How to have fun in a canoe - Bowron Lakes
About My Trip
Bowron Lake Park is a large wilderness area comprised of 149,207 hectares situated on the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountain Range in beautiful British Columbia. The park is famous for its unique six to ten day Canoe Circuit encompassing ten lakes, numerous waterways and connecting portages - a perfect adventure for outdoor enthusiasts!
The circuit begins as every great canoe trip should; with a 2.4km portage to Kibbee Lake. Sore shoulders leave you wondering "Why did I agree to do this?" as your canoe is returned to it's natural habitat, paddling a short distance, before your faced with yet another 2km portage to Indian point lake. What an introduction to Bowron Lakes! The far end of Indian point Lake is marshy, but a well marked channel fearlessly leads you to a slough and...yes, you guessed it...another 2 km portage.
The portages are well maintained and easily travelled. A canoe cart may prove handy for those disinclined to experience the sore shoulder sensation I mentioned above.
This portage leads to Isaac Lake. Isaac Lake is a large lake that is susceptible to high winds and rough water, sticking to the leeward shoreline may save you valuable time and stress. Get ready for fun as you near the south end of Isaac Lake. Here you can find your adrenaline rush paddling the chute on Isaac River. Although short lived, ~400m, the chute is fast moving and inexperienced paddlers would fair best by taking the portage. From the end of the Isaac River portage, paddle to a log jam above Isaac River Falls.
A short portage takes you to McLeary Lake where you experience a short paddle to the Caribou River. Be alert as navigating the Cariboo River requires care and attention. Submerged dead heads and sweepers are the main hazards. Travel close to the north shore of Lanezi Lake where campsites provide safe landing spots in high winds.
Below Sandy Lake follow the Cariboo River and watch carefully on the left for the narrow entrance to Unna Lake. Do not proceed down-river past this point. The 24-metre high Cariboo Falls entice most visitors to walk to the viewpoint along the trail that starts on the southwest shore of Unna Lake. From Unna Lake, backtrack about 400 m up the Cariboo River to a sign indicates the mouth of Babcock Creek. Use the 1.2 km portage trail...yes, another portage...along the west shore of Babcock Creek.
The next two short portages are the last on the Circuit, oh thank God! At the north end of Swan Lake, follow markers to the Bowron River. From there you are happily on your way home with smiles on your face knowing you have just completed one of the world's most renowned canoe trips!
The park has tremendous diversity in topography and vegetation. The rounded hilltops of the Quesnel Highlands on the west side of the circuit have a unique character quite different from the imposing Cariboo Mountains on the eastern and southern sections of the circuit. The park is a place of many moods, from bright sunshine and placid blue lakes to angry gray waters and torrential rains.
Fun Facts
Bowron Lake Park is a large wilderness area comprised of 149,207 hectares situated on the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountain Range in beautiful British Columbia. The park is famous for its unique six to ten day Canoe Circuit encompassing ten lakes, numerous waterways and connecting portages - a perfect adventure for outdoor enthusiasts!
The circuit begins as every great canoe trip should; with a 2.4km portage to Kibbee Lake. Sore shoulders leave you wondering "Why did I agree to do this?" as your canoe is returned to it's natural habitat, paddling a short distance, before your faced with yet another 2km portage to Indian point lake. What an introduction to Bowron Lakes! The far end of Indian point Lake is marshy, but a well marked channel fearlessly leads you to a slough and...yes, you guessed it...another 2 km portage.
The portages are well maintained and easily travelled. A canoe cart may prove handy for those disinclined to experience the sore shoulder sensation I mentioned above.
This portage leads to Isaac Lake. Isaac Lake is a large lake that is susceptible to high winds and rough water, sticking to the leeward shoreline may save you valuable time and stress. Get ready for fun as you near the south end of Isaac Lake. Here you can find your adrenaline rush paddling the chute on Isaac River. Although short lived, ~400m, the chute is fast moving and inexperienced paddlers would fair best by taking the portage. From the end of the Isaac River portage, paddle to a log jam above Isaac River Falls.
A short portage takes you to McLeary Lake where you experience a short paddle to the Caribou River. Be alert as navigating the Cariboo River requires care and attention. Submerged dead heads and sweepers are the main hazards. Travel close to the north shore of Lanezi Lake where campsites provide safe landing spots in high winds.
Below Sandy Lake follow the Cariboo River and watch carefully on the left for the narrow entrance to Unna Lake. Do not proceed down-river past this point. The 24-metre high Cariboo Falls entice most visitors to walk to the viewpoint along the trail that starts on the southwest shore of Unna Lake. From Unna Lake, backtrack about 400 m up the Cariboo River to a sign indicates the mouth of Babcock Creek. Use the 1.2 km portage trail...yes, another portage...along the west shore of Babcock Creek.
The next two short portages are the last on the Circuit, oh thank God! At the north end of Swan Lake, follow markers to the Bowron River. From there you are happily on your way home with smiles on your face knowing you have just completed one of the world's most renowned canoe trips!
The park has tremendous diversity in topography and vegetation. The rounded hilltops of the Quesnel Highlands on the west side of the circuit have a unique character quite different from the imposing Cariboo Mountains on the eastern and southern sections of the circuit. The park is a place of many moods, from bright sunshine and placid blue lakes to angry gray waters and torrential rains.
Fun Facts
- Seven shared use cabins are located on the circuit
- The circuit takes you through ten lakes
- Best time to complete the circuit: September
- Closed to hunting since 1925, the park is a wildlife sanctuary.
- If your number exceeds six, you must obtain prior permission from the District Manager to make the trip
- Pit toilets are located throughout the park and at each campsite on the circuit.
- Emergency radios and staff patrolled cabins are strategically located around the circuit.
- Drinking water is available in the vehicle accessible campground
- A gravel boat launch is located at the north end of Bowron Lake near the private lodges.
- A canoe landing dock is available at the main campground.
Information modified from http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/
