Liard River
Encyclopedia
The Liard River flows through Yukon
, British Columbia
and the Northwest Territories
, Canada
. Rising in the Saint Cyr Range
of the Pelly Mountains
in southeastern Yukon
, it flows 1115 km (692.8 mi) southeast through British Columbia, marking the northern end of the Rocky Mountains
and then curving northeast back into the Yukon and Northwest Territories, draining into the Mackenzie River
at Fort Simpson
, Northwest Territories. The river drains approximately 277,100 square kilometres of boreal forest and muskeg
.
follows the river for part of its route. This surrounding area is also referred to as the Liard Plain, and is a physiographic section of the larger Yukon-Tanana Uplands province, which in turn is part of the larger Intermontane Plateaus
physiographic division.
The Liard River is a crossing area for Nahanni wood bison
.
" (a kind of poplar
) which grow in abundance along sections of the river. Among the early fur trade
rs, the Liard above the Fort Nelson River
was referred to as the "West Branch," while the Fort Nelson River was the "East Branch."
The first European to traverse most of the river was John McLeod of the Hudson's Bay Company
. Leaving Fort Simpson on June 28, 1831, McLeod and eight others ascended the river, reaching and naming the Dease River
in just over six weeks. Four days later, they reached the Frances River
, and mistakenly ascended it, thinking it was the Liard's main branch. Nine years later, another HBC employee - Robert Campbell
- journeyed to the source of the Liard in the St. Cyr Range, re-naming the river McLeod had ascended for Frances Ramsay Simpson, the wife of the Sir George Simpson
, the HBC's governor who had authorised both expeditions.
, on the slopes of Mount Lewis, at 61.23654°N 131.62738°W, at an elevation of 1500 metres (4,921.3 ft). It flows south and east, between the ranges of Pelly Mountains
, then south through the Yukon Plateau, where it receives the waters of Prospect Creek. It turns east after it receives the waters of the Caribou Creek from Caribou Lakes, then the Swede and Junkers Creek. It then follows the southern rim of the St. Cyr Range of the Pelly Mountains, where the Ings River flows into it. It follows the southern edge of the Simpson Range, receiving the waters of the Old Gold Creek, Rainbow Creek, Dome Creek, Quartz Creek and Scurvy Creek. The Liard River continues south-east, north of the Cassiar Mountains
, from where it receives the Sayyea Creek and Cabin Creek while the Eckman Creek,Black River and Hasselberg Creek flow in from the north. It continues in a south-east direction, receiving the Sambo Creek, False Pass Creek, Meister River, Frances River, Rancheria River, Tom Creek, Watson Creek and Albert Creek before it flows through Upper Liard
, west of Watson Lake
, where it is crossed by the Alaska Highway
. It receives the waters of Cormier Creek, then flows through the Liard Canyon and into British Columbia
.
, then receives the Malcolm Creek, Tatisno Creek and Nustlo Creek. It flows along the Yukon
border, where the Alaska Highway once again follows the Liard and receives the Cosh Creek, Contact Creek, Scoby Creek and Sandin Brook, then turns south around Mount Sandin, receiving water from Tsia Creek, Tsinitla Creek, Tatzille Creek and Leguil Creek. It turns eastwards along the northern margin of the Liard Plateau, where it receives the Kechika River near Skooks Landing, Niloil Creek from Niloil Lake and Coal River by Coal River. It continues east and south-east, south of Mount Reid, still followed by the Alaska Highway, receiving the waters of Geddes Creek, Grant Creek, Smith River, Lapie Creek, Teeter Creek, Mould Creek and Hoole Creek. It enters the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
, where the
Trout River
empties into the Liard. Alaska Highway runs south along the Trout River, while the Liard flows east through the Liard River Corridor Provincial Park and Protected Area
, south of the Sentinel Range
of the Muskwa Ranges
, receiving the waters of Deer River and Canyon Creek in the Grand Canyon of the Liard. It continues south-east between the Barricade Range and Mount Rothenberg of the Sentinel Range, where the Moule Creek and Sulphur Creek flow in the Liard. It flows east, out of the Northern Rockies and through the foothills, where it receives waters from the Brimstone Creek, Crusty Creek, Grayling River, Graybank Creek and Toad River. It turns north-west, receiving the waters from Garbutt Creek, Lepine Creek, Chimney Creek, Ruthie Creek, Scatter River and Beaver River. It then turns south-east, receives the waters from Catkin Creek, Dunedin River and Fort Nelson River
. From here it turns north, receiving the waters of Zus Creek, Sandy Creek and La Biche River and crosses into the Northwest Territories
, immediately east of the Yukon
border.
