Sowchea and Tyhee Provincial Parks

Back on Highway 97 we again headed North towards Prince George and then West onto Highway 16 to our next two stop overs of Sowchea Provincial Park and Tyhee Provincial Park, both lakeside campsites promising stunning views.

We had been aware of the terrible wildfires British Columbia was experiencing this summer and had already had to alter our plans on Vancouver Island when we were unable to visit the West coast due to wildfires closing Highway 4. We had been “watching” the progress of a fire close to Sowchea and we’re not sure if the road would be open, we were keeping our fingers crossed but also being realistic. As we got closer we began to see and smell the smoke from the fire and see the helicopters ferrying water in. The fire was far enough back from the road that the authorities deemed the road safe and it was open and we made it through to Sowchea campsite. When we arrived we had mixed emotions, driving past the wildfire was a little nerve-wracking and we felt sad at the destruction it was causing to people, wildlife and the environment but we were glad to have made it to our campsite. Once parked up we went out to see the view, which was of course blanketed in wildfire smoke…. nevermind there’s always cheese and wine for dinner! After a couple of intense sounding thunderstorms the smoke cleared a little and we were rewarded with a glimpse of the view. In the morning it was even better and the lake was so clear and inviting that Warwick enjoyed a very refreshing swim!

Heading back out the way we came in the wildfire appeared to have been beaten back a little but the smoke was thicker and we spent a few hours driving through scenery we couldn’t see until again it cleared….before we spotted more wildfires on the horizon. We made it to Tyhee Provincial Park and we were greeted with wonderful views and wildlife. We spent the next couple of mornings hiking the trails around the park, taking in the wonderful lake views and watching the wildlife. It was very hot in the afternoons so we spent them by the lake keeping cool. It was a very relaxing time.