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.
Park Info
Located within the scenic Toad River valley of the Muskwa Foothills, Toad River Hot Springs Provincial 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.
Park Size: 423 hectares
General Visitor Information
The ground around the hot springs is muddy and not suitable for bathing.
Toad River Hot Springs Provincial 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 Provincial 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 a 2 km gravel road north from the Alaska Highway and 8 km of trail, or via river boat, or helicopter. Currently, use is limited by access but there is some regular recreational use.
History - The Fort Nelson Indian Band 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 Indian Band 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.
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.
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.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
