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Welcome to the Hamlet of Fort Liard, NT
To see and Do..
Things to See & Do Around Fort Liard
Fort Liard offers a unique blend of cultural and outdoor activities. While there's no big city nightlife, you can engage with the Slavey Dene community, check out local events, and enjoy outdoor adventures. In winter, popular activities include ice fishing and snow machine travel, while summer brings opportunities for boating, hiking, and swimming at the Muskeg River. Always consult locals for safety tips and be prepared for seasonal changes. For more details, explore local resources and activities.
Crafts
The traditional crafts of the Dene were more than just attractive objects; they all had a use. Birchbark baskets were used as dishes, for collecting berries, for storing items, and for moving things around. Moosehide clothing was used as protection from the elements. Snowshoes were used for hunting and moving about in the winter. Bark canoes were essential for navigating the river highways.
Today, as in the old days, a great deal of quality and care would go into the making of each item. Gifts of moose hide clothing with porcupine quillwork or beading were ornate and beautiful. The clothing that you wore was a visible display of the esteem and respect that somebody had for you. By looking closely at moosehide clothing, often smoked the traditional way, you can still see the care and attention to detail that persists to this day. Jackets, beaded slippers, and decorative gauntlets are all poplular and functional items of clothing.
The people of Fort Liard are particularly renowned for their birchbark baskets. These baskets are usually decorated with dyed porcupine quills and assembled using birchbark, sinew, spruce root and willow. Because the items used to make the baskets are taken from nature, each basket has its own character; no two baskets are the same. When the Grey Nuns lived in the area, they influenced how arts and crafts were decorated, shifting from traditional geometric designs to flowers, birds, and other amimals. To learn more about birck bark baskets, click here.
Jewelry and miniature birch bark canoes are also popular crafts. The creativity of the artisans is revealed in every item you will see from bracelets and keychains to the ever-popular moose dropping necklace.
Culture
During your visit to Fort Liard, you may have the opportunity to participate in a feast or drum dance or get to watch traditional hand games. Don't just sit back and watch - get involved! Ask questions and learn about the local culture from the people who know it best.
Events
Please visit our regularly updated events page to see what special events are taking place in our community.
Fishing & Hunting
To fish in the Fort Liard area, obtain a territorial fishing license from the Visitor Information Centre, Liard Valley General Store, or the local Environment and Climate Change (ECC) office. For fishing and hunting regulations, contact the ECC wildlife officer at (867) 770-4300. Fishing is generally successful in the area's rivers and lakes, with clearer waters offering the best results. Check local fish species and seasonal activity to improve your chances. In winter, use an auger for drilling holes and always ensure ice quality before venturing onto frozen water.
Sightseeing
There are a lot of things to see around Fort Liard. Be sure to get a copy of our Visitor Information Map at Acho Dene Native Crafts, or by contacting the Hamlet Office.
The Cliff near Fort Liard, visible from the baseball diamond across the Petitot River, is tied to a local legend. The Acho Dene are said to have lived there, and a battle with another tribe led to attackers being driven off the cliff. The bloodshed reportedly stained the rocks red. Elders believe that falling rocks from the cliff signal bad fortune.
The Money Tree is one of Fort Liard's quirky sights. Fort Liard has been blessed with good fortune. Maybe it's the work of the money tree. In the winter, if you are driving into town, look on the right side of the main road into town. It is hard to miss the tree shaped like a dollar sign ($).
There are still some old Hudson's Bay Company buildings still standing. Behind the Northern are two buildings and a house. The building in the center, directly behind the Northern, was once the community's only store. These are not the original post buildings (which were built in the early 1800s and are no longer around), but are still an interesting place to take a walk and imagine how Fort Liard was in the old days. In time and with a little work, the old store may soon be converted into a heritage museum, displaying artifacts and documents from Fort Liard's past.
It is only in the last forty years that most people moved from living out on the land to houses in Fort Liard. Many people remember when the main street was nothing more than a walking trail. In those days, the only access to town was by air or up and down the rivers. As you walk along the river bank or stroll through town, keep your eyes open for log houses. The first buildings in the community were made from locally harvested logs. Today, most of the log houses that are still standing are beside modern and efficient frame houses, but they are a visible reminder of the remarkable changes that have happened over the past fifty years in Fort Liard.
