Moose Lake Tour – Toad River, BC

Loading Events

The start of Moose Lake, Toad River, BC.

Jet boating. Backpacking. Hiking. Kayaking. Paddle Boarding. 

Welcome to Fort Nelson First Nation. – Treaty 8 

our story, your experience.

The McDonald Family, this has been home for well over a century. Charlie and Nellie raised 12 children here who’d spend the vast majority of their lives in the area, the last of whom, Angus, who is still there today. Despite the dramatic effects and changes that came with the highway, they stuck close to their roots, living largely traditional lifestyles. 

It’s also home to a vast array of wildlife, including eagles, osprey, geese, bears, elk, sheep, deer, caribou, and more moose than you can shake a stick at. 

INCLUDED 

4 – Night stay at Moose Lake in a wall tent with cot provided. 

5 – Days exploring around Moose Lake. 

Historical Lesson about area. 

Access to and from Moose Lake. 

Wall tent with stove and wood. (Up to 4 people per tent).

Cot (Bring your own bedding). 

Hot shower with spring water.

Several outhouses and base camp.

Canoes & Kayaks.

Boat trip to Blue Lake. 

Boat trip down river to West Toad, with a historical walk to the highway from there. 

All meals included from Thursday dinner to Sunday lunch. 

Meals cooked on fire and stove.

Walking past scenic mountains each one holding a story. 

Gear list provided. 

 

Moose Lake. Located about 11 KMS from Mile 442 Alaska Highway, a 5KM stretch of the Toad River. Only accessible by foot, atv, or boat, getting here is an adventure in itself. There’s two land routes we use, one includes a boat regardless, and the other only passable in times of low water.

Day 1

Leave Fort Nelson by 6:30 AM. Meet at the 442 gravel yard for 9:30. Before cabins on the left. Right after the Toad River bridge left hand side. We will drop off our gear to the jet boat going up and day hike 10 KM in. Pack your lunch for the hike in. Arriving at the lake for approximately 3-4 PM. Boat ride to cabins across the lake. Dinner by 7:00 PM. Get yourselves settled in. 

Day 2

Breakfast 8AM with bagged lunch packed for the day ahead. Depart for Blue Lake by boat. Note that water levels might be a longer hike. Hike into Blue Lake. Enjoy your time at Blue lake with paddling around the lake. We will be hiking into Asbestos Creek Falls on the way down back downstream.  Supper for 7PM followed by a campfire.

Day 3

Breakfast 8 AM with bagged lunch packed for the day ahead. Full day hike to McDonald Bros Peak followed by a canoe/kayak around Moose Lake. Supper for 7PM followed by a campfire. 

Day 4

Enjoy the day at the lake. Paddle against a gentle current to the very top end, where it’s 4-5 feet deep, crystal clear water. It’s a moody fishing hole but always a neat thing to see. From there you come down the lake, far side from the cabin, and loop around the bottom end. Have a picnic tucked into the trees. The lake will have high water around this time you’ll have high odds of seeing wildlife. The perfect day to have a type 1 relax day. Go at your own pace and know a home cooked meal is waiting for you back at the cabin. 

Day5

Breakfast 8AM with bagged lunch packed for the trek home. We will be taking the Toad River back down by jet boat to our vehicles. Historical lesson on our way down stopping at old sites. 

BOOKING

PER PERSON

$2250.00 + GST + CREDIT CARD FEES – CREDIT CARD 

$2250.00 + GST – EMAIL TRANSFER

$500 Non-refundable deposit per person needed for time of booking. Full payment due 2 months prior of booking date. Spot will be cancelled after if not paid in full due to lack of payment. Any bookings closer than that will have to paid in full upon time of booking. Payment plans can be arranged. 

Email transfers will be made to jocelyn@peakwyldco.ca! 

