July 31, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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In June I ventured up to Muncho Lake to do some camping with friends. As someone who has lived in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) for most of my life I have driven this route many times. Yet still every time I do I am blown away by the scenery. I am so lucky to be only a few hours from beautiful lakes, natural hot springs, rivers, and plenty of wildlife. I go to school in the city for the fall and winter months now and coming home in the summer really makes me appreciate the area I come from.
As you go along the Alaska Highway heading northwest to Muncho Lake or further there are lots of stops and sites to take in. First is the Steamboat Mountain lookout. Only about 45 minutes up the road from Fort Nelson it is a nice little pull out to stretch your legs and look down into the Muskwa River Valley.
Tetsa River is stop number two, the regional campground is very well maintained and has sites right close to the bustling river. Tetsa River Services, another stop in the park has massive delicious cinnamon buns, definitely a can't miss.
Toad River lodge, about another half an hour up the road is known for there very large hat collection. Stop in to check it out, it's a neat thing to see all of them attached to the interior roof. Their restaurant has awesome food as well, a great stop for lunch or ice-cream break for the kids. Also if you walk around to the back often you can see moose way out in the pond bathing.
Shortly past Toad you will enter the Muncho Lake Provincial Park, the views are honestly amazing. When you get to the start of the lake the road narrows and you hug the mountain as well as the lake. Slowing down allows you to take in the greenish blue colours of the glacier water and most likely see a bunch of stone mountain sheep on the side of or in the middle of the road licking the pavement.
I have heard many people complain about the windiness of highway 97 in this area but I think it makes it all the better. It forces you to slow down and take in the surroundings. All along the highway there are many places to stop and fish as well as camp or quad. With so much within reach sometimes I wonder why you would ever want to leave such a magnificent setting. This short blurb is a mere insight to the vast amount of area in the N.R.R.M. It is worth a trip up here to experience it all for yourself.
July 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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Sitting around with a few of my friends on hot July evening,
we were discussing what we should do before I moved to Grande Prairie to go to
college. We bounced around more than a few ideas and all became excited about
one. A road trip up to Muncho Lake, why not? We were 3 fresh graduates from high
school and figured “what the heck!?” Early the next day we set out on our newly
decided adventure.
Thanks to the early dawn in the north during the summer
months we were able to leave bright and early, we piled into the truck munchies
and cameras in hand. Our drive was animated (even for a bunch of teens up before noon!)
we laughed, sang, and also car danced in our seats! We talked about how weird
it felt to be graduated, how we had responsibility to live up to our parents
dreams for us.
Our first stop was at Steamboat Mountain (which is closed)
and took pictures with the old looking gas terminals.
The second stop was at Tetsa River Regional Campground; we
drove in and parked, taking out some marshmallows (yes. At 7am ha-ha!) We took
a small hike down to the river, walked up and took goofy pictures and chased
each other around with handfuls of water! After some good fun and lots of
laughs we jumped back into the truck, and headed further north to Toad River.
At Toad River we started to crave something more than marshmallows
and candies. We stopped in at the lodge for some good eating! Our meal
consisted of honey garlic wings, poutine fries and a few other delicious appetizers.
Just a hop away there was a turn off on the right hand side of the road,
driving in about 1km we pulled up to the river. Quick to follow was more pictures, goofing
around and stretching of the legs. Thanks to our content appetites and new found energy of course!
As we continued north we passed the Indian head rock, the
valley lookout point pull out and many beautiful sites! When we made it to
Muncho Lake (finally! Ha-ha) we jumped out first at the Strawberry Flats
Campground, took a nice walk around in the sun, we continued on to MacDonald
Campground, we sat on the dock, ate some snacks, and played music out of our
truck. Singing and dancing on the dock with my best friend James, I realized
that this was the perfect way to spend a Saturday with friends. Although we
were sad about separating and moving on with life, nobody said a word. Just
made the most of the very few days we had left.
On the way home, we stopped at Baba Canyon, which is right
around Summit Lake. None of us had ever been in there and decided another
driving break was needed! We made our way in carefully stepping over rocks,
puddles of water and plant life. We climbed up the side of the rock face taking
photos the entire way up! We were even lucky to see a stone mountain sheep off
in the distance!
No doubt this trip made my Top 3 best days ever!
July 08, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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Living in Fort Nelson my entire life, I have grown used to
the sites around me and some days I forget to really see the beauty around me
and my home town.
Last weekend, I took a day trip to Prophet River, which is
one hour south of Fort Nelson. I went with my boyfriend, Clifford, his sisters,
mom and niece. The drive was very nice, minus the rain of course! One great
thing about rain though is that every tree and patch of grass is green, BRIGHT
green!
Arriving at the farm, the rain had finally stopped; we unloaded
the quads, and the ranger. Shortly afterwards we got into our quadding gear and
headed out into the bushes.
Our destination; the mouth of the Prophet River, never being
there myself I expected a smooth, quick ride out. Soon I found out I was wrong,
but of course being from the north where getting muddy on the quads is a must!
I enjoyed myself very much. After a few of us getting sunk in the muskeg and
some bush whacking. We finally made it to our destination; it was a breath
taking spot, the waters rushing by. Birds flying around, sand mixed with big
rocks, and trees as far as your eye could see!
It’s amazing how a relatively short ride off the highway you
find the untouched beautiful scenes of British Columbia. We were gone for about
3-4 hours, on our arrival back to the farm we were greeted with a fabulous
dinner. Made up of ribs, potatoes, broccoli and many other delicious foods. I
would have to say no one cooks better than a pair of grandparents and a few
grand kids to help! Later I sat outside; looking over the fields and watching
the horses run about the corral. After twisting his rubber arm Clifford’s niece
got a piggy back ride over to the horses where she talked to them, fed them and
got to pet a few of them. Coming back she was the happiest little 2 year old I’d
ever seen!
On the drive back the rain decided it had held off long
enough and it started to pour, accompanied by thunder and bright flashes of
lightning.
Just another trip that has made me appreciate the beauty of
our amazing province, and the joy of families spending a Saturday just playing,
visiting and having fun.