Liard River Hot Springs to the Yukon Border

Encompassing the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park up to the Yukon Border, this portion of the Northern Rockies has much to offer. Enjoy a soak in the Liard River Hot Springs, fish at the base of Smith River Falls or hike along the picturesque Teeter Creek.

Liard River Hot Springs

Things to do:

Relax and Rejuvenate

The steamy warmth of the springs is a magnet for visitors year ‘round and a must-see, must-do destination in the Northern Rockies. For a most heavenly experience, soak in the hot pools, surrounded by the greenery of this unique ecosystem. Stroll the boardwalk through warm water marshes where moose make a regular appearance, and where hundreds of plant and bird species flourish. If you are travelling in the winter months, soak in the pools surrounded by snow and watch the northern lights dance above your head.

Bird Watching

Over 100 bird species make this tropical oasis their home due to the unique warm climate. Northern boreal species such as thrushes, warblers and sparrows are often seen.

Camping and Accommodations

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park Campground

Web: Discover Camping

Phone: 604-689-9025 or 1-800-689-9025

Provincial campground located within the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.

Liard Hot Springs Lodge (FNFN) Ltd.

Web: Liard Hot Springs Lodge
Phone: 250-776-7349

Fax: 250-776-7013

This year-round lodge is located across the Alaska Highway from the Liard River Hot Springs and includes a restaurant, hotel rooms, a private, full-service campground and gas station. The campground is open seasonally.

Teeter Creek

Mile=483 KM=777

You will find the trailhead eight kilometres past the entrance to the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. Pull off the highway to the right, just before the Teeter Creek Bridge, into a small turnaround/parking area on the edge of the creek.

Things to do

Hiking

This is a very short, but picturesque, hike -1.2 kilometres round trip- and should take less than an hour to complete. This trail is rated Easy and has minimal elevation gain and is well defined. For the more experienced hiker, a well-worn path is visible on the edge of the creek for a few more kilometres up the creek before simply fading out. This portion of the trail has steep cliffs with no barriers and no trail markings.

Fishing

Hike into the waterfalls and fish for Arctic Grayling in the small pool at the bottom of the falls.

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Smith River Falls

Mile=495 KM=797 HM=514

The access road to Smith River Falls is located 28 kilometres past the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. Smith River Falls is accessed by following a 2.4 kilometre gravel road off the Alaska Highway. This is a 2WD drive road but is not recommended for large RVs because the parking area has limited space for turning around. The parking area provides a good view of the falls.

Things to do

Hiking

This trail is rated Moderately Easy. Follow the short trail (500 m) to the base of a two-tiered waterfall. The trail is well worn and has two long, steep sets of stairs leading down to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

Fishing

Good fishing for Arctic Grayling in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Fly fishing is best in the late summer.

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Coal River

Mile=514 KM=827 HM=533

This small community is located where the Coal River flows into the Liard River.

Camping and Accommodations

Coal River Lodge

Web: Coal River Lodge & RV
E-mail: d_rogers@telus.net

Phone: 250-776-7306

Fax: 250-776-7306

Coal River Lodge offers a six room motel, restaurant, private, full-service campground and gas station. The lodge is open from mid-May through to September.

Whirl Pool Canyon

Mile=520 KM=837

Featuring a spectacular view of the Liard River, where rock and timber debris is thrown up by the action of the water racing through the canyon. There is a short walking trail to the left of the parking area that leads down river to more canyon features. This area is accessed by a short road off the Alaska Highway; please note that the parking area has limited space for turning around.

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Fireside

Mile=524 KM=844 HM=543

This area was partially destroyed by the second largest fire in BC history, back in 1982. Evidence of the fire can be seen from here all the way to Lower Post. It claimed nearly 400,000 acres of forested land. Fireside (Unincorporated) is a small community.

Camping and Accommodations

Fireside Car & Truck Stop: M=524 KM=844 HM=543

Phone: 250-776-7302

Fax: 250-776-7302

Note: Fireside Car & Truck Stop offers a motel, restaurant, private, full-service campground and gas station. The lodge is open from mid-May through September.

Allen's Lookout

Mile=551 KM=887 HM=570

The viewpoint provides impressive views of the Liard River. According to legend, bandits used this spot to scout river boats to plunder. The surveyors of the Alaska Highway are remembered with a cairn noting the elevation, longitude and latitude of Allen’s Lookout.

Things to do

Viewing and Picnic Area

Allen’s Lookout is a large pullout complete with outhouse, picnic tables and garbage can.

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