Park overview
This park contains the spectacular Smith River Falls. The 35 metre high and 10 metre 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.
Advisories
Facilities
The Smith River Falls parking area has a picnic table and a rustic fire ring. Visitors must bring their own wood. No firewood is provided.
Activities
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, fine-scale 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.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behavior 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.
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 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 River 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.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: January 25, 2001
- Size: 254 hectares
Nature and culture
History
Fort Halkett was a Hudsons Bay Company trading post established in 1829 on the Liard River near the Fort Nelson River, then moved farther west on the Liard to its confluence with the Smith River in 1832. The post traded furs with the Kaska, Sekani, and Dene-Thah nations. It closed in 1875. A recreation reserve was established in 1966 over the area from the highway upstream for three to four kilometres on both sides of the river. A series of river terraces extend from the highway to the falls, a distance of about 3 km. The Area was identified in the Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan (1997) as a Goal 2 Protected Area.
Cultural Heritage
Smith River Falls - Fort Halkett Park overlaps with the traditional territories of the Kaska Dena culture of the Lower Post First Nations.
Conservation
The park represents features of the Liard Plain ecosection. It is located in the boreal white and black spruce biogeoclimatic zone.
Wildlife
Moose are abundant in the area and are readily observed in the park. Wood bison can occasionally be seen in the area along the highway corridor. The Smith River contains good populations of bull trout and arctic grayling. Longnose sucker and slimy sculpins are also found in the river.
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.