Wildlife Observation
Because of the "tropical" climate of Fort Liard, wildlife abounds. See the Climate page for information on just some of the wildlife that you might see in the area. In the summer, this area is especially excellent for bird watching, with hundreds of species calling the Liard Valley their temporary home. The fall is an excellent time to see moose. Always use caution when viewing a large game.
Things to See & Do Around Fort Liard in the Winter
Skiing & Snowshoeing
If you're willing to break the trail, you're able to go wherever you want! Try the hiking trails listed in the Summer section of things to see and do.
Snowmobiling
Riding around on a snow machine is one of Fort Liard's most popular sports. Ask about great places to travel around the area. Two popular places to go are Fisherman Lake or Bouvie Lake.
Things to See & Do Around Fort Liard in the Summer
Camping
Hay Lake Campground, one kilometer from Fort Liard, has 12 free campsites with firewood and fireplaces, fresh water and a cooking shelter on the shore of tranquil Hay Lake. A cleared hiking trail around the lake will take you through the forest and past a beaver dam. The views from the top of the hill or from the end of the lake are excellent.
If backcountry camping is more your speed, make your way into the backcountry using your preferred method of transportation (hiking, helicopter, canoeing, etc.) and pick a good spot. Packing appropriate equipment and understanding how to act in bear country will go a long way to ensuring your safety and comfort. No-trace camping is a rule. Please show respect for the land that local people still depend on.
Canoeing & Boating
Ask about renting canoes at Acho Dene Native Crafts (867) 770-4161. When preparing to take a trip up or down any of the local rivers, it is a good idea to consult a local person who is familiar with the current river conditions. They will be able to tell you about some of the interesting sights you will see along the way.
The Petitot River
Canoeing the Petitot River, starting from the bridge about 40 km from Fort Liard, offers a chance to see wildlife and stunning landscapes. The river, named after Father Petitot, varies by season: spring features strong currents and cold water; summer has lower water levels and more obstacles but a longer, scenic trip; and fall provides low water and excellent leaf-viewing opportunities. The trip can include spotting bears, moose, and eagles, and exploring hidden canyons and a cave with a spectacular view.
The Fort Nelson River
Fort Nelson and Liard Rivers Summary
The Liard River can be accessed for canoeing and powerboating from several points, including the Petitot River and Fort Nelson River, with multi-day trips starting from Fort Nelson, BC. Adventurous paddlers can navigate challenging sections like the Grand Canyon of the Liard and Hell's Gate Rapids from Toad River or Liard River, BC. From Fort Liard, you can canoe north to Blackstone Territorial Park or the Mackenzie River, with a stop at Fort Simpson, NT. The river is typically traveled using skiffs, outboard motors, or jet boats. Due to strong currents and hidden obstacles from high silt content, good river knowledge and safety equipment are crucial.
ATVs & 4-Wheelers
There are a number of excellent cut lines and trails that you can take in the Liard Valley. If you are planning on traveling on the west side of the Liard River, you will need a boat capable of moving you and your machines across the river. If you have a way across the river, the fire tower trail is suitable for ATVs and leads to an excellent view of the mountains and the Liard Valley. The Chevron Road is privately maintained road that is available for public use. The Chevron Road follows the Liard Range and eventually it ascends into the mountains. Another interesting ATV trip, if you have river transportation is to Nine Mile, where you can take the old winter road towards Fisherman Lake and Pointed Mountain.
In the east side of the Liard River, there are a number of cut lines and winter roads that you can explore. Most of these are not maintained. There is a trail to nearby Bovie Lake that provides an excellent view of an untamed forest wilderness that seems to go on forever.
If you would like more information about any of these trails or other routes that you can access with ATVs, please contact the Visitor Information Centre at (867) 770-4161.
Hiking
There are a million places you can explore in the Liard Valley and it is impossible to see them all. Routes should be chosen by the amount of time you want to spend, the distance you wish to cover, and the trail difficulty you are willing to attempt. The bush here is thick and much of the ground is wet muskeg. Below are four hikes on relatively well-maintained trails that can all be completed within an hour to a day.
