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BOWRON LAKE
PROVINCIAL PARK |
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Paddle after
paddle, under a heating sun, our kayaks are splitting the water like
blades. We are moving in turquoise blue and calm waters; getting the
impression of disturbing nature with our swashing. Pollen is lying
upon the water and it deforms the light into a rainbow. We feel
carried away in a fairy tale. Nights are of a scaring quietness; but
accumulated fatigue takes over us. |
Lake Isaacs’ calm waters |
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The Provincial
Park of Bowron Lake, located in British Columbia with a surface
of 150 000 hectares (the equivalent of 300 football fields), is
without doubt a wild and fascinating place. Its 166km of
navigable circuits, through mountains of eternal snow and of
limpid waters, make this place one of the most beautiful
kayak-canoe tour in the world, according to the Outdoor
Magazine.
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The tour
It takes six to ten days to paddle the whole circuit. A minimum
of experience is required for those who will attempt to realise
the run. A total of 10,8 km of portage path will bring you to
ten lakes and rivers. Fifty-seven sites have been installed for
kayakers’ and canoeists’ needs. There also are six shelters for
accommodating wet campers. On each site, there is a locker used
for stocking food, to avoid bears from eating your lunch. At the
moment of our passage, agents of the Park had just reopened a
site that had been closed due to an important presence of
grizzlies. The park has a considerable topographic diversity.
The West side of the tour is formed of high hills, of sand
beaches and of swamplands; while the East side plunges you in
the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Many summits go past 2000 m
high.
 
On the left: four open space
kitchens allowing adventurers to prepare their meals while
staying dry. On the right: portage path. |
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Wildlife
One of the reasons why the park receives so many visitors is its
biodiversity. Sometimes, you see animals closer than you wished
for. Black bears, grizzlies, moose, mountain goats, caribous,
and royal eagles are some examples. During our first night, a
black bear visited our camp ground. A few words were enough to
scare it away. We learned the same bear came back the day after.
It’s what we call a regular, that is to say it made the
association between this particular site and the food we eat.
There are the bears that we must fear since they always return
to the same spots to get food. You represent nothing more than
an obstacle to them. Twice, we surprised a few moose on our way.
We were at only 20 m from them. They didn’t seem to care about
our presence. Fishing lovers will find their pleasure. Lakes
are full of trout and kokanee. For the best catches, June and
September are favorable.
Above: Twice, we approached moose at less than 20m.
Down: A Great Northern Diver fluttering its wings. |
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The costs
The experience is
really affordable. Aside the plane ticket, you’ll have to spend
60$ (taxes included) per person to access the circuit. Renting a
kayak or a canoe is 130$ to 180$ for the whole tour. Then add
the rental of a two wheel carriage that facilitates the portage.
With the intention of preserving the environment and to provide
a unique experience to the visitor, the Park accepts only 30
visitors each day for achieving the tour. So make sure to book
your place in advance. The reservation fees are 18$ for each
craft. |
Sunset on Lake Isaac |
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Anecdote
A German couple, who were a
dozen of kilometres in front of us, will certainly remember
their experience for a long time. On the second day of the
expedition, they forgot a food bag on the shore. So they decided
to accelerate the rhythm in order to finish the tour more
rapidly. Unfortunately, at their passing in Caribou River their
canoe rolled over and found itself in an inauspicious position.
This river can be quite dangerous, the stream is strong and
there are many dead trees in the middle. Inevitably, the canoe
got trapped. The strength of the stream made it overturn and
broke it in half. They finished the tour in a motorboat
accompanied by forest rangers.
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On the left: Lake Lanezi, 14,8 km long. On the right: Lake
Isaac, 31,2 km long.
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Good to
know
-The use of dish and body soap, biodegradable or not, are
unauthorized in the Park. So get used to it!
-In order to prevent the damage of the portage paths, a total of
60 lb are accepted on the carriage (excluding the craft).
Exceeding stuff must be carried on your shoulders. Only bring
the necessary with you.
-Visit the Bear River Mercantile, close to the Park’s Reception.
You’ll discover a little museum about Bowron Lake.
-The closest airport: Prince George. |
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ADVERTISEMENTS |
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