The tiny town of Hyder, Alaska, is the southernmost community of our state that can be reached by car. Completely surrounded by the wilderness or Canada, the only way into this spot is through an international border or a float plane. Even though this town is a part of Alaska, it’s remote from it, with no direct road access from Alaska. But there are so many things to do in Hyder Alaska!

Hyder is a small town in the southern part of Alaska, and Alaska's easternmost community. It has a tiny year-round population of 87.
CosmosUp / Facebook
After a gold rush boom in 1898, it's now referred to as "The friendliest ghost town in Alaska." The economy is based on tourism, and in the 2010's the town boasted over 100,000 annual visitors.
The easiest way to get to Hyder is to drive through British Columbia, Canada. You will want to take a look at a Hyder Alaska map!
Silly America / Facebook
You will have to cross the Canadian border. Many travelers make the quick 10 minute trip from Stewart so they can post a letter from the United States post office or go and visit the bears at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site.
As Hyder is a tourist destination, the top attractions are bear viewing, driving out to Salmon Glacier, and getting "Hyderized" at the local bar.
Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA - Flickr
Both saloons in town offer a certificate if you can take a shot of Everclear and keep it down. If you don't, you have to buy the bar a round!

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Because of the remoteness of the town, and lack of amenities, Hyder relies on their Canadian neighbors for a number of services.
Tom / Flickr
The community's electricity comes from Stewart, as well as ambulance services and the local volunteer fire department. They even share an area code with their Canadian neighbors, instead of Alaska's (907) area code.
If Hyder Alaska has less than 10 students, the town school shuts down and parents send their children to Stewart's public school a short drive away.
kcxd / Flickr
Hyder residents also cross the Canadian border to shop at the grocery store, and visit restaurants and shops. Stewart's population is over five times that of Hyder, at almost 500 year-round residents.
In the past, the town has accepted both Canadian and American currency everywhere except the post office.
Silly America / Facebook
You could even find their clocks set to Pacific Standard Time, instead of Alaska Standard Time. And of course you will find Hyder celebrating all of Canada's national holidays, as well as the United States ones.
The hundred year relationship between Hyder and Stewart remains strong and intact.
Philip Morton / Flickr
With a distance of only two miles, Hyder and Stewart are truly more like friendly neighbors than countries sharing a border. A unique connection binds these two towns, whose similarities outweigh their differences!

Have you visited Hyder, Alaska? What did you think? Did you travel through Canada to get there? Did you find this article of things to do in Hyder Alaska helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

Read more about where to eat and how The Tastiest Seafood In Hyder, Alaska Is Served Out Of An Old School Bus!

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Things To Do In Hyder Alaska

Megan McDonald | May 05, 2023

What are the best things to do in Hyder Alaska?

The best things to do in Hyder Alaska include getting outside. Tucked away in a remote corner of Southeast Alaska, this small town offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and small-town charm. Hike through ancient forests, witness the majesty of a glacier, or get up close with grizzly bears in their natural habitat. And with its proximity to Stewart, British Columbia, you hop over and explore its Canadian neighbor. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Hyder, Alaska:

  • Witness the majesty of Salmon Glacier: Take a scenic drive along the Salmon Glacier Road to witness one of the most breathtaking glaciers in Alaska. 
  • Explore the beauty of the Tongass National Forest: Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails to experience the stunning natural beauty of this ancient forest. 
  • Get up close with the fish at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site: This unique spot allows visitors to watch salmon as they swim upstream to spawn, attracting bears, eagles, and other wildlife along the way.
  • Take a scenic drive to Stewart, British Columbia: Just across the border lies the charming town of Stewart, British Columbia, Canada.

 

What is Hyder Alaska famous for?

Hyder, Alaska is famous for being a remote and rugged town located in Southeast Alaska, near the border with British Columbia. Known as the "friendliest ghost town in Alaska", Hyder is home to just over 80 residents, but it draws visitors from around the world who come to experience its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. 

One of the town's most famous features is the Salmon Glacier, a natural wonder that can be accessed via a scenic drive along the Salmon Glacier Road. Hyder is also known for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site.

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Hyder, AK, USA