The call of a loon echoes across a glassy calm lake and our group sips hot cups of tea by the campfire. The sun dips beyond the hori- zon, painting the sky red and orange.
Solitude is the most common way my guests describe their experience on the Bowron.
The Bowron Lake area provides the quintessential mountain canoeing experience, and is often rated one of the top 10 canoe routes in the world. Sprawling over four eco-zones and nestled in the majestic 1,500-meter Cariboo Mountains, it’s a visually impressive route.
In addition to the diverse scenery, wilderness paddlers are rewarded with rushing waterfalls, wild edibles, fresh fish and abundant wildlife. A canoe trip here offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward.
TRIPS
If you have a half day, paddle and fish Bowron Lake. An hour and a half east from small city Quesnel, you can put in right on Bowron Lake. The best spot for fish is where the Bowron empties north into Bear River.
If you have a day, paddle seven kilometers to the Bowron River estuary, leaving powerboats behind. Watch for moose and enjoy this birdwatcher’s paradise—bring your binoculars.
If you have a weekend, paddle the West Arm of the Bowron circuit. Camp at Pat’s Point on your first night, then paddle to Unna Lake where you can swim, pick blueberries and visit Cariboo Falls (26 meters). The West Arm is prime moose habitat.
If you have a week, paddle the whole 116- kilometer circuit. Expect it to take six to eight days. The 11 kilometers of portage trail are cart- accessible. Along the way, shoot the chute at the end of Isaac Lake, visit waterfalls, view wildlife, fish, swim and go berry picking. Groups of seven or more need to book campsites, smaller groups are first-come, first-serve.
STATS
Population: 30 permanent residents
Wildlife: Moose, black and grizzly bears, wolves, beaver, lynx, waterfowl, loons, osprey, otters, bald eagles, trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish and kokanee salmon.
Campsites: Boreal forest to sandy pines, often with moose. Sites feature tent pads, fire rings, metal bear lockers and outhouses. Woodlots are found along the way; bring an axe.
Diversion: Travel back to the 1850s by visiting nearby gold rush town and national historic site, Barkerville.
Best Eats: Can’t beat fresh Kibbee Lake rainbow trout. For dine-in, try Bear’s Paw Café, Big H’s Fish ‘n’ Chips and Savala’s Steak House.
Best Fly-fishing: Kibbee Lake rainbow trout and whitefish on Thompson Lake.
Outfitters: Sea to Sky Expeditions (seatoskyexpeditions.com) and Pathways (bowronlakes.com) offer guided trips. Pick up last-minute items at Bear River Mercantile (bowronlake.com).
Must-have: Camera and a telephoto lens.
Seasoned wilderness guide Kelly Kurtz considers the Bowron Lake area in northern British Columbia an old friend. She’s never without her fly rod and camera, capturing the stories that emerge from guiding.
This article first appeared in the Early Summer 2015 issue of Canoeroots and Family Camping magazine.
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