Canada

Canada - Canoe adventure on the Bowron Lakes

10 days · Group · from €1,950.00
‹ Adventure North America
Duration
10 days
Start/End
Vancouver
Tour type
Group
Accommodation
Tent, cabin, hotel
Price from · per person
€1,950.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€1,950.00
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Canada - Canoe adventure on the Bowron Lakes

Duration

10 days

Start/End

Vancouver

Tour type

Group

Level

Moderate

Accommodation

Tent, cabin, hotel

Overview

Bowron Lake Provincial Park is famous for its almost rectangular chain of lakes. In a small group you paddle across Isaac Lake and other lakes and rivers, wheel the canoes over short portages and camp on beaches. A true wilderness adventure with great wildlife watching.

Approximately 144 kilometers southeast of Prince George, nestled in the impressive Cariboo Mountains, lies Bowron Lake Provincial Park. It is famous for its unique, almost rectangular chain of lakes – a natural wonder unparalleled worldwide. This unique canoe tour leads through a spectacular landscape of lakes, rivers, and mountains. Thanks to the wide variety of waterways, the tour is never monotonous. The short portages between the lakes are easily managed with the help of a special trolley that you carry in your canoe. Besides their breathtaking flora, the Bowron Lakes are also a true refuge for wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot beavers, otters, moose, or even bears along the shores. The Bowron River estuary, in particular, is a paradise for birdwatchers – home to numerous species such as coots, goosanders, gadwalls, mallards, and Canada geese. The campsites along the route are reserved exclusively for our group – so you can experience the peace and seclusion of the wilderness in a very intense way. An unforgettable nature experience awaits!

Canoe
Camping

Tour Code

CANADA012

Tour language

EnglishEnglish

Itinerary

  • Day 0
    Arrival in Vancouver

    To ensure a relaxed start to the tour, you should arrive at least the day before.

    Arrival in Vancouver

    Day 0

    To ensure a relaxed start to the tour, you should arrive at least the day before.

  • Day 1
    Departure from Vancouver

    hut

    approx. 9 hours / 785 km

    We'll pick you up around 6:00 AM from one of our partner hotels near Vancouver International Airport: the Sandman Hotel, the Accent Inn, or the Holiday Inn. Then our scenic drive east through British Columbia begins. We'll stop for lunch and refreshments along the way before arriving in Quesnel for dinner. Our destination for the day is either the Bear River Mercantile or Becker's Lodge, where you'll spend your first night in a cozy cabin.

    Departure from Vancouver

    Day 1

    hut

    approx. 9 hours / 785 km

    We'll pick you up around 6:00 AM from one of our partner hotels near Vancouver International Airport: the Sandman Hotel, the Accent Inn, or the Holiday Inn. Then our scenic drive east through British Columbia begins. We'll stop for lunch and refreshments along the way before arriving in Quesnel for dinner. Our destination for the day is either the Bear River Mercantile or Becker's Lodge, where you'll spend your first night in a cozy cabin.

  • Day 2
    Let the adventure begin!

    Tent

    After a group orientation in the park, we'll pack our gear together and begin the tour. Today you'll face the two longest portages of the entire loop – but don't worry, with a specially designed canoe cart, you'll master these sections with ease. The first leg takes us to Kibbee Lake, a lake only 2.4 km long – perfect for gradually warming up your technique and muscles. After another 2 km portage, we'll reach Indianpoint Lake. We'll spend our first night in tents in Kruger Bay.

    Let the adventure begin!

    Day 2

    Tent

    After a group orientation in the park, we'll pack our gear together and begin the tour. Today you'll face the two longest portages of the entire loop – but don't worry, with a specially designed canoe cart, you'll master these sections with ease. The first leg takes us to Kibbee Lake, a lake only 2.4 km long – perfect for gradually warming up your technique and muscles. After another 2 km portage, we'll reach Indianpoint Lake. We'll spend our first night in tents in Kruger Bay.

  • Day 3
    Isaac Lake calls

    Tent

    From Kruger Bay Camp, we cross a narrow swampy area dotted with beaver lodges and dams. This is followed by a 1.6 km portage to Isaac Lake, the longest lake on the tour. The scenery here is spectacular, with alpine panoramas along both Isaac and Lanezi Lakes. We set up camp at Wolverine Bay.

    Isaac Lake calls

    Day 3

    Tent

    From Kruger Bay Camp, we cross a narrow swampy area dotted with beaver lodges and dams. This is followed by a 1.6 km portage to Isaac Lake, the longest lake on the tour. The scenery here is spectacular, with alpine panoramas along both Isaac and Lanezi Lakes. We set up camp at Wolverine Bay.

  • Day 4
    The longest lake

    Tent

    Isaac Lake is known for its strong winds and sudden weather changes, so we start early and paddle in the morning stillness. There are no portages today – time to fully appreciate the scenery. We visit the Moxley Creek Cabin and discover creative "artwork" by previous canoeists. We spend another night at Isaac Lake.

    The longest lake

    Day 4

    Tent

    Isaac Lake is known for its strong winds and sudden weather changes, so we start early and paddle in the morning stillness. There are no portages today – time to fully appreciate the scenery. We visit the Moxley Creek Cabin and discover creative "artwork" by previous canoeists. We spend another night at Isaac Lake.

  • Day 5
    Continuing on past Isaac Lake

    Tent

    Another early start to take advantage of the morning's tranquility. The journey continues through the impressive mountain scenery to the end of Isaac Lake. A rather short day of paddling; if the weather is good, there might even be time to play in the fast-flowing waters of the Isaac River.

