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.