Liard River Hot Springs Park is at kilometre 765 of the Alaska Highway, about 60 kilometres north of Muncho Lake Park. BC Parks calls it the second largest hot spring in Canada and a popular stop for Alaska-bound travellers.
The park is open year round, and the campground fills early on summer days.
Liard River Hot Springs Park is a hot-spring soak in a nationally significant ecological setting. Alpha Pool is open to the public, with water temperatures ranging from 42 to 52 C, a shallow end for children, benches in the pool, a change house, and a composting toilet.
The boardwalk to the pools is part of the experience. It passes through warm-water swamp and boreal forest that support diverse plant communities, mammals, and birds. BC Parks says visitors must stay on the boardwalk in this area to avoid disturbing sensitive habitat, and moose may be seen feeding in the warm-water swamps.
The warmth of the springs shapes lush plant life, and BC Parks notes the area was originally known as Tropical Valley. Day-use fees apply from May 1 to September 30.
Plan around Alpha Pool soaking, boardwalk wildlife viewing, warm-water swamp and boreal forest observation, moose watching from a safe distance, Alaska Highway camping, and simple road-trip rest time.
Pool hours are 7 am to 10:30 pm daily, with no admission after 10 pm. There are no lifeguards, and e-bikes are not allowed on trails.
