Anhluut'ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga'asanskwhl Nisga'a Provincial Park
A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
The dramatic landscape
blended with the rich native culture makes this park a special experience.
The park offers visitors a chance to explore many unique and interesting
features of a volcanic landscape and to learn about the culture and legends
of the Nisga'a people.
Just outside of the park, there are five communities, four of which are
Nisga'a villages. Their names are Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh), Gitwinksihlkw
(Canyon City), Lakalzap (Greenville), Kincolith and Nass Camp. All communities
are road accessible from the park. Within the communities there are amenities
like: grocery stores, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, gift shops, gas
stations and health services.
Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a
Memorial Lava Bed Park) is the first provincial park within the Province
of British Columbia established to combine interpretation of natural features
and native culture. The park is included in the landmark treaty, the “Nisga’a
Final Agreement”, between the Government of Canada and the Nisga’a
Nation. Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park is also the first provincial
park to be jointly managed by a First Nation and BC Parks.
The Nisga'a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible
volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer
the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest
and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the
crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to
the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some
hills and steep stairs.
As the lava spilled from the crater an estimated 250 years
ago, it followed a creek bed downslope to Lava Lake and down the
Tseax Valley to the Nass River. The lava travelled at different speeds
depending on the steepness of the slope. Some types of lava flow and interesting
features include:
Tree cast - formed by burned out tree trunks leaving
holes in the lava.
Lava tube - formed as the top layer cooled and
hardened. The crust insulated the lava flowing inside which
eventually flowed out leaving the crust as the roof and walls of
the tube.
Pahoehoe - lava that often has a smooth surface or is ropey in
form.
AA - rough and jagged lava.
Blocky - large chunks of lava.
Mushroom harvesting is NOT permitted within the park. Check with Nisga’a
Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting mushrooms
on Nisga’a Lands
Lava rock may be sharp, unstable and surfaces may be thin especially along lake and stream edges, so explore with care.
The easiest way to access the Lava Beds is to take Highway 16 to Terrace, then north for 100 km on the Nisga'a Highway, which is paved for the first 70 km. The alternate route is through Kitwanga on Highway 16. From Kitwanga, head north for 78 km on paved Highway 37 to the Cranberry River. Here the unpaved Nass Forest Service Road leads west to New Aiyansh, a distance of 86 km.
Nature & Culture
Cultural Heritage - The history of the region is tied to legends handed down from past generations. The Nisga'a house system is composed of four main families: Wolf, Raven, Killer Whale, and Eagle. Each family owns stories and passes them on to the next generation.
One of the most well known stories is about the genesis of the volcano. Legend has it that children had shown disrespect to the life-giving salmon by putting stones and burning sticks into their backs and watching them swim. The elders warned the children repeatedly to stop but they did not listen. Soon the ground began to rumble. The volcano and the lava flow then covered the valley bottom, redirected the mighty Nass River and destroyed two villages. This resulted in 2000 Nisga'a people perishing.
Conservation - This park has important special features such as the lava flows, which are as recent as 250 years ago. This region also contains cinder cones, tree moulds, lava tubes and caves, spatter cones, and Lava Lake. Some lava flow features are very delicate and need protection. Lichens cover the majority of lava flow and a single footprint can set back hundreds of years of growth. Please stay on the trails.
Wildlife - If you plan on exploring the Nass Mountain Range, you will be in the company of moose, goats, marmots, bears and many other species of wildlife. Always use good judgement when in the presence of wildlife. When visiting the Vetter Falls viewpoint, visitors might get a chance to catch a glimpse of a "phantom" steelhead
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available at Lava lake.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Excellent fishing opportunities for salmon on the Tseax River. Please check with the Nisga’a Lisims Government for fishing licence requirements within Nisga’a Lands. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Please refer to current fishing regulations
Hiking
Five short interpretive trails, "Crater Creek", "Beaupre Falls", "Tree Mould Trail", "Vetter Creek Trail" and the "Fish Wheel Trail" provide easy access to several of the park's special features.
For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The Nisga'a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some hills and steep stairs.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted within the park. Please refer to the current hunting regulations. Check with Nisga'a Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting wildlife on Nisga'a Lands.
Interpretive Programs
The Visitor Centre located in Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park will be
open from June 15 to September 4, 2008.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Guided cone tours are offered every Saturday, beginnining June 15th to September 4th. Those interested in taking the guided cone tour are asked to meet at the Visitor Centre at 10:00 am. Please ensure you have good walking shoes, water, lunch and appropriate clothing. Not recommended for children under the age of 7.
Drop-in Lava Cone Tour leaves Visitor Centre @10:30 am and @ 2:30 pm daily
Drop-in rate for the Lava Bed Cone Tour is:
$40.00 per adult
$30.00 for youth (ages 13 to 19) AND Senior
$25.00 for children (ages 6 to 12)
Lava Cone Tour Group Rates - Must be booked at least 24 hours prior to departure
Without Food:
$30.00 per adult
$20.00 for youth (ages 13 to 19) AND Senior
$15.00 for children (ages 6 to 12)
With Food (this includes a traditional Nisga'a meal including Salmon, Oolichan and sides supplied by a "Food Safe" certified Nisga'a caterer.)
$50.00 per adult
$40.00 for youth (ages 13 to 19) AND Senior
$25.00 for children (ages 6 to 12)
Please contact Nisga'a Commercial Group, Tourism for more details
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There is swimming available at Lava Lake. The beaches are a mixture of sand and rock.
Wildlife Viewing
Self-guided auto tour. Brochures are available for $3.00/each at Nisga'a Lisims Government Office - New Aiyansh, the Nisga'a Park visitor centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre.
Winter Recreation
Snowmobiling is permitted in the Sterling Mountain Snowmobile area.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing the Nass River can be found at the park's north end. A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing Lava Lake can be found at the park's south end. Parking space is available for vehicle and boat trailers at both locations. Overnight moorage is not recommended at the Nass River boat launch location due to fluctuating river levels.
Cabins / Huts / Yurts
Vetter Falls Lodge
Address: PO Box 98, New Aiyansh, B.C., V0J 1A0
Phone number – 1-877-917-1177
Website – http://www.kermode.net/vetterfalls/
Miles Inn on the Tseax
Address: PO Box 230, New Aiyansh, B.C., V0J 1A0
Phone number – 1-800-553-1199
Website – http://www.kermode.net/milesinn/
Campfires
Please Conserve Firewood. There are fire rings available for use at the visitor centre and the campground. While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Drinking Water
There is a water pump located at the Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park campground.
Picnic Areas
This park has several day-use/picnic areas. One is located at Vetter Falls another at Lava Lake and also, the Visitor Information Centre. There are fire rings available at the Visitor Information Centre and the day-use area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are available at Lava Lake, Vetter Falls, Nisga'a Campground, the visitor information shelter and the Tseax River pullout. A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is located at the Nisga'a Campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 16 vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, campsite reservations are not accepted. There are large sites, double sites and wheelchair accessible sites available. Most sites are shaded due to the surrounding deciduous forest. Additional parking is available at the visitor information center, which is located next to the campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness camping is permitted in the backcountry and alpine areas. Camping is not permitted in the front country or lava beds. No developed trails or facilities are provided.
Wheelchair Access
The campground has a wheelchair accessible campsite and pit toilet.
