Liard River Hot Springs, Canada

What it is

Liard River Hot Springs is a BC Parks hot springs complex right off the Alaska Highway, famous for its warm-water wetlands and an outdoor pool known as Alpha Pool. The setting feels surprisingly lush for the north, with a boardwalk through muskeg and boreal forest leading to the soaking area.

Verified water temperatures

BC Parks states Alpha Pool ranges from 42°C to 52°C, which is genuinely hot. Conditions at the pool edge can feel cooler in winter air, but the water itself is not subtle.

Facilities

BC Parks lists a change house, composting toilets, and a boardwalk leading to the pools. This makes it far more user-friendly than most northern wild springs, while still feeling natural.

Where it is

BC Parks notes Liard River Hot Springs Park is on the Alaska Highway at kilometre 765, roughly 60 km north of Muncho Lake Park. It is an easy roadside stop for long-distance travelers heading north or south.

Seasonality

BC Parks notes Liard is open year-round, but winter visits come with ice, cold air, and the practical challenge of changing quickly. In summer, the campground and day-use area can fill early.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, a towel, and footwear with grip for wet boardwalk surfaces. In cold months, add a warm hat and a big robe or parka for the walk back. Pack water and a dry bag for wet items if you are continuing your drive the same day.

Best for

Liard is a strong choice for road trippers because it is genuinely close to the highway, with enough infrastructure to make a soak practical even on a travel day. It also works for first-timers who want a natural-feeling pool without needing to navigate forest roads or trails.

Families

This can be family-friendly in terms of access, but the water can be extremely hot. Keep children in cooler sections, limit soak time, and never assume the temperature is uniform across the pool.

Mobility considerations

There is a boardwalk and a change house, but without an official BC Parks accessibility statement for the boardwalk grade and pool entry, do not assume wheelchair access. If mobility is a concern, plan to assess conditions on arrival and be willing to skip the soak if surfaces are icy.

Very hot water

42 to 52°C is hot enough to cause burns. Test the water before stepping in, especially near inflow areas, and keep your sessions short. If you feel flushed or dizzy, exit immediately and cool down.

Wildlife and surroundings

This is northern BC. Treat the parking area and boardwalk as wildlife country, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep food packed away, do not leave coolers out, and give animals space if you see them near the trail.

Boardwalk care and etiquette

BC Parks routes the boardwalk through sensitive wetland. Stay on it, do not shortcut into the muskeg, and keep soap out of the water. Pack out trash, keep noise low, and leave the pool area cleaner than you found it.

How hot is Liard River Hot Springs?

BC Parks states Alpha Pool ranges from 42°C to 52°C.

Is it open year-round?

BC Parks notes Liard River Hot Springs Park is open year-round, though conditions and services can vary by season.

Is it right off the highway?

Yes. BC Parks notes the park is on the Alaska Highway at kilometre 765, making it a convenient travel-day stop.

What facilities are on site?

BC Parks lists a change house, composting toilets, and a boardwalk to the pools.