Camping & Hiking · Scenic Views · Fishing · British Columbia
A BC provincial park near Barkerville famous for its multi-day wilderness canoe circuit, with portages, backcountry campsites, shelters and plenty of wildlife. Come prepared for rain and remote travel.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park is best known for its canoe circuit, a chain of lakes and portages that reviewers describe as roughly 110 km of paddling and 16 km of portage. Most people speak of breathtaking scenery and a real sense of wilderness, and several have done the trip more than once. There is also a campground and beach at the start.
Paddlers say the circuit is well organised. Traffic is managed so groups feel alone on the water, and campsites and portages are generally described as well kept. Cooking and sleeping shelters along the route are a big help in wet weather. Canoe rentals and portage wheels from outfitters near the park are called fairly priced and well maintained.
The full circuit takes about a week. The shorter west side is described as doable for families with kids and modest paddling skills. Moose sightings, including a cow and calf in camp, and wolves howling at night come up in several reviews. Closer to the entrance, visitors mention swimming, kayaking, cabins and room for trailers.
The circuit comes with many rules, and reviewers say you should know them before you go. One recent paddler found rangers rarely seen and outhouses without toilet paper, so bring your own. Weather can turn to days of rain; pack a tarp and dry layers.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 82 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Bowron Lake Provincial Park directly.
