Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a (a.k.a. Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park)

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.

The Nisga’a Visitor Centre offers guided walks to the volcanic crater

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.

Special Features: 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.

Geological History: 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.
• Explore with care – lava rock may be sharp and unstable, and surfaces may be thin, especially along lake and stream edges.

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.

Nisga’a Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is located at the campground and offers merchandise, maps, stories, pictures, and information about attractions. Learn about Nisga’a language, culture, history, feasts and laws.

Hours of operation:

• May 15th to June 24th:
      9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• June 25th to Labour Day (September 3rd):
      9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (Tuesday closed)
      9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• The visitor centre is closed on all statutory holidays except Labour Day.

• Park Map [PDF] (June 2008)

• 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.

• Management Planning Information
• Nisga’a culture, volcanic landscape, wilderness and wildlife values combine to make an outstanding protected area next to the mighty Nass River.
  Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a Master Plan [PDF 2.77MB]

Canoeing

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Hunting

Interpretive Programs

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

Winter Recreation

Accessibility

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping