Bowron Lake Park -
Circuit Tour
British Columbia
Photos by Chris Harris
Bowron Lake
Park, a world renowned wildlife sanctuary, 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 116 km route (73 miles), 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.
The Bowron River estuary is a birdwatcher's paradise with an immense variety
of bird life, including coots,
mergansers, widgeon, mallards and Canadian geese. 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.
map by KeyBoard Graphic Design
It is best to arrive the day before the trip
and stay overnight in Wells - we can make the arrangements for you !
FIRST DAY We pick up our canoes at Bear
River Mercantile - a restaurant and general store run by Dick & Sandy
Phillips. (They also have some cabins. Fax: 250 994-2355). Then on to the
Park Registration Centre where canoeists register. There is also a park
campground for RV's and a parking lot for canoeists arriving by car.
Our trip starts with a portage to Kibbee Lake, named after Frank Kibbee who
guided hunting parties and became the first long-term game warden in the
early 1900's. He was also instrumental in having the interior of the lake
chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925. We pass pretty Thompson Lake, on
our way to our first night camp at the start of the portage to Indian Point
Lake.
SECOND DAY We canoe Indianpoint Lake, the site of the ruins of
Thomas and Eleanor McCabe's log home. From this lake, there is a portage to
Isaac Lake. Our second night campsite is at Nigoo Creek in Wolverine Bay, a
good place to fish.
THIRD DAY The whole day is spent paddling on to Isaac Lake, the largest
lake on the circuit (38 km) named after George Isaac, a logger and sawyer.
Our third night is at a nice, sandy beach directly opposite Betty Wendle
Creek, named for the wife of Joe Wendle. Together, they spent 20 years as
guides in the area and were instrumental in having the interior of the lake
chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925.
FOURTH DAY We paddle the rest of Isaac Lake and spend our
fourth night at the chute, where Isaac Lake empties into the Isaac River.
FIFTH DAY Isaac River and the chute: Here there is a stretch of white
water (about .8km) which can be canoed or portaged. For those who choose to
run it, we go over all the strokes you will need and teach you how to read
moving water, followed by some practise runs. From the chute to McLeary
Lake, there are two short portages and two short stretches of river. Just
before McLeary Lake, there is a side trail leading to Isaac Falls. McLeary
Lake is a beautiful, small lake with a great view of the mountains and the
Cariboo Glacier.
It is also the site of Freddie Becker's first cabin, built in 1935. We
paddle the swift-moving Cariboo River, whose source is the Cariboo Glacier
and which leads us to Lanezi Lake, the second largest lake on the circuit
with spectacular mountain peaks towering over it. Here, we may encounter a
number of log jams but we know all the right channels and will see you
through with no problem. We spend our fifth night at the Turner Creek camp
site on Lanezi Lake.
SIXTH DAY Today, we pass along Sandy Lake, fringed with
aspen trees and beautiful beaches all along one shore. Our sixth night camp
site is at Rum Lake, which has the warmest water - the best for swimming -
on the circuit. It is connected to Unna Lake by a channel. From Unna Lake
there is a lovely, 1.2 km. hiking trail eading to the impressive
24-metre-high Cariboo Falls.
SEVENTH DAY Next, via a portage, is Babcock Lake, named for
J.P.Babcock, a B.C. Fish Commissioner, who was instrumental in having the
interior of the lake chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925. Then, we
walk a short portage to Skoi Lake, the smallest lake on the circuit, and
then, do another equally short portage to Spectacle Lake. We have left the
mountains now and are into more open, marsh-type country where, if you're
watchful, you may see a moose.
Our seventh night camp site is on the Bowron River, by the oldest cabin on
the lakes, built by Joe Wendle, in 1926, right above his favorite fishing
hole. The campsite offers a great view of the mountains in the middle of the
lake chain.
EIGHTH DAY We enter the Bowron Marsh, teeming with birds and
wildlife, where you are likely to see moose, beaver, muskrat, and marten.
Wolves can be heard and salmon spawn in the river. Finally, we are on Bowron
Lake, formerly known as Bear Lake. It was named for John Bowron, one of
Barkerville's residents in the 1860's. He held positions such as postmaster,
fire warden, government agent, and gold commissioner. Our trip ends on the
morning of the eighth day, enjoying a breakfast, compliments of Bear River
Mercantile.
Photos by Chris Harris
All incl. From Wells, BC, meals
(except meals in Wells), gear, park fees,
ZZ-Canoe-BC01
8 days/ 7 nights
$ 1,595
..based on Can$1595
plus GST tax (2.5%)
2009 Dates:
07/05-07/12
07/19-07/26
08/09-08/16
08/23-08/30
09/03-09/10
Additional charges: Transfer from
Quesnel airport $50
- to pay locally
"A unique combination of sublime scenery, fantastic food, congenial company, wonderful weather and great guides, who were undeterred by a complete novice, helped make it a most splendid holiday." - Collette MacFarlane
1. Bear R. Mercantile
2. Park Registration
3. Thompson Lake
4. Kibbee Lake
5. 1st night campsite
6. Indianpoint Lake
7. 2nd night campsite
8. Wolverine Mountain
9. Isaac Lake
10. Betty Wendle Creek
11. 3rd night campsite
12. 4th night campsite
13. Isaac R. & The Chute
14. Trail to Isaac Falls
15. McLeary Lake
16. Cariboo River
17. 5th night campsite
18. Lanezi Lake
19. Sandy Lake
20. 6th night campsite
21. Unna Lake
22. Cariboo Falls
23. Babcock Lake
24. Skoi Lake
25. Spectacle Lake
26. 7th night campsite
27. Bowron River & marsh
28. Bowron Lake
FITNESS REQUIREMENT
Our route includes 108 km (65 miles) of paddling and 8 km (5 miles) of
portaging. To assist with portaging (the longest is 2.4 km), each canoe has
a two-wheeled carrier, allowing canoe partners to pull their canoe gear over
the portages, thus avoiding heavy shoulder loads. Some portages are hilly,
however, and when wet can require considerable energy.
Good health, reasonable fitness and plenty of enthusiasm are your only requirements. Although it's an outdoor adventure for all ages, including seniors, take into account that this is a wilderness experience. Paddling distances range from 2 to 17 kms per day, and inclement weather can make even a short day challenging.
SHELTER, EQUIPMENT,
FOOD
Bowron Park has granted Pathways 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.
Our Commitment
All our guides are BC certified canoe instructors and proficient in
wilderness first aid. Chris, Dean and Jim are the original and most
experienced Bowron Lake canoe guides with over 250 Circuit expeditions under
their belt. Together, our guides will share this classic Canadian canoe
adventure in a way which will make your holiday the most rewarding, safe and
memorable one ever.