and Petitot River
. It turns around Mount Coty of the Franklin Mountains near Fort Liard Airfield, where it meets the Liard Highway. It receives the waters of the Muskeg River, Rabbit Creek and Flett Creek as it flows east of the Liard Range and Mount Flett. The Liard meanders east of the Sawmill Mountain and receives waters from the Beaver Water Creek, Netla River and Bay Creek. After receiving the waters of South Nahanni River
south of Nahanni Butte and east of the Nahanni National Park Reserve
, the Liard turns east and north-east, receiving waters from Grainger River, Blackstone River, Dehdjida Creek, Matou River, Birch River and Poplar River. It then turns north, being followed by the Mackenzie Highway
, and receives the Manners Creek before it empties into the Mackenzie River
, immediately upstream of Fort Simpson
, at Clay Point, at an elevation of 120 metres (393.7 ft). The Truesdell Island and Franklin-Clarke Island are formed at the river mouth.
Yukon
British Columbia
mountains
British Columbia
foothills and plains
Northwest Territories
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
and the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Rising in the Saint Cyr Range
Saint Cyr Range
The Saint Cyr Range is a remote mountain range in the Yukon, Canada. It has an area of 6224 km2 and is a subrange of the Pelly Mountains which in turn form part of the Yukon Ranges....
of the Pelly Mountains
Pelly Mountains
The Pelly Mountains are a mountain range in the Yukon, Canada. It has an area of 44014 km2 and is a subrange of the Yukon Ranges which in turn form part of the Pacific Coast Ranges.-References:...
in southeastern Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
, it flows 1115 km (692.8 mi) southeast through British Columbia, marking the northern end of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch more than from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States...
and then curving northeast back into the Yukon and Northwest Territories, draining into the Mackenzie River
Mackenzie River
The Mackenzie River is the largest river system in Canada. It flows through a vast, isolated region of forest and tundra entirely within the country's Northwest Territories, although its many tributaries reach into four other Canadian provinces and territories...
at Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories
Fort Simpson is a village in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The community is located on an island at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers...
, Northwest Territories. The river drains approximately 277,100 square kilometres of boreal forest and muskeg
Muskeg
Muskeg is an acidic soil type common in Arctic and boreal areas, although it is found in other northern climates as well. Muskeg is approximately synonymous with bogland but muskeg is the standard term in Western Canada and Alaska, while 'bog' is common elsewhere. The term is of Cree origin, maskek...
.
Geography
The river habitats are a subsection of the Lower Mackenzie Freshwater Ecoregion. The area around the river in the Yukon Territory is called the Liard River Valley, and the Alaska HighwayAlaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
follows the river for part of its route. This surrounding area is also referred to as the Liard Plain, and is a physiographic section of the larger Yukon-Tanana Uplands province, which in turn is part of the larger Intermontane Plateaus
Intermontane Plateaus
Physiographic regions of the U.S. InteriorSee:legendIn some places,high plateaus lie between the mountain ranges, for example,the plateau of Anatolia in Turkey and the plateau of Tibet.These are called "Intermontane plateaus"....
physiographic division.
The Liard River is a crossing area for Nahanni wood bison
Wood Bison
The Wood Bison, Bison bison athabascae, also called Mountain Bison, Wood Buffalo or Mountain Buffalo, is a distinct northern subspecies or ecotype of the American Bison...
.
History
The origin of the river's name is obscure, but is derived from the French word for "Eastern CottonwoodEastern Cottonwood
Populus deltoides, the eastern cottonwood, is a cottonwood poplar native to North America, growing throughout the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, the southernmost part of eastern Canada, and northeastern Mexico.-Description:...
" (a kind of poplar
Poplar
Populus is a genus of 25–35 species of deciduous flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. English names variously applied to different species include poplar , aspen, and cottonwood....
