A Canoe Guide to the Bowron Lakes

Hidden in the magical British Colombia rainforest, the Bowron Canoe Circuit has been providing paddlers with a tripping experience like no other. If diverse wildlife, stunning views, and unique campsites are what you are looking for, Bowron is a great next adventure.

Before you start packing, here are 7 Things to Know About Bowron Lakes.

1. Getting there

This is one of the best parts, especially if you like road trips. The canoe put-in is an eight-hour drive north from Vancouver. Luckily, the Sea to Sky corridor is the most scenic drive in Canada, passing through famous towns like Squamish, Whistler, and Lillooet. It is also possible to fly into Kamloops BC, which cuts the drive in half.

We choose to drive up from Whistler and stopped by several famous alpine lakes along the way!

2. Permits

Very important to reserve your permits and do it early!!! The beauty of the Bowron is a poorly kept secret and spots in the park are limited.   Permits are $60 per person ($30 for the shortened circuit) and can be purchased here.

Once you’ve purchased your permit, you are required to report to the ranger station for a trip briefing and weigh in. The ranger station is located conveniently next to the start of the trip.

Late July to August is the peak season for the canoe circuit, I recommend securing permits at least two months in advance.

3. Outfitters

Northern B.C. does not have a lot of residents but it sure does have my favorite canoe outfitter in Canada. They’ll set you up with paddles, life jackets, packs, stoves, and most importantly canoes. They also rent canoe carts for the portages, which I recommend not renting if you are an experienced canoe tripper. Carrying the canoe is part of the experience!

Expect to pay $100-$300 depending on how much gear you need to rent.

You can park at the outfitters and they will shuttle you to the ranger station where you will begin the trip. Please note: they only have a small selection of food and camping items, so definitely pack these beforehand.

4. Trip Length

The record for the circuit is less than 24 hours, but since that is not recommended, plan for 5-10 days depending on your style. As experienced canoeists, we completed the circuit in six days at a relaxed pace.

Maps can be purchased from outfitters, online, or at the ranger station. They are helpful to identify campsites, wood caches, and portages. Navigation wise, the trip is quite straightforward as it follows a near-perfect parallelogram.

Portages (where you carry your canoe and gear overland between lakes) are well-maintained and moderate in length. There are also a few sections of moving water that can be easily paddled through if water levels are high enough.

5. What to pack

• Food and Fuel
  • Pack extra days worth in case you get delayed.
• Water purification system
  • Filters, chlorine tabs or boiling water are all safe options
• Campsite supplies (Tent, sleeping bag, etc)
• Bear Spray and Bear Bangers (Essential)
  • Know what to do in a Bear encounter
• Warm clothes (non-cotton)
  • Cotton clothes will not dry, wool or synthetic material is recommended.
• Wet clothes
  • The clothes you plan to wear throughout the day, they’re supposed to get dirty
• Rainjacket (Essential)
• Trash bags
  • Pack out your waste
• Duct Tape

6. Food and Bears

Bears are common in the game preserve of Bowron and are closely monitored. Typically only Black Bears are spotted but Grizzly Bears sightings are not unheard of. Pack bear deterrents like mace for safety. Park Rangers will close campsites that have had bear sightings and will notify canoeists of updates. Bear caches are at every campsite and portage to keep food out of reach. Leave no food behind and do your best to leave a small scent trace. Luckily, these preventions and the number of travelers have kept bear encounters low.

7. Weather

Since Bowron is found in Canada’s only temperate rainforest, expect rain often. It can get quite cold during the early summer months, especially when combined with rain. Ensure you have proper rain gear and a good tent to keep you dry at night! On the other hand, Bowron is host to many bluebird sunny days that invite you to go swimming. A hat and sunglasses would not be the worst of ideas.

 

There is beauty in the uncertainty of a canoe trip, and Bowron will certainly keep you on your toes. Enjoy the trip of a lifetime!