Bowron Lake Circuit Gear List
Bowron Lake provides bear-proof caches at designated campsites and BC Parks says they must be used at all times. There is no cell reception, six public emergency radios, and rules on carts, cargo weight and prohibited items.
Bears
Bear-proof caches
Provided at designated campsites. BC Parks says they must be used at all times.
Pepper spray
Allowed only if labelled for bear use only. Firearms, crossbows and bear bangers are prohibited.
Canoes and carts
Carts
Permitted with a maximum axle width of 75 cm. BC Parks recommends wide-track tires.
Cargo weight
If you use a cart, canoe cargo must not exceed 28 kg (60 lb). Any excess is backpacked.
No motors
Motorized boats are not allowed. Canoes and kayaks are.
Rentals
Canoes, kayaks, wall tents and carts can be rented from local outfitters or the park operator.
Communication
No cell reception
BC Parks says there is none on the circuit.
Emergency radios
Six public two-way radios are placed around the circuit for emergency use only. You may bring your own registered system, but not on BC Parks' frequencies.
Soap
Do not use soap in the lakes. Wash at least 50 m inland.
Gear questions for the Bowron Lake canoe circuit
Are there bear caches on the Bowron Lake canoe circuit?
Yes. BC Parks provides bear-proof caches at designated campsites and says they must be used at all times.
Can you use a cart on the Bowron Lake canoe circuit?
Yes, with a maximum axle width of 75 cm and canoe cargo no more than 28 kg. Excess is backpacked.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on October 30, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.