Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Meziadin Fishway
Meziadin Fishway is an engineered fish ladder and viewing site on the Meziadin River in northwestern British Columbia, located along Highway 37 (the Stewart–Cassiar Highway) near Meziadin Lake and approximately 39–40 miles from Hyder, AK by road. The site was built to assist migrating salmon and is commonly visited to observe salmon runs and birds of prey during summer and early fall. This is a man-made structure rather than a natural waterfall; visitors typically view the fishway from a roadside pullout and short boardwalk/viewing platform with interpretive signage.
The Setting
Meziadin Fishway sits at 232 metres within Wildlife Habitat Areas, in the foothills of British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Meziadin Fishway flows over Bowser Lake Group, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 145-175 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a vertical drop into the landscape.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is little to no hiking required. Visitors typically park in the roadside turnout and use a short paved or compacted pathway and viewing platform/boardwalk to observe the fishway. Interpretive signs are commonly present. Surfaces may be wet or icy depending on season; remain on designated paths and viewing areas.
What to Expect
An engineered fish ladder/fishway with concrete/metal structures guiding migrating salmon upstream. During summer and early fall you can often see salmon, gulls, and bald eagles using the area. The site is primarily a roadside attraction with interpretive signage and short viewing platforms rather than a long trail. Expect strong river currents near the structure and potentially slick surfaces. Facilities are minimal, no staffed visitor centre is typically present.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Meziadin Fishway?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Meziadin Fishway?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late summer to early fall (salmon run season) is typically the best time to observe migrating fish and birds. Summer is the most accessible season for road travel and wildlife viewing. Spring can have high flows but fewer fish; winter access may be limited due to snow and highway conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery platforms and riverbanks, strong currents, cold water, and wildlife (including bears). Do not climb on fishway structures, stay behind barriers, supervise children closely, and carry bear spray where appropriate. Always check road and weather conditions before travel and avoid stopping in unsafe highway locations.
Current Water Conditions
43.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 57 years of record
1.53 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Highway 37 (Stewart–Cassiar Highway) follow signed pullouts for the Meziadin Fishway. The site is along the highway corridor near Meziadin Lake and is commonly accessed by vehicle. Expect driving distances to nearby towns (Stewart/Hyder) to be substantial; check road conditions and seasonal closures on DriveBC or provincial highway reports before travel.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Small paved parking area / roadside pullout with space for several vehicles. Parking may be limited for large RVs or buses; use caution when pulling out onto the highway.
Elevation
232 metres above sea level
Coordinates
56.022325° N, -129.153769° W
Land Management
Managed by Government of British Columbia
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check highway and weather conditions before traveling; Highway 37 can be remote and affected by seasonal closures. • Bring binoculars and a camera for salmon and bird viewing. • Wear sturdy footwear, platforms and banks can be wet and slippery. • This is bear country; carry bear spray and know how to use it; keep food secured and be alert. • Respect signage and do not climb on the fishway structure; stay behind barriers for safety and to avoid disturbing fish. • There are minimal services in the immediate area, fuel, food and lodging are found in larger nearby communities (Stewart/Hyder).
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Meziadin Lake Campground
11.9 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Meziadin Lake Provincial Park, the Stewart–Cassiar Highway scenic corridor, and the communities of Stewart and Hyder (accessible by road from the region). Bear Glacier and other northern coastal attractions are reachable further west near Stewart/Hyder.
Wildlife
Salmon (during runs), bald eagles, gulls, waterfowl, and terrestrial wildlife including black and grizzly bears, moose, and other northern mammals. Maintain distance and do not feed wildlife.
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