What To Do
Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater, BC
Do you and your family want to go biking, hiking, rafting, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding ? Wells Gray has it all! Perhaps relaxing on a beach or viewing wildlife and watching birds are more your style - come to Wells Gray Park … it is what you came to Canada for!
The Park is over 1.4 million acres of pure wilderness, protecting an entire watershed area – one of the very few parks to do so in North America. It is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful waterfalls, the largest canoeing only lake in the world, and is also well known for its volcanic history, which helped to create unique features such as Helmcken Falls, Pyramid Mountain and Clearwater Lake to name a few.
Things to do and See:
Your first stop to Wells Gray Country should be the Info Centre. You can pick up a free map, coffee and gather the latest updates and information on the area. The friendly staff will also help you find accommodation, and suitable activities for your family.Things to do for Free!
Do you only have an Hour?
Visit Spahats falls, only 10km from the highway. You will:- See Spahats falls, a two tiered waterfall that drops over 75 meters!
- Learn a little of the unique geology that created the area, and physically see pleistocene lava that helped shape our region .
- Walk the interpretative nature trail and obtain an idea of old growth forests
- Picnic with views overlooking the Clearwater River valley
Do you have 2 ½ hours?
Visit 3 of Canada’s most beautiful waterfalls and enjoy a panoramic view of an ancient volcanic plateau, mountains, lakes and rivers. You will:- See Helmcken Falls that drops over 145 meters, is 3 times higher than Niagara falls, and is the reason Wells Gray became a park.
- Stand beside Dawson Falls, a spectacular 91 meters wide!
- Climb 30 steps up the Green Mountain Viewing Tower for a 360° view of volcanoes, mountains and lakes.
- Learn about volcanoes and glaciers and wonder an old growth forest at Spahats Falls.
All waterfalls are wheelchair accessible, have plenty of parking space and some provide picnic facilities.
Are thinking of a longer stay?
There is plenty to do, with endless hiking trails, wilderness camping, wildlife viewing, and other opportunities to further explore this diverse area. From renting canoes or mountain bikes, hiking in wildflowers up to your knees, to whitewater rafting the activities available in Wells Gray ensure your time spent here will be memorable. Fun activities are listed below.
Activities to enjoy with family and friends
Activities are provided by professional operators offering different types of packages to suite your family or group, and have tailored their trips to offer the best of Wells Gray Country.- Canoe the Clearwater, Azure or Murtle Lake - the largest canoe only lake in North America
- Raft exciting white water and / or take tamer trips tailored for families on the Clearwater and North Thompson River
- Camp in one of 250 wilderness camp sites in Wells Gray Park
- Ride one of many horseback riding trips, ranging from an hour to full day trips, and are catered to all abilities
- Boat to white sandy beaches and the Rainbow Falls on Azure Lake
- Hike hut to hut through pristine alpine and true wilderness country
- Mountain bike trails with trips ranging from 2hours to full day trips, showing you areas off the beaten track.
- Fish with local guides offering expert local advise and the best fishing locations
- Fly on a fixed wing airplane or a helicopter tour, providing a different perspective on the unique features of the area.
During the winter there are fantastic cross country skiing trails at the Candle Creek Ski Trails, and within the Wells Gray Park at the Murtle River Cross Country Ski Trails. There are also alpine huts for backcountry skiing and untracked cross country skiing offering perfect powder days, and the luxury of a warm cabin. There is an abundance of snowshoeing trails as well. Guided packages are available for all of these winter activities.