) which grow in abundance along sections of the river. Among the early fur trade
Fur trade
The fur trade is a worldwide industry dealing in the acquisition and sale of animal fur. Since the establishment of world market for in the early modern period furs of boreal, polar and cold temperate mammalian animals have been the most valued...
rs, the Liard above the Fort Nelson River
Fort Nelson River
The Fort Nelson River is located in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada. It flows 517 km generally north-westward to the Liard River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River, which empties into the Arctic Ocean...
was referred to as the "West Branch," while the Fort Nelson River was the "East Branch."
The first European to traverse most of the river was John McLeod of the Hudson's Bay Company
Hudson's Bay Company
The Hudson's Bay Company , abbreviated HBC, or "The Bay" is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. A fur trading business for much of its existence, today Hudson's Bay Company owns and operates retail stores throughout Canada...
. Leaving Fort Simpson on June 28, 1831, McLeod and eight others ascended the river, reaching and naming the Dease River
Dease River
The Dease River flows through northwestern British Columbia, Canada and is a tributary of the Liard River. The river descends from Dease Lake, though its ultimate origin is in the headwater of Little Dease Creek at Snow Peak, approximately 50 km to the west of the lake...
in just over six weeks. Four days later, they reached the Frances River
Frances River
The Frances River is a river of New Zealand. It arises near Lambert Col and flows south to join McCoy Stream to form the Clyde River, New Zealand. The Clyde flows into the Rangitata River, which eventually exits into the Pacific Ocean.-References:...
, and mistakenly ascended it, thinking it was the Liard's main branch. Nine years later, another HBC employee - Robert Campbell
Robert Campbell (fur trader)
Robert Campbell was a Hudson's Bay Company fur trader and explorer. He explored a large part of the southern Yukon and established Fort Frances, Yukon on Frances Lake in the Liard River basin and Fort Selkirk, Yukon at the juncture of the Yukon River and the Pelly River. He was for a time in...
- journeyed to the source of the Liard in the St. Cyr Range, re-naming the river McLeod had ascended for Frances Ramsay Simpson, the wife of the Sir George Simpson
George Simpson (administrator)
Sir George Simpson was a Scots-Quebecer and employee of the Hudson's Bay Company . His title was Governor-in-Chief of Rupert's Land and administrator over the Northwest Territories and Columbia Department in British North America from 1821 to 1860.-Early years:George Simpson was born in Dingwall,...
, the HBC's governor who had authorised both expeditions.
Features
- The Grand Canyon of the Liard is a 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) stretch of the river beginning just east of Liard River Hotsprings. It contains numerous class IV and higher rapids. It is located between the ToadToad RiverThe Toad River is a river in the Canadian province of British Columbia.The Toad River was named for the numerous large toads seen along its banks by fur traders of the early 19th century...
and Trout RiverTrout River (British Columbia)The Trout River is a tributary of the Liard River in far northern British Columbia, Canada, flowing northwest from headwaters at , near Muncho Lake, to meet the Liard at the community of Liard River. It is at the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Liard, which is part of Liard River Corridor...
s' confluences with the Liard. 59°27′00"N 125°48′00"W - The Liard Canyon is a separate canyon from the Grand Canyon, and is located near Lower Post. 59°59′00"N 128°36′00"W
- Liard River HotspringsLiard River Hot Springs Provincial ParkLiard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is home to the second largest hot spring in Canada. The park is part of the larger Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. The community of Liard River, British Columbia is located nearby.-History and...
is a popular tourist attraction located at kilometre 765 of the Alaska HighwayAlaska HighwayThe Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
. - The historic Liard River Suspension Bridge, built in 1944, is located at kilometre 798 of the Alaska HighwayAlaska HighwayThe Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
.
Yukon
The Liard River originates in south-eastern part of the YukonYukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
, on the slopes of Mount Lewis, at 61.23654°N 131.62738°W, at an elevation of 1500 metres (4,921.3 ft). It flows south and east, between the ranges of Pelly Mountains
Pelly Mountains
The Pelly Mountains are a mountain range in the Yukon, Canada. It has an area of 44014 km2 and is a subrange of the Yukon Ranges which in turn form part of the Pacific Coast Ranges.-References:...
