Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Protected Area

Welcome to the new BC Parks website

Protected area overview

The dramatic landscape blended with the rich native culture makes this protected area a special experience. The park offers visitors a chance to explore many unique and interesting features of a volcanic landscape and to learn about the culture and legends of the Nisg̱a’a people.

The Nisg̱a’a Visitor Centre offers guided walks to the volcanic crater

Just outside of the protected area, there are five communities, four of which are Nisg̱a’a villages. Their names are Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh), Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City), Lakalzap (Greenville), Kincolith and Nass Camp. All communities are road accessible from the protected area. Within the communities there are amenities like: grocery stores, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, gift shops, gas stations and health services.

Special Features: Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisg̱a’a (Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Bed Park) is the first provincial park within the Province of British Columbia established to combine interpretation of natural features and native culture. The park is included in the landmark treaty, the “Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement”, between the Government of Canada and the Nisg̱a’a Nation. Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Bed Park is also the first provincial park to be jointly managed by a First Nation and BC Parks.

The Nisg̱a’a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some hills and steep stairs.

Geological History: As the lava spilled from the crater an estimated 250 years ago, it followed a creek bed downslope to Lava Lake and down the Tseax Valley to the Nass River. The lava travelled at different speeds depending on the steepness of the slope. Some types of lava flow and interesting features include:

Tree cast – formed by burned out tree trunks leaving holes in the lava.
Lava tube – formed as the top layer cooled and hardened. The crust insulated the lava flowing inside which eventually flowed out leaving the crust as the roof and walls of the tube.
Pahoehoe – lava that often has a smooth surface or is ropey in form.
AA – rough and jagged lava.
Blocky – large chunks of lava.

Advisories

Safety info

Mushroom harvesting is not permitted within the park. Check with Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting mushrooms on Nisg̱a’a Lands.
Explore with care – lava rock may be sharp and unstable, and surfaces may be thin, especially along lake and stream edges.

Camping

Vehicle-accessible camping

This park offers 16 vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, campsite reservations are not accepted. There are large sites, double sites and wheelchair accessible sites available. Most sites are shaded due to the surrounding deciduous forest. Additional parking is available at the Visitor Information Centre, which is located next to the campground. Self-registration, running water, fire wood available, sorry no sani-dump facilities, Visitor Centre located next to the campground.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $20.00 per party/night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is permitted in the backcountry and alpine areas. Camping is not permitted in the frontcountry or lava beds. No developed trails or facilities are provided.

Facilities

Accessibility information

The campground has a wheelchair-accessible campsite and pit toilet.

Picnic areas

This park has several day-use/picnic areas. One is located at Vetter Falls another at Lava Lake and also, the Visitor Information Centre. There are fire rings available at the Visitor Information Centre and the day-use area.

Pit or flush toilets

Pit toilets are available at Lava Lake, Vetter Falls, Nisg̱a’a Campground, the visitor information shelter and the Tseax River pullout. A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is located at the Nisg̱a’a Campground.

Drinking water

There is a water pump located at the Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Bed Park campground.

Boat launch

A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing the Nass River can be found at the park’s north end. A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing Lava Lake can be found at the park’s south end. Parking space is available for vehicle and boat trailers at both locations. Overnight moorage is not recommended at the Nass River boat launch location due to fluctuating river levels.

Campfires

Please Conserve Firewood. There are fire rings available for use at the visitor centre and the campground. 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.

Activities

Hiking

Five short interpretive trails, “Crater Creek”, “Beaupre Falls”, “Tree Mould Trail”, “Vetter Creek Trail” and the “Fish Wheel Trail” provide easy access to several of the park’s special features.
For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The Nisg̱a’a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some hills and steep stairs. Visitor access to the cone area may only be allowed on guided tours or under special permit. Please refer to interpretive programs.

Swimming

There is swimming available at Lava Lake. The beaches are a mixture of sand and rock.

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available at Lava Lake.

Kayaking

Fishing

Excellent fishing opportunities for salmon on the Tseax River. Nisg̱a’a citizens should obtain a Nisg̱a’a fishing licence from the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for fishing within Nisg̱a’a Lands. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Please refer to current fishing regulations.

