July 31, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
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.