Bear River Mercantile Your Bowron Lake Adventure Specialists

The following Rules and Regulations are from the Bowron Lake Provincial Park Canoe Circuit Pre-Trip Information Booklet as found on the Bowron Lake Park Website.

The following regulations have been put in place to ensure the comfort and safety of park visitors and to reduce impacts on the park's facilities and natural values. With up to 5,000 people traveling the Canoe Circuit each season, impacts from visitor use are considerable. Although you may not immediately see the effects of your actions, please keep in mind the cumulative effect of the other 4,999 or so people who will visit the park this year.

These regulations are not optional and will be enforced. Repeated violations or serious infractions may result in charges under the Park Act and/or eviction from the Park.

Note: Prior to departure, all designated group or party leaders will be required to sign a form acknowledging that they have read and understood the regulations listed below.

Canoe carts are permitted on the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit. In order to reduce damage to the trails caused by over-width and over-weight canoe carts, the following restrictions apply, and will be enforced:

• Maximum axle width of canoe carts is 75 cm (30 inches)

• If you use a cart, the weight of the cargo in the canoe/kayak must not exceed 28 kg (60 lbs.)

Some portages are over 2 km in length. You must backpack all gear in excess of the 28 kg (60 lb.) limit. This will prevent wear and tear on the trails and on your canoe. Do not attempt to hand-carry duffel bags, coolers or other cargo: use large, comfortable backpacks or portage packs with hip belts. It is wise to weigh your gear and make sure you have enough space in your packs before leaving home.

You may not possess commercially packaged beverages or any glass containers on the Canoe Circuit. In other words, no drink cans or bottles, liquor bottles, tetra paks or glass jars are allowed. This will help maintain the park’s pristine environment. Canned food is acceptable, but you must clean and pack out the empty cans. Dried food and juice products packaged in reusable plastic containers or zip-lock bags are best.

If you can pack it in, you can pack it out! Only paper products may be burned in campfires. Do not attempt to burn plastics, tin foil or other non-paper items: they pollute the air, and often do not burn completely. Remains left in fire pits can attract bears.

You MUST use the metal bear-proof caches to store all items with any odour that could attract bears whenever you are in your tent or away from camp. This regulation will be strongly enforced. It applies to all food and garbage, as well as cooking equipment and toiletry items. Bears have an excellent sense of smell, and may even be attracted to items like toothpaste or mosquito repellent.

Caches are located in each camping area and at most portages. Please leave room in the caches for other campers’ food – they are not to be used merely for keeping firewood or equipment dry.

5. CAMPFIRES

Campfires are permitted in metal fire rings within designated campsites only. Please share the fire ring with other visitors at your campsite. Fires are not permitted on beaches. Firewood is provided in very limited quantities at marked woodlots throughout the Canoe Circuit. Woodlot locations are posted at the Registration Centre.

Firearms and Crossbows are prohibited in Bowron Lake Provincial Park. Pepper Spray is permitted ONLY if it is clearly labeled by the manufacturer: "For Bear Use Only."

Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Canoe Circuit. This rule is strictly enforced for your own safety, as pets and bears are not compatible. Pets are permitted in the vehicle access campground and park entrance area and must be on a leash at all times.

Fishing is permitted on the Canoe Circuit in compliance with the BC Non-Tidal Sports Fishing Regulations. You must carry a valid BC fishing license, and must familiarize yourself with the specific regulations that apply in the park. Licenses are not sold in the park, but may be purchased at a government agent of through the B.C. Fish & Wildlife Website. Area outfitters can also provide advice on which lures best attract the park’s bull trout, kokanee, rainbow trout and lake trout. June and September have proven to be the best months for fishing. Visitors must carry and use portable stoves for cooking, as firewood is limited and may not be available at all locations. Cooking with stoves also reduces the odours left in fire pits that may attract bears into campsites.

9. POWERBOAT RESTRICTION

Powerboats are permitted only on Bowron Lake and are not allowed on the Bowron Slough or other lakes in the park. For your safety, staff members use powerboats to travel throughout the Canoe Circuit.

Aircraft are permitted to land only on the north end of Bowron Lake. Aircraft landings are restricted in all other areas of the park with the exception of aircraft being used by BC Parks for park management purposes.

Other Useful Notes 

Fires: Circuit travelers must utilize one-burner gas stoves for all cooking. Do not rely on open fires, as wood supplies may be wet. Never leave fires unattended.

Let it be: Trees, shrubs, flowers and even rocks are part of the park’s natural heritage. Please do not damage or remove them.

Camping: Use designated sites only.

Sanitation: Wash dishes, clothes and yourselves at least 50 meters (150 feet) from lakes and streams and use biodegradable soaps. 

Fish Entrails: Gut fish while out on the lake, do not bring entrails into camp or dump them in the outhouses. 

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Last modified: January 18, 2011