Bowron Canoe Trips

Pre trip Meeting (Day Before Departure)

The adventure begins even before we hit the water. On the evening before departure, your guides will meet you at Becker’s Lodge at 5:30 PM to welcome you, introduce you to your fellow paddlers, and walk through trip details. This is your chance to ask questions, fine-tune your gear, and start building the camaraderie that makes these journeys so special.

For those who’d like to enjoy a hearty meal after the meeting, dinner is available at Becker’s Lodge (not included in trip cost).

We encourage you to arrive in Wells earlier in the day—or stay an extra day post-trip—to explore the area’s treasures. The local art galleries and the historic gold rush town of Barkerville offer a wonderful glimpse into the rich culture and history of this region.

Day One – Your Bowron Adventure Begins

At 8:00 AM, we gather at Becker’s Lodge to officially launch your Bowron Lakes journey. Together, we’ll make our way to the Park Centre to register, and then dive straight into adventure with our first portage: a 2.4 km trek over varied terrain that takes us to the tranquil waters of Kibbee Lake—the first paddle of many to come.

Kibbee Lake carries the name of Frank Kibbee, a legendary hunting guide and the first long-term game warden of the area. His efforts were instrumental in protecting this incredible lake chain, which was designated as a game reserve in 1925.

We’ll enjoy a lakeside lunch at the far end of Kibbee Lake before continuing on to our second portage, ending at Indianpoint Lake, where we’ll set up camp for the night and settle into the rhythm of life on the circuit.

Day Two – History on the Water

We continue our journey across Indianpoint Lake, gliding past the quiet remnants of Thomas and Eleanor McCabe’s historic log home—a testament to the rugged lives once lived here. From Indianpoint, we portage into the expansive waters of Isaac Lake, where the landscape opens up and the true scale of the wilderness begins to unfold.

Our second night’s campsite is at Nigoo Creek in Wolverine Bay, a serene spot where the water invites reflection—and perhaps a little fishing. (If you plan to fish, remember to purchase a valid fishing license in advance!)

Day Three – Paddling the Heart of Isaac Lake

Day three is devoted to paddling Isaac Lake, the largest and one of the most iconic lakes on the circuit, stretching an impressive 38 km. This pristine body of water is named after George Isaac, a logger and sawyer who played a part in the early history of this area.

We’ll camp on a sandy beach opposite Betty Wendle Creek, named in honor of Betty Wendle, who, alongside her husband Joe, spent 20 years guiding in these wilds. Their advocacy helped ensure the protection of this remarkable lake chain as a game reserve nearly a century ago.

Day Four – The Chute Awaits

Our fourth day brings us across the remaining stretch of Isaac Lake, with its still mornings and wide-open horizons. As we near the end, we arrive at The Chute, where Isaac Lake narrows and spills into the Isaac River. We’ll set up camp here for the night, with the sound of rushing water close by—a perfect soundtrack to another unforgettable day.

Day Five – Isaac River to Lanezi Lake

We begin the day at The Chute, where Isaac Lake narrows into the fast-moving Isaac River. While the whitewater stretch here may look tempting, we portage around it for safety—adventure is all about smart choices in the wild!

From the chute to McLeary Lake, we navigate two short portages and two brief stretches of river, passing a side trail that leads to the powerful Isaac Falls. McLeary Lake, a picturesque gem with panoramic mountain views and a glimpse of the Cariboo Glacier, marks the location of Freddie Becker’s first cabin, built in 1935.

From there, the swift waters of the Cariboo River, fed by the glacier itself, guide us toward Lanezi Lake—the second largest lake on the circuit, framed by breathtaking mountain peaks. We may encounter a few log jams along the way, but our guides know all the right channels to safely see you through.

We set up camp for the night at Turner Creek on Lanezi Lake, soaking in the rugged beauty that defines this leg of the journey.

Day Six – Sandy Shores and Warm Waters

Day six takes us along the scenic stretch of Sandy Lake, fringed with golden aspen trees and lined with inviting beaches. The landscape softens here, offering a perfect blend of calm paddling and striking scenery.

Our sixth night’s camp is at Rum Lake, famous for having the warmest waters on the circuit—perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day’s paddle. Rum Lake connects to Unna Lake via a gentle channel, and from Unna, a 1.2 km hiking trail leads to the awe-inspiring Cariboo Falls, a thundering 24-metre-high cascade well worth the short trek.

Day Seven – Through the Chain of Lakes

Our journey continues with a short portage into Babcock Lake, named for J.P. Babcock, the B.C. Fish Commissioner who played a pivotal role in protecting this lake chain as a game reserve in 1925.

From Babcock, we take a quick portage to Skoi Lake—the smallest on the circuit—followed by another short portage to the serene waters of Spectacle Lake. Here, the towering mountains fade into open, marshy country, creating prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eyes sharp—you might just spot a moose moving quietly through the reeds.

Our campsite for the evening is The Birches, a tranquil site tucked among birch trees, offering expansive views of the mountains that define the heart of the circuit and easy access to the Bowron Marsh for sunset wildlife watching.

Day Eight – Wildlife and Farewells

Our final morning takes us through the rich wetlands of the Bowron Marsh, a sanctuary teeming with life. Moose, beavers, muskrats, and martens are often spotted here, and the calls of wolves sometimes echo across the water. In season, salmon spawn in the rivers that feed this vibrant ecosystem.

The marsh leads us into the wide-open waters of Bowron Lake, once known as Bear Lake, renamed to honor John Bowron, a prominent 1860s Barkerville resident who served as postmaster, fire warden, government agent, and gold commissioner.

We paddle our final strokes across Bowron Lake, arriving back at Becker’s Lodge mid-morning to celebrate our journey together with a hot breakfast/brunch before saying our goodbyes. By now, the group will feel less like fellow travelers and more like a team of adventurers who’ve shared something truly unforgettable.

Shelter, Equipment, & Food

Thanks to our partnership with Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Pathways enjoys access to prime reserved campsites along the circuit—no need to compete for spots or rush to claim a site. This means we can travel at a relaxed, enjoyable pace, knowing that each evening brings the comfort and security of a guaranteed, scenic campsite just for our group.

All you need to bring is your personal gear—we take care of the rest. For those who need them, we offer high-quality sleeping pads and 110L river backpacks for rent, ensuring you’re equipped for the journey without the stress of extra packing.

When it comes to meals, you’re in good hands. Each day, our guides prepare wholesome, hearty, and hot meals to keep you fueled and ready for adventure. Think of it as wilderness dining, elevated!

Fitness & Experience Requirements

Our Bowron Lakes Guided Canoe Trips cover approximately 106 km of paddling and 10 km of portaging. To make portaging easier—especially on the longest stretch of 2.4 km—each canoe is equipped with a two-wheeled carrier, allowing partners to pull their canoe and shared group gear rather than carry heavy loads on their shoulders. You’ll still need to carry your own backpack, and some portages are hilly and can be demanding, particularly in wet conditions.

What you’ll need:

• Good health and reasonable fitness

• Plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace adventure

This is a wilderness trip that welcomes paddlers of all ages—including energetic seniors! However, keep in mind that paddling distances range from 2 km to 17 km per day, and weather conditions can turn even a “short day” into a memorable challenge.

If you’re curious about the experience, we’d be happy to connect you with past participants who can share their insights and tips.

Looking for your next challenge? Be sure to explore our Pelly-Yukon Canoe Tours—another unforgettable journey into Canada’s wild, untamed landscapes.

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