I liked the contrast between the yellow paddle and the blue water.
I recently completed my first trip around the world famous Bowron Lakes canoe circuit close to Wells in central British Columbia. What a fabulous trip! The entire circuit consists of roughly 116 km of lakes, rivers, marshland and portage trails and takes you through a variety of ecosystems and diverse landscapes. After getting a little wet during the first two days, the sky opened right up and nothing but sunshine was the recipe for the rest of the 8 day journey.
First afternoon at Kibbee Lake.
The only bear encountered was a grizzly right at the lodge before the trip had even begun. A few moose also appeared like ghostly shadows through the early morning fog. Besides a good number of mice at some of the old trapper cabins, other wildlife included beavers, otters, herons, bald eagles, kingfishers, squirrels and a large variety of waterfowl among others. We also had the joy of listening to some wolves howling at Sandy Lake.
A heron giving me a weird look.
Those people we did encounter on the circuit were all easy going, fun and enjoyable to be around. On more than one occasion did we meet up again to share some good laughs and stories around the campfire. The Chute, a narrowing waterway as Isaac Lake empties into the Isaac River, also added some excitement and offered me the chance to take some pictures of the others paddlers. None of us followed the unlucky fate of other canoeists who capsized along the Isaac and Cariboo River portions, judging by numerous pieces of torn canoe wrecks.
Preparing dinner over the campfire.
Canoeists tackling some rough water.
Old stump in morning fog at Isaac Lake.
Canoe at dusk at Lanezi Lake.
Each lake, river and stream offers something remarkable in its own way, making it very difficult to name only one favorite spot. Whether it was the glaciers towering above Isaac and Lanezi Lake or the calm waters of Babcock Lake, each was sure to give you a feeling of awe and appreciation for this wonderful wilderness area. As soon as you leave the lodges behind to start your journey, you begin to feel the stress of our busy lifestyles disappear and instead look forward to what lies ahead…
Isaac Lake
Morning mist over Babcock Lake.
Bowron River marsh in the early morning hours.
If you like the outdoors, don’t mind to feel your muscles work a little and are up to an adventure, I highly recommend that you paddle the Bowron Lakes at least once in your lifetime. It is a trip you will never forget. I know I’ll be back….
Florian