Alaskan Ghost Town, Trapped in Canada | Destination Adventure

Hyder Alaska is a destination I tried desperately to access last year, but the borders remained closed throughout my stay. I am pleased to say, this time I was not disappointed. This is such a neat little town and piece of history, absolutely surrounded by beauty. This entire area, followed by the 90 miles of Portland Canal, are absolute wilderness paradise. Some of the worlds best bear viewing, bird watching and anything really outdoors, is found practically at your doorstep.
Even more exciting about the border access, is that I can now reach the northern side of British Columbia, accessed only through this small Alaska crossing. Riding the Trials Bike was a huge high for me because I haven't gotten to go for a good mountain ride in a long time. The riding was a blast, the scenery of the Salmon Glacier, the river valley and all of the upper ice field was unbelievable.
The Grand Duke Mine was another highlight of mine, as it has been on my list for quite some time. I would have loved to poke around a little more, but it's important to respect these current mine operations, lots of dangerous stuff around. Never the less, I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring around the alpines, but we all know this doesn't end in a happy story. What it did end with is a long walk home. My legs and feet are pretty soar, but it was some nice time to walk and talk, and yell lots of "WHOA BEARS".
Unfortunately the Trials Bike is out of commission for the season, but the MoHo is running happily so the adventure moves on as it should.
Thank you so much to all of my Patrons. You guys push me through all of these tough positions. If you want to help support the show, check out the Patreon page: / destinationadventure
Or you can rock some awesome DA Merch: destinationmerch.com/

[@tiffinyjohnson8534]

I grew up in Hyder and Stewart! My granddad worked at the mine as an electrician I believe… so amazing to see Caroline’s beautiful face and hear her voice again. Thank you for taking me home for 20 minutes

[@gillwyatt8103]

Loved the lady in Hyder - quite a character! Magnificent scenery and how great to see bears! 🐻Gill 🇬🇧

[@StellaAzul]

I looked into buying something in Hyder and Caroline was super gracious and showed me around. I still dream of living there.

[@jens7898]

@@StellaAzul Why didn't you buy something?

[@PontiacDad]

I worked at the Premiere Mine back in the early 90's. Brought back good memories of mountain biking up at the Gran Duc mine. If you can find a path down to the glacier and chisel off some ice for your beverage your in for a real treat, lasts forever and the ice 'sings' to you in your glass.

[@cicely4144]

that is amazing

[@Ivan-pl2it]

Hope there want any dinosaurs piss in that ice.

[@rudychacon7175]

@@Ivan-pl2itthat’s the best part

[@healerondemand3464]

Hahahahahaha

[@jimmartins3073]

I am an ex Trans Africa Overland Expedition Leader, as well as having many backpacking/seafaring experiences around the world. I have found your videos very good. One thing that has come to me is that many of the memories I retain with feeling, are the ones of difficulty, danger and solving problems. The events that happened getting to somewhere, were often more worthwhile than the arrival itself. I enjoy your easy manner and aptitude. Your adventures are worth recording. Thank you.

[@bus2town]

Thank you for this video. Back in 1980 i lived in Stewart BC for about a year. I was 18 years old back then. Me and my friends got shot at by hillbillies in Hyder and ran into a grizzly bear face to face.Back then Bear Clacier almost came down to the road. it's sad to see it's receding back uo the mountain. This sure brings back memories.

[@StepOnLegos1]

Didn't happen.

[@bus2town]

@@StepOnLegos1 what didn't happen ?

[@Bob-gn8ph]

@@StepOnLegos1 what are you like 2 years old ? Show some respect! the man is telling his story ! I've been there back in the mid 80s but yeah maybe I'm lying too.. you need to grow up and quit being an ass.. because you're going to reap what you sow in the end!

[@superman242242]

Showing the good and the bad is very important. It highlight the risks and honestly provided it works out in the end it's honestly good content because it makes it feel like a great adventure ! No great adventure doesn't have it's hurdles along the way . Thanks for continuing to share !

[@Destination_Adventure]

It feels great once you’ve gotten through it, but a bit of a bummer during. Lol. Thank you for enjoying :)

[@CraigOlove]

@@Destination_Adventure And you could not even get Hyderized . Looks like the town closed up because of covid..and now you have to have a passport if you want to drive from the lower 48.. I visited Hyder back in 2002 had a great time . Sad to see it this way..

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Thought about moving to HideHer. The lady had me sold til she said "Long as you don4 hurt yourself". I don't typically hurt myself, but thats not the point. The town clearly does not practice the corn flake rule if they are sticking their nose in others business. Who decides what's hurting ones self? This is a huge issue I have with the US gov. They will arrest us, stick us in a cage for life, they will beat us up & shoot us down, they will literally kill us just to keep us from harming ourselves.

