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Paddle BC’s Gorgeous Bowron Lakes Circuit
A chance to paddle British Columbia’s gorgeous Bowron Lakes circuit is on the wish list of almost ever canoeist or kayaker. It’s the equivalent of a Boston Marathon for a runner or the Annapurna Trek for a hiker. The Bowron Lakes attract an international crowd looking for adventure and solitude.
View down Isaac Lake
The 116 km (72 mile) Bowron Lake Circuit is typically paddled over 7-10 days. The journey involves six major lakes and two rivers linked by numerous portages with the Cariboo Mountains serving as a backdrop. A canoe cart is highly recommended to make the portages tolerable.
The Bowron Lakes Circuit opens in just 3 weeks – on May 15th and remains open until September 30th. Visit in May, June and September for solitude but make reservations for summer. A total of 50 people or 25 canoes per day are permitted to start daily. Reservations can be made up to 4 days beforehand and four spaces are held every day for walk-ons on a first come first served basis. Fees are $Cdn 60 per person.
An approaching storm on the Bowron Lakes
The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Rain, wind and thunderstorms are common and it can snow at any time of the year. Hypothermia is a real risk.
Bowron Lakes Provincial Park publishes a downloadable pretrip booklet with a list of essential items. Don’t leave home without them. Also bring clothing for four seasons and a few days of extra food in case of emergency. Wind can keep you shore bound for a day or two.
Moose on one of the Bowron Lakes
The Bowron Lakes Circuit takes you into bear and moose country. We were lucky enough to see several moose on our trip, including a family with a young one, but never a bear. Fortunately every campsite and portage has metal bear proof boxes.
This trip has been one of my favourite adventures. Stunning mountain vistas, clear lakes, wildlife and solitude (despite what the numbers would have you believe) make this a first class experience. I have met many people who return year after year.
Sandy Lake - one of the few sandy shores you see
The Bowron Lakes are accessed via Quesnel. Driving time from Vancouver is about 9 hours in total. Orientation sessions are required before heading out so it’s just about impossible to leave Vancouver and start the same day. Fortunately you can stay in Quesnel, about 90 minutes away, or camp in the park and start the following day. Canoes and carts can be rented in the park.
One of the last lakes on the Bowron Lakes circuit
Other trips along the same lines you might enjoy:
- Sea Kayaking the Broughton Archipelago
- A Canoe Trip on the remote Thelon River in Canada’s Arctic
- Travel Photo Thursday: Desolation Sound Sea Kayaking
Leigh McAdam
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
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i love lakes but i have never seen such a beautiful scene…lovely!!!
Omg! I must, must go to the west coast!