Bowron
Lake Provincial Park is located in BC's Cariboo Mountains, 144
kilometres southeast of the city of Prince
George and east of Quesnel.
Take
Hwy 26 from Quesnel, BC, to the community of Wells,
a distance of 90km (55.8mi) and it is 30 km (18.6mi) by secondary
road to the park from Wells. This magnificent 121 6000 hectare
wilderness is characterized by a system of six major lakes and
connecting waterways. The park contains a 116 kilometre
canoe or kayak circuit consisting of Bowron, Indianpoint,
Isaac, Lanezi, Sandy and Spectacle Lakes, the Bowron and Cariboo
Rivers and a number of smaller lakes and streams, together with
several portages.
Bowron
Lake and Bowron River were named for John Bowron who was a pioneer
settler and early Gold Commissioner in the nearby gold rush town
of Barkerville.
This
BC Provincial Park is a wildlife sanctuary and it is not uncommon
for visitors to observe and photograph deer, moose, bears, caribou
and mountain goat. Waterfowl and beaver are abundant in streams.
The forest cover is mainly white spruce and alpine fir. Also found
is lodgepole pine, western red cedar and western hemlock.
Location The nearest community to the park is Wells,
British Columbia, which is 90 kilometres east of Quesnel on Highway
26. From Wells it is 30 kilometres by secondary road to the entrance
of the park. Also located near Wells is Barkerville,
a restored Gold Rush Town of the 1860's. With its live theater
in the summer and its numerous other attractions, Barkerville
is well worth the visit.
Nearby
Trails A variety of hiking and snowmobile trails exist in the Wells
- Barkerville area, for more information on these or to plan a
vacation visit Alpine Snow Ventures or
Wells & Area Trails Society.
Park Facilities
& Activities
For
accurate up to date information on BC Parks, dates of operation and reservations,
visit the official BC Parks Site at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Camping
- This park offers vehicle accessible campsites at the Bowron Lake Campground
on a first-come, first-served basis campsite reservations are also accepted.
There are 25 sites at the campground consisting of 3 doubles sites and
the rest being single sites of medium size. The sites are shaded and parking
is available for extra vehicles. The closest store is Bear River Mercantile,
located about 1 km away towards Bowron Lake. There is no payphone in the
park. If staff are not available when you arrive at the campground, choose
your site and pay later.
Boating
- A boat launching site is located at the north end of Bowron
Lake near the private lodges and a canoe landing float can be
found at the campsite.
Fishing
- Indianpoint and Isaac Lakes usually provide the best fishing
but all lakes and streams contain rainbow trout. Dolly Varden,
lake trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish and kokanee are also present
but don't count on catching fish every time. Depending on the
season, the fishing varies from poor to excellent.
Shelter
- Camping, cooking shelters and cabins are located around the
circuit. The camping areas contain from five to ten tent spaces,
pit toilets and fireplace rings. The shelters are basic log cabins
with a minimum of equipment. They are intended for emergency use
or to give a party time to dry out and should not be used instead
of camping.
Commercial
Facilities - Near the park entrance are camping areas and
two lodges which can provide canoes, boats, accommodation, supplies
and meals. The lodges are Becker's Lodge Ltd. and Bowron Lake
Lodge. A list of canoe guiding operator's is available from the
district manager's office.
Information & Services
Becker's Lodge Bowron Lake Adventures Resort: We offer affordable family vacations on beautiful Bowron Lake with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and RELAXING The Lake View Restaurant and Chuters Blue Bar have great food, and we’re “THE” outfitter for the Bowron lakes with over 150 canoes and kayaks. more
Bowron Lake Canoe Rentals: Rent all the boats and supplies you need to canoe or kayak the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit. We have over 130 canoes and kayaks, and 25 years experience. We also offer lodging and complete canoe trip packages. more
The Wells Hotel Ltd.: Enjoy simple elegance, cozy accommodation & country meals, in a restored heritage country inn near Barkerville & Bowron Lakes. Relax in the pub, read a book by the fire, or go walking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, or x-country skiing from the front door. more
If you would like to have your business listed, please Click Here.
Reservations
are compulsory for groups and recommended for all others.
For
accurate up to date information on BC Parks, dates of operation and reservations,
visit the official BC Parks Site at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
The
circuit can be made anytime between June and October. July and
August are usually crowded and September is when the deciduous
trees are displaying their fall colours, making it one of the
best times to travel the circuit.
Visitors to the park have the option of completing the full circuit
or for those who haven't the time or do not wish to complete the
full loop there is the west side route on Bowron Lake to the head
of Spectacle Lake. This is an easy journey with no portages.
For more information on the circuit contact the address listed
above.
Cautions
& Safety
A canoe or
kayak offers a noiseless approach to photograph wildlife but remember
to keep your distance as moose have been known to attack when crowded
or with their young. Be aware of bears at all times. For more information
on safety around wild animals
contact the local Region or District office nearest you. It is suggested
that inexperienced canoeists do some practicing and conditioning before
leaving home. The waters are periodically rough throughout the circuit
and canoeists should be alert and prepared to paddle at all times.
As situations change frequently, this information
is not presented as accurate trip planning information and there is no
guarantee of accuracy. DO NOT plan a vacation without first checking the
above BC Parks website for ALL accurate and current information.
Bowron
Lake Provincial Park is located in BC's Cariboo Mountains, 144
kilometres southeast of the city of 
