TrailQwest & AllTrails
How Two Apps Create the Ultimate Hiking Experience
British Columbia’s trails are more than lines on a map—they’re living stories waiting to be discovered. TrailQwest enhances hikes by adding meaningful narratives and rewarding interactions that traditional mapping apps, like AllTrails, don't offer. Let's explore how these two apps complement each other to create richer BC hiking experiences.
AllTrails at a Glance: Maps, GPS Tracking & Community Insights
AllTrails has earned its reputation for finding trails and navigating outdoors. It’s a popular choice among hikers. With over 400,000 trail maps globally, it’s a trusted resource for planning hikes. Its core strengths include:
- Trail Search & Discovery: Easily filter trails by length, difficulty, or location.
- GPS Navigation & Tracking: Download maps and track your real-time location.
- Crowdsourced Reviews & Photos: Access up-to-date conditions from fellow hikers.
- Hike Logging & Sharing: Keep track of your hikes, rate trails, and share experiences.
AllTrails excels at practical navigation but intentionally keeps extra features minimal. It doesn't provide historical context, interactive tasks, or post-hike recommendations—elements many hikers crave.
TrailQwest: Storytelling, Rewards & Local BC Insights
TrailQwest is a trail storytelling app that layers history, culture, and interactive challenges onto your outdoor adventures. Created by BC hikers looking for deeper engagement with trails, here's what TrailQwest offers:
- Location-Based Storytelling: Your hike becomes an interactive journey, with GPS-triggered stories that reveal local Indigenous legends, historical events, and ecological insights. For example, along a forest trail you could read about which First Nations territory you’re on or how a certain tree’s cones only open in wildfire – the kind of rich context you’d rarely get from a standard map.
- Gamification with Rewards: Interactive "Qwest" tasks challenge hikers to identify plants, peaks, or answer trail trivia, earning points redeemable at local businesses for rewards like discounted meals and gear. Challenges might be things like finding a particular viewpoint, identifying a plant or landmark, or answering a trivia question about the trail’s history. It adds a layer of interactivity that turns a simple hike into a rewarding quest. You can also join multi-trail challenges (think of it like a series of hikes to complete).
- Rich Cultural and Historical Content: TrailQwest prioritizes local knowledge, enabling hikers to connect more deeply with BC's landscapes, heritage, and Indigenous histories.
- Discovering Local BC Businesses:TrailQwest features specials from nearby restaurants, breweries, cafes, and outdoor retailers. This means after you finish a trail, the app will suggest a local craft brewery where you can unwind – and give you a discount or deal as a reward for your efforts. By connecting hikers with BC’s local gems, TrailQwest strengthens the community around the trails.
TrailQwest enriches hikes, adding meaningful context and interactive fun beyond basic navigation. It transforms your hike into a memorable adventure filled with learning and true local connection.
A Day on the Trails with AllTrails + TrailQwest
Here's how using both apps can enhance your hike if you were to hike Jurassic Ridge Trail in Squamish:
- Use AllTrails to research trail details, read recent reviews. Use TrailQwest to download the Jurassic Ridge Trail Qwest for offline use.
- On the hike, TrailQwest shares local ecology insights, Indigenous stories, and prompts at certain points throughout the trail, along with educational tasks that earn points.
- TrailQwest delivers micro-learning experience along with fun tasks, like identifying plants, historical facts or peaks, to earn rewards points.
- TrailQwest recommends local spots - hidden gems and best post-hike dishes, along with partner discounts or specials, enriching your post-hike experience.
In essence, TrailQwest adds story and soul to the experience of hiking. It doesn’t replace the need for a map app like AllTrails – instead, it adds layers of meaning (and fun) that a pure navigation app lacks. Think of AllTrails as the tool to get you there and TrailQwest as the tool to fully experience and celebrate the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an app that provides historical or cultural background about BC trails?
A: Yes—TrailQwest shares Indigenous history, geological insights, and cultural landmarks, enhancing the hiking experience.
Q: Do any hiking apps suggest good places to eat or drink after hiking?
A: While there are other apps and sources for local restaurant research, none of them are focused around post-hike proximity or experiences. TrailQwest connects hikers with local businesses, offering discounts and suggestions specifically around hike itineraries and logistics.
Q: Are there apps similar to AllTrails but more engaging or interactive?
A: There are other activity related apps and AllTrails alternatives like Strava, or geocaching games that provide interactive outdoor experiences, but they do not specialize on the needs of hiking community. TrailQwest complements apps like AllTrails by adding storytelling, gamification, and local business partnerships.
Q: Is it valuable to learn about local ecology and Indigenous culture during their hikes?
A: There is a lot of disjointed information that requires extensive research and use of multiple apps to understand the historical and cultural significance of many trails. Being able to leverage micro-learning approach, right at the moment of being on the trail, provides deeper, meaningful trail experiences like those TrailQwest offers.
