Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: A Wilderness Canoe Trip in British Columbia

A 7-Day Guide to Paddling, Portages, and Campsites on the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

From Muddy Portages to Serene Lakes: Our Weeklong Wilderness Adventure on the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: A Complete Wilderness Canoe Trip in British Columbia - Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit is one of Canada's most famous 6-10 day backcountry paddling trips. In fact, this 116km is not only legendary by Canadian standards, it is ranked as one of the best canoe trips in the world! The circuit is a chain of lakes, connected by rivers and portages that makes a nearly perfect rectangle. Bowron Lakes is known for its scenery including the dramatic Cariboo mountains and the Quesnel highlands as well as its abundant wildlife.

Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Planning Essentials

Location and Access

Bowron Lake Provincial Park is in Northern British Columbia, about 2 hours east of Quesnel and 3 hours southeast of Prince George. The access road is well-graded gravel.

Driving Times to Bowron Lakes BC

• Calgary: 11 hours 

Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit Reservations & Equipment Rentals (2026 Season)

Front Country Camping Buffer Before the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

We recommend planning for at least one night at a front country campground before starting the circuit. This gives you time to rest and prepare after a long day of driving so you can start paddling early the next morning.

The Bowron Lakes Provincial Park Campground has large, treed sites conveniently located near the registration building for the mandatory orientation.

If your schedule allows, add a second night to visit Barkerville, a historic gold rush town with well-preserved buildings and engaging stories from the Cariboo Gold Rush era. It's a great way to add cultural context before heading into the backcountry.

Essential Maps and Guides for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

For detailed navigation, portage info, and campsite guidance, we highly recommend bringing Chris Harris' The Bowron Lakes Guide. It's an excellent resource for both first-time paddlers and experienced adventurers.

Another essential tool is the Backroads Bowron Lakes Map. This waterproof map shows all lakes, portages, and the number of tent sites at each campground. It is perfect for planning your route and keeping track of daily distances on the circuit.

Gear, Safety, and Packing Tips for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

The Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit has a 27Kg (60 pound) limit for weight within the canoe on portages. Anything over the 27Kg limit will need to be carried. Therefore, packing light is essential. Not to mention traveling light makes portaging easier.

Planning for Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Pack layers, rain gear, and a waterproof bag for electronics and essentials.

Safety Tips

• Carry a satellite communicator as there is no cell reception
• Water & Paddling Safety: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Be aware of wind, waves, and currents. Carry a whistle, spare paddle, and a waterproof map or GPS.
  
• Bear Safe Camping: Store all food and scented items in them. Never keep food in your tent. Make noise when hiking to avoid surprising wildlife.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only on designated tent pads
• Complete the mandatory orientation on your start day

Day-by-Day Itinerary and Trip Notes for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

Day 1 – Registration Centre → Indianpoint Lake (Campsite 8)

We completed the mandatory orientation the day before and only needed to have our gear weighed before setting out. The day began in the rain, but the skies cleared, giving us a warm and sunny afternoon at the campsite.

The first two portages were long and challenging, full of ruts, roots, stones, and uneven terrain. Our gear was at its heaviest, which made the 2.9 km portage to Kibbee Lake with a 60 m elevation gain feel especially demanding.

After paddling 2.7 km across Kibbee Lake, we tackled a 2 km portage to Indianpoint Lake, gaining another 20 m. The final paddle of 5.4 km brought us to Campsite 8, where we set up camp and settled in for the evening.

Distances and Times

• 2.9 km portage to Kibbee Lake – 60 m gain – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• 2.7 km paddle across Kibbee Lake – approx. 1 hour
• 2 km portage to Indianpoint Lake – 20 m gain – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
• 5.4 km paddle to Campsite 8 – approx. 2 hours
  Total distance: 13 km (4.9 km portaging, 7.1 km paddling)
  Total time: ~5 hours 45 minutes

Day 2 – Indianpoint → Isaac Lake (Campsite 18)

The portage into Isaac Lake was incredibly muddy in sections, making every step tricky. At one point I sank up to my knees in the mud. 

Once we reached the lake, the 12 km paddle offered calm waters, blue skies, and a hot summer day. Campsite 18 welcomed us with two tent pads, a cabin, a creek, and a rocky beach. We even managed a refreshing glacial dip before settling in.

Distances and Times

• Short paddle to portage start – approx. 15 minutes
• 1.57 km portage to Isaac Lake – 15 m gain – approx. 1 hour
• 12 km paddle to Campsite 18 – approx. 4 hours 15 minutes
  Total distance: 13.57 km (1.57 km portaging, 12 km paddling)
  Total time: ~5 hours 30 minutes

Day 3 – Campsite 18 → 28 at The Chute

The day started overcast, and we set out with a desire to beat the weather. Partway through the first paddle, we could hear thunder rumbling across the mountains, so we paddled hard to reach Campsite 22 before the storm arrived.

Once there, we took shelter under the tree canopy, made lunch and waited for the rain and lightning to pass. After the storm, the remaining 14 km to The Chute was paddled in steady rain, but the waters were calm, making the final stretch more manageable.

The cookshack at The Chute with a wood stove offered welcome shelter and a chance to dry out and rest.

Distances and Times

• 15 km paddle to Campsite 22 – approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
• 14 km paddle to The Chute – approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
  Total distance: 29 km paddling
  Total time: ~9 hours

Day 4 – The Chute → Lanezi Lake → Sandy Lake (Campsites 28, 34 & 37A)

After practicing our strokes, we started the day by running The Chute and its standing waves, known as the Roller Coaster. These sections are recommended for experienced paddlers only. There is an optional portage to bypass them if you are inexperienced or not comfortable on moving water. 

