Liard Highway South — Alberta Border to Fort Liard (NWT Highway 7)

NWT Highway 7 runs 254 kilometres from the BC/NWT border northwest along the Liard River to Fort Liard, then continues to the junction with the Liard Highway proper near Fort Simpson. This stretch is one of the last true frontier highways in Canada — sealed in sections but predominantly gravel, with chunks that wash out badly in spring and become deeply rutted when wet. The Petitot River bridge crossing near kilometre 100 is a key waypoint, and the road passes through prime moose and black bear country through the entire run. The Liard River itself is visible and dramatic through most of the lower sections — wide, fast, and grey-green from glacial sediment.

A stock truck with decent clearance handles this road well in dry summer conditions, but the clay-mud sections after rain will sort out the overconfident fast. Best driven July through September; spring breakup through June can make sections impassable. The only fuel stop is Fort Liard — plan accordingly from the Alberta/BC side. No cell service for the majority of the route. This isn’t a technical trail, but its remoteness and distance from help make preparation non-negotiable. The reward is genuine wilderness driving without another vehicle in your mirror for hours.