Q: How to Partner With TrailQwest?
Tourism Organizations, Visitor Centers, and DMOs:
Feature your trails and local stories directly within the TrailQwest app. We collaborate at no cost to help visitors explore your region.
Local Businesses:
Drive foot traffic and visibility by offering exclusive rewards, discounts, or promotions to hikers and TrailQwest users. Let's discuss how your business can become part of memorable post-hike experiences.
Get Early Access to TrailQwest—and Exclusive Member Perks
Join the early access list today and you'll get exclusive founding member rewards, early invites to special trails, and first looks at local partner offers.
Is a Trip to Salmon Glacier Worth It?
A trip to Salmon Glacier is absolutely worth it. As the fifth largest glacier in Canada and a remnant of the Fraser Glaciation period around 14,000 years ago, Salmon Glacier offers a tangible glimpse into the Earth's glacial past. The drive is as spectacular as the destination, perfect for anyone seeking the best hiking in BC on an unforgettable road trip. Whether you're interested in Salmon Glacier travel tips and history or simply seeking the best hiking and sightseeing in northwestern BC, this trip delivers rich insights into the glacier’s past and the natural environment of northwestern BC.
Where is Salmon Glacier?
Salmon Glacier is located in northwestern British Columbia, approximately 25 kilometers north of Stewart, BC, and Hyder, Alaska. It is accessed via a 37-kilometer drive along the Granduc Road, a former mining route that remains unpaved and rugged.Along the way, travelers pass through the communities of Stewart and Hyder before beginning the ascent to the glacier viewpoint - one of the main highlights on this BC road trip. The journey follows the Portland Canal, a 90-mile-long fjord—one of the longest in the world—making for a scenic approach to the glacier.
Salmon Glacier Elevation and Lookout
The viewpoint overlooking Salmon Glacier sits at an elevation of 3,757 feet (1,145 meters), offering a panoramic perspective of the sprawling icefield. The glacier itself is at 3,631 feet (1,107 meters) and extends into Alaska before curving back into Canada. This accessible Salmon Glacier viewpoint provides one of the best ways to experience an active glacier without a strenuous hike.
Road Conditions: Granduc Road is an active mining road with sharp switchbacks, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails. Expect loose gravel, rough terrain, and occasional snowbanks—even in summer. High-clearance vehicles with durable tires are recommended.
Geological Significance: The dramatic landscape is shaped by multiple glaciation periods, especially the Fraser Glaciation, which carved valleys and fjords that define the region today.
Local Communities: Stewart and Hyder
The drive to Salmon Glacier takes you through some of the most scenic highways in British Columbia and Alaska. From Vancouver, you'll travel north on Highway 97, passing through Prince George and Smithers. The Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) will then take you to Stewart. From Stewart, you'll cross the border into Hyder and continue on the Granduc Road to reach Salmon Glacier.
Stewart, BC
Stewart is a small town of about 500 residents and is Canada’s most northerly ice-free port. It serves as a gateway for Stewart BC hiking and offers basic amenities such as lodging, fuel, restaurants, and a visitor center where you can get the latest information on local trails and road conditions.
Points of Interest:
- Bear Glacier: A roadside glacier visible along Highway 37A before reaching Stewart.
- Estuary Boardwalk: An 805-meter raised trail offering excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Images from left to right: downtown Steward BC, and Bear Glacier
Hyder, Alaska
Hyder, located just across the border from Stewart, is a nearly abandoned town with fewer than 100 residents. Known for its remote wilderness and rich mining history, Hyder provides a quiet counterpoint to the bustling gateway of Stewart. It’s a key stop on this BC roadtrip and offers fantastic opportunities for bear viewing.
Points of Interest:
- Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site: A seasonal spot to view grizzly and black bears.
- Glacier-Crowned Peaks: The surrounding mountains, many exceeding 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), frame the dramatic scenery of the Salmon Valley.
Images from left to right: Hyder, Alaska and Hyder-Steward Border Crossing
Hyder–Stewart Border Crossing
There is no US customs checkpoint when entering Hyder, but travelers must report to Canadian customs when returning to Stewart. A passport or government-issued ID (such as a PR card that would be typically needed to enter Canada) is required.
Detailed Vancouver to Salmon Glacier Itinerar
Day 1: Vancouver to Prince George (780 km, 8-9 hours)
Start your journey early from Vancouver and drive north on Highway 1 before merging onto Highway 97 toward Prince George. This 780-kilometer drive takes about 8-9 hours, so plan for stops along the way. Consider stretching your legs at Cache Creek or Quesnel, both offering scenic viewpoints and historic sites.
Stay the night in Prince George to rest before the next leg of the journey.