[@prgfitz]

It wouldn't be much of an adventure if everything went perfectly at every point. Part of the magic of this channel is your ingenuity and your patience as you work through trying times.

[@Destination_Adventure]

That’s a great opinion, thank you.

[@jeanniehamm1207]

I admire your ability to diagnose and fix things. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you

[@Nativebeautys]

Being a Canadian myself I thank you for sharing. I know I will never travel to see this wonderful magnificent part of our country.🥰

[@jaydub1380]

I love everything about your channel but one of the many things that makes it awesome is you don't just show the good. You show us EVERYTHING that comes with road trips. The Amazing AND the things that could go wrong. Safe travels and keep "whippin it!"

[@Destination_Adventure]

Thanks amigo 🤙

[@YukonSteve]

The break downs are life's way of building caricture in people. The most impactful memories for me are the times I got myself out of what I got myself into.

[@dianewilson5516]

It's sad to see a town die. There's no reason for that. It makes me sad to watch that happen. I hope that changes for this Alaskan town.

[@shaunmoore9825]

So glad you came back to Stewart. It has been great seeing you again and like catching up with an old friend. Keep up the great work and I always look forward to seeing your next adventure.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Great to be back man, thanks for everything.

[@shaunmoore9825]

@@Destination_Adventure any time!

[@MrRod4000]

Lived in Stewart late seventies. The first tunnel you saw was built because it was simply impossible to plough snow fast enough to keep the road open.

[@lotharschiese8559]

Snow plowing was done with bulldozers, 24/7!

[@andyeunson270]

Yeah. Avalanche territory. I was told that the tunnel was to avoid a particularly avalanche prone area of the road in winter. I worked just North of Hyder in 1981 while my buddy worked at Granduc. We were both geologists. I think in the 60s an avalanche took out the Granduc mining camp. Killed a lot of miners so a tunnel was constructed from a new less dangerously located camp. I had a tour of the underground that summer.

[@davidrice7414]

Thank you Dustin, Another great video. Looking forward to the next

[@zackwindisch1595]

Such a beautiful area, I’d love to make it there someday.

[@setha.bishop9821]

just do it, get a ticket now and just show up.

[@mohamadsowaid6275]

I remember suffering breakdown in the desert in Australia. Travelling between south Australia, and Northern Territory we stopped for breakfast. As we were about to get going, noticed a pool of water under the car. Hole in radiator hose, and I didn't have a spare. In the middle of desert, with no cooling, I said to the others that this is a big problem. My brother responded, "it's not a problem, it's a challenge, and all part of the adventure"

[@Veldtian1]

So you're the lone survivor of your harrowing journey back to civilization?😉

[@darinwesnedge6506]

Back in 2001 I took a road trip from Parksville Vancouver Island to Peace River for New year's I caught the first boat in my 1977 Trans am with a 400 big block with a bad main bearing and a rotten radiator I ran out of water and my engine seized going up the coquihalla got towed to Canadian Tire in Kamloops put water and sealant in and pinched off the holes in the rad and she came back alive I made it to Peace River to see my girlfriend for New year's I came back in a freezing rain with no heat and I iced up the roads are so icy I was doing 30k and I got blown off the road into the ditch from a tractor-trailer passing me the other way had to take the snow out of my engine then I had to get a tow out by a kind by passer I continued my way home Parksville Vancouver Island I expected my Trans am to get me but I didn't expect it to get me back

[@mohamadsowaid6275]

What a story and adventure brother. Atleast I was in a 4x4 land cruiser. You were in a trans am (beautiful car by the way), and in the snow. That's insane, lol

[@evinism]

Oh wow, we must have missed you in Hyder by no more than a few days! I'm so thankful that you documented this town and the road up to the glacier. It was the best part of my Alaska roadtrip, hands down, and having this little bit of videography is a great reminder of it. I've shown it to half a dozen people already, and augmented with the pictures we took, it forms a really nice story. We were diverted into Stewart when the Alcan washed out, and we had no idea the gem we had stumbled into. The people in Hyder were so sweet and so kind to us when we stopped in. Caroline told us much of the same story she told you, with a few extra tidbits that I'm guessing you cut for time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this video!

[@Sqarmot28]

i once hitchhiked through canada and this was one of my personal favourites :) epic day out! incredible energy over there

[@mamasinger49]

Another great adventure and yes the breakdowns keep the reality alive which makes your videos even more endearing. Thank you for all the work and risk you take and more than anything the calm positive attitude you have in the hard moments.

