Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park


Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is home to the largest natural hot springs in Canada. It is a natural river of hot water rather than a spring fed man made pool The park is part of the larger Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. The community of Liard River, British Columbia is located nearby.

History and conservation

The Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park was created in April 1957. The first boardwalk and pool facilities were built by the United States Army in 1942. The Liard River Hot Springs proper are located at. They were originally named the Theresa Hot Springs.
The park contains 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 warm water swamps. Bears, as well, are a common hazard in summer months, and may be feeding only away from bathers. Due to the lush plant life influenced by the warmth of the springs, the area was originally known as the "Tropical Valley".

Recreation

There are two hot springs with water temperatures ranging from ; the nearest is the Alpha pool. Beta pool is beyond Alpha and is larger, cooler and deeper. As of 2013, Beta pool has been permanently closed due to bear traffic, and the boardwalk leading to it has been removed.
There are raised walkways from the parking area to the springs so that the delicate muskeg that forms the swamp is not disturbed. The walkway was the scene of a much-publicized black bear attack that killed two tourists on August 14, 1997.
The campground is open year-round.

Amenities

The park is located at mile 475 on the Alaska Highway, between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake. The community of Liard River is just west of the park, at the 499 Milepost.

Size

1082 hectares in size.

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