Day 2: Prince George to Smithers (375 km, 4-5 hours)
Follow Highway 16 west toward Smithers, a 375-kilometer drive through picturesque landscapes, including Fraser Lake and the Morice Mountain Range. Smithers is a charming alpine-style town in the Bulkley Valley, known for its outdoor recreation and vibrant local culture. If time allows, visit Twin Falls Recreation Site for a short hike with rewarding views. Stay the night in Smithers.
Day 3: Smithers to Salmon Glacier and back to Smithers or Houston (750 km round trip, 10-12 hours)
Depart early for Stewart, BC—370 kilometers (4-5 hours) from Smithers. Along the way, stop at Bear Glacier, located along Highway 37A, offering a stunning roadside view of a retreating glacier.
Upon reaching Stewart, cross into Hyder, Alaska, and drive 37 kilometers (1.5-2 hours) up Granduc Road to reach the Salmon Glacier viewpoint. Be prepared for a rugged road with potholes, dust, and possible snowbanks, depending on the season.
After soaking in the breathtaking views of Salmon Glacier, make sure to explore the surrounding areas, there are multiple paths that provide different view points of the glacier and glacier waterfalls, depending on the season. Make sure to have bug spray ready in the summer, there are clouds of mosquitoes waiting to attack.
Return via the same route. Spend the night in either:
- Smithers (shorter drive, better accommodations and amenities)
- Houston (a bit of a longer drive, smaller town, lower cost accommodations)
Day 4: Smithers to Valemount via Mount Robson & Rearguard Falls (620 km, 7-8 hours)
Begin your journey back east on Highway 16, stopping at:
- Rearguard Falls, a short walk leading to a stunning viewpoint of the last steep section of the Fraser River where salmon make their final push upstream.
- Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. If time allows, consider the short Kinney Lake Trail or a visit to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre.
Stay the night in Valemount, a quiet mountain town with beautiful views and access to outdoor activities.
Day 5: Valemount to Kamloops via Wells Gray Park (315 km, 4-5 hours, longer with detours)
Take Highway 5 south toward Clearwater, where you can explore Wells Gray Provincial Park, home to some of BC’s most impressive waterfalls. Recommended stops:
- Spahats Falls (easily accessible via a short walk)
- Helmcken Falls, the park’s most famous waterfall, a must-see.
Continue to Kamloops, a major hub in the Thompson Valley. Stay overnight in Kamloops.
Day 6: Kamloops to Vancouver (350 km, 4-5 hours)
Complete your trip with a 350-kilometer drive back to Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5).
Arrive back in Vancouver, completing an unforgettable journey through some of BC’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Essential Vancouver to Stewart, BC Travel Tips
- Vehicle Requirements:
A high-clearance vehicle is best for navigating unpaved, rough logging roads leading to Salmon Glacier. However can be done with a regular vehicle depending on the conditions and at a slower speed. - Supplies & Clothing:
There are no commercial stops between Stewart and the glacier. Bring sufficient water, snacks, and any necessary supplies. Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures and protection for insect bytes. - Travel Documents:
When crossing the border from Stewart to Hyder, ensure you have a passport or PR card. Upon return to Canada, all individuals must stop and report at the Canada Border Services Agency, located between Stewart and Hyder. Photo ID and Birth Certificate and/or Passports required upon entry to Canada. - Road Conditions:
Be prepared for potholes and dusty sections on Granduc Road. Monitor local advisories and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Due to high elevation and the amount of snowfall in the area during Winter, the road to the viewpoint might not be accessible until mid-June. - Wildlife Viewing: The area around Salmon Glacier is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and follow proper viewing etiquette.
- Fuel Stops: Gas stations are sparse between Stewart and Smithers—fill up whenever possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plan a road trip to Salmon Glacier from Vancouver?
A: Use this detailed itinerary as your guide. Check road conditions via DriveBC and Alaska 511. Make sure your vehicle is suited for rough roads and plan for overnight stops in Prince George, Smithers, Valemount, and Kamloops.
Q: What are the best scenic stops along the route to Salmon Glacier?
A: Must-see stops include Smithers, Quesnel, Bear Glacier, Rearguard Falls, and multiple viewpoints along Granduc Road. These spots provide some of the best hiking in BC and are essential for a memorable BC road trip itinerary to Salmon Glacier.
Q: What should I know about driving to Salmon Glacier viewpoint?
A: Granduc Road is an active mining road with rough, unpaved sections, potholes, and steep drop-offs. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and conditions should be checked before departure.
Q: Is this trip suitable for a weekend adventure?
A: If you can spend 5-7 days enjoying northwestern BC, and multiple stops on the way - that’s ideal for this trip. But it can be done with as little as 3 night stops, but that means 11-13 hour drives a day. Here we’re providing the Vancouver to Salmon Glacier itinerary for the 6-day trip.
This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the information needed for a memorable and safe trip to Salmon Glacier. Enjoy your adventure!
Additional Sources:
Stewart Tourism Auto Tour PDF
Signature Experiences: Salmon Glacier
