Jola Jerecki Photo 1999
Day
Canoeing
Bowron Lake to the Bowron Slough and the north end of Swan Lake, is an easy day
trip taking from 6 to 9 hours. The Bowron Slough is a popular early
morning destination because of it's abundance of wildlife. In low
water seasons, Bowron Lake also has three small sandy points on it's inside
perimeter (paddlers left as you look south down the lake), a great place for an
afternoon picnic or swim.
With the rental of a canoe cart, Kibbee Lake is an enjoyable one day
trip where you can fish, swim, picnic and visit Thompson Lake.
Serious paddlers can even make it to Indianpoint lake and back.
A park permit is not needed for day paddles on the lakes as long as you do
not camp overnight in the backcountry sites. If you do camp overnight in
the backcountry then you must pay the full price for a park permit, even if you
only stay one night.
Barkerville
One of B.C.'s largest heritage sites, is a historic
1860's gold rush town just 20 minutes from Bowron Lake. During it's hey
day, some claimed that Barkerville was the largest city west of Chicago and
north of San Francisco. 100 years later, the street are still busy with
visitors to B.C.'s largest and most important gold rush town. Visit the
Sheepskin Claim and see a Cornish waterwheel in operation, ride the stage coach
or go to the Theater Royal. The many attractions, tours, demonstrations
and unique stores can easily take two days to explore. Click
here for more information About Barkerville.
Phillips Photos 2003
Wells
A 1930's gold mining town situated 20 minutes from Bowron
Lake, is still home to about 150 residents. Once the company town
site for the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine, the street of Wells are still lined with
unique false fronted buildings that have been transformed into cozy homes,
businesses and art galleries. Click here
for more information about Wells.
Phillips Photo 1999
Area Hiking
The area around Wells, Barkerville and Bowron Lake is
abundant with hiking trails. From overnight hikes along alpine
ridges, to a few hours on a nearby nature trail, the area offers a trail for any
level of hiker. Bear River Mercantile can provide you with information on each
trail, including maps and descriptions. Click here for more information on
hiking in the area.
Phillips Photo 2001
Bear River Mercantile Your
Bowron Lake Adventure Specialists 
