Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit

Wells, BC

Reservations for the canoe circuit are essential and usually sell out on the day they open, and canoes, kayaks, wall tents and canoe carts can be rented during the summer months.

A 116 km chain of lakes, rivers and portages in the Cariboo, paddled over six to 10 days

Why go to Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit

The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is a 116 km chain of lakes, rivers and connecting portages in Bowron Lake Provincial Park, about 120 km east of Quesnel in the Cariboo region. The full circuit takes six to 10 days and includes 10.8 km of portages, while the shorter West Side can be paddled in two to four days.

Reservations are essential, departures are limited, and BC Parks says spots usually sell out on the day booking opens. Canoes, kayaks, wall tents and canoe carts can be rented in summer. Paddlers share the park with black and grizzly bears, moose, beaver and otter, and Field & Stream lists the route among the best canoe trips in the U.S. and Canada.

Did you know?

The area was first protected as a game reserve in 1925 and became a Class A provincial park in 1961.source ↗
The park is named for John Bowron, the first Gold Commissioner of nearby Barkerville.source ↗
Up to 4,500 people travel the canoe circuit each season.source ↗