Chevy Lookout Trail
Within walking distance of anywhere in Fort Liard, the Chevy Lookout Trail offers an excellent view of the Petitot River, Mount Coty, and the Liard and Kotaneelee Ranges. Other than a few roots and two inclines, the trail is fairly short and easy.
Begin your walk at the ball diamond. Follow the road (parallel to the Petitot River) upstream and turn left on Bypass Road (parallel to the runway). Make a right immediately past the "Granular Materials Storage Site." From there it is just a short stroll to the gravel pit. On your left there will be some old trucks and a road/trail. Follow the road/trail to the top of the gravel pit for a fantastic view. Your trip can end there, or you can continue to follow the trail up another hill. Stay on this trail and after about 0.5km you will come upon some benches and a table. Relax and enjoy the view before heading back to town.
Hay Lake Trail
The Hay Lake trailhead starts at the Hay Lake campground. The trail is generally easy and fairly flat, although there are some wet spots and some exposed roots. At the north end of the lake, the trail is often wet, but can be easily traveled. Take a break at the far end of the lake and watch the coming and goings of the beavers as they swim in and out of their lodge. Listen to the frogs and song birds, then climb to the top of the cleared hill for a great view of the mountains.
The Waterfall Trail
The Waterfall Trail begins at Km 72 of the Liard Highway, about thirty minutes drive north of Fort Liard. At Km 72, a well-defined cutline (winter road) leads to the right and a smaller trail leads to the left. Take the smaller trail. The trail is nearly always wet, and you are bound to get wet up to your knees, but it is always worth the trip. The trail also grows over quite quickly, but it is still easy to find your way. Follow the trail for about 30-40 minutes until you cross a small stream. The waterfall is not much further away. You will be looking for a trail that leads to the left. There is more than one, and one of them will take you down to the Liard River. When you can hear the waterfalls, you are close to the trail you want. Except for the winter, you can almost always hear the falls. If you passed the small trail, you will come to another, larger stream that you would have to cross on a log. Don't cross it, but follow the water downstream and within a few minutes you will be at the waterfall. In the early spring, keep your eyes open for the elusive snow flower, and in the summer look for tiny and beautiful orchids. Please, "take only pictures, leave only footprints".
The Fire Tower Trail
The Fire Tower hike is a fantastic full-day hike that leads to the top of Mount Coty. To access the trail, you need a way across the Liard River. Inquire at Acho Dene Native Crafts for information on getting across the river. You will likely be dropped off at the trailhead. From there, you follow the one and only trail to the top of the mountain. The trail conditions are excellent and the incline may seem challenging at times, but it can never be considered steep. The trail is approximately 18 km long (round trip) and takes anywhere from 1 1/2 - 3 hours to hike each way, depending on the hiker's conditioning. The view of the Laird Valley is obscured by giant poplar, spruce, and mixed forest right to the top. Upon reaching the fire tower, you will feel more than amply rewarded by the amazing view. On a clear day you can see Fort Liard, the Liard Valley, British Columbia, the mountain range that marks the NWT/Yukon border, and even the famous Nahanni Butte. Perhaps best of all, you can visit with Peter Bertrand, the fire tower's resident observer. A consummate guide and wonderful host, Peter can tell you all about the sights you see, the history of the area, and what it's like to work at the fire tower.
Swimming
The swimming pool is located at the Community Hall. It opens usually beginning of June until August.
For those who prefer to swim outside, the Petitot River near the ball diamond is a popular swimming area. In the spring, the current is strong and the water is cold, but becomes quite pleasant in the summer. Later in the summer, the water level drops to reveal a large gravel bar.
Another popular swimming hole is the Muskeg River. "The Muskeg" as it is known locally is far more pleasant than the name implies. Take the Liard Highway north of Fort Liard for approximately 10 km and park on the opposite side of the bridge. The sandy beach is a great place to lie back and enjoy the sun. Just upstream, the shore is rockier and great skipping stones can be found. Those with sharp eyes will be able to find fossils. The fossils are the remnants of an ancient coral bed from when the area was covered by a warm shallow sea, millions of years ago.
The Muskeg River was once a highway that the people would use when traveling to Trout Lake. Though few use the river to travel to Trout Lake anymore (most travel by plane, or by truck or snowmobile in the winter), the river is still used for hunting and trapping.