Park overview
Located within the scenic Toad River valley of the Muskwa Foothills, Toad River Hot Springs Park protects a regionally significant hot springs ecosystem. Visitors to the area will most likely observe wildlife, such as moose, supplementing their diets with minerals found at the hot springs.
Advisories
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
Activities
Pets and 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.
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting Regulation synopsis.
Toad River Hot Springs Park is located along the Toad River within the Muskwa – Kechika Management Area, about 160 km west of Fort Nelson and 25 km east of Muncho Lake Park. The hot springs are situated on the left bank of the Toad River about 1 km upstream of its confluence with the Racing River. Access is via river boat or horseback. Currently, use is limited by access but there is some regular recreational use.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 1999
- Size: 423 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The Fort Nelson First Nation and Kaska Dena First Nations traditionally use the area. With the European demand for fur, trappers moved into the area during the early 1800’s. Since that time the popularity of the area has increased with hunting, fishing, and recreational boating avidly pursued.
The significance of the hot springs first prompted the area to be set aside as a recreation reserve. The hot springs were then proposed as an ecological reserve in 1974. Site surveys were undertaken by B.C. Hydro in the early 1980s as part of the Liard River investigations.
The Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan recommended the area in 1997 as a Protected Area due to the regionally significant hot springs for wildlife, viewing, hiking and First Nations values. In 1999, the area was subsequently designated as a provincial park.
Cultural Heritage
Fort Nelson First Nation and Kaska Dena traditional use area.
Conservation
The park occurs within the Muskwa Foothills ecosection of the Toad River valley. The valley has a large active floodplain extensively disturbed by fire that resulted in a diverse vegetation mosaic and important wildlife habitat.
A series of hot springs with diverse, thermal-influenced plant communities originate at the base of alluvial terraces on the Toad River. The three main hot springs originate in the middle of an extensive muddy area.
The lower river bars around the springs are covered by shrubby vegetation such as glaucous-leaved honeysuckle, common snowberry, western choke cherry and silverberry. The higher terrace hosts alluvial poplar forests with luxurious herb layers that are mainly the result of nutrient enrichment caused by animals visiting the mineral lick.
These hot springs are an important mineral lick used by moose and other ungulates.
Wildlife
A diverse variety of wildlife species utilize the area. Moose and stone sheep are common to the area as are wolves, and other large predators such as black and grizzly bear.
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.