Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park

I visited the Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park twice, with my parents in August and with my partner Keith in September. Both times were absolutely beautiful - the weather is drier and sunnier a few hours inland compared to Prince Rupert. The park is located about an hour north of Terrace. Prepare for winding roads and distracting mountains.

There is both world-class nature and culture: unique geologic features and an amazing museum and visitor centre. I learned a lot about Nisga’a Nation’s culture and history. The park is the site of Canada’s most recent volcanic activity: around 1700, an eruption beset the valley and killed 2,000 Nisga’a people. The lava beds are 12 meters deep.

We did the Auto Tour, driving around to see lava tree moulds, hiked the pahoehoe lava, picnicked at the lava-dammed lake, dipped in the hot spring, and visited the four villages in the valley. I learned the most on a hike to the volcano cone with tour guide Steve.

Lava waterfall on one of the Auto Tour stops.

Mom in front of the entrance to the cultural centre. A really nice guy works there, he showed us informative short documentaries about Oolichan fishing and the lava disaster.

Father examining something on the pahoehoe lava.

Lava Lake. The waters of the lava-proximal waters were always light blue, similar to glacial lakes. I was not sure if this was due to loess sources or because the lava had very fine particles that were coloring the water.

Oscar Peak, the most impressive peak in the entire area. Below is the blue water of Lava Lake. This is right at the entrance to the park. You can swim, but the water is cold and the lava is sharp. Mom swam out to the rock in the foreground.

Hlgu Isgwit hot springs. We are smiling but dying inside. There was an astronomical amount of mosquitos. You have to reserve your 1-hour visit a day in advance and pay cash money at the government office to go here.

Suspension bridge in Gitwinksihlkw (Place of the Lizards).

My parents and I drove all the way down to the furthest village, Gingolx (Place of Scalps), near the mouth of the Nass River. There was a very nice lady who ran a seafood restaurant - I called ahead and she made us delicious salads.

The Nisga’a Museum - world class!

Keith examining some lichen on the lava. In the foreground is light green reindeer lichen, it is crunchy and grows very fast.

Keith and Val on the hike to the cinder cone. The lava makes beautiful rivers and waterfalls.

Val on the hike to the cinder cone.

It’s hot out on the lava beds. This oasis was very tempting.

Val and Keith on the edge of the cinder cone. It’s deeper than it looks. Thanks to Steve for taking this picture!