Interpretive programs

Lava Cone Tours

Drop-in tours are available on Saturday/Sunday/Monday/Wednesday at 10 am from the visitor centre.
$45 for adults, $35 for seniors and students. School and group rates are available for 15 or more. Minimum 4 people per tour.
Time: Leaving from Visitor Centre at 10 am.
Other days and times can be booked in advance. There are group rates for 10 or more. Large groups can be accommodated. No maps at this time. Please ensure you have good walking shoes, water, lunch and appropriate clothing. Lunches are available for additional cost of $20. Not recommended for children under the age of 7.

Notes:

Tours generally take about 4 hours
Trail is classified as a moderate hike
All trips rain or shine
Sorry no dogs allowed on trail
Book ahead to ensure your spot
Call for group rates

Self-Guided Auto Tour

Brochures are available at Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government Office – New Aiyansh, the Nisg̱a’a Park Visitor Centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre, and online.

Nisg̱a’a Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is located at the campground and offers merchandise, maps, stories, pictures, and information about attractions. Learn about Nisg̱a’a language, culture, history, feasts and laws.

Hours of operation:

May 15th to June 24th:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
June 25th to Labour Day (September 3rd):
9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (Tuesday closed)
9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The visitor centre is closed on all statutory holidays except Labour Day.

For more information on the campground, Visitor Centre and guided tours please contact our on-site operator, Steve, at 250 641-4400, or visit the website at www.nass113.com.

Wildlife viewing

Self-Guided Auto Tour brochures are available at Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government Office – New Aiyansh, the Nisg̱a’a Park Visitor Centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre, and online.

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.

Cycling

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

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Protected Area. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted within the park. Please refer to the current hunting regulations. Check with Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting wildlife on Nisg̱a’a Lands.

Winter recreation

Snowmobiling is permitted in the Sterling Mountain Snowmobile area.

Maps and location

View a more detailed map.

The easiest way to access the Lava Beds is to take Highway 16 to Terrace, then north for 100 km on the Nisg̱a’a Highway, which is paved for the first 70 km. The alternate route is through Kitwanga on Highway 16. From Kitwanga, head north for 78 km on paved Highway 37 to the Cranberry River. Here the unpaved Nass Forest Service Road leads west to New Aiyansh, a distance of 86 km.

Nisg̱a’a Visitor Centre

Hours of operation:

May 15th to June 24th:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
June 25th to Labour Day (September 3rd):
9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (Tuesday closed)
9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The visitor centre is closed on all statutory holidays except Labour Day.

Protected area and activity maps

Park Map [PDF] (June 2008)

Learn more about this protected area

Protected area details

Date established: December 13, 2011
Size: 10.5 hectares

Protected area contact

This park proudly operated by:
Nass Valley Tours
nassvalleytours@gmail.com
250 641-4400

Nature and culture

Cultural Heritage: The history of the region is tied to legends handed down from past generations. The Nisg̱a’a house system is composed of four main families: Wolf, Raven, Killer Whale, and Eagle. Each family owns stories and passes them on to the next generation.

One of the most well known stories is about the genesis of the volcano. Legend has it that children had shown disrespect to the life-giving salmon by putting stones and burning sticks into their backs and watching them swim. The elders warned the children repeatedly to stop but they did not listen. Soon the ground began to rumble. The volcano and the lava flow then covered the valley bottom, redirected the mighty Nass River and destroyed two villages. This resulted in 2000 Nisg̱a’a people perishing.

Conservation: This park has important special features such as the lava flows, which are as recent as 250 years ago. This region also contains cinder cones, tree moulds, lava tubes and caves, spatter cones, and Lava Lake. Some lava flow features are very delicate and need protection. Lichens cover the majority of lava flow and a single footprint can set back hundreds of years of growth. Please stay on the trails.
Wildlife: If you plan on exploring the Nass Mountain Range, you will be in the company of moose, goats, marmots, bears and many other species of wildlife. Always use good judgement when in the presence of wildlife. When visiting the Vetter Falls viewpoint, visitors might get a chance to catch a glimpse of a “phantom” steelhead.

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.