Day 0 (Overnight at Wells Hotel not included):  Arrival at the Wells Hotel in Wells BC.  Your guides will meet you in the sitting room of the Wells Hotel at 4:00 P.M.  At this time, your guides will introduce you to the group, answer any of your questions and help you with any last minute gear problems.  We suggest you arrive in Wells, early in the day, to see the local art galleries and visit the neighboring gold rush town of Barkerville. There is also an option for clients to participate in a day hike with a local guide on this day.



Day 1: After a 7:00 A.M. breakfast at the hotel, we officially start the trip.  We all drive to the start of the Bowron Lake circuit, register and begin the trip with a portage.  A 2.4 km. portage, over varied terrain, takes us to Kibbee Lake, where we dip our paddles for the first time and canoe a short distance to camp. The afternoon is for canoe instruction, exploration and relaxation. (3.4 km day)

Day 2: We start the day with a 2.2 km portage to Indianpoint Lake and then paddle across the lake (1 1/2 hours).  We do a 2.0 km portage to Isaac Lake, where we have lunch.  We then paddle to our campsite where we have a superb view of Wolverine Mountain.  We often hear our first owls here. (18.2 km day & approx. 3 1/2 hours paddling)



Days 3&4: Majestic mountains, waterfalls and snow avalanche areas guide us down Isaac Lake to the ‘chute’.  An exciting afternoon of introductory grade 1 moving water ends day 4. (15 &  16.2 km days & approx. 4 1/2 hours paddling each day)

Day 5&6: These two days take us down the grade 1 Cariboo River, through Lanezi Lake, the lake with the highest peaks in the park, and into Unna Lake.  The scenery is magnificent and varied.  Unna and Rum Lakes, in contrast to the larger lakes, are intimate and home to moose and loons.  We take a short hike to the spectacular, 24 meter (80 ft.), Cariboo Falls.  As we sit around the campfire, we hear the haunting call of the loon and search the shores for wildlife. ( 13.2 & 16.8 km days- approx. 3 hours & 4 1/2 hours paddling )



Day 7: Today is a long day but the prospect of sighting wildlife along the way makes it all worthwhile.  We have a 1.6 km portage and 2-100 yard portages and then it is all downhill paddling to our last campsite at the scenic Bowron River.  As we celebrate our last evening on the lakes, we keep a watchful eye on the Bowron River and the surrounding marshes where birdlife abounds and where we regularly spot moose with their young and the always busy beaver hard at work. ( 18.8   km. day-  approx. 5 hours paddling )

Day 8: At sunrise, we paddle leisurely down the river, watching beaver building and repairing their lodges and witnessing the marsh awakening.  We cross Bowron Lake and beach our canoes at Bear River Mercantile, where we enjoy a complimentary celebration breakfast.  It is the perfect time to relive the highlights of the trip, exchange addresses and say good-bye to our new friends and tripping partners, before we head for home. ( 6 km. day- approx. 2 1/2 hours paddling )

PREPARING 
Our 8-day tours are designed for adults of all ages, including active seniors.  Children capable of making the trip (generally 14 years and older) are welcome.  You will be accompanied by professional, certified canoe guides who are always willing to help you learn or improve your paddling skills and who are dedicated to making your trip safe and enjoyable   Life jackets are mandatory and all participants will be required to wear them while in canoes.
The journey consists of 106 km of paddling and 10 km of portaging.  On the portages, some uphill, you will carry your pack, put your share of the group gear in the canoe and pull the canoe on 2-wheeled carriers.  Although the portages are hard work, we take frequent rest stops and set a pace which is comfortable for all participants. Good health, reasonable fitness and a positive attitude towards the possible inconveniences of inclement weather and wilderness travel are the main components of your self-evaluation.  Even though no previous canoeing experience is required, we do encourage you to grasp the basic canoe strokes before the trip by taking a flat water canoe course with a local canoe club or association, or by referring to reference books and videos such as those produced by Bill Mason.  This will give you some confidence and enable you to take greater advantage of the leaders’ instructions. 

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need for your expedition.  It is of the utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort, well-being and effectiveness in the group. The proper preparation is a vital factor in the expedition’s success.

CLOTHING

When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principals about staying warm and dry:.

KEEPING DRY:  Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible.  Some clothing is hydrophobic and, therefore, stays dry (i.e. synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester and capilene and natural fibers such as wool and silk).  Cloths made of these materials make great expedition clothing.  Be careful of other materials( e.g. cotton and down) because they are absorbent and stay wet.  Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excessive perspiration and, therefore, wetness.
Some of the clothing terminology may be unfamiliar to you so here is a short glossary:

Polypropylene:-A lightweight, synthetic fabric that transfers moisture away from your skin.

Capilene:-Another polyester material similar to polypropylene, manufactured by Patagonia.

Pile:-A polyester fabric that is lightweight and soft.  It is warmer, per pound, than wool, insulates even when wet and dries quickly.  It is also referred to as fleece, Polarplus and Synchilla.

Gore-Tex:- A laminated fabric manufactured to be both waterproof and breathable.  It is a very good fabric for foul weather protective gear such as rain jackets and pants- although prolonged exposure to salt water, smoke or dirt may reduce its effectiveness.  Also, in heavy downpours, it may not be 100% waterproof.

BE SURE ALL YOUR CLOTHES AND SLEEPING EQUIPMENT ARE WATERPROOFED IN DOUBLE PLASTIC BAGS OR NYLON STUFF SACKS WITH PLASTIC BAG LINERS.  The plastic bags airlines use to ship your packs make great liners.

 Tents: We will supply 2-man tents for the clients. However, if you would prefer to use your own personal tent, you are welcome to do so as long as it is a good one. You should let us know if you plan to bring your own tent and if you would be prepared to share it with someone else.

Optional Gear: 1 pair of field glasses for wildlife, 1 camera and film, 1 collapsible fishing rod, reading material

Please leave behind cosmetics: strong scented deodorants, perfumes and anything else with a strong scent. They attract bears. NEVER TAKE FOOD OR ANYTHING WITH AN ODOR INTO YOUR TENT.

Bowron Park has granted us prime reserved campsites, eliminating the competitive "first come first serve" syndrome. This allows us to enjoy a more leisurely pace each day and the security of a private site each night. Canoes and double-occupancy tents are top-of-the line models for comfort and safety. You need bring only your personal gear. Sleeping bags, pads and backpacks are available for rent. Each day, we cook and provide you with wholesome, hot meals.
Snacks:  If you are in the habit of snacking, we suggest that you bring your favorite trail mix or snacks to eat between meals.

Accommodation before and after 
We base all our canoe tours out of the Wells Hotel in Wells, B.C. 
This Cariboo Heritage Country Inn has been completely renovated with a ‘Gold-Rush’ flavour.  It’s an integral part of your visit to Wells, Barkerville and the Bowron Lakes.  The day before the trip begins (Day 0, Hotel overnight before trip not included with package rate) , we meet with the whole group in the lounge of the Wells Hotel at 4:00 P.M.  After breakfast at the Wells Hotel, the trip officially begins at 8:30 a.m. on day 1, when we drive to the Bowron  Lakes. There is also the government Lowhee Campground, 3 km. out of Wells, on the way to Barkerville.

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.