Camping at Muncho Lake BC - Day 3 of the journey from Calgary AB to Alaska

Day 3: Camping at Muncho Lake, British Columbia – A Jewel on the Road to Alaska

It’s day three of our epic road trip from Calgary, Alberta, to Alaska, and we’ve pulled into the stunning Muncho Lake in Northern British Columbia to set up camp for the night. After two days of driving through the rolling prairies and rugged foothills of Alberta, we’ve now entered the wild, remote beauty of British Columbia’s northern reaches. The odometer tells us we’ve covered approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from Calgary to reach this breathtaking stop along the Alaska Highway. With the majestic Rockies and endless wilderness stretching out before us, Muncho Lake feels like a perfect pause to soak in the journey so far.

The Drive So Far

Leaving Calgary, we headed northwest, passing through the vibrant mountain town of Jasper on Day 1, then continued along Highway 16 towards Dawson Creek, British Columbia, by Day 2, where we officially joined the Alaska Highway (Highway 97). Today, Day 3, we’ve driven deeper into the northern wilderness, trading urban sprawl for towering peaks and vast forests. The stretch from Calgary to Muncho Lake has taken us through some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes, and now, as we pitch our tent beside the jade-green waters of Muncho Lake, we’re rewarded with a front-row seat to one of nature’s masterpieces.

Muncho Lake: A Northern Gem

Muncho Lake, nestled within Muncho Lake Provincial Park, is a highlight of the Alaska Highway, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some fascinating things to know about this remote paradise:

1. Jade-Green Waters: The lake’s striking color is impossible to miss. This vibrant hue comes from copper oxide leaching from the surrounding bedrock into the glacier-fed waters, giving it an almost otherworldly glow. At 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long and up to 110 meters (360 feet) deep, it’s a cold, pristine body of water that reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror on calm days.
2. A Highway Haven: Muncho Lake sits at kilometer 681 (mile 423) of the Alaska Highway, a route built during World War II to connect the contiguous United States to Alaska. During its construction in 1942, this spot served as a refueling stop for workers. Today, it’s a beloved rest point for travelers like us, offering a mix of serenity and rugged beauty. The highway hugs the lake’s eastern shore, making it a scenic stretch of the drive.
3. Surrounded by Peaks: The lake is flanked by dramatic mountains—the Terminal Range of the Muskwa Ranges to the west and the Sentinel Range to the east—both soaring over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). These ranges mark the northern edge of the Rocky Mountains, and their folded limestone formations, like the aptly named Folded Mountain, tell a geological story millions of years in the making.
4. Wildlife Wonderland: This area teems with wildlife, and we’re keeping our eyes peeled. Stone sheep are frequent visitors, often spotted licking minerals from the roadside cliffs. Caribou, moose, and mountain goats roam the valleys, while the lake itself is home to lake trout, arctic grayling, and bull trout—perfect for anglers willing to brave the chilly waters.
5. A Name with Meaning: “Muncho” comes from the Kaska language, meaning “big water,” a fitting description for this expansive lake cradled by towering peaks. The Kaska people have lived in this region for centuries, and their influence adds a rich cultural layer to the landscape.
6. Outdoor Adventures: Even on a short stopover, there’s plenty to explore. The park offers two campgrounds—Strawberry Flats and MacDonald—both right on the lake, where we’re enjoying the crisp air and crackling campfire. While there are no formal hiking trails, the open terrain invites exploration. We could wander up rocky gullies for panoramic views or trace remnants of the original Alaska Highway near the lake’s edge. For the adventurous, boating, kayaking, or even a bracing swim are options—though the wind can whip up whitecaps in a hurry, so we’re timing our lake activities carefully.

Reflecting on the Journey

As the sun dips behind the mountains and the jade waters shimmer in the twilight, Muncho Lake feels like a milestone on our road to Alaska. At roughly 1,200 kilometers from Calgary, we’re well into the heart of the north, with the Yukon border just a few hours ahead. Tonight, we’ll rest under a sky full of stars, lulled by the quiet of the wilderness, before pushing on tomorrow toward Whitehorse and beyond.

Muncho Lake isn’t just a stop—it’s a reminder of why we embarked on this journey: to witness the raw, untouched beauty of the land stretching from Alberta to Alaska. With about 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) still ahead to reach Anchorage, we’re savouring this moment of peace before the next leg of the adventure unfolds.