[@mrandrat625]

50 km is a long hike, especially pushing a bike in boots. That day could have become so much worse, but you know what's said about "if it doesn't kill you". Speaking of,, I didn't see an anti-bear bang stick.

[@YukonSteve]

Mexico was great, but this is what we love! Be careful but don't hold back

[@SHHHMotoTravels]

We met Caroline this year when we went to Hyder. Wonderful person !

[@paulson6270]

Beautiful! Sounds like a place I would love to be.

[@susancraig4190]

Amazingly beautiful!!!

[@bigbird2451]

I've been Hyderized. My friend and I took a road trip from California to Alaska. The plan was to go to Prince Rupert and take a ferry up the coast to see the sights. But the ferry was cancelled so we decided to drive to Hyder to actually touch Alaskan soil. It's kind a sad little town. The Canadian side is picture perfect and the American side is just falling over. The glacier was fogged over for us too but we made a nice Turkish coffee and took in the fog instead.

[@hblackburn5580]

Even though you had to make some changes in your plan, the experience especially with great friends is something you'll never forget. My friend and I are doing a little Florida coast road trip from Mobile Alabama, on the Gulf Coast, then driving along the coastal roads of Florida, from Pensacola, to Panama City Beach, all the way to Jacksonville!

[@rendaowe]

What a cool story, goes with the whole theme of things. I’m glad that you shared it with us. Thanks👍🏼😉🫵

[@muckle8]

What the hell is a Turkish coffee?

[@PUREspeedpwnd]

@@muckle8 A way of making coffee, mainly just with the grounds unfiltered in the pot. Thick muddy and strong coffee

[@muckle8]

@PUREspeedpwnd sounds delicious …. Not!

[@PS1212]

Just found this channel after YT started recommending wandering with wade; happy to have found this gem.

[@sherrilee230]

That's all part of life the good the bad and sometimes ugly. It will help people think about adventures. Thank you for sharing and much love to you and what you do

[@kathylondon-anthony368]

Love watching these. Northern B.C. videos. Being born in Burns Lake and living the first 7 years of my life in Topley brings back a lot of memories. Haven't been there since probably 1981 or 82. Although living in New Brunswick and still having family that migrated from the East Coast to the Burns Lake area in the 70's, for some reason I've never been back.

[@sharong8511]

New Brunswick sounds like a good place to live. I hope you make it back to BC before it’s too late if that is your desire. Blessings to you.

[@fallingunknown8663]

thankfully trials bike are almost as light as a bicycle. I grew up riding my dirtbikes(trials included) exploring my home of deep deep south texas near the Mexican border. So you pulling out your trials and exploring brought back all of those memories.

[@paulshannon4576]

At least the Cassier Highway is paved now. I went south that way in the fall of 1994 and had a wonderful adventure. Needing to replace the tires on my fifth wheel before leaving Alaska and not doing it was the problem. Changing a blowout in a turnout, in the rain and watching for bears makes it an adventure. I spent a week in Steward at the campground but I regret not making it to Hyder.

[@parapelegicBUD]

" If its not broken yet go further " Quote from a soul like ours . Love the vids, Thanks .

[@ruthwierenga9305]

That seems to be him alright.

[@thomasjben]

Just a heads up at 7:36 Canada was spelt wrong….

[@blueman5924]

must have been the northern spelting, as they are a wilder folk.

[@brandons9398]

Fantastic adventure, the scenery was incredible, and that lady’s story was amazing. Glad you made it back safely!😊

[@johnnygreene5447]

Thanks for bringing smiles and wows to this older couple!

[@woodchuck1946]

One of the best things the lady did in her youth was to quit listening to CBC! And that's why she isn't messed up in her thinking, she wasn't brain-washed! Good for you!!!!!!

[@sloppyjoe400]

it makes me so happy to see this channel growing!! been watching Dustin for quite awhile now, I think the channel had maybe 25k when i first started watching, and its so awesome to see things taking off!

[@ronteljeur]

Well you drove it like a rental... ;) Always glad to see a notification for new videos from you. Better luck on the next adventure.

[@joannamarie_yt]

Your happy laugh when you're having a good time is probably one of my favorite things ^_^

[@joannamarie_yt]

Less of a good time after I commented lmao. Glad you're safe sir!

[@howardolson354]

Like the whole story with good times and bad. It shows your devotion to the viewer's. Ride on stay safe until the next video. 🙏

[@granthryze2694]

A Sherpa ! Haven't seen one in years ! You got some balls to do a ride like that by yourself. That's what makes your channel the best !!!

