The bugs are diminished, the summer weather is still in effect with some added crispness, and there are plenty of openings for Bowron Lake canoe trips.
The Bowron is one of the most popular provincial park destinations in B.C. The park is located on the outskirts of Barkerville/Wells and is defined by a series of narrow lakes that link into long or short routes through some of the most stunning scenery our region provides.
Park spokesman Wayne Hurt said there was a slow start to this year, but it built up to some of the most successful weekends they have had in recent memory. No attendance records were set, but it was a strong year.
"In regards to the weather, bookings should actually be better," he said. "We've had lots of sunshine days but lots of openings, especially going into September."
A maximum of 46 people per day get to make the trip.
Almost all have to be booked and paid for in advance ($60 per person for the long circuits, $30 per person for the short routes). There are a few daily spots reserved for local drop-in campers.
"You just have to call in and let us know you want to go out," said Hurt. "All trips are very popular with some people. The long trip, average seven days, is really the most popular and I think that is a nice holiday. Some do the three-day trip [It can be done faster] on the west side and certain people really like that way."
There is a total capacity over the open season for 6,000 people but the recent high was 2009 with 3,500. Hurt suggested that school teachers and administrators start thinking now, heading into the new academic year, about taking classes into the park in June. It's an age-appropriate outdoor adventure to end the school cycle and June typically has plenty of openings. When paired with the history and cultural significance of Barkerville, it makes the trip a unique opportunity to learn.
Hurt said there is a constant maintenance and upgrades plan. This year, they added three new timber-frame cook shelters at some of the popular spots along the way and a fourth scheduled for later in the summer. Next spring, the portage sites will get an upgrade.
"I don't know if you know this but the park is open even in the winter time," Hurt said. "There is no services and we have not a lot of people coming in, but that would be nice to have more people because everyone is welcome to come in skiing or snowshoeing."
Like all destination parks, Bowron Lake Provincial Park has a number of special features and rules for passing through the protected ecosystem. The park's brochure and general information is available online and to speak with the reception centre call 778-373-6107.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM PRINCE GEORGE
Drive Highway 97 south towards Quesnel. Turn east onto Highway 26, known as the Barkerville Highway. Proceed the entire length of the highway (approximately 82 km), through the hamlet of Wells and on towards the nearby Barkerville national historic site.
Approximately 1 km before the Barkerville entrance, turn left onto the Bowron Lake Road. From there it's another 27 km to the park entrance on a wide, well-graded dirt road where a reception centre, 25 unit campground and the starting point of the wilderness canoe circuit are located.
