Liard River Corridor Park
About this Park
Liard River Corridor Park contains a diversity of landscapes from high upland plateau and muskeg to the rapids of the Grand Canyon and river bottom old-growth spruce forests.
The park is home to moose, grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain elk, fur-bearers, northern long-eared bats, and ecosystems associated with succession from the series of large forest fires that have swept through the Liard River valley.
The Liard River Corridor establishes a large, distinct and relatively undeveloped corridor for long-term protection that offers outstanding recreation opportunities. The area in general offers fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, river boating, wildlife viewing, hunting, ATV use, and photography.
The Grand Canyon of the Liard, a 30 km stretch of river with dangerous rapids, is an area of tremendous visual quality. Access to the park is by the old road to Nordquist Lake and Elk Mountain.
River access is via the Liard River up to as far as Sulpher Creek, some boaters travel the Toad River to reach the park.
Safety information
- Park visitors should be aware that the Grand Canyon on the Liard River contains sections of severe rapids (Class IV and higher). River travel is only recommended for experienced paddlers.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Location notes
The Liard River Corridor Park is located along the most northerly progression of the Northern Rocky Mountains in northeastern British Columbia. It is adjacent to one of the most significant hot springs in Canada, the 1082 hectare Liard River Hot Springs Park, located on the Alaska Highway, 317 km northwest of Fort Nelson.
The Liard River Corridor encompasses the Liard River valley and uplands to the height of land as far east as the Scatter River. The park is accessible by ATV, foot, horse or boat. One motorized route provides access to the north side of the Liard River Corridor Park. On the south side of the Liard River, an old BC Hydro road crosses the Trout River and continues to the Grand Canyon of the Liard.
This road provides horseback and foot access, but can be hazardous at the Trout River crossing. River boat access is via the Liard River.
Activities
- 8969:Hiking There are no developed trails at this park. On the south side of the Liard River, an old BC Hydro road crosses the Trout River and continues to the Grand Canyon of the Liard. This road provides horseback and foot access, but can be hazardous at the Trout River crossing.
- 8969:Canoeing 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.
- 8969:Fishing Sport fish species include arctic grayling, chum salmon, bull trout, inconnu, lake whitefish, mountain whitefish, northern pike and burbot.
- 8969:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 8969:Winter recreation There are winter recreation opportunities in the park.
- 8969:Kayaking For a great day trip, you can kayak 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.
Facilities
- 8969:Campfires Campfires are allowed in the park. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. Please bring a portable stove for cooking.
Location
59.40608, -125.04758 · Liard
