Looking for a wilderness canoe trip in BC? Bowron Lake Provincial Park gives you two circuits to choose from: a 6- to 10-day route along all 10 lakes, or a shorter canoe trip on just the west side of the park.
Before you set out, make sure to do your research to learn about what to expect, and that you have the right paddling skills and fitness level for the adventure. Since portaging is a big part of the journey, make sure you don’t overpack. BC Parks recommends that you reserve your spot on the circuit in advance (especially in the popular summer months), and has helpful info on their site to help with planning.
See Bowron Lakes canoe trip checklist pdf
Paddling gear
- Bowron Lake paddling map in a waterproof map case (1 copy per boat)
- Canoe or sea kayak (bring your own, or get a canoe rental from a local outfitter)
- Canoe cart or kayak wheels for portages (read up on the BC Parks weight restrictions; rentals from park outfitters are available)
- Canoe paddle or kayak paddle – 1 per person, plus an extra per boat
- PFD – 1 per person
- Portage bag / gear barrels
- Dry bags and electronics cases
- Heaving line
- Painters for bow and stern (to tie up canoe)
- Pump or bailer
- Signalling devices (whistle, flares, mirror)
Safety gear
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- PFD-mounted knife
- Bear spray (note: bear bangers are prohibited in the park)
- Bug spray and bug jacket
- Repair kits for sleeping pads, tents and stoves; include duct tape and repair tape
- Prescription medication in a sealed, dry container. Bring twice the amount you’ll need; half stays with you, and the other half stays with your hiking partner with detailed info on dosage and side effects.
- Compass
- Waterproof GPS (very useful)
- Large sealed plastic bag to store maps, compass and GPS
- Multi-tool
- Trowel (for the bathroom, if your chosen route doesn’t have outhouses)
- Trip plan, left with a friend
Sleeping and shelter
- Reservations (recommended, since the number of canoes out per day is limited)
- Tent with full-coverage rain fly
- Tent poles, stakes and guylines
- Footprint
- Sleeping bag and compression sack
- Garbage bags to line your sleeping bag’s storage sack
- Sleeping pad
- Lightweight packable pillow (optional but nice)
Camp kitchen
- Water filter / water treatment system
- Food – create a food plan for your group (don’t forget snacks and coffee). Be aware that there’s a ban on commercially packaged beverage or glass containers in the park.
- Single-burner backcountry stove
- Fuel for stove
- Lighter or waterproof matches and fire starter
- Pot set
- Cooking utensils
- Water bottles
- Lightweight mugs
- Plates or bowls
- Spoons or sporks
- Biodegradable soap
- Dishcloth and dish scraper
- Tarp to cover cooking area or items in your canoe, plus rope to hang it
- Garbage bags for extra waterproofing (and to pack out your garbage)
- Axe or hatchet
- Lightweight dry bags for hanging food at night (make sure they’re big enough for all the group’s food and scented items, including toiletries and garbage)
- 15–20m of lightweight rope or cord, plus a carabiner for hanging food
- Folding camp saw
- Camping knife
Clothing and footwear
When it comes to materials, leave the cotton behind. Make sure your shorts, long johns, pants, t-shirts, underwear and sports bra are made of quick-drying materials that wick moisture.
- Hiking socks (synthetic or wool-blend)
- Dedicated pair of socks to wear in camp
- Synthetic, quick-drying underwear
- Sports bra
- T-shirts
- Quick-drying pants and shorts / bathing suit
- Lightweight base layers (bottom and top)
- Fleece jacket, lightweight puffy jacket or wool sweater
- Rain pants
- Rain jacket
- Toque or neck gaiter (wool or fleece)
- Lightweight wide-brimmed sun hat (something to cover your ears and neck is best)
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes for portaging – make sure you break them in on a few hikes before this trip
- Lightweight water shoes or sandals for getting in/out of canoe and at camp
Personal items and additions
- Stuff sacks and small dry bags to organize your gear
- Toilet paper – bagged and lots of it
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-drying towel or face cloth
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (small amount)
- Power bank or spare batteries for electronic devices
- Phone or emergency communication device
- Earplugs
- Extra pair of glasses, if you wear them
- Menstrual cup or period products
- Notebook and pencil
- Cash for meals on the way to and from the canoe route
Optional items
- Small daypack or waist pack to access essentials easily
- Gloves for paddling (bike gloves can work)
- Solar shower
- Hammock or lightweight camp chair
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Playing cards or portable camp games