Liard River Hot Springs

Located along the Alaska Highway at kilometer 765, one of Canada's largest hot springs invites travelers to take a therapeutic break from the road. Among dense boreal forest near Liard River, hot water trickles out of rocks and seeps out of the ground, creating a large warm-water swamp and steaming cascades. One large pool, called Alpha Pool, has been constructed near the major spring, where aqua-blue mineralized water pours from the rocks and steam rises into the trees.

Getting to the hot spring requires a short but scenic hike along a boardwalk in the warm-water swamp. You are likely to see moose and other wildlife, which seem to enjoy the warm water as well. At the pool, a wooden deck with changing rooms and cubbies borders one side, and stairs lead into the water. The upper pool is more built up and the water is hottest here, but a lower pool has a more natural feel and slightly cooler water, perfect for an extended soak. A short set of stairs leads past the pool and up to the hanging garden where hot water exudes from the rocks and nourishes a drapery of ferns and wildflowers.

This is a family-friendly hot spring, so nudity and alcohol are prohibited. It is open 24 hours a day, year round. A day use fee of $5 is payable in cash only at the entrance kiosk. The day use area is shared with campers of the adjacent Liard River Hot Springs Campground. Please be respectful of other visitors.