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#28

No reviews yet · 5 (official rate)
1-800-689-9025 (toll-free Canada/US); 1-[email protected]

Bowron Lake Park features the world-renowned Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, a 116-km wilderness route through pristine lakes in the Cariboo Mountain Range, 120 km east of Quesnel, BC. The park offers 25 drive-in frontcountry campground units, plus backcountry camping on designated sites along the circuit and 8 rustic log cabins available for shared emergency and gear-drying use. Activities include canoeing (6-10 days for the full circuit), fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee, hiking on developed trails, and wildlife viewing in terrain inhabited by both black and grizzly bears (April-November), moose, deer, and coyotes. Facilities include mandatory bear-proof caches, fire rings with cooking shelters, emergency radio phones at 6 locations (no cell reception), and sandy beaches for swimming. The park operates May 1-October 7 (weather-dependent) and requires some wilderness canoeing experience; motorized boats and pets are prohibited on the circuit. (via official site)

Tents Cabins & rentals Walk-in only

Rates & prices

Prices as published on #28’s official website.

ItemPrice
Reservation modification, change, or cancellationBy phone5

Key facts

At-a-glance details for #28, from its official website.

Booking & season

SeasonMay 1 - October 7 (approximately, weather-dependent)
Advance booking windowAt least 3 months recommended; cutoff is 2 days before departure
Reservation typeReservations are firm, not provisional

Pitches & accommodation

Pitches25
Rustic log cabins8 cabins, 4 persons each; mandatory sharing for emergencies and gear drying
Tent site sizesRange from 1.5 x 1.5 meters to 4 x 4 meters
Portage specifications116 km waterway with 10.8 km total portages; portages are 6 feet (1.8 m) wide, gravel and sand

Facilities & services

Emergency communication6 emergency two-way radio phones at strategic locations; no cell phone reception
No picnic tablesCampsites have fire rings and cooking shelters but no picnic tables

Activities & family

Hiking trailsHarold Falls (0.5 km), Cariboo Falls (3 km), Hunter Lake (2 km)

Location & access

Access directions120 km east of Quesnel via Highway 97, Highway 26 through Wells, then 27 km on graded dirt road

Rules & policies

Group size limitsMaximum 6 people for individual parties; 7-14 people for group parties
Wilderness experience requirementOnly people with some wilderness canoeing experience should attempt the circuit
Prohibited activitiesNo motorized boats, commercially packaged beverages, portable stereos with speakers, firearms, crossbows, bear bangers, or gold panning
CampfiresAllowed in fire rings only; bring one-burner stove for cooking
Mandatory shared facilitiesFire rings, cooking shelters, and cabins must be shared with other campers

Good to know

WildlifeBlack bears and grizzly bears (April-November); moose, deer, coyotes, beavers, waterfowl; fishing species include rainbow trout, kokanee, bull trout, and char
Water treatmentWater treatment required for giardia: use hand pump filters or boil for 2 minutes

Opening hours & schedules

Reception, gate and facility hours for #28.

Check-inAfter 1 pm
Check-outBefore 11 am
Canoe circuit operating seasonMay 1 - October 7 (approximately)
Reservation phone line07:00-19:00 Pacific Time
General park inquiriesWeekdays 09:00-17:00 Pacific Time

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for #28.

Fee
Backcountry

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to #28.

Location

Where #28 sits on the map and how to get there.

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What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Isaac FallsWaterfalls0 km · ~1 min walkDirections ↗
Needle Point Ridge (1,609 m)Summits & peaks15.7 km · ~38 min driveDirections ↗
Bowron Lake Provincial Park
Bowron Lake Provincial ParkParks & play

Bowron Lake Provincial Park is a wilderness provincial park located in east-central British Columbia, Canada, near the border with Alberta. It is 117 km (73 mi) east of the city of Quesnel. Other nearby towns include Wells and the historic destination of Barkerville. Once a popular hunting and fishing destination, today the park is protected and known for its abundant wildlife, rugged glaciated mo

114.5 km · ~275 min driveDirections ↗
Mount Amos Bowman (2,551 m)Summits & peaks472.5 km · ~611 min driveDirections ↗

🛒 Amenities & services

🚻 Toilets & showers

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at #28.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about #28.

When are bears active?

April to November.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed on the canoe circuit. At the frontcountry campground, pets are allowed but must be leashed.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, obtainable at sporting goods stores, Government Agent offices, or lodges.

How long does the full Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit take?

7 to 10 days for the full circuit. The West Side option takes 2-4 days and covers 45% of the circuit for less experienced paddlers.

When is the best time to visit?

May-June and September have approximately 800 visitors per month (least crowded). July-August are busiest with about 1,700 visitors per month. Mid-May through August is peak bug season with mosquitoes, no-seeums, black flies, bees, hornets, and wasps.

How much does it cost to camp at #28?

#28 charges a camping fee.

What are the check-in and check-out times at #28?

At #28, check-in is from After 1 pm and check-out is by Before 11 am.

How many pitches does #28 have?

#28 has around 25 pitches.

When is #28 open?

#28 is open May 1 - October 7 (approximately, weather-dependent).

What languages are spoken at #28?

Staff at #28 speak English.

Documents & downloads

Price lists, brochures and info files from the official website for #28.

Reviews

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