, then south through the Yukon Plateau, where it receives the waters of Prospect Creek. It turns east after it receives the waters of the Caribou Creek from Caribou Lakes, then the Swede and Junkers Creek. It then follows the southern rim of the St. Cyr Range of the Pelly Mountains, where the Ings River flows into it. It follows the southern edge of the Simpson Range, receiving the waters of the Old Gold Creek, Rainbow Creek, Dome Creek, Quartz Creek and Scurvy Creek. The Liard River continues south-east, north of the Cassiar Mountains
Cassiar Mountains
The Cassiar Mountains are the most northerly group of the Northern Interior Mountains in the Canadian province of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. They lie north and west of the Omineca Mountains, west of the northernmost Rockies and the Rocky Mountain Trench, north of the Hazelton...
, from where it receives the Sayyea Creek and Cabin Creek while the Eckman Creek,Black River and Hasselberg Creek flow in from the north. It continues in a south-east direction, receiving the Sambo Creek, False Pass Creek, Meister River, Frances River, Rancheria River, Tom Creek, Watson Creek and Albert Creek before it flows through Upper Liard
Upper Liard, Yukon
Upper Liard is a chiefly First Nation settlement immediately west of Watson Lake in Canada's Yukon. It is situated at historical mile 642 of the Alaska Highway. Population in 2001 according to the Census was 159. Most of the residents are citizens of the Liard River First Nation, who also...
, west of Watson Lake
Watson Lake, Yukon
Watson Lake is a town at historical mile 635 on the Alaska Highway in the southeastern Yukon close to the British Columbia border. Population in December 2004 was 1,547 ....
, where it is crossed by the Alaska Highway
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
. It receives the waters of Cormier Creek, then flows through the Liard Canyon and into British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
.
British Columbia
It flows south-east and east along the Alaska Highway, receiving the waters of Dease River, Kloye Creek, Trepanier Creek and Black Angus Creek. It continues east through the Dease Forest, where it receives the waters of the Hyland River south of Hyland River Provincial ParkHyland River Provincial Park
Hyland River Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located near the border with Yukon along the Alaska Highway just east of the community of Lower Post and north of the Liard River. Established in 2000, the park is 34 ha. in area....
, then receives the Malcolm Creek, Tatisno Creek and Nustlo Creek. It flows along the Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
border, where the Alaska Highway once again follows the Liard and receives the Cosh Creek, Contact Creek, Scoby Creek and Sandin Brook, then turns south around Mount Sandin, receiving water from Tsia Creek, Tsinitla Creek, Tatzille Creek and Leguil Creek. It turns eastwards along the northern margin of the Liard Plateau, where it receives the Kechika River near Skooks Landing, Niloil Creek from Niloil Lake and Coal River by Coal River. It continues east and south-east, south of Mount Reid, still followed by the Alaska Highway, receiving the waters of Geddes Creek, Grant Creek, Smith River, Lapie Creek, Teeter Creek, Mould Creek and Hoole Creek. It enters the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is home to the second largest hot spring in Canada. The park is part of the larger Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. The community of Liard River, British Columbia is located nearby.-History and...
, where the
Trout River
Trout River (British Columbia)
The Trout River is a tributary of the Liard River in far northern British Columbia, Canada, flowing northwest from headwaters at , near Muncho Lake, to meet the Liard at the community of Liard River. It is at the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Liard, which is part of Liard River Corridor...
empties into the Liard. Alaska Highway runs south along the Trout River, while the Liard flows east through the Liard River Corridor Provincial Park and Protected Area
Liard River Corridor Provincial Park and Protected Area
Liard River Corridor Provincial Park and Protected Area is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. Part of the park is in the larger Muskwa-Kechika Management Area....
, south of the Sentinel Range
Sentinel Range (Canada)
The Sentinel Range is one of the northernmost sub-ranges of the Canadian Rockies, lying between Muncho Lake and the Liard River . The northernmost is the Terminal Range, so named for its position at the terminus of the Rockies, and lies to its west....
of the Muskwa Ranges
Muskwa Ranges
The Muskwa Ranges are a group of mountain ranges in northern British Columbia, Canada. They are part of the Northern Rockies section of the Rocky Mountains and are bounded on their west by the Rocky Mountain Trench and on their east by the Rocky Mountain Foothills...
