A man sits near canoes on a rocky lakeshore.
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BC’s Most Epic Multi-Day Canoe Routes

While canoeing in British Columbia might not be as popular as sea kayaking, our province boasts some of the best multi-day canoe routes in the country. From the coast to the far north, these quiet circuits link water and wilderness. Dip your paddle into remote lakes, cast a line, and enjoy endless forest, fewer people, and mountain views on these backcountry adventures.

Though this guide covers multi-day trips with distances over 20 kilometres, there are also many shorter one or two-day canoe trips around the province.

Can I Kayak the Canoe Routes?

Generally, yes, most of these canoe routes can be paddled in a kayak, but portaging will mean making multiple trips. Kayaks can pack an astonishing amount of gear, and trying to transport them loaded over rough terrain is cumbersome. Most importantly, the cart is generally carried on the back of the kayak when not in use and can interfere with self-rescuing.

In general, canoes are better suited for routes with frequent or long portages.

Things to think about before deciding to kayak:
  • Can the portages accommodate carts?
  • If not, am I physically able to carry my unloaded kayak for the required distance?
  • Can I fit a pack in my kayak to use to carry gear on portages?
  • If not, how am I going to transport my gear?

Choosing the Best Canoe Route

Depending on what kind of adventure you’re looking for, each canoe route offers something a little different:

Classic Adventure: Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, Powell River Forest (qathet) Canoe Route, Sayward Forest Canoe Route

Backcountry Routes: Nazko Lake Canoe Chain, Turner Lake Canoe Circuit, Nanika-Kidprice Canoe Route

Minimal Portaging: Clearwater-Azure Lake, Murtle Lake

Wilderness Expedition: Nation Lakes Canoe Route

Know Before You Go

These routes are best suited to paddlers with some canoeing and backcountry camping experience. Reservations are required on the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, and other routes within Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas will have fees associated with their use.

Before the trip:

In addition, responsible paddlers should:

  • Follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Have a solid grasp of navigation.
  • Carry bear spray and be wildlife aware.
  • Be prepared for strong wind on larger lakes.
  • Know how to perform a self-rescue.

Most of the routes are best paddled during the summer months. Northern lakes can remain frozen well into the spring, and coastal routes can be cold and wet in the off-season. Shoulder season paddling can also mean high, fast-moving water and unstable conditions.

The Coast and Island

Sayward Forest Canoe Route

With multiple access points, the Sayward Forest Canoe Route can be done in part or as a whole. It connects twelve lakes of varying sizes. Some campsites on the route are developed, while others are rustic. Water levels can get low during dry summer months, so additional portaging may be needed.

Length: 47 km
Portage Lengths: 8 km
Paddling Lengths: 39 km
Type: Loop, counterclockwise
Days: 3-5
Start/End: Multiple accesses; the most popular is Mohun Lake at Morton Lake Provincial Park

Powell River Forest Canoe Route (qathet Canoe Route)

If the nearby Sunshine Coast Trail is any indication, the qathet Canoe Route is no doubt gorgeous, world-class paddling. Covering eight lakes, the route is considered easy to moderate paddling. Access must be planned around forest service road restrictions. This route also has offshoots and alternative routes, making paddling distances of up to 90 km possible. The data below reflects the main route only.

Length: 51 km
Portage Lengths: 8 km
Paddling Lengths: 43 km
Type: One-way route, south to north
Days: 3-5
Start/End: Lois Lake to Shingle Mill or Inland Lake

Thompson-Okanagan

Clearwater/Azure Lake

Perhaps one of the most underrated canoe or kayak trips, Clearwater and Azure Lakes are a backcountry paddle at its finest, with inland temperate rainforest and sandy beaches. If you don’t have the time to paddle all the way to Azure Lake, Clearwater Lake is perfect on its own for a shorter multi-day trip. True to what Wells Gray Park is known for, there are several waterfalls along the lakes, as well as a few hiking trails.

