Liard River Hot Springs
Canada’s second-largest hot spring — boardwalk through a boreal swamp to 42–52°C pools.
At historic Mile 496 of the Alaska Highway, Liard River Hot Springs is the second-largest hot spring in Canada and the most celebrated soak in northern BC. A 700-metre boardwalk crosses a warm-water swamp that supports moose, over 250 boreal plant species and even wild orchids before arriving at the hand-built decks of the Alpha pool, where water enters at 42–52°C and cools as it flows down the pool.
The provincial park is open year-round, and a winter soak with steam rising into -30°C air is one of BC’s great experiences. The campground beside the springs is extremely popular in July and August — reserve ahead through BC Parks.
Quick facts
| Location | Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, Alaska Highway (Hwy 97), ~750 km NW of Fort St. John, near BC/Yukon border |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Alpha pool 42–52°C |
| Access | 700 m boardwalk from parking; wheelchair-accessible deck; open year-round |
| Fees | Day use May 1–Sep 30: $5 adult, $3 child, $10 family; annual $10/$20; camping extra |
| Good to know | 2nd largest hot spring in Canada; boreal swamp ecosystem, orchids, moose; watch for bears |
Getting there
Right off Highway 97 (the Alaska Highway), about 765 km northwest of Fort St. John and 200 km southeast of Watson Lake, Yukon. Parking, the campground and the boardwalk are all beside the highway.
More springs in Northern BC
Official information
- Official page ↗ — always check current conditions before you go.
Soak BC is an independent directory. Conditions, fees and hours change — always confirm with the official source above before travelling, especially for remote sites. Spotted something out of date? We correct fast.