Kayaking & Canoeing

Bowron Lake Provincial Park Chain of Lakes

Counter-clockwise, the lakes are as follows:

• Bowron Lake: The launching site. There are three lodges and a vehicle-accessed campground near the registration site at the northwest end of the lake.
• Spectacle Lakes
• Babcock Lake
• Sandy Lake: has a noteworthy side hike to Cariboo Falls (24m/79ft drop).
• Lanezi Lake: 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 (11m/36ft drop).
• Indianpoint Lake
• Kibbee Lake

Wildlife 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's fall colours are the most beautiful for wildlife viewing and canoeing or kayaking. Nights here can be cold.

Guides and Tours

Local tour operators offer guided trips 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 extensive woodland knowledge and safety, as well as all the required gear and equipment. Whitegold Adventures, Bowron Lakes Canoe Tours, and 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 departures per day. BC Parks has more information on reserving for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit.
• Reservations are mandatory for canoeing groups of 7 to 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 float planes may only 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.

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