In This Park

Visitor Information

Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Kootenay Forest Services Ltd.

For information concerning the campground:
kootenayforestservices@gmail.com
250 776-7000

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park

During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Possible Fire Restriction in Effect for this Park

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» Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park

About This Park

Video shot - Liard River Hot Springs.

Relaxation seeps into your body as you ease into the second largest hot spring in Canada. Liard River Hot Springs provides relief to Alaskan bound travellers after a long day on the road.

The hot springs complex is of national ecological significance and is well known for its natural setting in a lush boreal spruce forest. The park is such a popular stop over for tourists that the campgound fills up early each day during the summer months. Liard is also open year-round. There is a hot spring open to the public called Alpha pool with water temperatures ranging from 42°C to 52°C. Facilities include a change house and composting toilet. A boardwalk, which leads to the hot spring pools, passes through a warm water swamp and boreal forest that supports rich and diverse plant communities as well as mammal and bird species.

Visitors are required to stay on the boardwalk at all times in this area so as not to disturb the sensitive habitat. Watch for moose feeding in the warm water swamps. Due to the lush plant life influenced by the warmth of the springs, the area was originally known as the “Tropical Valley.”

Established Date: April 26, 1957
Park Size: 1,082 hectares

Know Before You Go

User Fee

From April 1 to October 31, there is a day-use fee of $5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes cost $10 for adults and $20 for families.

Visitors can pay at the staffed gatehouse, which also functions as a local visitor centre. The funding will go toward increased services and staff presence. The fees also help to cover the park’s maintenance costs, which are high due to weather variances and heavy use. Fees are payable in cash only at the park.

Reservations

All campsite reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Location

Location Map

Located at kilometre 765 of the Alaska Highway, approximately 60 km north of Muncho Lake Provincial Park.

Nature and Culture

Management Planning

A management planning project is currently underway for this park.

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Hiking

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Swimming

Visitors can bathe in the Alpha pool which has a shallow end for children; benches are also located in the pool. There are no lifeguards on duty in provincial parks.

Wildlife Viewing

A boardwalk, which leads to the hot spring pools, passes through a warm water swamp and boreal forest which supports rich and diverse plant communities as well as mammal and bird species. Watch for moose feeding in the the warm water swamps.

Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair-accessible.

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Drinking Water

Two hand pumps are available in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Picnic Areas

There is a day-use fee at Liard River Hot Springs Park for use of the hot springs. From April 1 to October 31, the fee is $5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes cost $10 for adults and $20 for families. Visitors pay at the staffed gatehouse, which also functions as the local visitor centre.

75% of these revenues will be invested back into the park. The funding will go towards increased services and staff presence. These new fees will also help to cover this park’s maintenance costs, which are high due to weather variances and heavy use.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets.

Playground

An adventure playground is located in the day-use area.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites.

Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Camping fees are payable in cash only at the park.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $26.00 per party/night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $13.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Winter Camping

Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night

Winter camping fees are charged in the off-season; services may be reduced this time of year.

Hot Spring

The hot springs complex is of national ecological significance and is well known for its natural setting in a lush boreal spruce forest. The hot spring open to the public is called Alpha pool, with water temperatures ranging from 42°C to 52°C. Facilities include a change house and composting toilet. A boardwalk, which leads to the hot spring pools, passes through a warm water swamp and boreal forest that supports rich and diverse plant communities as well as mammal and bird species. Visitors are required to stay on the boardwalk at all times in this area so as not to disturb the sensitive habitat.