A chance to paddle British Columbia’s gorgeous Bowron Lakes canoe 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 canoe circuit attract an international crowd looking for adventure and solitude. You don’t have to paddle a canoe. A kayak is great too but take a kayak cart!
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Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit description
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.
Reservations for the Bowron Lakes
The Bowron Lakes Circuit opens on May 15th and remains open until September 30th. Visit in May, June and September for solitude but make reservations for summer.
Reservations for the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit open for the 2024 season on October 24, 2023, at 7 am PT. You may need to present identification as reservations are not transferable. You must be 16 years or older to make a reservation.
A total of 50 people or 25 canoes per day are permitted to start daily. If you don’t show up for the mandatory orientation held daily from 8 AMuntil 12 PM, you are considered a no-show and your spot is opened up to others on a first come, first served basis.
Fees for the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit
Budget for the following in 2024
- Camping fees for the full circuit – $60 per person
- Camping fees for the west side circuit – $30 per person
- Transaction fees – $18 + HST per canoe
You can change or cancel your reservation by emailing camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally). There will be additional fees involved.
If you cancel 28 days or less before the trio you forfeit the camping fees.
Be prepared on the Bowron Lakes canoe trip
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 pre-trip 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.
Read: The 10 Hiking Essentials Everyone Should Carry
Moose and bear country
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.
Getting to the Bowron Lakes
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.
Some items you might want for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit
I’d suggest carrying a waterproof map of the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit.
A gear barrel is always a useful piece of gear, especially for portaging.
Don’t forget the lightweight camp chair for a far more comfortable outing.
Further reading on paddling adventures in Canada
- 9 of the Best Places to Paddle in Alberta
- A Canoe Trip on the remote Thelon River in Canada’s Arctic
- A Sea Kayaking Trip in the Broken Group of Islands
- Kayaking Georgian Bay Over a Long Weekend
- A Week Long Canoeing Trip in Quetico Provincial Park
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