[@prgfitz]

Thanks for this one, Dustin. It's amazing. I spent this morning with our middle son installing a new color 1080p wired backup camera on the winnebago.

[@johnbacon1854]

Well, Dustin, you certainly took some pictures and left many many foot prints....... what a place, and so glad you made it back in one piece to be able to share it with us. Drive safe, be safe and until next time...happy travels to you.

[@annierose8099]

Hi this is the 2nd videos I’ve watched of yours, so far I am liking it. Even though you are doing all the hard work but at the same time, your enjoying your adventure and at the same time, you are dragging me along w/you. So I thank you. As for Hyder Alaska, would love to live in that town. Peaceful. You always take care n God bless.

[@tanyamccarron7628]

Thank you for sharing this adventure. I live in Terrace which is roughly 4-5 hours from Stewart/Hyder and as kids we would venture up to that area at least once a year. You mentioned that the Glacier is receding fast, even noticeable since you were there last year; I remember as a kid that Glacier coming right up to the highway! It is very sad that our glaciers are disappearing. Also, huge thanks for the video up to Grand Duke. I've always heard about this place, but didn't realize you could actually get to it and the top of the glacier. I may need to go back for a visit! Safe travels and adventure on!

[@WhenTheAncientsSpeak]

As always Dustin, thanks for taking us along with you. Loved the video.

[@jasonryper2840]

Finding this channel is like finding hidden gold , love the video's so far :) All Love , Jason From VI

[@jamey48]

I'm glad you leave the break downs in the videos. There are far too many people jumping into the lifestyle and they aren't prepared. You have the knowledge to get in and fix stuff or build things. A lot don't. It's very easy to get into a situation that can be very dangerous. Great videos ! Please tell us about your trials bike, I'm 61 and have never heard of that brand.

[@Loveflower244]

I love your adventures!

[@meecro2870]

Thank you for these images of the Bear Glacier. In a very short time, this ice will be gone. Anyone who wants to be able to see this should make it a priority. Time is short.

[@deborahharker4392]

Love watching your video’s. The beauty of the North is amazing. I dream of driving to Alaska one day. It is definitely on my bucket list.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi how are you doing?

[@Ticklemetuesdaygoose]

Love these videos! Keep them going!!!

[@kimhastie5440]

WOW so glad you were able to get help from others down the mountain

[@Falorik]

Love the bike, love the landscape. Awesome

[@davefitz7555]

Thanks for going there and sharing that with us. What amazing beauty!

[@catherinevoellinger6696]

Thank you again. Love your stuff!

[@sandkirk]

I just missed you. I live in Halifax NS but Stewart is my home town. I just spent three weeks there. Celebrated July 1st - 4th. Had Caroline’s fudge for the first time in years. Drove up to the salmon glacier the day they opened the road. My son, grandson and my Dad are all living there.

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

I was born in Stewart in 1959. Moved to Terrace in 1963.

[@rvman3359]

What an awesome and scary place. Glad you made it back safe. I look forward to every upload. Thank you.

[@easylife50]

can't all be roses. the reality of your adventures helps others, so thank you for your honesty, cause in real life there are breakdowns. Thank You

[@dagmarsigridmanondenijs-bl7156]

Wow! Thank you for videoing this!

[@AdamBhay]

curious as to why you'd buy a 2 stroke trials bike? They are notoriously unreliable. Wouldn't a 4 stroke 125 be a better pick? Plus better fuel economy. Great stuff though! I will continue watching. You inspired me to do my own 4500km motorcycle trip in a very similar adventurous style! It was a blast!

[@barrymyers8268]

As always another great adventure, ty Dustin!

[@carolmyers6678]

You are killing me going so close to the edge up there. I’m sitting here with my muscles all tight. Damn Dustin, I love your adventures and the absolute joy on your face . Thank you from this old lady in Florida.

[@dianewilson5516]

You're right. We all have our problems. The thing of it is, don't get so caught up in your own problems, you don't understand the problems of those around you. Our world needs a hug. This pandemic has brought out the worse part of a lot of people. If we try to pull together, we'll make this world a better place! Take care on your journey, and remember this, all lives are an adventure and the journey really is worth it!

[@typikalfoul699]

This is so well done. Thank you for making it !

[@oilsands83]

That's such a wicked drive... Now I wanna go...

[@driftwood6363]

In my country again... Love it

[@danieladams5422]

Awesome video. Thanks for taking us along. Glad you made it back in one peice. 👍👍

[@SunshineSkys]

Thank u Dustin for sharing, the good, bad, n beautiful! I like ur honesty, humor, n intelligence. Awesome adventure.