The first portage after the Chute was incredibly muddy, and at one point it pulled my sport sandal off. A short river crossing connected us to the next section, leading to the steep portage to McLeary Lake, which was full of roots and rocks. Along this trail, we caught a glimpse of Isaac Falls through the trees. Isaac Cascades and Isaac Waterfall themselves are un-navigable, so portaging is required.

Paddling the Cariboo River to Lanezi Lake cookshack was easier than expected. The water was high, which helped the current carry us along, but we kept an eye out for sweepers and deadfall. Strong headwinds made the final stretch to Sandy Lake more challenging.

Distances and Times

• Paddle from The Chute to first muddy portage – approx. 0.5 km – 10 minutes
• First muddy portage – approx. 0.3 km – 15 minutes
• Short river crossing – approx. 0.2 km – 10 minutes
• Steep portage to McLeary Lake – approx. 0.7 km – 25 minutes
• Paddle Cariboo River to Lanezi cookshack – approx. 8 km – 2 hours
• Paddle to Sandy Lake – approx. 6 km – 1 hour 45 minutes
  Total distance: ~15 km (1.2 km portaging, 14.5 km paddling)
  Total time: ~4 hours 15 minutes

Day 5 – Sandy Lake → Unna Lake (Campsite 40)

The morning started with steady rain and cold temperatures, which didn't clear up until after we set up camp at Unna Lake. We ate our Mr. Noodles for lunch as we tried to warm up. Later, the sun came out, helping us dry off and enjoy the surroundings.

We paddled across Unna Lake to the short hike to see Cariboo Falls, then continued to visit Rum Lake. 

A rainbow appeared after evening storm, adding a bright end to the day.

Distances and Times

• Paddle across Sandy Lake – approx. 6 km – 1 hour 45 minutes
• Paddle across Unna Lake to viewpoint trail and Rum Lake – approx. 6 km – 2 hours
  Total distance: ~12 km paddling
  Total time: ~3 hours 45 minutes

Day 6 – Unna Lake → Spectacle Lake (Campsite 48)

We started the morning paddling out of Unna Lake. Early on, we spotted a mother moose and her calf along the shoreline.

The 1.7 km portage to Babcock Lake was easy compared to the first half of the circuit. The trail was flat, even, and had little elevation change. The fresh moose tracks running the lenght of the portage suggests that local wildlife also approves of this trail.

At Babcock Lake, we saw a male moose swimming and feeding. 

After a few short portages through Skoi and Spectacle Lakes, we stopped for lunch at a large site immediately after the final portage. Later, we paddled to the midpoint of Spectacle Lake for the night. The large site had a cookshack and simple compostable-style pit toilets maintained by BC Parks. This one was the first to have toilet paper too.

Distances and Times

• Portage to Babcock Lake – 1.7 km – approx. 1 hour
• Short portages through Skoi and Spectacle Lakes – 0.8 km – approx. 30 minutes
• Paddle to Spectacle Lake campsite – approx. 12 km – 3 hours 30 minutes
  Total distance: ~14.5 km (2.5 km portaging, 12 km paddling)
  Total time: ~5 hours

Day 7 – Spectacle Lake → Bowron Lake

The final day was mostly paddling. We covered 17.8 km to Bowron Lake.

There is a section on this day well known for wildlife sightings. We didn't see any, but later learned from a park warden that wolves had been active in the area, which may explain why we saw moose at Unna and Babcock Lakes.

The last portage led to the staging area, which has a selfie station and places to pull up your vehicle. We explored the cute and colourful Village of Wells on our way out and stopped there for lunch before starting our journey home. 

We broke up the drive by camping for a night at Mount Robson Provincial Park, then drove into Jasper the next morning for breakfast before continuing.

Distances and Times

• Paddle from Spectacle Lake to Bowron Lake – 17.8 km – approx. 5 hours
• Final portage to staging area – 1 km – 30 minutes
  Total distance: 18.8 km (1 km portaging, 17.8 km paddling)
  Total time: ~5 hours 30 minutes

Quick Tips for the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit

• Pack light and smart: Keep essentials under 60 pounds. Waterproof everything and bring layers for changing weather.
• Plan a front country buffer night: Rest and organize gear before starting the circuit. If possible, visit Barkerville.
• Use bear lockers at every campsite: Never leave food unsecured.
• Be ready for muddy portages: Take multiple trips if needed and watch your footing.
• Carry a satellite communicator: There are 6 emergency phones on the circuit, however, there is no cell reception in the park.
• Respect wildlife: Keep your distance and observe quietly. Moose and other animals are unpredictable.
• Check distances and times daily: Use the day-by-day guide to pace yourself and plan breaks.
• Bring reliable resources: Chris Harris' guidebook and the Backroads map are excellent navigation aids.

Why the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit Is a Must-Do Multi-Day Wilderness Adventure in British Columbia

Bowron Lakes is one of those rare trips that delivers everything, steady paddling, tough portages, quiet moments on glass-like water, and a feeling of being deep in the British Columbia backcountry. With the right preparation, the circuit is a rewarding week on the water and a true Canadian wilderness experience.

If you're mapping out next season's paddling plans, Bowron is absolutely worth the effort. Use the campsite notes, portage details, and planning tips above to shape a trip that fits your pace and comfort level.

If you're interested in another classic mountain canoe route, I've also written about my Maligne Lake backcountry canoe trip in Jasper National Park. It is a great comparison if you're building out a summer of paddling adventures.

Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit is a premier backcountry paddling adventure in British Columbia.

Plan your Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit experience carefully to enjoy one of Canada's most iconic wilderness trips.