September 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Kayaking & Canoeing
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One of my favourite British Columbia experiences is a canoe, a tranquil lake, and the soulful cry of loons for company.
Canoeing on Spring Lake brought back memories of all the camping trips I had done as a child. The natural beauty of the lake and the absolute stillness made the noise and bustle of city life seem a million miles away. Gliding through a marsh in the pre-dawn mist through a maze of connecting waterways, surrounded by tall reeds and floating grass islands, was almost spiritual.
I paddled past a beaver house - nobody home - and kept my eyes out for moose, which I was told could be spotted foraging in the shallow waters of the marsh. I startled two herons, which leapt from the water and took flight, their odd squawking cries echoing among the hills. Looking across the lake as sunlight crests the treetops and the mist begins to burn off, I think to myself: this is truly a magical place.
I spent four gloriously relaxing days at Spring Lake Ranch doing nothing but canoeing, horseback riding and walking the trails. Next year, I'm coming back for a week!
August 05, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Moose Valley Provincial Park is a gem nestled in BC’s Interior. From 100 Mile House we drove about one hour west, on a gravel road that gradually thins and becomes rougher along the way. We travelled in an SUV (with kayaks on top), and there are several signs along the way that vehicles other than high-clearance 4x4s should avoid the road, so come prepared.
When we arrived at the parking area in the park, we could see the first of the lakes right away. Moose Valley contains a canoe chain of 12 lakes, ranging from small to medium in size. If you plan to travel the whole circuit you should plan about two days, but we only went on a day trip. We noticed one other vehicle in the parking lot, but didn’t actually see anyone on our stay in the park.
After launching our kayaks we paddled around the first lake and saw many birds and fish along the way, before arriving at the well-marked portage where we carried the kayaks into the next, larger lake. Off we went again through the marsh and across the lake (this one being a ‘dead-end’ in the circuit), at the end of which we stopped for a picnic at the little shelter hut. On our way back we saw deer along the shore, but seeing bears and moose is not uncommon in the park either.
Moose Valley is not even an hour away from civilization, but it feels like you’re in a separate world. It’s a beautiful, peaceful park, and well worth a visit no matter if you go for one or several days.
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Kayaking & Canoeing
View a larger image on flickr.com
We spent an evening at Free Rein Ranch, just off of highway 24 and south of Bridge Lake. It was a lovely evening out and we go ourselves a canoe and kayak and headed out onto the essentially private lake on the property. Paddling around the lake at sunset was incredible. What a way to spend an evening: still lake, gorgeous scenery and a a little bit of wildlife (loons!) to top it all off!
The evening continued with a little game of pool with the host of the ranch, Debbie. We stayed in one of the lake front cabins, which was very comfortable and private. In all, I would love to go back just to paddle a little more on the little lake!