Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park
Nisga'a Memorial Lave Bed Park Photo by A. Webber
100 km north of Terrace, adjacent to New Aiyansh on the Nisga’a Highway, this campsite has 16 vehicle sites, a Visitor Interpretation Centre and information kiosk. Open from May to September, it is on the outskirts of the lava flow which seems to fill the whole valley. Pets are allowed on a leash but try to keep them to trails and off of the moss and lychen. Within the park itself, you can fish, hike or just enjoy the scenic landscape created by Canada’s youngest lava flow.
The beginning of the park is at the south end of Lava Lake, which in itself was created when the lava flow backed up the water in the river. The river is still there but not always visible as it flows under the lava and pops up to the surface in strange places. Another good reason for not leaving the road or designated trails – one never knows when the lava rock will collapse into an unknown cavern.
At the north end of Lava Lake is a picnic area that is wheelchair accessible and has a car-top boat launch. There is also a boat launch at the north end of the park that gives access to the Nass River. Vetter Falls viewpoint offers the visitors a chance to catch a glimpse of a “phantom fish”. There are interpretive trails at “Crater Creek”, “Beaupre Falls”, “Tree Mould Trail” and the “Fish Wheel” – all within the park boundaries and provides easy access to several of the special features of the park.
Waterfall in the Lava Park Photo by A. Webber
There are guided volcanic cone tours offered where you hike the 3 km through scenic old growth and volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the cone crater. To protect the special features of this area, unguided access to the cone is prohibited.
- unique provincial park situated in Nass Valley 80 km north of Terrace
- Tseax Lava Beds are the most recent volcanic eruption in Canada
- park commemorates the eruption that destroyed two Nisga’a villages and killed 2000 people
- short canoe trip from day use area at north end of Lava Lake will give you the best view of petroglyphs on the surrounding cliffs
