This park contains the spectacular Smith River Falls. The 35 m high and 10 m wide falls plunge into a deep pool below with a thunderous roar, especially in early summer. The falls viewpoint is readily accessible by vehicle. The area also contains the old site of Fort Halkett, a former Hudson’s Bay Company post.
Established Date: January 25, 2001
Park Size: 254 hectares
Access to the river from the day use area is not very good and not worth the short trip on the river. Most paddlers access the waterway via Liard River. 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.
Park 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.
Arctic Grayling, Bull Trout, Burbot, Finescale Dace, Lake Chub, Lake Whitefish, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, Round Whitefish, Slimy Sculpin, White Sucker, and Whitefish (General) have all been recorded as resident in the Smith River. All anglers should refer to the BC Fishing Regulations for current information. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Visitors can cycle down the Smith River Falls viewpoint access road. This gravel road is used by vehicles and all cyclists should use protective gear and be aware of road traffic. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Smith River Falls – Fort Halkett Provincial Park. 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.
Please refer to the BC Hunting Regulations for current hunting information.
Smith Falls/Fort Halkett Park is located at the confluence of Smith River and Liard River, near Kilometre 820 of the Alaska Highway and about 30 km west of Liard Hot Springs Park. A viewpoint to observe the Smith River falls can be reached by vehicle.
The largest community nearby is Fort Nelson, approximately 350 km southeast. The road is very narrow and may not be suitable for larger vehicles; passing oncoming traffic can be extremely difficult.
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.