Liard River Corridor Protected Area

Highlights in this protected area

Liard River Corridor Protected Area contains a diversity of landscapes from high upland plateau and muskeg to the rapids of the Grand Canyon and river bottom old-growth spruce forests.

The protected area is home to moose, grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain elk, fur-bearers, northern long-eared bats, and ecosystems associated with succession from the series of large forest fires that have swept through the Liard River valley.

The Liard River Corridor establishes a large, distinct and relatively undeveloped corridor for long-term protection that offers outstanding recreation opportunities. The area in general offers fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, river boating, wildlife viewing, hunting, ATV use, and photography.

The Grand Canyon of the Liard, a 30 km stretch of river with dangerous rapids, is an area of tremendous visual quality. Access to the protected area is by the old road to Nordquist Lake and Elk Mountain.

River access is via the Liard River up to as far as Sulpher Creek. Some boaters travel the Toad River to reach the protected area.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Protected area visitors should be aware that the Grand Canyon on the Liard River contains sections of severe rapids (Class IV and higher). River travel is only recommended for experienced paddlers.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the protected area.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Liard River Corridor Protected Area is located along the most northerly progression of the Northern Rocky Mountains in northeastern British Columbia. It is adjacent to one of the most significant hot springs in Canada, the 1082 hectare Liard River Hot Springs Park, located on the Alaska Highway, 317 km northwest of Fort Nelson.

The Liard River Corridor encompasses the Liard River valley and uplands to the height of land as far east as the Scatter River. The protected area is accessible by ATV, foot, horse or boat.

One motorized route provides access to the north side of the Liard River Corridor Park. On the south side of the Liard River, an old BC Hydro road crosses the Trout River and continues to the Grand Canyon of the Liard. This road provides horseback and foot access, but can be hazardous at the Trout River crossing. River boat access is via the Liard River.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed trails at this protected area. On the south side of the Liard River, an old BC Hydro road crosses the Trout River and continues to the Grand Canyon of the Liard. This road provides horseback and foot access, but can be hazardous at the Trout River crossing.

Canoeing

For a great day trip, you can canoe about 34 km down the Smith River to the Liard River. At the Hwy 97 bridge over the Smith River, paddle a short distance down the Smith River to the Liard River and then down the Liard River highway bridge at Liard River Hot Springs. The trip is rated a Class 1 with easy access to the rivers from the highway with no portages. Take time to explore the interesting side drainages and fishing for Artic Grayling and Bull trout where smaller tributaries flow in the Liard.

Visitors should be aware that the Grand Canyon on the Liard River contains sections of severe rapids (Class IV and higher). River travel in that area is only recommended for experienced paddlers.

Kayaking

For a great day trip, you can kayak about 34 km down the Smith River to the Liard River. At the Hwy 97 bridge over the Smith River, paddle a short distance down the Smith River to the Liard River and then down the Liard River highway bridge at Liard River Hot Springs. The trip is rated a Class 1 with easy access to the rivers from the highway with no portages. Take time to explore the interesting side drainages and fishing for Artic Grayling and Bull trout where smaller tributaries flow in the Liard.

Fishing

Sport fish species include arctic grayling, chum salmon, bull trout, inconnu, lake whitefish, mountain whitefish, northern pike and burbot.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Hunting

Liard River Corridor is open to hunting. Hunters going into the Liard River Corridor should reference the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Winter recreation

There are winter recreation opportunities in the protected area.

Facilities

Campfires

Campfires are permitted, but firepits and firewood are not provided. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the protected area. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

About this protected area

History

The Liard River was the focus of a potential BC Hydro development for many years. In 1992, this section of the Liard was identified as an Area of Interest (AOI) to the Protected Areas Strategy, and was subsequently officially included in 1995 as the Grayling-Liard River AOI. The Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan later established protected status for this area in 1997.

Cultural Heritage

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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