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Liard
River
The
small settlement of Liard River is located at mile post 496 of the
Alaska Highway Hwy 97 about 56 km (35 miles) north of Muncho
Lake, 303 km (189 miles) north of Fort
Nelson and 209 km (130 miles) south of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory.
Liard
River Corridor Park
Located on the south end of the Liard River Suspension Bridge, Liard
River has a northerly view towards the Liard River. At the tiny
community you'll find access to the Liard River. The Liard River
Corridor Park and the Grand Canyon of the Liard is towards the north-east,
just up the river from the suspension bridge.
Liard
River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Also situated on the north side of the Liard River Suspension Bridge
is the site of the largest outdoor, most natural therapeutic pool
in Canada called the Liard River Hot Springs. Situated in Liard
River Hot Springs Provincial Park is the site of Canada's second
largest hot springs.
Two
Developed Pools
Although Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park has a number of
hot springs throughout, only two have been developed. The facilities
are comprised of a lower pool called Alpha Pool and upper pool called
Beta Pool. A boardwalk to the two pools was originally developed
by the American Army in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska
Highway.
Alpha
Pool
The Alpha Pool is the more popular pool because it is located only
about 700 metres (2,297 feet) from the parking lot. Alpha Pool features
a large area with different sections of the pool having different
temperature gradients depending on where you sit on concrete benches.
The average temperature is about 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees
Fahrenheit).
Beta
Pool
The Beta Pool is located farther north of Alpha Pool along another
boardwalk and walkway. Along the way you'll pass the hanging gardens,
an area of unique vegetation for the area. Once at Beta Pool you'll
find a slightly cooler pool about 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees
Fahrenheit) around three metres (ten feet) deep with the water slightly
cloudier.
Facilities
There are change houses and pit toilets present at both Alpha Pool
and Beta Pool. Alpha Pool has some shallow areas making it more
suitable for children and non-swimmers. Beta Pool, because it is
deeper, requires caution if swimming abilities are lacking or poor.
Wildlife
Viewing
The area around Liard River has been noted for the large amount
of wildlife that frequents the nearby surroundings. Located where
the Trout River joins the Liard River is a wildlife viewing platform
that you can visit to have a chance to view certain species.
'Liard
Tropical Valley'
Originally known as 'Liard Tropical Valley' because of the passes
through a lush humid vegetation zone with plant species growing
such as Ostrich Ferns and Cow Parsnip growing so tall and whose
presence this far north was unheard of previously.
Campground
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park has a vehicle-accessible
campground with 53 campsites, 20 of which accept reservations. The
campground features running water, a playground, horseshoe pit and
amphitheatre as it is conveniently located near the boardwalk to
the hotsprings.
'Bear
Aware'
Just remember to be 'Bear Aware' as bears do frequent the area and
at times can be dangerous. This especially applies to the campground
where the attraction of food cooking and garbage can attract nuisance
bears. Please remember also to keep kids close at hand when walking
along the boardwalk to the hotsprings.
Liard
Hotsprings Lodge
Across from the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park on the Alaska
Highway, Hwy 97 is the resort of Liard Hotsprings Lodge. The lodge
features log cabin accommodation, RV parking and eco-tourism opportunities.
There is also a gas service station here if you require gasoline,
diesel or propane.
Muncho
Lake
If you would like to stay and are travelling south on the Alaska
Highway 97 there is also accommodation found close by at Muncho
Lake. At Muncho Lake only 56 km
(35 miles) away the family orientated Northern Rockies Lodge is
clean, quiet, very relaxing and is highly recommended.
Contract
Creek Bridge
The Contract Creek Bridge is situated just north of Liard River
at Mile Post 588 and marks the site of the historical meeting place
of the building of the Alaska Highway. Crews heading north-west
from Fort Nelson and crews coming south-east from Whitehorse, Yukon
met at the bridge to complete the building of this section of the
Alaska Highway.
Smith
River Falls
A good sightseeing trip you can take from Liard River is up to Smith
River Falls. To get here, travel 30 km (19 miles) north-west on
the Alaska Highway, Hwy 97 to around Mile Post 510 and the Smith
River. From here, travel the narrow gravel road to the spectacular
viewpoint of the Smith River Falls.
Information
on Liard River
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