Canoeing Muskwa-Kechika
Discover the Wilderness of the Northern Rockies
The largest protected wilderness area in British Columbia, Canada, Muskwa-Kechika was established by the British Columbian government in 1997 for the purpose of preservation of the area’s magnificent natural resources. This vast region is comprised of about 8 million hectares (approximately 19 million acres) of the Northern Canadian Rockies. Recreational sports-lovers flock to the area to enjoy pursuits such as canoeing Muskwa-Kechika rivers, or perhaps partaking in a number of land-based activities as well.
The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area contains 11 protected areas that are all a bit different, providing a variety of activities for visitors to this northern portion of British Columbia. The two towns closest to the Muskwa-Kechika are Fort Nelson and Fort St. John, which are situated along the Alaska Highway. The Muskwa-Kechika is located approximately 90 km (55 mi) southwest of Fort Nelson. To reach this spectacular area, most people travel the local rivers or fly to their destinations.
Local guide-outfitters provide backcountry trips into the area, and for those who enjoy canoeing, Muskwa-Kechika is a dream come true. The Liard River is an especially good place for canoeing. This river has its headwaters in the Yukon and paddlers can challenge some fierce rapids here, not unlike those found on some of North America’s wildest rivers. Be prepared to face some Class IV beauties and don’t forget to make a stop at the local hot springs to warm your weary bones.
Peace River
Canoeing Muskwa-Kechika might mean a trip on the 165-mile long Peace River, an excursion that will probably take about 10 days from start to finish. If you have the time to spend floating on this river, the trip will be one you’ll never forget. Though there are some fast waters along the way, even whitewater novices can probably handle the trip. Most unforgettable, however, will be the amazing diversity of wildlife you’ll view along the way. You may even want to stop for some fishing.
The Gataga and Kechika Rivers flow through the northern Rocky Mountains of northeastern British Columbia and canoeing Muskwa-Kechika might include a multi-day trip on these two pristine rivers. This excursion will be mellow and leisurely, as the waters of the Gataga and Kechika are calm and welcoming with no rapids. Canoe-ers will see spectacular wildlife, such as moose, caribou, mountain goat, elk, bighorn sheep, and bear. It won’t be hard to figure out why the area has become known as the “Serengeti of the North.”
Canoeing Muskwa-Kechika will provide you with stunning photographs, varied float experiences, and memories that will no doubt last a lifetime. Remember that because the area is so far north, canoeing season may be limited. Most trips are scheduled from late June through August. Contact a guide/outfitter in the area to determine the exact dates of the many guided river expeditions offered in this beautiful protected area.
