July 31, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Camping
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Being at Muncho Lake simply put is bliss. You forget about everything else going on around you, it is so serene. It is even better if you can get in a boat or kayak or any form of floaty and be out on the actual lake. The glacier water appears greenish blue in colour, you are enclosed by mountains and forest, it's spectacular.
There are four camping facilities within the park along the lake. Two provincial: Strawberry Flats which is the first one you pass as you enter the park and McDonald which is just a couple km's past Northern Rockies Lodge. Both have 15 sites available and cost $16.00 a night per site.
Northern Rockies Lodge is quite a grand facility, they have the big main lodge, cozy cabins, lake chalets as well as RV spots. Gas & Diesel is available here as well as a restaurant with some excellent Swiss dishes I must say. (try the schnitzel!) They offer numerous different fly in fishing and sight seeing packages, trips into Nahanni National Park and much more. If you're looking to spend any length of time on Muncho Lake this is one of the nicest places to do it.
Finally in the park just a couple km's past the McDonald campground is the Muncho Lake RV Park. This is where I spent a weekend in June with some friends. Equipped with numerous sites, we were nestled off to the side in the bushes a bit for some privacy. Unfortunately they don't do any type of boat rentals that I know of but if you have a boat or can get your hands on one I seriously urge you to get out on the lake. Words can't describe how wonderful it is. Whether you are ripping around in a jet-boat pulling tubes or floating with the music going and fishing in the sunshine. It will wow you and likely make you not want to leave. I contemplated not coming back but a girl's gotta pay for school somehow, so spending all summer relaxing up the highway wasn't quite a feasible option. I go up as often as I can and I encourage everyone to do the same, Cheers!
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.