iN PHOTOS: In and around Okanagan, Kamloops wetlands

Wetlands are ecosystems teaming with wildlife and the Thompson-Okanagan region has several of these gems for nature lovers and wildlife photographers to enjoy.

Grand Forks photographer Peter Kalasz took his camera to two wetlands in Kelowna recently and captured stunning photos of a raccoon, ducks and landscapes.

“Kelowna offers plenty of fantastic spots for bird watching or photography,” he said. “I highly recommend visiting them, even with children, as long as they’re willing to be quiet.”

The seasoned photographer spotted two raccoons searching for food at the Sibell Maude-Roxby Wetlands Boardwalk on the Okanagan Lake waterfront.

Located in downtown Kelowna, Sibell Maude-Roxy Wetlands Boardwalk is the place to find hundreds of species of birds and plenty of wildlife to observe and photograph. One of Kelowna’s last remaining lakeshore wetlands, the 1.5 hectare site has a boardwalk to walk along under shady trees. The easiest access is by the beach at the end of Francis Road.

“Before you reach the boardwalk, there are often ducks and shorebirds along the shores,” Kalasz said. “Walking on the boardwalk is always exciting since you never know what wildlife might appear. The boardwalk itself is only about 100 meters long, with twists, turns, and benches where you can sit and relax.”

Kalasz also checked out Rotary Marsh Park, another gem for birdwatchers and nature photographers where he spotted ducks paddling around.

A project overseen by the Rotary Club of Kelowna, the marsh is an estuary where Brandt’s Creek enters Okanagan Lake. There is a beaver dam on the site and countless plants and wildlife species to observe.

Viewers can stop at a gazebo for species information and walk along a boardwalk around the marsh. The park is located the waterfront promenade in downtown Kelowna.

Vernon’s Swan Lake Nature Reserve is hot spot for watching wildlife in a pristine, natural setting.

Located between Highway 97 and Old Kamloops Road on the city’s north end, the reserve in enclosed in a provincial wildlife management area 471.5 hectares in size that includes grasslands and marshlands.

Painted turtles, waterfowl and migratory birds are just a few of the species living here. To access Swan Lake Management Area, drive north on Old Kamloops Road 2.3 kilometres from the intersection of 43 Avenue and Alexis Park Drive. Turn right at Swan Lake Regional Park signage at Stawn’s Honey, then follow the gravel road 0.7 km to the parking area at the trailhead.

A popular place for nature photographers is the Tranquille Wetland located in the Tranquille Wildlife Management Area on Kamloops Lake, 18 kilometres west of the city.

The serene area is a habitat for several species of migrating and nesting birds, and a feeding area for raptors and other prey animals. Beavers, muskrat and river otters are a few of the species living there. It’s a carp spawning habitat and home to some rare plant species. 

Wetlands are important ecosystems that filter water, mitigate flooding, fires and drought, and hundreds of species depend on them, however they continue to be lost or damaged by human development in the region.