 Isaac Lake, Bowron Lake Provincial Park A word or two on your excursion:
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
A word or two on safety:
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Bowron Lake Provincial Park
Famous for its world-renowned canoe circuit, Bowron Lake Provincial Park is equally spectacular by land, water or air. The unique circuit encompasses a 116-km (72-mi) chain of lakes, waterways and connecting portages. Gliding by canoe, you'll pass the rounded hilltops of the Quesnel Highlands as well as view the imposing Cariboo Mountains at the eastern and southern sections of the circuit. The optimal time for the canoe circuit is from mid-May to early October, depending on ice and snow conditions.
On foot, the park provides great wildlife viewing. You may spot Caribou, Mountain Goats plus Black and Grizzly Bears. Discover where waterfowl species share streams and marshes with Moose and Beavers. Venture onto the park's forested walking trails of redcedar, spruce and hemlock.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park is a 90-minute drive east from Quesnel, off Highway 26.
> Bowron Lake Park website
Ts'il?os Provincial Park
Ts'il?os (pronounced "sigh-loss") Provincial Park is part of the traditional territory of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation. First Nations' archaeological and burial sites exist in the park, while traditional practices such as the gathering of food and medicinal plants, hunting, and trapping still occur in the area.
Rugged peaks, clear blue lakes, alpine meadows and waterfalls dominate this stunning, remote park. Look west and you'll see the rugged Coast Mountain peaks; gaze east and you'll catch sight of the dry Interior Plateau region. Ts'il?os is also home to Chilko Lake, the largest high-elevation freshwater lake in Canada. Sharing this diverse ecosystem are Grizzly Bears, Bighorn Sheep and Wolverines. Chilko Lake and its watershed also preserve an annual population of spawning salmon.
Backcountry hiking and camping are popular pursuits in the 233,240-ha (576,346-ac) park. For vehicle-access camping, try the Nu Chugh Beniz Campground (via Hanceville) with 16 developed sites or the Gwa Da Ts'ih Campground (via Tatla Lake) with eight rustic sites.
Ts'il?os Provincial Park is a 4-6-hour (weather dependent) drive southwest from Williams Lake. Access is off of Highway 20, either from Hanceville or from Tatla Lake.
> Ts'il?os Park website
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park spans 981,000 ha (2.4 million ac), enchanting visitors with its volcanic Rainbow Mountains, high-elevation pine forests of the Chilcotin Plateau and glacial-capped peaks of the Coast Range. The park's lush forests and alpine meadows teem with wildlife. Grizzly and Black Bears, Mountain Goats, Caribou, wolves, Moose and Mule Deer all inhabit the park.
If you're a well-equipped, experienced wilderness backcountry hiker, you'll want to explore Tweedsmuir's two main areas: Rainbow Range and Hunlen Falls/Turner Lake. Each boasts an extensive network of high-alpine trails. Get a close-up view of the vivid volcanic mountains while hiking the 14-km (8.7-mi) Rainbow Range Trail. Or follow a route to see where Hunlen Falls plunges 253 m (830 ft) into the Atnarko River.
Turner Lake is a popular starting point for a three- to five-day canoeing trip, and there are excellent boating opportunities available in the more remote north half of the park. Some of Canada's best trout fishing is also possible in the park.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is intersected by Highway 20, a 4-5-hour drive west from Williams Lake.
> Tweedsmuir Park website
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