[@rebeccahale322]

Another fascinating video.. Thank you Dustin..

[@kanoelidstone5013]

Hi Dustin! My husband and I are watching you from Hawaii. Thank you for taking us with you on your beautiful adventures. You are awesome!

[@calgal5752]

This was beautiful! Thanks for sharing. 🌻

[@taleemulhaq]

what wonders lay upon this earth-- thanks for taking us along the journey!

[@themrjones]

Wow your videos are just breathtaking. For most city slickers being in gloomy wet conditions isn't what they expected. You sir love it and thrive

[@Destination_Adventure]

I’m not from a city

[@vlastahadrava7667]

Just amazing! What an experience that must be 💕

[@DJ_Drakon]

I absolutely love this channel. This is probably my favorite channel right now and it's making me want to travel to see the secluded wilderness and small towns of BC

[@tinabarrette963]

Love the break downs. Learning opportunity 💁🏼‍♀️

[@evileyeball]

Every time I watch one of your videos I thank the heavens that the KZbin algorithm sent me your way one time. I've been sitting here in my office in Kelowna (in the basement of my house) watching you ever since that day :)

[@Destination_Adventure]

That is an awfully nice comment, thank you.

[@1slippery2]

Glad you are continuing to Adventure!

[@stephenrrose]

You be you! Thank you for showing the good, bad and ugly! Sure does make the good, good! That was profound wasn't it? Just glad you were safe, and love when people help people!!!!!

[@gregmacdonald3559]

Outstanding! Thank you 🇨🇦❤️🙏🏻

[@AdairslivininAlaska]

Great video. Can't wait to see where you go in Alaska.

[@dconn74]

Love it!! Thanks for sharing.

[@patriciaschmitz1619]

My great Uncle George left England in the early 1900s, becoming one of the first settlers in Stewart. He loved it, and lived out the rest of his life, until he died and was buried there in the 1960s. It was wonderful to see his beloved town. Thank you for your video. Happy Adventures.

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

Probably new my parents. They lived in Stewart from 1954 to 1963. What was his last name? I was born in Stewart 1959.

[@patriciaschmitz1619]

Hi , his name was George Wall.

[@HardNorthOutdoors]

wow great episode. you pretty much have the recipe i have in mind for my setup. camper and dirt bike. keep the good work coming !!

[@robaskim5086]

Outstanding yet again - thanks!!

[@TheElizabethashby]

LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE SO CALM ABOUT YOUR HIC-UPS

[@OceanCrazie]

Gotta love those life "Plot Twists". Glad to see you safe, healthy, happy & thriving! 👍🤟🤗

[@calebwilliams2369]

Great video Dustin!!!! My wife and I are loving this series. Hey I use to work for a General Motors dealership. There's an egr gasket you can get for that style that has a screen built into it. The carbon problem you were experiencing was huge back in the mid to late 90's. You should still be able to get that style of gasket from a Lordco or Napa parts store. Keep up the amazing work.

[@alexandertretyak3060]

Yeah, it's spectacular! To be in such places, to experience this magnificence... it's worth all the breakdowns, and work, and hardships. Life is as wonderful as it is hard. I enjoy watching your trip.

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Wow ….. this was totally awesome. 👌👏👍 thanks for keeping it real.

[@markdul7857]

Love everything you do. Great adventures !!!!

[@JoJo-oc2zp]

I applaud your calm whenever problems arise. Your positivity is amazing! ♡♡♡♡

[@luztorres9830]

Beautiful! these times we are living that is the perfect place to escape with out a doubt.

[@marianfrances4959]

So awesome! Thanks 👍😎🇨🇦🌲❄p s. Craziest road, ever!

[@cindyreighard]

Amazing once again! That is such a beautiful area...just my kind of place! Happy trails!

[@fredc.schulze6116]

Great video! Enjoyed the story about Hyder. My wife & I (both retired) are planning to visit Hyder this September. We camp in a 2012 Chevy Express cargo van that we converted into a simple "tent on wheels". Your video showed the condition of the road to the glacier overlook, which is important to us. It looks doable for our unlifted AWD van, but we will check conditions after we arrive in town. Thank You!

[@TheKeeganc]

This channel is amazing!! Please don’t change a thing.

[@Juliemorgana]

In 1948 my parents lived in Stewart BC and got married in Hyder, Alaska. I can just imagine the life in those days, in those towns!

[@themyceliumnetwork]

my favorite place on earth, the canadian west coast. I need to go back, thanks for the video !!