Highway 37 North

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

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 1800’s remain, including the former Hudson’s 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:

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