Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

Bowron Lake Park, considered the quintessential lake canoeing experience in Canada, is a world renowned wildlife sanctuary - it is a rectangular chain of lakes and interconnecting rivers which forms this planet's most unique canoe circuit. Abundant wildlife and rich flora , set amidst a backdrop of azure lakes and high glaciated peaks, provide a truly inspirational setting for the canoeist, photographer and nature lover.

Outside Magazine ranks this canoe trip as, “one of the top 10 canoe trips in the world.” Some of our canoe tours have been designed for special interest groups. Enjoy the trip of your choice. The canoe route through the ruggedly scenic Cariboo Mountains, is comprised of 6 major lakes and a series of connecting streams, rivers and portages. The portages are made easier through the use of specially designed carts which allow canoes and equipment to be wheeled between lakes. Previous paddling experience is not necessary.

Our guides will teach you the basic skills you need to enjoy one of the truly great wilderness adventures in British Columbia.

We compliment our canoeing with some short hikes to view the Isaac River cascades and the impressive Cariboo Falls.
Besides its natural beauty, the Bowron Lakes are a wildlife sanctuary. Paddlers may see beavers, bears, otters, and moose feeding by the waterways. The Bowron River estuary is a birdwatcher's paradise with an immense variety of bird life, including coots, mergansers, widgeon, mallards and Canadian geese.

Campsites along the Bowron Lakes, set aside for our sole use, ensure the solitude so necessary for a meaningful wilderness experience.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 0 (Overnight at Wells Hotel not included): Arrival at the Wells Hotel in Wells BC. Your guides will meet you in the sitting room of the Wells Hotel at 4:00 P.M. At this time, your guides will introduce you to the group, answer any of your questions and help you with any last minute gear problems. We suggest you arrive in Wells, early in the day, to see the local art galleries and visit the neighboring gold rush town of Barkerville. There is also an option for clients to participate in a day hike with a local guide on this day.

Day 1: After a 7:00 A.M. breakfast at the hotel, we officially start the trip. We all drive to the start of the Bowron Lake circuit, register and begin the trip with a portage. A 2.4 km. portage, over varied terrain, takes us to Kibbee Lake, where we dip our paddles for the first time and canoe a short distance to camp. The afternoon is for canoe instruction, exploration and relaxation. (3.4 km day)

Day 2: We start the day with a 2.2 km portage to Indianpoint Lake and then paddle across the lake (1 1/2 hours). We do a 2.0 km portage to Isaac Lake, where we have lunch. We then paddle to our campsite where we have a superb view of Wolverine Mountain. We often hear our first owls here. (18.2 km day & approx. 3 1/2 hours paddling)

Days 3&4: Majestic mountains, waterfalls and snow avalanche areas guide us down Isaac Lake to the ‘chute'. An exciting afternoon of introductory grade 1 moving water ends day 4. (15 & 16.2 km days & approx. 4 1/2 hours paddling each day)

Day 5&6: These two days take us down the grade 1 Cariboo River, through Lanezi Lake, the lake with the highest peaks in the park, and into Unna Lake. The scenery is magnificent and varied. Unna and Rum Lakes, in contrast to the larger lakes, are intimate and home to moose and loons. We take a short hike to the spectacular, 24 meter (80 ft.), Cariboo Falls. As we sit around the campfire, we hear the haunting call of the loon and search the shores for wildlife. ( 13.2 & 16.8 km days- approx. 3 hours & 4 1/2 hours paddling )

Day 7: Today is a long day but the prospect of sighting wildlife along the way makes it all worthwhile. We have a 1.6 km portage and 2-100 yard portages and then it is all downhill paddling to our last campsite at the scenic Bowron River. As we celebrate our last evening on the lakes, we keep a watchful eye on the Bowron River and the surrounding marshes where birdlife abounds and where we regularly spot moose with their young and the always busy beaver hard at work. ( 18.8 km. day- approx. 5 hours paddling )

Day 8: At sunrise, we paddle leisurely down the river, watching beaver building and repairing their lodges and witnessing the marsh awakening. We cross Bowron Lake and beach our canoes at Bear River Mercantile, where we enjoy a complimentary celebration breakfast. It is the perfect time to relive the highlights of the trip, exchange addresses and say good-bye to our new friends and tripping partners, before we head for home. ( 6 km. day- approx. 2 1/2 hours paddling )

PREPARING
Our 8-day tours are designed for adults of all ages, including active seniors. Children capable of making the trip (generally 14 years and older) are welcome. You will be accompanied by professional, certified canoe guides who are always willing to help you learn or improve your paddling skills and who are dedicated to making your trip safe and enjoyable Life jackets are mandatory and all participants will be required to wear them while in canoes.

The journey consists of 106 km of paddling and 10 km of portaging. On the portages, some uphill, you will carry your pack, put your share of the group gear in the canoe and pull the canoe on 2-wheeled carriers. Although the portages are hard work, we take frequent rest stops and set a pace which is comfortable for all participants. Good health, reasonable fitness and a positive attitude towards the possible inconveniences of inclement weather and wilderness travel are the main components of your self-evaluation. Even though no previous canoeing experience is required, we do encourage you to grasp the basic canoe strokes before the trip by taking a flat water canoe course with a local canoe club or association, or by referring to reference books and videos such as those produced by Bill Mason. This will give you some confidence and enable you to take greater advantage of the leaders' instructions.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accomodations for Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit:
Bowron Park has granted us prime reserved campsites, eliminating the competitive "first come first serve" syndrome. This allows us to enjoy a more leisurely pace each day and the security of a private site each night. Canoes and double-occupancy tents are top-of-the line models for comfort and safety. You need bring only your personal gear. Sleeping bags, pads and backpacks are available for rent. Each day, we cook and provide you with wholesome, hot meals.
Snacks: If you are in the habit of snacking, we suggest that you bring your favorite trail mix or snacks to eat between meals.

Accommodation before and after:
We base all our canoe tours out of the Wells Hotel in Wells, B.C.
This Cariboo Heritage Country Inn has been completely renovated with a ‘Gold-Rush´ flavour. It´s an integral part of your visit to Wells, Barkerville and the Bowron Lakes. The day before the trip begins (Day 0, Hotel overnight before trip not included with package rate) , we meet with the whole group in the lounge of the Wells Hotel at 4:00 P.M. After breakfast at the Wells Hotel, the trip officially begins at 8:30 a.m. on day 1, when we drive to the Bowron Lakes. There is also the government Lowhee Campground, 3 km. out of Wells, on the way to Barkerville.