Grand Canyon of the Stikine

Canyon Remote deep river canyon carved by the Stikine

A remote river gorge in northwest British Columbia, the Grand Canyon of the Stikine draws expedition kayakers and rafting crews for its violent rapids, sheer walls and multiday runs.

Main image

Grand Canyon of the Stikine is a deep, remote river canyon carved by the Stikine River in northern British Columbia, Canada; it is noted for its steep-walled gorge and extreme river conditions.

The canyon contains long sections of narrow, sheer cliffs and complex river features that make it a destination for experienced kayakers, rafters, and wilderness travelers rather than casual day visitors. Access is generally by air or by lengthy river trips, and scenic aerial views are common from floatplanes.

The gorge was formed by river erosion and the effects of past glaciation over geological time; it lies within largely undeveloped wilderness in the Stikine region. Historically it has been bypassed by road networks and remains remote in character.

The canyon sits in northwestern British Columbia, upriver from the coastal plain and in the vicinity of the small community of Telegraph Creek; the surrounding landscape is rugged alpine and boreal wilderness with few settlements.

  • Access: Access is highly limited and is typically by floatplane, multi-day river expedition, or long overland approaches.
  • Conditions: The canyon is renowned for steep, near-vertical walls and technical whitewater that draw experienced paddlers and expedition teams.
Grand Canyon of the Stikine
58.0830, -130.7539

How to Get to Grand Canyon of the Stikine #

The Grand Canyon of the Stikine is remote and most commonly accessed by river expedition, chartered floatplane, or helicopter. Staging points are typically in northwestern British Columbia; visitors should coordinate with licensed outfitters and obtain any required permits from provincial authorities. Overland roads are sparse and often impassable off-season.

Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon of the Stikine #

  • This canyon is remote-confirm river permits and local restrictions if planning to raft or boat; parts are in protected wild areas.
  • Prepare for limited services: pack communication gear, medical supplies, and extra fuel.
  • Summer is the season for most travel, but insect repellant and sun protection are essential.

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon of the Stikine #

Summer offers the most reliable access for canoeing or river-based approaches; winter is impractical for most visitors.

Summer
June-August · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Best season for river travel and longer daylight; snowmelt may increase flows early in summer.
Late spring
May-June · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
River conditions can be variable; avalanches and runoff affect access.
Autumn
September-October · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Cooler and quieter but shorter days and limited services.

Weather & Climate near Grand Canyon of the Stikine #

Climate

Grand Canyon of the Stikine's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 22°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -9°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 10°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 46 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -3°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-16° -8°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

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