Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit

The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, located right here in British Columbia, is one of the best kept secrets in the entire province. Encompassing 116km of pristine wilderness, “chain lakes, waterways, and connecting portages,” this is a true look at the beautiful forests that once covered the entirety of our stunning province. Located on the “western slopes of the Caribou Mountain Range,” I challenge everyone to take at least one trip to this idyllic wilderness at some point in their life.
Anyone who is in relatively good physical condition can complete the canoe circuit, but if one is not comfortable with their canoeing skill set, guided tours are available. On average, the entire trip usually takes somewhere between “6 to 10 days to complete.” However, if this going to be a first true “wilderness” experience, and one does not wish to go along with a guided tour, there is “a shorter trip” on the west side of the circuit that can be “paddled in 2 to 4 days.” Also, since items such as “bear bangers” are banned from the park, it is important to have an excellent sense of the natural wildlife of British Columbia. Basically, if a baby moose is wandering around, and yes visitors will most likely see moose, don’t approach it because mama is probably nearby.
In the winter, it is possible to cross-country ski the lake chain. This is another great way to enjoy BC provincial parks without having to worry about crossing paths with a 400 lb black bear. Though I have never personally experienced the circuit in the winter, it is described as a gorgeous winter wonderland. However, skiing in this park is not for novices because there are “no set trails.” One could very easily become lost in the “149 207 hectares” of land that make up Bowron Provincial Park.
I have never been more in awe of nature than when I was up at Bowron. From thunderstorms that dented the waterproof covering of my tent with their force to mind-blowing sun sets, it empowers me to keep our province green and healthy. We must take care of the breathtaking gift we have been given and look after the “moose, deer, mountain goat caribou, black bears, grizzly bears, waterfowl, beavers, and otters” that reside in the park. All backpackers are supposed to follow an unwritten code that states: one must leave all areas as good as or better than when they arrived. This could never be more important than at provincial parks such as Bowron where people from all over the world come to observe the beauty that is British Columbia. Bowron is truly one of the jewels that make British Columbia “the best place on Earth.”

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bowron_lk/#WinterRecreation


Below is a montage of photos from the last time I was at Bowron Lakes Provincial Park in 2002. I will be returning this summer.