, receiving the waters of Deer River and Canyon Creek in the Grand Canyon of the Liard. It continues south-east between the Barricade Range and Mount Rothenberg of the Sentinel Range, where the Moule Creek and Sulphur Creek flow in the Liard. It flows east, out of the Northern Rockies and through the foothills, where it receives waters from the Brimstone Creek, Crusty Creek, Grayling River, Graybank Creek and Toad River. It turns north-west, receiving the waters from Garbutt Creek, Lepine Creek, Chimney Creek, Ruthie Creek, Scatter River and Beaver River. It then turns south-east, receives the waters from Catkin Creek, Dunedin River and Fort Nelson River
Fort Nelson River
The Fort Nelson River is located in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada. It flows 517 km generally north-westward to the Liard River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River, which empties into the Arctic Ocean...
. From here it turns north, receiving the waters of Zus Creek, Sandy Creek and La Biche River and crosses into the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
, immediately east of the Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
border.
Northwest Territories
The Liard River continues north, receiving the waters of Big Island Creek, Kotaneelee RiverKotaneelee River
The Kotaneelee River is a river in the Northwest territories of Canada. It is a tributary of the Liard River.It gives the name to the Kotaneelee Formation, a stratigraphical unit of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.-Course:...
and Petitot River
Petitot River
Petitot is a river in northern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. It is a tributary of the Liard River.Petitot River originates from Bistcho Lake in northwestern Alberta, and flows westwards along the northern borders of Alberta and British Columbia. It then passes in the Northwest Territories,...
. It turns around Mount Coty of the Franklin Mountains near Fort Liard Airfield, where it meets the Liard Highway. It receives the waters of the Muskeg River, Rabbit Creek and Flett Creek as it flows east of the Liard Range and Mount Flett. The Liard meanders east of the Sawmill Mountain and receives waters from the Beaver Water Creek, Netla River and Bay Creek. After receiving the waters of South Nahanni River
South Nahanni River
The South Nahanni River is a major tributary of the Liard River, located roughly 500 kilometres west of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is the centerpiece of Nahanni National Park Reserve...
south of Nahanni Butte and east of the Nahanni National Park Reserve
Nahanni National Park Reserve
Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, approximately west of Yellowknife, protects a portion of the Mackenzie Mountains Natural Region. The centrepiece of the park is the South Nahanni River. Four noteworthy canyons reaching in depth, called...
, the Liard turns east and north-east, receiving waters from Grainger River, Blackstone River, Dehdjida Creek, Matou River, Birch River and Poplar River. It then turns north, being followed by the Mackenzie Highway
Mackenzie Highway
The Mackenzie Highway is a Canadian highway in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. It begins as Alberta Highway 2 at Mile Zero in Grimshaw, Alberta...
, and receives the Manners Creek before it empties into the Mackenzie River
Mackenzie River
The Mackenzie River is the largest river system in Canada. It flows through a vast, isolated region of forest and tundra entirely within the country's Northwest Territories, although its many tributaries reach into four other Canadian provinces and territories...
, immediately upstream of Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories
Fort Simpson is a village in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The community is located on an island at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers...
, at Clay Point, at an elevation of 120 metres (393.7 ft). The Truesdell Island and Franklin-Clarke Island are formed at the river mouth.
Tributaries
From headwater to mouth, the tributaries of the Liard are:Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
- Prospect Creek
- Swede Creek
- Junkers Creek
- Ings River
- Old Gold Creek
- Rainbow Creek
- Dome Creek
- Quartz Creek
- Scurvy Creek
- Sayyea Creek
- Eckman Creek
- Black River
- Hasselberg Creek
- Sambo Creek
- Meister River
- Frances River
- Rancheria River
- Tom Creek
- Watson Creek
- Albert Creek
- Cormier Creek
British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
mountains
- Dease RiverDease RiverThe Dease River flows through northwestern British Columbia, Canada and is a tributary of the Liard River. The river descends from Dease Lake, though its ultimate origin is in the headwater of Little Dease Creek at Snow Peak, approximately 50 km to the west of the lake...