Length: 88 km (return)
Portage Lengths: 1 km (return)
Paddling Lengths: 87 km (return)
Type: Out-and-back
Days: 3-8
Start/End: Clearwater Lake boat launch

Murtle Lake Canoe Trip

A trip to paddle-only Murtle Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park starts out with a cart-friendly portage, which means getting the hard part out of the way right at the start. Access is via a 27-kilometre gravel road from Blue River. Canoe rentals are available. With over 100 kilometres of shoreline and 20 campsites on the lake, trip possibilities are endless. The lake also has several hiking trails, which vary in length from 2 to 14 km return.

Length: Lake is ~30 km long with 100 km of shoreline; trip length can vary
Portage Lengths: 2.5 km (one way)
Paddling Lengths: Varies
Type: Out-and-back
Days: 3-6
Start/End: Murtle Lake

Cariboo-Chilcotin

Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit

As the most popular canoe route in the province, the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is well worth snagging the required reservation to paddle it. It’s a gorgeous, unforgettable paddle through the Cariboo Mountains and feels like a true wilderness adventure. Before you go, all paddlers must attend an orientation and carry essential equipment.

Length: 116 km (full loop)
Portage Lengths: ~11 km
Paddling Lengths: ~105 km
Type: Loop (clockwise) or out and back (one side)
Days: 6-8
Start/End: Bowron Lake Registration Centre

Nazko Lake Canoe Chain

With short portages and easy paddling, the canoe route in Nazko Lake Provincial Park is a pleasant trip through six lakes and the Nazko River. There are no facilities in the park, and camping is only allowed at designated sites. Since the park was burned in the 2017 wildfires, there may be hazards in affected areas. If you’re lucky enough, you may spot the endangered white pelican, which feeds in the park.

Length: 40 km (return)
Portage Lengths: ~3 km (return)
Paddling Lengths: ~27 km (return)
Type: Out-and-back
Days: 2-4
Start/End: Deerpelt Lake to Nazko Lake

Turner Lake Canoe Circuit

Located in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, access to this canoe route is difficult, either by float plane or a 16-kilometre hike in via the Hunlen Falls Trail. Canoe rentals are available at Turner Lake. Linking seven lakes, this paddling trip is scenic with its mountain views. The portages are not suitable for carts, and the lakes can have strong winds. It’s recommended for experienced, self-sufficient paddlers.

Length: 37 km (return)
Portage Lengths: 3 km (return)
Paddling Lengths: 33 km (return)
Type: Out-and-back
Days: 3-5 (allow more if hiking in and out)
Start/End: Turner Lake

Northern BC

Nanika-Kidprice Canoe Route

For those wanting a remote wilderness experience with the amenities of provincial park campsites, Nenikëkh Provincial Park is an underrated trip for experienced paddlers. This out-and-back route covers Lamprey, Anzac, Stepp, and Kidprice lakes. Access is via a 75 km forest service road trip from the nearest community of Houston. Beware that the lakes can get windy, and the trails are not suitable for carts. The route boasts good fishing, a waterfall, wildlife, and mountain views.

Length: 30 km (return)
Portage Lengths: 8 km (return)
Paddling Lengths: 22 km (return)
Type: Out-and-back
Days: 3-6
Start/End: Lamprey Lake

Nation Lakes Canoe Route

The very remote Nation Lakes Canoe Route offers a peaceful wilderness adventure through Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo, and Chuchi Lakes with few other paddlers. Since the lakes are connected by the Nation River, portaging is minimal. Campsites are rustic park and recreation sites. From Fort St. James, it’s 107 km to the southeast launch at Chuchi Lake or 167 km to the northwest launch at Tsayta Lake. Paddlers report beautiful sunsets, wildlife, fishing, and few others on the route.

Length: 120 km
Portage Lengths: Short portages around log jams may be necessary.
Paddling Lengths: ~120 km
Type: One-way route
Days: 5-10
Start/End: Northwest end of Tsayta Lake, southeast end of Chuchi Lake, north side of Chuchi Lake, north end of Tchentlo Lake

Cover Photo by Photo by WesternCanoeKayak on Unsplash.

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