Murtle Lake

Trip Type:

 Flatwater, Wilderness Camping

***Note:  This trip is full.  Contact the Trip Coordinator if you wish to be added to the wait list.***

Detailed Trip Rating:

Grade B Click here for details on Trip Grade and Skills

Experience Level:

Comfortable Beginner

Water Class:

Flatwater. Some wind to be expected

Trip Description:

Murtle Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park is the largest paddle-only lake in North America (except for the motor boat used by the Park Ranger). The north and west arms are 20 km long, and the lake averages 3 km wide. It is good for both canoes and touring kayaks.

We will meet Sunday August 23 around noon at the Myrtle Lake parking lot. There is a 3km portage to the lake on a good trail suitable for carts. Once at the put in there is a small lagoon to paddle across to the first campsite opportunity.

We plan five to six nights of camping at first come, first served sites along the lake, a Camping is $5.00/night/person, payable in cash at the self registration site at the lake. You should have experience with backcountry camping gear and practices.

There are several sites for hiking day trips from the lake. Fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee is also good in the lake if you have a B.C. fishing permit.

Wind and waves can come up, especially in the afternoons, so we plan early paddling. You should be comfortable paddling in rough water. Expect any kind of weather on the water and at camp.

Suitable Boats

(see notes)

Open Canoe - Yes

Covered Canoe - Yes

Touring Kayak - Yes

Rec Kayak - No 

Whitewater Kayak – No

Inflatable Kayak - No

SUP - No

Meeting Point:

 TBD

Trip Coordinator:

Donna McKenzie

Ph: (780) 481-4756

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notes:

Please contact the Trip Coordinator no later than the Wednesday before the trip is schedule to start. Some trips may have space limitations or require early booking. Contact the Trip Coordinator.

Trips are open to all current Northwest Voyageurs Canoe and Kayak Club members.

You must provide your own boat or have prearranged a rental from the club to participate in the trip.

Touring Kayak - Typically 12 feet long or more and 24" wide or less, with front and rear water tight compartments for flotation and storage, defined keel

Rec Kayak - Typically less than 12 feet long, often greater than 24" wide, with one or no water tight compartments, may or may not have a keel

Whitewater Kayak - Typically less than 10', no watertight compartments, no keel

Inflatable Kayak - Typically less than 12 feet long.  Often sit-on top.  Will struggle with group speed and in windy conditions.