 

PACKING LIST

Clothing

  • Long underwear top and bottoms (synthetic or merino wool – these are good for an extra layer of warmth, and also used for sleeping in.)
  • Synthetic t-shirt
  • Pants (quick drying, breathable fabric)
  • Fleece or other synthetic jacket/sweater (insulation layer)
  • Gore-Tex jacket (or equivalent waterproof/breathable outer shell with hood)
  • Wind/waterproof shell pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent, preferably full side-zip)
  • Warm wool or synthetic socks
  • Hat
  • Evening shoes (lightweight runners)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Change of clothing for the days
  • Toque and mittens
  • Spare socks and underwear
  • Swimsuit for lodge/Hot Springs if you plan on swimming or visiting the Liard River Hot Springs after. (Highly recommend on extending your trip possibly). Only 1.5 hours to Liard River Hot Springs from the boat launch.

Personal Equipment

 

  • Backpack for day hikes
  • Sunglasses -close fitting with good UV protection
  • Sunscreen and lip protection with minimum SPF 30
  • Bug spray
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Small personal first aid kit – Band-Aids, moleskin, duct tape, medications, etc.
  • Toilet kit including toothbrush, washcloth, comb/brush
  • Soap
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Sleeping bag for cot in wall tent.

Optional

  • Camera, spare battery and memory card
  • InReach or Spot
  • Pocket knife
  • Gaiters

Travel costs to reach 442 Toad River are the responsibility of the participant. Carpooling from Fort Nelson available, must ask privately and make arrangements. The 442 gravel pit is around 2.5 hours from Fort Nelson. 

1. Air service to Fort Nelson is provided by Central Mountain Air. The most
economical airfare includes flights from Vancouver to Prince George with a major carrier like Air Canada or Westjet, and then a flight from Prince George to Fort Nelson with Central Mountain Air. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this beginner friendly hiking? 

Yes, the first day we walk on an access road to get into Moose Lake, day hikes are rated moderate to challenging. 

Are dogs allowed to join?

No, guides are the only ones allowed to have their dogs on the trip. 

Where is Toad River, BC? 

Toad River, BC is along the Alaska Highway. 

Are children allowed to come?

Yes, the location is kid friendly, we encourage you to adventure with your kids. If you would like to book a private tour for your family, email us at jocelyn@peakwyldco.ca but this event will be 16+.

Can we fish?

Yes, must hold valid BC fishing license. No guiding of fishing will be had but if that is how you would like to spend your time be our guest!

What are the water levels like?

With it being early in the season the water levels can vary. This year has been a weird weather with snow and we don’t know how weather will be like let alone river levels. Please take in consideration your destinations will determine on water levels.

Is there drinking water?

Yes, the water is some of the best in the North.

Where will we be staying?

You’ll be staying in a wall tent. Up to 3/4 people per tent. Shared accomodations. Cot included. Bedding not included.

Is there an outhouse?

Yes, there is are plenty of outhouses to use.

How many km’s is it into the lake?

It’s 10 KM from the bridge to the lake and will be travelled on foot on the way in and travelled by boat on the way out giving you two different sceneries on each direction. If water levels are high a ride can be organized to come grab you on the trail in crossing creeks. 

What is the cancellation policy?

Due to high costs of trips. The deposit is non-refundable.

Where do I stay in Fort Nelson? 

The Fort Hotel – (250) 774-6971

Owned by Fort Nelson First Nation. 

Woodlands – (250) 774-6669

Super 8 – (250) 233-5025

Where can I fly into? 

Living in the North we live a very remote lifestyle and with that comes less amenities. You can land a plane in both Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, BC. A rental car will be needed from both locations to get to the trailhead of the trip or if you would like to book a transfer to the trailhead, email us at jocelyn@peakwyldco.ca. 

Communication

Peak Wyld Co carries satellite email systems for use in emergencies. Inreach Garmin. 

Liability Insurance

Peak Wyld Co carries liability insurance, as required by the conditions of the Park Use Permit.

Where can I find the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and travel requirements? 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home