Northern BC Travel Guide 2014

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SECTION 1 NORTHE AST BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA

MUNCHO LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK Just 86 km (53 mi) northwest from Stone Mountain Park, explore another Northern Rockies treasure: Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Private lodges, RV parks, and 30 lakeshore campsites offer easy access to the jade waters of this 12 km (7 mi) long glacial lake. It was named “Muncho” (“big lake”) by the Kaska people, who have sourced food here for millennia. Catch (and preferably, release!) lake trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, and Arctic grayling. Watch for moose, caribou and Stone’s sheep. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MUNCHO LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK, B.C. Visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

LIARD RIVER HOT SPRINGS PROVINCIAL PARK About 60 km (38 mi) beyond Muncho Lake Provincial Park, experience an unforgettable natural phenomenon: Liard River Hot Springs. The springs are comprised of two deep pools, which fill naturally with water that has been heated deep underground by the earth’s core, pressurized and forced back to the surface along faults in sedimentary rock under the park. Water temperatures reach up to 52˚C (126˚F), creating an oasislike microclimate that is as appreciated by birds and animals as it has been by humans for millennia. This unique ecosystem hosts a unique diversity of plant life, including orchids, ostrich ferns, cow parsnip and carnivorous aquatic plants. The springs are quite magical in winter, when sub-zero temperatures combine with steam to fringe surrounding vegetation with shimmering hoarfrost. Rustic campsites (some can be reserved ahead), change rooms and a boardwalk are open all year. A fee is charged for camping and day use. Visitors are asked to protect this delicate environment by not bringing soap or shampoo into the waters. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LIARD RIVER HOT SPRINGS PROVINCIAL PARK, B.C. Call 1-800-689-9025 or visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks To reserve a site, visit www.discovercamping.ca

Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club – Simon Ratcliffe Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park – Simon Ratcliffe

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