- Kloye Creek
- Trepanier Creek
- Black Angus Creek
- Hyland River
- Malcolm Creek
- Tatisno Creek
- Nustlo Creek
- Cosh Creek
- Contact Creek
- Scoby Creek
- Sandin Brook
- Tsia Creek
- Tsinitla Creek
- Tatzille Creek
- Leguil Creek
- Kechika RiverKechika RiverThe Kechika River also historically known as Black's River, is a tributary of the Liard River, located in northern British Columbia, Canada. The river rises at the Sifton Pass and flows northwest and then east 230 kilometres to join with the Liard River near Fireside, British Columbia...
- Niloil Creek
- Coal RiverCoal River (Canada)The Coal River runs from southern Yukon, Canada into northern British Columbia, Canada where it flows into the Liard River at historic milepost 533 of the Alaska Highway . This river hosts series of class 5 and 6 rapids but start of the river is not accessible by road, only the bottom end is...
- Geddes Creek
- Grant Creek
- Smith River
- Lapie Creek
- Mould Creek
- Hoole Creek
- Trout RiverTrout River (British Columbia)The Trout River is a tributary of the Liard River in far northern British Columbia, Canada, flowing northwest from headwaters at , near Muncho Lake, to meet the Liard at the community of Liard River. It is at the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Liard, which is part of Liard River Corridor...
- Deer River
- Canyon Creek
- Moule Creek
- Sulphur Creek
British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
foothills and plains
- Brimstone Creek
- Crusty Creek
- Grayling River
- Graybank Creek
- Toad River
- Garbutt Creek
- Lepine Creek
- Chimney Creek
- Ruthie Creek
- Scatter River
- Beaver River
- Catkin Creek
- Dunedin River
- Fort Nelson RiverFort Nelson RiverThe Fort Nelson River is located in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada. It flows 517 km generally north-westward to the Liard River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River, which empties into the Arctic Ocean...
- Zus Creek
- Sandy Creek
- La Biche River
Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
- Big Island Creek
- Kotaneelee RiverKotaneelee RiverThe Kotaneelee River is a river in the Northwest territories of Canada. It is a tributary of the Liard River.It gives the name to the Kotaneelee Formation, a stratigraphical unit of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.-Course:...
- Petitot RiverPetitot RiverPetitot is a river in northern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. It is a tributary of the Liard River.Petitot River originates from Bistcho Lake in northwestern Alberta, and flows westwards along the northern borders of Alberta and British Columbia. It then passes in the Northwest Territories,...
- Muskeg River
- Rabbit Creek
- Flett Creek
- Beaver Water Creek
- Netla River
- Bay Creek
- South Nahanni RiverSouth Nahanni RiverThe South Nahanni River is a major tributary of the Liard River, located roughly 500 kilometres west of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is the centerpiece of Nahanni National Park Reserve...
- Grainger River
- Blackstone River
- Dehdjida Creek
- Matou River
- Birch River
- Poplar River
- Manners Creek
Communities
From mouth to headwater, communities along the river include:- Fort Simpson, Northwest TerritoriesFort Simpson, Northwest TerritoriesFort Simpson is a village in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The community is located on an island at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers...
- Fort Liard, Northwest TerritoriesFort Liard, Northwest TerritoriesFort Liard is a hamlet in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. It is located 37 km north of the British Columbia border...
- Liard River, British ColumbiaLiard River, British ColumbiaLiard River is a small community in northern British Columbia, Canada. It has a population of about 100 people. It is located at Kilometre 799 of the Alaska Highway, near the border of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory....
- Lower Post, British ColumbiaLower Post, British ColumbiaLower Post is an aboriginal community in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, located on Highway 97, the Alaska Highway, approximately 15 miles southeast of Watson Lake, Yukon. Its historical mile designation is Mile 620...
- Watson Lake, YukonWatson Lake, YukonWatson Lake is a town at historical mile 635 on the Alaska Highway in the southeastern Yukon close to the British Columbia border. Population in December 2004 was 1,547 ....
- Upper Liard, YukonUpper Liard, YukonUpper Liard is a chiefly First Nation settlement immediately west of Watson Lake in Canada's Yukon. It is situated at historical mile 642 of the Alaska Highway. Population in 2001 according to the Census was 159. Most of the residents are citizens of the Liard River First Nation, who also...
See also
- List of longest rivers of Canada
- List of rivers of the Northwest Territories
- List of rivers of Yukon