Bowron Lake Park -
Circuit Tour
British Columbia
Photos by Chris Harris
Bowron Lake
Park, a world renowned wildlife sanctuary, is a rectangular chain of lakes
and interconnecting rivers which forms this planet's most unique canoe
circuit. Abundant wildlife and rich flora , set amidst a backdrop of azure
lakes and high glaciated peaks, provide a truly inspirational setting for
the canoeist, photographer and nature lover. Outside Magazine ranks this
canoe trip as, “one of the top 10 canoe trips in the world.” Some of our
canoe tours have been designed for special interest groups. Enjoy the trip
of your choice. The 116 km route (73 miles), through the ruggedly
scenic Cariboo
Mountains, is comprised of 6 major lakes and a series of connecting streams,
rivers and portages. The portages are
made easier through the use of specially designed carts which allow canoes
and equipment to be wheeled
between lakes.
The Bowron River estuary is a birdwatcher's paradise with an immense variety
of bird life, including coots,
mergansers, widgeon, mallards and Canadian geese. Previous paddling
experience is not necessary. Our guides will teach you the basic skills you
need to enjoy one of the truly great wilderness adventures in British
Columbia.
map by KeyBoard Graphic Design
It is best to arrive the day before the trip
and stay overnight in Wells - we can make the arrangements for you !
FIRST DAY: We pick up our canoes at Bear River Mercantile - a
restaurant and general store run by Dick & Sandy Phillips. Then on to the
Park Registration Centre where canoeists register.
Our trip starts with a 2.4 km portage to Kibbee Lake, named after
Frank Kibbee who guided hunting parties and became the first long-term game
warden in the early 1900's. He was also instrumental in having the interior
of the lake chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925. We pass small and
pretty Thompson Lake, (accessible from Kibbee when water is high
enough), on our way to our first night at the start of the portage to
Indian Point Lake.
SECOND DAY: We canoe Indianpoint Lake, the site of the ruins of Thomas and Eleanor McCabe's log home. From this lake, there is a 1.6 km portage to Isaac Lake. Our second night campsite is at Nigoo Creek in Wolverine Bay, a good place to fish.
THIRD DAY: The whole day is spent paddling on to Isaac Lake,the largest lake on the circuit (38 km) named after George Isaac, a logger and sawyer. Our third night is at a nice, sandy beach directly opposite Betty Wendle Creek, named for wife of Joe Wendle. Together, they spent 20 years as guides in the area and were instrumental in having the interior of the lake chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925.
FOURTH DAY: We paddle the rest of Isaac Lake and spend our fourth night at the chute where Isaac Lake empties into the Isaac River.
FIFTH DAY: Isaac River and the chute: Where Isaac Lake empties into the Isaac River, there is a very short stretch of white water which can be canoed or portaged (approx. 8 km). For those who choose to run it, we go over all the strokes you will need and teach you how to read moving water, followed by some practise runs. The distance from the chute to McLeary Lake is 2.8 km, of which 1.6 km can be canoed. There are two short portages and two short stretches of river. Just before McLeary Lake, there is a side trail leading to Isaac Falls. McLeary Lake is a beautiful, small lake with a great view of the mountains and the Cariboo glacier. It is also the site of Freddie Becker's first cabin, built in 1935. We pass the swift-moving Cariboo River, whose source is the Cariboo glacier and which leads us to Lanezi Lake, the second largest on the circuit with spectacular mountain peaks towering over it. Here we may encounter a number of log jams but we know all the right channels and will see you through with no problem. We spend our fifth night at the Turner Creek camp site on Lanezi Lake.
SIXTH DAY: Today we pass along Sandy Lake, fringed with aspen treas and beautiful beaches all along one shore. Our sixth night camp site is at Rum Lake which has the warmest water - and best for swimming - on the circuit. It is connected to Unna Lake by a channel. From Unna Lake here there is a lovely, 1.2 km. hiking trail leading to the impressive 24-metre-high Cariboo Falls.
