Preparation is a major factor effecting your level of enjoyment while out on a back country paddling trip. The Bowron circuit is no exception. While portage wheels may alleviate some of the pressures on deciding what to bring.... always remember there are weight limits to work within and it is not much fun carrying or digging through overstuffed backpacks, crammed full of stuff that may never be used....so plan and pack wisely.
Bear River Mercantile has drafted up some Information sheets chock-full of ideals stemming from our own experiences and from the comments and suggestions we receive from past clients. We hope they come in handy when planning your own trip.
Bear River Mercantile has drafted up some Information sheets chock-full of ideals stemming from our own experiences and from the comments and suggestions we receive from past clients. We hope they come in handy when planning your own trip.
Info Sheet #1 - Gear Suggestions for a Back Country Paddling Trip - PDF (493 kb)
Info Sheet #2 - Bowron Lake Food Ideas - PDF (335 kb)
Info Sheet #3 - Packing and Portaging on the Bowron Circuit - PDF (455 kb)
Info Sheet #4 - Back-country Kits (Kitchen, First Aid, Repair & Survival Kit) (163 kb)
Info Sheet #5 - Bear Sense (182 kb)
Info Sheet #6 - Fishing around the Bowron Lake Chain (319 kb)
Info Sheet #2 - Bowron Lake Food Ideas - PDF (335 kb)
Info Sheet #3 - Packing and Portaging on the Bowron Circuit - PDF (455 kb)
Info Sheet #4 - Back-country Kits (Kitchen, First Aid, Repair & Survival Kit) (163 kb)
Info Sheet #5 - Bear Sense (182 kb)
Info Sheet #6 - Fishing around the Bowron Lake Chain (319 kb)
Bowron Lake Provinicial Park
fBefore undertaking a back country canoe trip like the Bowron Lake circuit, one should learn about the Park (its rules and regulations), the kind of conditions that can be expected (weather, high and low water months), the kind of amenities that the Park provides and other details about what you can expect while visiting the area.
Provided below is a list of internal PDFs and external web links providing further information about the Park, its policies and procedures. We at Bear River Mercantile strive to help you embark on a safe and enjoyable trip. Lots more information can be found on our 'How to Prepare' page, featuring several Bowron Lake Info Sheets. If you still have questions after reading this information, please don't hesitate to email us.
Click on each title to open it.
BLP - General Canoe and Camping Information (PDF 136kb)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park Website (Opens in New Window)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park - Pre-trip Booklet (PDF 601kb)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park Brochure (PDF 1.03mb)
Bowron Lake Park Brochure and Map for Printing (11"x17") Current (PDF 4.10MB)
Cariboo River Map Close Up Current (PDF Opens in New Window)
Note: Any maps you are directed to on this site are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Provided below is a list of internal PDFs and external web links providing further information about the Park, its policies and procedures. We at Bear River Mercantile strive to help you embark on a safe and enjoyable trip. Lots more information can be found on our 'How to Prepare' page, featuring several Bowron Lake Info Sheets. If you still have questions after reading this information, please don't hesitate to email us.
Click on each title to open it.
BLP - General Canoe and Camping Information (PDF 136kb)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park Website (Opens in New Window)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park - Pre-trip Booklet (PDF 601kb)
Bowron Lake Provincial Park Brochure (PDF 1.03mb)
Bowron Lake Park Brochure and Map for Printing (11"x17") Current (PDF 4.10MB)
Cariboo River Map Close Up Current (PDF Opens in New Window)
Note: Any maps you are directed to on this site are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Groups VS Individual Parties & Info about Making Park Reservations
The Park regulates the number of persons allowed to embark on the chain of lakes each day. Currently this number is 46 departures (persons) per day. Of these 46 departures, 42 can be pre-reserved through the BC Parks Reservation Service and 4 are always left open for 'drop-in' arrivals (un-reserved). For example, if a day has 20 reserved departures, then the remaining 26 will be filled as drop-in's on a first-come, first-served basis (the remaining 22 unreserved departures plus the 4 drop-in departures). If a day has 42 reserved departures then the first 4 unreserved persons to show up at the Bowron Lake Registration desk can still get on.... anyone after them will have to wait a day to fill the next unreserved spots.
