Lakes, rivers, streams, forests, parks and hiking trails are often top destinations for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
But wetlands should also be considered a destination for nature lovers — especially for those interested in birdwatching, photography and hiking.
Across BC's Interior, one of the closest wetlands to explore near Prince George is Shesta Lake, located west of the city.
For those willing to venture farther, Ducks Unlimited Canada recommends the 100 Mile Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area as notable wetland destinations.
These unique ecosystems support diverse wildlife, filter water and help regulate the climate — yet they remain lesser-known outdoor gems.
“We’ve lost a lot of our wetlands due to industry, agriculture and urbanization,” said Katie Mitchell, a conservation biologist with Ducks Unlimited Canada based in Fort St. John.
“Wetlands are any sort of area that is saturated for a good portion of the year. The main difference between wetlands and a lake is usually based on the aquatic plants that live there and the water depth. Wetlands are incredibly valuable because they’re a huge biodiversity hot spot. They provide homes to many threatened and endangered species.”
In addition to supporting biodiversity, wetlands also provide ecosystem services such as flood and drought control, climate change mitigation and wildfire risk reduction, Mitchell noted.
“They also filter water and store carbon,” she said.
Wetlands are also important habitats for many animals and plants, and offer a wealth of recreational and cultural benefits.
“They provide food and medicine for many First Nations, and they offer tons of recreational opportunities,” Mitchell said. “The list goes on and on for the reasons wetlands are so valuable.”
There are five different types of wetlands: shallow open water, marsh, swamp, fen and bog. Wetlands can be classified as either mineral or organic based on their soil composition.
“Shallow open water, marshes and swamps are considered mineral wetlands because of the soil type,” Mitchell explained. “Fens and bogs are organic wetlands. They’re especially good at storing large amounts of carbon and have very thick layers of peat.”
Recognizing the type of wetland by sight can be challenging.
“If you’re looking at the landscape, it can be hard to tell whether something is a fen or a type of marsh,” she said. “From the outside, they often look the same — usually full of sedges, which are grass-like plants. If you see a meadow of aquatic sedges, it could be either a marsh or a fen, depending on its soil content.”
There is also a distinction between lakes and shallow open water, Mitchell added.
“A body of water may have a lake environment in the centre, a shallow open water ring around that, and a marsh surrounding the whole thing,” she said. “The difference is based on water depth and the types of plants that grow there.”
She smiled and added, “We’ve gotten very into the weeds — literally.”
Shesta Lake: A wetland close to home
Shesta Lake is a wetland near Prince George that’s open for public enjoyment.
To get there, travel nine kilometres west of Prince George from the Hwy 97/16 junction, turn left onto Blackwater Road, proceed 21 km, then turn right onto the Pelican Forest Service Road. The site is located at the 6-km marker. A picnic site is also available at the 8-km point, at the other end of the lake.
Shesta Lake is a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Province of BC Ducks Unlimited has been at the forefront of wetland conservation for more than 85 years, helping protect and restore wetland ecosystems while ensuring they remain accessible for locals and visitors.
“Because of this partnership, Shesta Lake is a rec site, and as a recreational site, it has camping opportunities, picnic tables and toilets — so it’s a great place for recreation,” Mitchell said.
“No matter which wetland you go to, there are going to be amazing paddling opportunities. I believe the best way to experience a wetland is with a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. You can really explore that way. One of the best things is paddling through cattail channels with lots of twists and turns — that gives you a chance to see so much wildlife. There’s nothing like turning a corner and coming upon a group of ducks, where you can quietly sit and observe. To me, paddling is the most exciting recreational opportunity in a wetland.”
There are also birdwatching and fishing opportunities, she added.
“At Shesta Lake, there’s fishing because it’s part of a wetland complex,” Mitchell explained. “There’s a lake environment in the centre, with wetland habitat on its edges and sides. And there are hiking trails too. Some lead upstream from the lake to another wetland, and others go downstream, where you can walk through the forest and see how the habitat changes.”
Mitchell emphasized the importance of connecting with nature and understanding the value of wetlands.
“The biggest thing is to get out into your local wetlands and try to learn more about them,” she said. “Reaching out to ask questions and advocating for the protection of wetlands — those are all meaningful things people can do.”
For more information about wetlands, visit Ducks Unlimited Canada at www.ducks.ca.
