this area so call ahead for overnight stays.
Cassiar
Since the closure of the mine in 1992, there is no public
access to the former community of Cassiar and therefore no available facilities. The next
nearest community with facilities is Dease Lake ( to the South) or the junction of Highway
37 and the Alaska Highway (to the North).
Driving Tips and Courtesy
- There are some single lane bridges. Approach with caution and
yield to oncoming traffic.
- Allow other vehicles to pass... slow down and pull over if you
prefer a more leisurely pace.
- Keep to the right hand side of the road to avoid crowding
other vehicles.
- Do not tailgate especially on gravel sections where rocks can
fly up.
- Pass with extreme caution as there are no centreline markings
to indicate insufficient sight distances.
- Be aware that large trucks travel the route 24 hours a day.
- Plan your trips for stops, food, and gas.
- Obey all highway signs and be prepared for minor delays when
passing through highway construction sites.
- When viewing wildlife please park your vehicle in a safe
location and make certain
you are not blocking other traffic.
Map of Highway 37
Road Crews
Maintenance and construction activities are underway year
round. Motorists can expect some delays and should watch for flagpersons and construction
signs.
Summer grading operations often create gravel ridges down the
centreline, which can make passing difficult. To safely pass in these circumstances, slow
down to cross over the ridge.
Winter maintenance operations generally consist of plowing
and sanding. When encountering these operations, reduce speed, approach and pass with
caution. DO NOT travel too closely behind these vehicles.
Available Services
Drinking Water
Drinking water is available at Dease Lake and the provincial
campgrounds at Boya Lake and Kiniskan Lake. Treat or boil water from natural sources.
Sewage Disposal Sites
Sewage and waste water disposal sites for recreational
vehicles are available at various locations noted on the information kiosks.
Rest Areas
There is no overnight camping allowed at Ministry rest
areas, pullouts or gravel pits. Please take advantage of the many privately-operated
campgrounds in the area and use the rest areas for resting only. Be aware that bears are
in the vicinity of most rest areas along this route.
Services for your Vehicle
Service stations are few and far between; most will provide
only gasoline and oil. The longest distance between gasoline pumps is from Bell II
Crossing to Kitwanga, a distance of 249 km. Mechanical servicing and minor work, with
the exception of repairing flat tires, is restricted primarily to Watson Lake, Dease Lake,
Stewart, Kitwanga, and a few other places where local residents undertake repairs. Credit
cards are not accepted at all local businesses along the way.
Gas Stations
The following is a list of places, including the distance
from the junction of Yellowhead Highway 16 and Cassiar Highway 37, where gas and oil may
be purchased:
Kitwanga |
0 km |
Gas, diesel, minor repairs, restaurant |
Bell II |
249 km |
Gas, diesel, minor repairs, restaurant |
Tatogga |
392 km |
Gas, diesel, restaurant (summer only) |
Iskut |
405 km |
Gas, diesel, groceries |
Dease Lake |
480 km |
Diesel, repairs, groceries, propane, gas |
Junction #37 & Alaska Hwy |
727 km |
Gas, diesel, minor repairs and restaurant |
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Problems/Suggestions?
Contact:
Ministry of Transportation
Stikine District Office, Highway 37, Dease Lake
(250) 771-4511
Or:
Lakes District Maintenance Ltd.
Highway 37, Dease Lake
250 771-3000 and/or 1 888 255-8055
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