BC's Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region draws kayakers and canoeists from around the world with hundreds of tranquil lakes set amid evergreen forests. Spectacular ocean kayaking options abound too.
With scenery that ranges from cascading waterfalls to coastal mountains, the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is the most renowned destination for paddlers. The Turner Lake Canoe Chain, the Moose Valley Canoe Route, and the Nazko Lake Provincial Park canoe circuit are also popular.
Looking for a remote wilderness experience while ocean kayaking on BC’s central coast? Head to picturesque Klemtu, Bella Bella, Princess Royal Island, or the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area. All are rich in native culture, but have low population density.
Guided kayak and canoe tours are easy to arrange. And don’t miss the wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Seeing grizzly bears, moose, bald eagles, or porcupines adds to the thrill of paddling in this beautiful region.
Canoe & Kayak Routes
The most celebrated British Columbia canoe and kayak route is the Bowron Lake Circuit, located north of Wells. This journey of a lifetime sends paddlers along a 116-km/72-mi chain of lakes, waterways, connecting portages and wilderness campsites. The unique rectangular shape of the circuit lets paddlers start and end their journey in the same place.
West of Williams Lake, Nazko Lake Provincial Park's six-lake chain makes an ideal two- to four-day canoe or kayak trip, with easy portages and wonderful wildlife viewing.
Moose Valley Provincial Park – situated near 100 Mile House – rewards paddlers with clear, shallow lakes and abundant aquatic flowers. The Moose Valley Canoe Route is a chain of 11 small lakes that span approximately 6km/3.7mi one way.
Near Bella Coola, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is renowned for its Turner Lake Canoe Chain, an extraordinary three- to five-day trip set against the alpine backdrop of the Coast Mountains.
Ocean Kayaking Areas
For ocean kayakers, key areas on the central coast include Princess Royal Island (near Klemtu), home to the elusive and rare white Kermode (spirit) bear, as well as Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area (near Bella Bella), which is the largest provincial marine protected area on BC's coast. The vast majority of the area is undeveloped wilderness.
Kayakers can explore the central coast’s inlets, coves and beautiful sandy beaches. En route, watch for sea birds, whales and other marine mammals, as well as bears. From Klemtu, members of the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nations guide kayakers into the Great Bear Rainforest in search of the Kermode (Spirit) bear – a creamy-white coloured subspecies of black bear unique to this area. Also, more than100 ancient cultural sites can be found here.
The ocean kayaking areas in this remote region can only be accessed via floatplane or boat. The Discovery Coast Passage ferry (which travels from Port Hardy to Bella Coola, taking about 12 hours) can even arrange a "wet launch" for kayakers – no ferry docking required!
Guided Paddling Tours
Guided tour options are available for both canoe and lake kayaking routes, as well as for ocean kayaking.
The Bowron Lake Circuit is well-travelled by both guided and self-guided paddlers. Canoes or kayaks can be rented from lodges near the park entrance. Reserving a departure time for the canoe circuit is highly recommended since the number of guests per day is restricted. The circuit is open from approximately mid-May to early October, depending on ice and snow conditions.
Some rental businesses provide car-top kits for transporting canoes, as well as shuttle services. Be sure to get a canoe cart if you are paddling a route that requires portaging.
For guided ocean kayak tours, tour operators will usually supply guests with all the necessary gear, safety equipment, and food needed, or will provide a list of items to bring.
Kayak rentals are available in Klemtu. For Bella Bella-based tours, kayaks must be rented in Port Hardy and transported to Bella Bella. Trips typically run anywhere from five days to three weeks, and range from moderate to difficult.
Floating lodges, motherships (when a larger boat acts as a home-base for kayakers), shuttle boats, or wilderness camping are often incorporated as part of these kayaking tours.
For more information on guided tours, contact the local Visitor Centre.
Best Times for Paddling
For ocean kayakers, the best time to visit the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is from June to September – ferry service is seasonal, and weather and winds are more favourable during the summer months.
Those looking to canoe or kayak the region’s lakes should bear in mind they’re generally ice-free from May through November. From May through June, the water is high, fast and travel is easy. Mountains are usually still snowcapped, making for beautiful photo opportunities. Daylight hours are long. This is a great time to view young animals, from large flocks of mergansers to lakeside moose calves.
July can be the wettest month of the paddling season and is usually the buggiest. In August, the bugs are usually gone and the water is low, revealing lakeside beaches and good swimming opportunities. Daytime temperatures remain warm, but evenings are cooler.
By September, most canoe routes (including Bowron Lake) are quiet. There is less traffic, no bugs, and the fall colours are a spectacular sight.
Practical Points and Safety
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kayaking Safety Guide.
- Learn more about canoe safety.
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