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Creston Valley Wildlife Centre
Canoe Tour in Creston
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
Learning about wetlands.
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
By Carla Ahern
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) is a rich and biologically diverse area. Over 300 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians call the area home. Many of these are species at risk - endangered, threatened, vulnerable or of special concern - at a provincial and/or federal level.
The Wildlife Interpretation Centre, located 11 km west of Creston off Hwy 3, is a great place to start your adventure. Naturalists are available to answer questions, provide trail maps and information and take you on the popular one-hour long guided canoe tours. Paddle the ponds in search of wildlife as you glide amongst the cattails and water lilies in large voyageur style canoes. Inside the Centre, educational displays and a hands-on science lab encourage learning and playing for all ages. The nature inspired gift shop is a great place to find a lasting treasure. Enjoy the picnic area, spotting scopes and viewing decks that showcase the beauty of the area. The Centre is open from May to October with programs running May to August.
The CVWMA is internationally recognized as a wetland of importance (Ramsar site - the Ramsar Convention is an international agreement signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, which provides for the conservation and good use of wetlands). It consists of 17,000 acres of wetland habitat that stretches from the southern end of Kootenay Lake to the US border. This forms a valuable link in a chain of wetlands stretching from the Arctic Ocean to California.
The wetland is also recognized nationally as an Important Bird Area because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods. The Area is a major destination for migrating tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese and a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers will marvel at the 6 species of grebes, great blue herons and the rare Forster’s terns – which breed nowhere else in B.C. Keep your eyes open for moose, turtles and river otters.
Easy, 24/7 access to over 32 kilometers of dyke trails allows you a chance to view an amazing diversity of wildlife in any season. Climb the viewing towers along the trails for breathtaking views of the valley.
Hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are just some of the ways to enjoy the area. Having said that, we do offer the guided canoe tours on a regular basis each season. Canoe tours are offered daily when open at 9:30, 10:30, 1 and 2. The tours are one hour long and cost $10 for adults and seniors, $7 for children 12 and under, $5 for members.
For more information please call (250) 402-6908 (Centre) or (250) 402-6900 (Admin) or visit the website at www.crestonwildlife.ca.