Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is a welcome respite for anyone looking for a relaxing soak .
MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island . paddle around Surveyors Lake — keeping a respectable distance , of course .
Dip the Paddle Boaters , kayakers and scuba divers get almost misty-eyed at the mention of Desolation Sound . About 145 kilometers ( 90 miles ), and two ferry rides , north of Vancouver , this island-dotted sound , andrew strain photo lapped with clear , warm waters , peppered with snug coves and backed by towering snow peaks , is a stunning example of BC ’ s wild and jagged shoreline .
Desolation Sound is home to five parks — Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park , Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park , Malaspina Provincial Park , Roscoe Bay Provincial Park and Okeover Arm Provincial Park . All have sheltered shorelines , and one of the best ways to see them is by kayak . Go it alone , launching from Lund or Okeover Arm Park , or join a local outfitter to explore the area ’ s hidden coves and islets . Powell River Sea Kayak and Terracentric Coastal Adventures both offer day and multi-day trips into the sound .
For a very different paddling experience , head east to the Cariboo Chilcotin . This vast landscape of ancient forests , lakes and mountain ranges is the setting for some of the world ’ s great wilderness adventures . Among them is the legendary Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit , a six- to 10-day expedition that follows a 116-kilometre ( 72-mile ) series of lakes , streams , rivers and portages in Bowron Lake Provincial Park . A bucket-list staple , this journey takes you through deep forest and crystalline lakes framed by Cariboo Mountain peaks . The area abounds with moose , bear , beavers , otters and birdlife .
Spring comes a little later in this part of the province ; the circuit is open mid-May through September . Numbers are limited and reservations with BC Parks are essential . Local outfitters offer guided expeditions starting in June .
Seek out Northern Treasures Prefer to relax in a spa-like pool , surrounded by orchids and wandering moose ? Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park , three hours north of Fort Nelson on BC ’ s Alaska Highway , is just the ticket — and possibly the only place in the world you ’ ll find orchids and wandering moose . Set deep in BC ’ s northern boreal spruce forest , the hot springs , one of Canada ’ s largest , creates a micro-climate warm enough to support such tropical flora as yellow monkey flowers , ostrich ferns and orchids . A boardwalk passes through the forest and a warm water swamp , leading to an open-air pool where temperatures stay a toasty 42-52 ° C / 107-125 ° F year round . In early spring , lingering snow creates a winter wonderland ; at any time of year you might see moose wandering down to feed at the swamp .
More unique geology is on hand further west at Anhluut ’ ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga ’ asanskwhl Nisga ’ a . Also known as Nisga ’ a Memorial Lava Bed Park , this spot , north of Terrace , is the site of a massive volcanic eruption that created an almost lunar landscape about 250 years ago .
The park , managed jointly by the Nisga ’ a First Nation and BC Parks , is significant not just for its exceptional moonscape , but also for its important First Nations heritage . Guided tours of the lava cone , starting in mid-May , include a hike to a viewpoint overlooking the crater and a chance to learn about the site ’ s special place in Nisga ’ a culture .
Of course , all these parks just scratch the surface of what the province has to offer . Whether you ’ re looking for cultural treasures , outdoor adventure , stunning scenery or just a chance to kick back for the weekend , at least one of BC ’ s thousand provincial parks is sure to fit the bill .
graeme owsianski photo kenmoreair . com
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