The town of Wells provides access to several small lakes close by that are great for canoeing, but by far the most famous is the chain of lakes located within Bowron Lake Provincial Park, about 32km/20mi east of Wells in the Cariboo Mountains. This chain of nine lakes has become renowned in North America and Europe for its pristine wilderness setting, great wildlife viewing and spectacular canoeing and kayaking. It encompasses 116km/72mi of lakes, rivers and short portages, which loop around rugged mountain peaks, averaging 2100m/6900ft in height. The chain forms a rough rectangular shape, and begins and ends with Bowron Lake.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park Chain of Lakes
Counter clockwise, the lakes are as follows: - Bowron Lake - originally known as "Bear Lake" is the launching site. There are three lodges and a vehicle-accessed campground near the The registration site at the north-west end of the lake.
- Spectacle Lakes
- Babcock Lake
- Sandy Lake - has a noteworthy side hike to Cariboo Falls, a 24m/79ft. drop.
- Lanezi Lake - Lanezi in the Carrier language means "long" This lake, silt laden with glacier melt, drains into the wild Cariboo River.
- McLeary Lake - leads into the Isaac River.
- Isaac Lake - the longest lake of the chain at 38km/24mi. Watch for Cariboo Glacier at the end of the lake. A side trail leads to view Isaac River Falls with its 11m/36ft drop.
- Indianpoint Lake
- Kibbee Lake
Game sighting is common on the canoeing circuit and bird viewing is almost compulsory, even for the uninitiated. The lakes teem with fish, including trout and Kokanee, a landlocked form of the Sockeye salmon. Sport fishing is permitted, with the appropriate license, available online or via local suppliers.
July and August are the busiest months for visitors, but September, with its fall colours is the most beautiful for wildlife viewing and canoeing. Nights here can be cold.
Guides and Tours
Local our operators offer guided touring in the area (some actually depart from Vancouver), including the lake chain. Operators must have a relevant park use permit, so ask about this when booking. These operators supply not only extensive woodland knowledge and safety, but all the required gear and equipment. Whitegold Adventures, Bowron Lakes Canoe Tours, Pathways Canoe Tours are among local suppliers.
For more information on the Bowron Lakes Canoeing circuit and other nearby lakes, contact the Wells Visitor Centre, Wells District offices or the BC Parks website.
Practical Canoeing Points
- Reserving a departure time for Bowron is a necessity during the high season as the Park limits the number of canoes on the lakes per day. BC Parks has more information on reserving for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit.
- Reservations are mandatory for canoeing groups of 7 – 14 people. Groups over 14 are not allowed. Reservations for individuals and smaller groups are recommended. Fees apply and a cancellation policy is enforced.
- The park is a wildlife sanctuary, closed to hunting, firearms, crossbows and bear bangers. Music boxes with external speakers are also prohibited.
- Motorized watercraft are permitted only on Bowron Lake and only float planes may land on this lake. Restrictions apply and visitors planning on this type of access must contact the Park Supervisor for instructions.
- Dogs, cats and other domestic pets are not allowed on the canoe circuit.
- The nights here are cold. Plan for cool, wet weather.
- There is no cell phone service in the park.
- No potable water is available, other than in the private lodges and the main campground. Bring water for drinking and brushing teeth, or boil water for at least two full minutes.
- Bear-proof food caches are provided at camping areas and must be utilized.