Liard River Hot Springs is a provincial park at the northern tip of BC. It was one of the first things that got Mr. Kate thinking about going all the way to the north of the province, about two years ago, when he read about them in a motorcycling magazine article. So we knew it would be worked into the trip itinerary, as we would be driving right by it! You can camp there, but as we were stopping at Muncho Lake Provincial Park just south, we made it an afternoon stop rather than an overnight destination.
To get to the hot spring pools you walk along a boardwalk that has been built into a bog and forested area. The bog has fish, and apparently is a good place to spot moose, although it wasn’t where we saw our moose. It was very warm the day we were there, I can imagine how it would look walking through there on a misty fall day.
There are two pools, one with benches and one left more natural. The more natural pool is the cooler of the two, as there is a small stream at the back of it that brings in cold water. You can move around and find spots where the cold water is down low around your feet – quite refreshing. The bottom of the pools is fine grit and sand, very soft and easy to walk on. The upper pool, were the spring is located, is hotter than most hot tubs. I lasted about 10 seconds before needing to get out!
My two water babies (aka Bushboy and Mr. Kate) loved the hot springs and stayed quite a while in the lower pool. I had to get out sooner, as I don’t tolerate being submersed in hot water all that well, but had a lovely time watching people come and go as well as looking at all the lovely scenery. If you ever get to the northernmost part of BC – be sure to go soak in Canada’s second largest natural hot springs!
What a gorgeous setting. I think, like you, I’d prefer the cooler pool.
By: Denise | Chez Danisse on September 12, 2012
at 10:59 am
That is really cool! What a great stop on your trip :)
By: Rona on September 12, 2012
at 12:52 pm
It is very beautiful at Liard Hot Springs. I was there many years ago when we lived up north. I imagine not much has changed since then. I’m like you in hot water – a few minutes is enough! I’m glad you were able to see and do so many things on your trip!
By: kristieinbc on September 13, 2012
at 2:57 pm
oh wow – what a gorgeous place!
i can’t get over the color of that water!
i would have been with you, sampling the hot water but not spending too much time.
By: melissa on September 16, 2012
at 8:21 pm
Again, I agree with most, I cannot tolerate the hot water for long. This place looks wonderful ~ I’ll have to keep it in mind if we ever travel north.
By: 1treblemaker1 on September 17, 2012
at 1:37 pm
um, yeah, I need to book mark this post!
By: Rachel on October 21, 2012
at 12:09 pm