Canoeing in B.C.

This topic was created by Heather
[Thu 13 May, 2:55 Tasmanian Standard Time]

My husband and I are heading to British Columbia this
summer, and would love some recommendations on good
canoeing spots...

[There are 10 posts - the latest was added on Sun 16 May, 10:32]

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  1. I've heard Bowron Lakes are nice. Added by: The Scrutineer
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 3:31 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    They are a chain of lakes in the shape of a loop, and I
    think it takes about five or six days to do the loop, if I
    remember correctly. There is a little bit of portaging
    between some of the lakes, but I don't think it's anything
    too severe. I don't have a B.C. map on me right now, but I
    believe they are somewhere between Jasper, AB and Prince
    George. Check your browser for a B.C. tourism board site,
    they're bound to have some info on it. Hope this helps!



  2. Same Recommendation Added by: Islander
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 4:08 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    My brother has taken his teeage daughters and their friends
    on that circuit of Bowron Lakes three times. He seems to be
    crazy about it. The four long narrow lake sections form a
    large diamond pattern. The postages must be quite moderate
    because his daughters are as lazy as any other teenagers.



  3. Same Recommendation Added by: Islander
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 4:08 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    My brother has taken his teenage daughters and their friends
    on that circuit of Bowron Lakes three times. He seems to be
    crazy about it. The four long narrow lake sections form a
    large diamond pattern. The postages must be quite moderate
    because his daughters are as lazy as any other teenagers.



  4. Bowron Lakes Added by: Deb
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 4:23 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    are east of Quesnel, near the restored town of Barkerville.
    We took about 6 easy days, only 1 rain storm, it was great
    fun canoeing soaking wet! We rented canoes and carts for
    the portages (since we were all inexperienced and weak)and
    had no problems. Beckers Lodge and another outfitter are
    good if you need to rent. There is a fee to canoe the
    circuit and only a certain number of parties can start each
    day, check out this website for more info.
    http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/prk/reserve/canoecir.htm
    hope you get there



  5. paddling.. Added by: dhm (dhmac1717@my-dejanews.com)
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 5:14 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    Hey there,
    First thing.. Bowron lakes are very popular and yes,
    beautiful. It is, however, a bit of a mission to get too..
    You may also consider the South Eastern part of the
    province along the Kootenays. There is a terrific variety
    of paddling thru the Arrow Lakes and Kootenay Lake areas.
    (The majority of these tribuataries flow thru the Excited
    States as the Columbia river ..)
    You could expect some beautiful river trips along these
    North/ South flowing waters. I lived in the Nelson area for
    a year and a half and touched such a little part of this
    area & was in no way dissapointed. As for the experience,
    there is a trimendous assortment of lakes for overnight
    trips and a good selection of rivers for numerous day
    tripping adventures through out the region. Gear is readily
    available for stuff you leave behind or loose and the
    weather can be HOT when clear.(this areas' topography is a
    serious of high mountain valleys running North~South)
    One caution is that with the amazing snowpack we've had in
    BC this winter, there will be a very unusual flow of
    snowmelt and very unusual times this spring/summer. So much
    that the Ministry of Environment is very concerned with
    flood warnings. This could or could not make your
    experience exciting (to say the least..)
    You may try visiting the Mountain Equipment Co-op
    newsgroups as ther is a great are for posting questions,
    etc. to a real dedicated bunch (you know.. selling there
    caar or house to pay for trips.. forcing there kids to work
    2 part time jobs just to pay for throw bags and other
    essential river items :-/ ) the address is
    http://www.mec.ca
    Good luck..
    :-D



  6. Lakes District Added by: Karlo
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 7:38 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    As indicated above, there are lakes all over BC, thanks to
    our friends the Ice Ages. The Lakes District, between Prince
    George and Prince Rupert, has a lot of possibiities if you
    want to get into more wilderness than the Provincial and
    National Parks xperiences of Bowron, etc. If you intend to
    get that far Norh, post again, and I'll give you some
    detailed suggestions.



  7. Bowron Lks OR Added by: Damia
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 16:24 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    Bowron is a wonderful circuit if you are an newer paddler or
    looking for a nice fairly easy trip. For a bigger challenge
    try Wells Gray Provincial Park. The route there has a more
    portaging and needs a bit more experience but won't be as
    crowded. Running a search should yield plenty of results on
    the Pk.



  8. Bowron Lakes Added by: BCer
    [Timestamp: Thu 13 May, 22:43 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    I noticed that this company had a special for the end of
    June on the Bowron Lakes. Check main page of their website
    is at www.travel.bc.ca/s/seatosky



  9. Thanks! Added by: Heather
    [Timestamp: Fri 14 May, 5:17 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    Wow, I've never posted a message on the Internet before and
    wasn't sure what to expect! Thank you all for your great
    suggestions. I'd heard of the Bowron Lakes area, but
    wasn't sure if my husband and I (duffers at best, with a
    heavy old canoe) could handle it. Sounds do-able, and the
    other areas also sound worth exploring. Any further ideas
    on relatively uncrowded, "must see" areas with campgrounds
    available(primitive is fine, don't mind the old pit
    toilets, although running water is nice) with great day
    paddle opportunities nearby?? :)



  10. the yukon! Added by: bunny (lisap@canada.com)
    [Timestamp: Sun 16 May, 10:32 Tasmanian Standard Time]

    hi!
    may i suggest going further north up to Atlin BC for
    spectacular scenery and beautiful paddling!
    or how about the yukon river starting in whitehorse and
    following the river downstream?
    have a great trip!




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