Fort Liard, known in the Slavey language as Echaot'l Koe or Acho Dene Kue, is a charming hamlet nestled in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. This quaint settlement, which translates to "people from the land of the giants," is situated just 37 km north of the British Columbia border. Since the completion of the Liard Highway in 1984, Fort Liard has been easily accessible by road, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
The Hamlet of Fort Liard is well-equipped with amenities, including two general merchandise stores: The General Store and The North West Company store. The community is also home to the K-12 Echo Dene School, which boasts a student population of about 150.
Healthcare services are available at the community health centre, staffed by four nurses. Safety is ensured by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment with four members. For recreation, there's a centre featuring a swimming pool, skating rink, youth centre, and multi-court.
Travelers can refuel at the local fuel centre, which sells gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, emergency survival kits, and convenience items. For those interested in local culture, a traditional craft store sells locally made craft items.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Fort Liard had a population of 468 living in 170 of its 209 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -6.4% from its 2016 population of 500. With a land area of 67.61 km2, it had a population density of 6.9/km2 in 2021. The 2016 Census revealed that the majority of the population, 445 people out of a total of 500, were Indigenous, either First Nations or Métis.
The Dene community in Fort Liard is represented by the Acho Dene Koe Band, while the Métis are represented by Fort Liard Metis Local 67. Both groups belong to the Deh Cho First Nations Tribal Council, reflecting the rich indigenous heritage of the area.
Fort Liard experiences a borderline subarctic climate, just short of a humid continental climate. This is characterized by extreme variation of temperatures between seasons. Summers can be warm, while winters are typically cold. The highest temperature ever recorded in Fort Liard was 35.2 °C on 13 July 2014 and 27 June 2021. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −46.7 °C on 15 January 1974. Despite the cold, the unique climate adds to the charm of Fort Liard, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