As can be imagined, during the high use months of July and August, it is best to pre-reserve your departure. During the shoulder seasons of May, June and September, getting on as a drop-in is usually fairly easy.
The Park also regulates the size of the parties that can head out. Parties of 1 to 6 persons are considered an 'Individual Party'; Parties of 7 to 14 are considered a 'Group'. Groups cannot exceed 14 persons, regardless of their ages (this includes children under 7 who are admitted free); only one Group is allowed to embark per day; and all Groups MUST be pre-reserved.
Individual parties are given free reign as to the number of nights they stay out (up to 14 days) and where they can camp each night. Groups are limited to the number of nights out and are assigned designated campsites each night.
The Park Reservation Service opens on January 2nd of each year and will only take reservations for that current season. Make sure you have all your dates and numbers finalized before making your Park Reservation, because each and every change you make to your initial reservation will result in an extra charge. It is best to secure your Park Reservation and your paddling dates before making reservations for canoes or other gear with the local outfitters. A reservation made through the BC Parks Reservation Service is only for departure spots, it DOES NOT include the rental of canoes. Canoe rentals have to be obtained from the local outfitters.
BC Parks Reservation Website (Opens in New Window)
BC Parks Video - Learn More About Bowron Lake Park (Opens in New Window)
As can be imagined, during the high use months of July and August, it is best to pre-reserve your departure. During the shoulder seasons of May, June and September, getting on as a drop-in is usually fairly easy.
The Park also regulates the size of the parties that can head out. Parties of 1 to 6 persons are considered an 'Individual Party'; Parties of 7 to 14 are considered a 'Group'. Groups cannot exceed 14 persons, regardless of their ages (this includes children under 7 who are admitted free); only one Group is allowed to embark per day; and all Groups MUST be pre-reserved.
Individual parties are given free reign as to the number of nights they stay out (up to 14 days) and where they can camp each night. Groups are limited to the number of nights out and are assigned designated campsites each night.
The Park Reservation Service opens on January 2nd of each year and will only take reservations for that current season. Make sure you have all your dates and numbers finalized before making your Park Reservation, because each and every change you make to your initial reservation will result in an extra charge. It is best to secure your Park Reservation and your paddling dates before making reservations for canoes or other gear with the local outfitters. A reservation made through the BC Parks Reservation Service is only for departure spots, it DOES NOT include the rental of canoes. Canoe rentals have to be obtained from the local outfitters.
BC Parks Reservation Website (Opens in New Window)
BC Parks Video - Learn More About Bowron Lake Park (Opens in New Window)
Wells & Barkerville BC
The nearby hamlet of Wells has limited amenities; 2 General Stores, several Gift Shops, Cafes, Accommodations, Post Office and Liquor Stores that might be able to help with any last minute details. To date, Wells (and Bowron) do not have Cell Service so be sure to make any important phone calls before leaving Quesnel.
While in the area take time to visit one of BC's premier Historical Towns, Barkerville BC.
Wells & District Website (Opens in New Window)
Learn more about the History of Wells (Opens in New Window)
Barkerville Historic Town
While in the area take time to visit one of BC's premier Historical Towns, Barkerville BC.
Wells & District Website (Opens in New Window)
Learn more about the History of Wells (Opens in New Window)
Barkerville Historic Town
Other Useful Links
There are two companies who hold valid Guide licenses for operation within Bowron Lake Provincial Park. Both of these companies provide guided trips around the Bowron Lakes for those who'd like the expertise, gear and meals all in one convenient package.
Pathways Canada Tour Company
Sea to Sky Expeditions
Current Weather Conditions from The Weather Network Parks Report
Pathways Canada Tour Company
Sea to Sky Expeditions
Current Weather Conditions from The Weather Network Parks Report
