Bagwa Canoe Route Backcountry Campgrounds

The Bagwa Canoe Route is one of the most accessible and user friendly places to experience the park by canoe or kayak. This timeless canoe route begins on the Kingsmere River, northwest of Waskesiu. The entire route, starting from the parking lot, takes approximately 7 to 10 hours to paddle, but is much more enjoyable when stretched into an overnight trip.

There are four backcountry camping campgrounds located along the Bagwa Canoe Route. Two of these, the Bagwa and Lily Lake Campgrounds are only accessible by canoe or kayak and offer visitors a true backcountry experience.

All of the Bagwa Canoe Route Campsites offer:

• Raised sand or gravel tent sites
• Pit toilets
• Picnic table & fire-pit at each site
• Bear cache

Be aware that Kingsmere Lake is large and presents wide fetches of open water. In extremely windy weather, it may be necessary to wait for calmer conditions before attempting to cross the lake.

Starting the route

Launch your canoe or kayak from the parking lot and paddle about 400 m upstream to the large dock and footbridge, where the 1 km rail portage begins. Two carts are available: a four-wheeled cart for larger boats and small craft, and a two-wheeled cart for canoes and kayaks. (You may need to retrieve a cart from the opposite end of the portage.) Use the handbrakes on the larger cart, and never allow anyone to ride on any cart. Report maintenance issues to park staff after your trip. Overnight mooring is permitted only at the campground where you are registered.

When back on the water, proceed with caution. The river is extremely shallow where it leaves the lake.

Once on Kingsmere Lake, stay close to the west shore, heading for the Southend campground and the Park cabin. The Bagwa Canoe Route itself is accessed at either Pease Point or the Kingsmere-Clare Lake portage on the west side of Kingsmere Lake.

Campgrounds along the Bagwa Canoe Route

Southend Campground

Southend Campground is located on the southern shore of Kingsmere Lake, just 1.5 km from the trailhead at the end of Kingsmere River Trail. In addition to its designated campsites, the campground has a shared kitchen shelter available to campers, day hikers and boaters.

Features:

• 4 single and 3 double campsites
• Kitchen shelter

Pease Point Campground

The Pease Point Campground lies upon the western shore of Kingsmere Lake near the mouth of the Bagwa Channel. This campground makes an excellent base camp for anglers on Kingsmere Lake and marks the entrance to Bagwa Lake Channel. Although motor boats can access the Pease Point Campground motorised vessels are not permitted beyond the white marker in the Bagwa Channel south of the campground.

Features:

• 4 single and 1 double campsites

Bagwa Lake Campground

On the southern shore of Bagwa Lake resting on a small peninsula this campground offers campers breathtaking sunset and sunrise views. Bagwa Lake is home to a large numbers of red-necked grebes and other water fowl making it an excellent place for bird watching. Don’t forget to bring a fishing rod, Bagwa Lake offers visitors excellent northern pike and walleye fishing!

Features:

• 2 single campsites

Lily Lake Campground

Lily Lake Campground is located on the northeast shore of Lily Lake and is accessible only by canoe or kayak. The campground offers scenic lake views and a remote backcountry experience. A portage to Clair Lake is located just a few hundred metres south of the site.

Features:

• 2 single campsites

Camping Information

• All overnight visitors must register at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu prior to their trip. A park use permit will be issued and backcountry camping fees apply.
• All garbage must be packed out of the backcountry.
• Use bear caches for all food, garbage and toiletries.
• Pit privies are located at the campgrounds. Pit privies may also be used for the disposal of grey water.
• Water can be obtained from the lake. Boiling before use is recommended.
• A Prince Albert National Park fishing licence is required by anglers. Available at the Visitor Centre, entry gates or campground kiosks. Lake trout endorsement available only at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu or at the South Gate.
• Registered backcountry campers using the Bagwa Canoe Route are permitted to deposit fish offal into the following lakes at a minimum depth of 6 metres (20 feet): Kingsmere, Bagwa and Lily.
• There are two sites at Bagwa and Lily. Tents should be placed on tent pads only.
• Before starting your trip, please read the 'You are in Black Bear Country' brochure available at all park offices.