    Continuing on past Isaac Lake

    Day 5

    Tent

    Another early start to take advantage of the morning's tranquility. The journey continues through the impressive mountain scenery to the end of Isaac Lake. A rather short day of paddling; if the weather is good, there might even be time to play in the fast-flowing waters of the Isaac River.

  • Day 6
    Hiking trails & waterfalls

    Tent

    Today we're portaging again. A 1.6 km stretch takes us to the Isaac River, followed by a short section on the water, before another 1.2 km on land – this time to McLeary Lake. Along the way, we'll make a detour to Isaac Falls. McLeary Lake is a tributary of the Isaac and Cariboo Rivers. After paddling on the McLeary, we'll enter the Cariboo River and continue on to Lanezi Lake. We'll camp at Turner Creek.

    Hiking trails & waterfalls

    Day 6

    Tent

    Today we're portaging again. A 1.6 km stretch takes us to the Isaac River, followed by a short section on the water, before another 1.2 km on land – this time to McLeary Lake. Along the way, we'll make a detour to Isaac Falls. McLeary Lake is a tributary of the Isaac and Cariboo Rivers. After paddling on the McLeary, we'll enter the Cariboo River and continue on to Lanezi Lake. We'll camp at Turner Creek.

  • Day 7
    Beaches and salt licks

    Tent

    Today you'll paddle past the imposing Ishpa Mountain (2,530 m). A short stretch of river takes us to Sandy Lake – shallow, sandy, and ideal for swimming. We continue with a 4 km section on the Cariboo River to Unna Lake. This area is significantly drier – perfect for observing the unique vegetation. After setting up camp, we'll paddle to the southern end of the lake and hike 1.5 km to the spectacular Cariboo Falls.

    Beaches and salt licks

    Day 7

    Tent

    Today you'll paddle past the imposing Ishpa Mountain (2,530 m). A short stretch of river takes us to Sandy Lake – shallow, sandy, and ideal for swimming. We continue with a 4 km section on the Cariboo River to Unna Lake. This area is significantly drier – perfect for observing the unique vegetation. After setting up camp, we'll paddle to the southern end of the lake and hike 1.5 km to the spectacular Cariboo Falls.

  • Day 8
    Wildlife observation & final stages

    Tent

    Today the landscape becomes gentler. We portage to Babcock Lake – a great place to see moose. After two very short portages (400 m each), we finally reach Spectacle Lake via Skoi Lake. Our last camp is at Pat Point.

    Wildlife observation & final stages

    Day 8

    Tent

    Today the landscape becomes gentler. We portage to Babcock Lake – a great place to see moose. After two very short portages (400 m each), we finally reach Spectacle Lake via Skoi Lake. Our last camp is at Pat Point.

  • Day 9
    The last day of paddling

    Hotel

    We depart early in the morning to complete the loop by early afternoon. The route takes us past Pavich Island (once known as Deadman's Island), through the Bowron River, before we finish the tour at a local resort or campground. After unloading the equipment, time permitting, there will be an opportunity to visit historic Barkerville, the center of the Cariboo Gold Rush. Afterwards, we continue on to Quesnel or Williams Lake, where a delicious dinner and a well-deserved night's rest await you.

    The last day of paddling

    Day 9

    Hotel

    We depart early in the morning to complete the loop by early afternoon. The route takes us past Pavich Island (once known as Deadman's Island), through the Bowron River, before we finish the tour at a local resort or campground. After unloading the equipment, time permitting, there will be an opportunity to visit historic Barkerville, the center of the Cariboo Gold Rush. Afterwards, we continue on to Quesnel or Williams Lake, where a delicious dinner and a well-deserved night's rest await you.

  • Day 10
    Return trip to Vancouver

    approx. 9 hours / 785 km

    After an early breakfast, we begin our return journey to Vancouver. We will stop at scenic locations along the way for breaks before arriving in the city in the early evening.

    Return trip to Vancouver

    Day 10

    approx. 9 hours / 785 km

    After an early breakfast, we begin our return journey to Vancouver. We will stop at scenic locations along the way for breaks before arriving in the city in the early evening.

Price

€1,950.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • 1 overnight stay in a cabin before the start of the canoe tour

  • One overnight stay in a hotel in Quesnel or Williams Lake on the return journey

  • 7x tent overnight stay

  • Tents and tarpaulins

  • Full board during the canoe tour

  • Transfer from/to Richmond (Vancouver Airport)

  • English-speaking guide

  • Canoes and paddling equipment (life jacket, paddle, rubber boots, etc.)

  • Canoe trolley for the portages

  • Dryer backpack and pack bags

  • Snacks and drinks during the tour

  • Camping and national park fees

  • Cooking and camping equipment, water filters

  • Emergency radio/satellite phone/first aid

  • 3 - 10 participants

What's not included

  • Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)

  • Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)

  • Personal equipment

  • Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA for entry into Canada)

  • Tips

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping mat

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned

Character of the trip

Fitness

Moderate

Altitude

Low

Culture / nature

Pure nature

This canoe trip on the Bowron Lakes is a true wilderness adventure for a small, dedicated group. To make the trip an unforgettable experience, active participation from all members is essential: tents are pitched and taken down together, and everyone contributes to camp life. Therefore, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The short land passages between the lakes – the so-called portages – are easily manageable with a special transport vehicle.

Dates and prices

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Group dates

Optional

Single room/tent (on request)

per person

per person

    Notes on the trip

    Program adjustments depending on weather conditions

    The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.