WELCOME TO STIKINE COUNTRY!

Read a NEW YORK TIMES article about the Stikine area and Stikine Riversong

The Stikine River (called the GREAT RIVER by the Tahltan people) and Telegraph Creek are located in the Northwest corner of British Columbia, Canada, approximately 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Juneau, Alaska. The traditional home country of the Tahltan people, the Stikine River is one of the most unique free flowing, wilderness watersheds in all of Canada. The historic community of Telegraph Creek, the oldest community in NW B.C., is the only town along its 640 kilometre (400 mile) length. On an island at the mouth of the River is the community of Wrangell, Alaska. Telegraph Creek is accessible via a 120 km, all weather gravel road from Dease Lake on the Stewart Cassiar Hwy #37. Daily jet service is available between Vancouver and Smithers, then via Northern Lights Air, between Smithers and Dease Lake. One would then either charter an airplane or vehicle to come in from Dease Lake.

Between mid May and the end of October , the 20,000 square miles of wilderness in Stikine Country has much to offer visitors. Located at the head of navigation Telegraph Creek offers the following: the starting point for river travel on the lower portion of the Stikine River through the Coast Mountains to the Pacific Ocean; access to the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, approximately 95 km (60 miles) in length, one of the largest, most beautiful canyons in Canada; access to the Stikine River Recreation Area, day and overnight hiking and camping opportunities; hiking and flight access to 9,000+' Mt. Edziza, an undeveloped Provincial Park which surrounds some of Canada's most recent volcanic activity and contains many unique geological formations; animal viewing by flight or hiking.

The Stikine River also offers a variety of fishing opportunities. All five species of Pacific Salmon spawn in the river. Spring (King/Chinook) Salmon offers excellent fishing from late June through mid July. There are Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout as well as the occasional Grayling, Whitefish, and Ling Cod. Steelhead return to the river beginning in late August. There are also many excellent fishing lakes in the area which are easily accessible by float plane.

Stikine RiverSong Cafe, Lodge, & General Store Ltd. is located on the west bank of the Stikine River in the old town of Telegraph Creek. Stikine RiverSong has been in operation since March 1977. This former Hudson's Bay Post, built during the Yukon Gold Rush in 1898, has been recognised as a B.C. Heritage Building. Though an old building, the Stikine RiverSong facilities have been up graded to accommodate current travellers while maintaining its heritage charm. We are pleased to offer the following services: accommodations and meals in our lodge and cafe; 1 1/2 hour, 1/2 day, day trips, and extended motor/float trips down the Great River through the Coast Mountains, and the Stikine LaConte Wilderness area to the Pacific Ocean. We can supply tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dry bags for the extended trips; guided day hikes; back hauling canoes and kayaks, expediting and freighting; general groceries, dry goods, supplies, auto/marine gas, gifts and visitor information in our store. auto shuttle service from either the Stikine bridge on Hwy 37 or Dease Lake. Clients on booked tours are expected to supply appropriate clothing, footwear, personal and toilet articles. They should be prepared for both very hot and very cool weather, especially on the river. River trips are outdoor trips and any type of weather, as well as bugs, may be encountered. Rain gear, both top and bottom, and waterproof footwear are a must. So are a sun hat, sunglasses, sun screen, warm hat and gloves. Stikine RiverSong will supply a suggested clothing and equipment list prior to any trip. Except when noted, all meals are included in the price of any tour. Stikine RiverSong serves traditional Northern Canadian cuisine which includes select meats, fresh salmon and locally grown vegetables in season, and a large variety of home baked goods. A vegetarian menu or any special dietary or food requests require an advance notice of one month.

Visitors should be aware that Telegraph Creek is located in a wilderness portion of Northwest British Columbia. Telegraph Creek has a Nursing Station, the nearest doctor is located 120 km by road in Dease Lake. The nearest full service hospital is in Terrace, BC, over 700 km by road or over an hour plane flight away. All clients booking a tour will be required to sign a waiver upon booking and prior to participating in any tour. Clients are required to submit a medical form at this time as well. This information will be kept strictly confidential. Stikine River Song Ltd. has an accident-free record in its history in the tour and charter business which began in 1981.

Either Dan Pakula and/or Ashley Pakula of Telegraph Creek will be the Operator/Guide on the river portion of any tour. Dan has had extensive living experiences in wilderness country. He grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon as a fire fighter and wilderness ranger, and has lived in the Telegraph Creek area since 1975. He has a broad knowledge of the Stikine River and has been a pilot on the river since moving to the area.  Ashley has lived in the valley all his life and has grown up traveling on the river.  He has been piloting the families boats for the past three years.  Last year graduating to independent operator.   Both Dan and Ashley  are committed to the preservation of the Stikine Watershed as a wilderness area for the enjoyment of all people.