A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Annual Beta Pool Hot Springs Closure - The Beta Pool hot springs is closed each year from approximately August 1st to May 1st. This closure is due to bear activity that begins in the summer until mid/late September and then the icy/slippery conditions that form in the fall/winter on the boardwalk from the Alpha Pool to Beta Pool.
User Fee: There is a day-use fee for using this park of
$5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes
cost $10 for adults and $20 for families. Visitors pay at the staffed
gatehouse, which also functions as a local visitor’s centre. 75%
of the revenues will be invested back into this particular park.
The funding will go toward increased services and increased staff
presence. These fees also help to cover this park’s maintenance
costs,, which are high due to weather variances and heavy use.
Park Info
Relaxation seeps into your body as you ease into the second largest
hot spring in Canada. Liard River Hot Springs provides relief to Alaskan
bound travellers after a long day on the road. The hot springs complex
is of national ecological significance and is well known for its natural
setting in a lush boreal spruce forest. The park is such a popular
stop over for tourists that the campgound fills up early each day during
the summer months. Liard is also open year round. There are two hot springs
with water temperatures ranging from 42° C to 52° C; the nearest
is the Alpha pool. Beta pool is beyond Alpha and is larger and deeper.
A boardwalk, which leads to the hot spring pools, passes through a
warm water swamp and boreal forest which supports rich and diverse plant
communities as well as mammal and bird species. Watch for moose feeding
in the the warm water swamps. Due to the lush plant life influenced by
the warmth of the springs, the area was originally known as the "Tropical
Valley."
Park Size: 1082 hectares
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)
Year round
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – October 11
Winter fee – October 12 to April 30; reduced services
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 – September 14
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
53
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
20
Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Interpretive Programs
There are scheduled Visitor Programs held during the summer at the Day
Use Area Picnic Shelter. Click here to view a schedule of events.
Pets on Leash
Pets/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.
Swimming
Visitors can bathe in the hot spring pools. Alpha pool has a shallow end for children; benches are also located in the pool. Beta pool is deeper (3 metres). Both pools have change rooms. There are NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
A boardwalk, which leads to the hot spring pools, passes through a warm water swamp and boreal forest which supports rich and diverse plant communities as well as mammal and bird species. Watch for moose feeding in the the warm water swamps.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Drinking Water
Two hand pumps are available in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
Effective June 2, 2005, the Province is introducing a new day-use fee at Liard River Hot Springs. The cost will be $5 for adults, $3 for children or $10 for families. Annual passes will cost $10 for adults and $20 for families. Visitors will pay at a staffed gatehouse, which will also function as a local visitor's centre.
75% of these revenues will be invested back into this particular park. The funding will go toward increased services and increased staff presence. These new fees will also help to cover this park's maintenance costs, which are high due to weather variances and heavy use.
Playground
An adventure playground is located in the day-use area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites.
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$9.50 per senior's couple/night
Oct 12 to Apr 30 :
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Winter Camping
Oct 12 to Apr 30 :
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
