FAQ
How many days should I take to do the circuit?
Many people take 3-5 days. I always suggest taking 7-8 days because it gives you time to paddle shorter days and enjoy each campsite.
Our group are all experienced campers but not experienced canoeists. Do you think we could do the circuit?
Yes, you could do it but I would suggest you have at least one canoeist who can read water on rivers. The Cariboo River is a grade one river but there are sweepers and a few tricky spots and I have seen many canoeists have unpleasant experiences after tipping on the rivers.
What are the best ways to avoid bear encounters on the lakes?
Keep your camp clean. Make noise on the portages. A good way is to travel in a group as I believe there is not a documented case of bear attacks in groups of over 5 people.
What is the best month to go to the lakes?
It definitely depends on what you are looking for. June is a great month because there are very few people on the lakes. The moose have their calves and there is a tremendous variety of birdlife that tends to thin out later in the summer.
Which lake has the best fishing?
Maybe the best fishing spot on the lakes is on Isaac Lake, just off the point of Wolverine Mountain.
Is there a lot of wind on the lakes?
It can be windy, especially on Isaac, Lanezi, and Bowron Lakes. Be sure to travel close to the shore and not in the middle of lakes. Winds come up quickly.
Is the weather very rainy?
It can be for sure. However, it can also be sunny. I would advise you to err on the side of caution and prepare for rain. Take really good rain gear. I use rubber because ,if you are sitting on a wet seat all day, you want to be sure nothing is getting wet. Also, rain at the Bowron is cold. They are mountain lakes.
Are the lakes swimmable?
You can swim in all the lakes but most of them are pretty refreshing. The best lakes for swimming (that is the warmest lakes) are Rum, Unna, and Kibbee.
What are the portages like?
The longest ones are basically 2 km. There are three of them (2km) plus a few shorter ones. The trails are good. The roughest portage is around the cascades. It is rocky and very muddy.
Is there anything else I should see while I am in the area?
Yes, Barkerville, the old gold town is a must see and the town of Wells is an interesting spot also. There are many artists there with all kinds of art for sale. The Frog on the Bog is a funky little gift shop and a great place to grab a coffee + ice cream. The Wells Hotel is a great spot for accommodations in Wells, it has a super cool pub with food service and they also include a continental breakfast for those staying on site. Sunset Theatre has also been recently updated + offers incredible live theatrical performances.
What would be some advice you would give me that I wouldn’t expect?
I guess the one that I most emphasize is to take refuge from the sun. Most people don’t realize the effect of sun and water. The rays come at you from both directions. So, be careful about getting a tan.
When you realize that you have enough sun, it is often too late. I wouldn’t wear shorts and short sleeved shirts all day. I find that I prefer light, long sleeved shirts and full, cool pants. HATS AND SUN GLASSES ARE A MUST. Also put on lip balm as lips are a target as are the under parts of your face from the reflection of the sun’s rays. A good trick is to wet your clothes to keep cool.
Do you offer lessons?
Although we offer complete canoe instruction for all our guests, some people like to get a jump on canoe skills. Others want to brush up on river skills before going on one of our Yukon adventures. If this is you, contact our partners at Ridge Wilderness Adventures to receive some exceptional training. Ridge offers Paddle Canada Certified Canoe Courses, as well as Wilderness Specific First Aid Training.
What is your cancellation, interruption and refund policy?
At Pathways, we understand that circumstances can change. However, due to the unique logistics of operating in remote wilderness environments, we maintain a clear and firm cancellation and refund policy to ensure fairness and the viability of our trips.
If We Cancel Your Trip
While rare, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a trip at any time due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as:
- Hazardous weather or environmental conditions
- Park or river closures
- Emergency situations (e.g. wildfires, floods, epidemics)
- Guide availability
- Minimum participant numbers not being met
- Other logistical or regulatory issues
If Pathways cancels your trip for any of these reasons, you will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit.
If a trip has not reached minimum participant numbers 60 days prior to departure, it may be cancelled at that time and all funds, including your deposit, will be fully refunded.
If a trip is confirmed 60 days prior to departure, it is guaranteed to run. If cancellations after this point bring the group below the minimum threshold, the trip will still go ahead.
If You Cancel Your Trip
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as we are unable to provide refunds for client cancellations once a trip is confirmed.
- 60 days or more before departure: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit
- 31–59 days before departure: 25% refund minus the non-refundable deposit
- 30 days or less before departure: No refund available
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to our office at pathwayscanoe@gmail.com.
Please note that we are not responsible for any costs incurred outside of the trip itself, such as flights, travel insurance, equipment purchases, visa fees, or accommodation.