SEVENTH DAY: Our next lake, via a 1.2km portage, is Babcock Lake, named for J.P.Babcock, a B.C. Fish Commissioner, who was instrumental in having the interior of the lake chain set aside as a game reserve in 1925. Then another small portage to Skoi Lake, the smallest on the circuit, and then another equally short portage to Spectacle Lake. Combined with Swan Lake, Spectacle Lake is 12.4 km. long. We have left the mountains now and are into the more open marsh type country. Here, if you're watchful, you may well see a mooose. Our seventh night camp site is on the Bowron River, site of the oldest cabin on the lakes, built by Joe Wendle in 1926 right above his favorite fishing hole. The camp site offers a great view of the mountains in the middle of the lake chain.
EIGHTH DAY: We enter the Bowron Marsh, teeming with bird- and wildlife and where you are likely to see moose, beaver, muskrat and marten. Wolves can be heard here and salmon spawn in the river. Finally we are on Bowron Lake, formerly known as Bear Lake. It was named for John Bowron, one of Barkerville's residents in the 1860's. He held positions such as postmaster, fire warden, government agent and gold commissioner. Our trip ends on the morning of the eighth day, enjoying a breakfast compliments of Bear River Mercantile.
Photos by Chris Harris
Special Phototours: Each year, Chris, who has a passion for
adventure and photography, leads soft adventure photographic canoe tours
around the world famous Bowron Lakes canoe circuit and teaches photographic
seminars at his
Studio/Gallery at 105 Mile Ranch.
Chris is a professional guide and photographer who enjoys sharing nature and
helping others capture images in new and creative ways. This includes
documentary, stock and expressionist styles of photography for both film and
digital shooters. Details about the photo/canoe tour and the seminar follow.
In 2005, Chris will lead two Bowron Lake photo/canoe tours:
June 18-25 September 3-10
All incl. From Wells, BC, meals
(except meals in Wells), gear, park fees,
ZZ-Canoe-BC01
8 days/ 7 nights
$ 1,550
..based on Can$1575
plus GST tax (3%)
2008 Dates:
June: 30-07
July: 13-20
Aug: 10-17
Sept: 03-10, 13-20
Additional charges: Transfer from Quesnel airport $50
"A unique combination of sublime scenery, fantastic food, congenial company, wonderful weather and great guides, who were undeterred by a complete novice, helped make it a most splendid holiday." - Collette MacFarlane
1. Bear R. Mercantile
2. Park Registration
3. Thompson Lake
4. Kibbee Lake
5. 1st night campsite
6. Indianpoint Lake
7. 2nd night campsite
8. Wolverine Mountain
9. Isaac Lake
10. Betty Wendle Creek
11. 3rd night campsite
12. 4th night campsite
13. Isaac R. & The Chute
14. Trail to Isaac Falls
15. McLeary Lake
16. Cariboo River
17. 5th night campsite
18. Lanezi Lake
19. Sandy Lake
20. 6th night campsite
21. Unna Lake
22. Cariboo Falls
23. Babcock Lake
24. Skoi Lake
25. Spectacle Lake
26. 7th night campsite
27. Bowron River & marsh
28. Bowron Lake
FITNESS REQUIREMENT
Our route includes 108 km (65 miles) of paddling and 8 km (5 miles) of
portaging. To assist with portaging (the longest is 2.4 km), each canoe has
a two-wheeled carrier, allowing canoe partners to pull their canoe gear over
the portages, thus avoiding heavy shoulder loads. Some portages are hilly,
however, and when wet can require considerable energy.
Good health, reasonable fitness and plenty of enthusiasm are your only requirements. Although it's an outdoor adventure for all ages, including seniors, take into account that this is a wilderness experience. Paddling distances range from 2 to 17 kms per day, and inclement weather can make even a short day challenging.
SHELTER, EQUIPMENT,
FOOD
Bowron Park has granted Pathways prime reserved campsites,
eliminating the competitive "first come first serve" syndrome. This allows
us to enjoy a more leisurely pace each day and the security of a private
site each night. Canoes and double-occupancy tents are top-of-the line
models for comfort and safety. You need bring only your personal gear.
Sleeping bags, pads and backpacks are available for rent. Each day, we cook
and provide you with wholesome, hot meals.
Our Commitment
All our guides are BC certified canoe instructors and proficient in
wilderness first aid. Chris, Dean and Jim are the original and most
experienced Bowron Lake canoe guides with over 250 Circuit expeditions under
their belt. Together, our guides will share this classic Canadian canoe
adventure in a way which will make your holiday the most rewarding, safe and
memorable one ever.
