Attractions & Activities in and around Wells Gray Park

The spectacular scenery is the reason Wells Gray Park  is a "must see" on your trip through BC.  It is known as the waterfall park as there are over 250 waterfalls located in the area. The most impressive is Helmcken Falls, at 141metres it is the fourth highest in Canada.  

 

However, there is a lot more to Wells Gray Park than magnificent scenery - extinct volcanoes, lava rock formations, alpine meadows, lush forest, and the free-flowing Clearwater River to name a few. Following are potential itineraries lasting from a short 1/2 hour to a few days stay in Clearwater, BC and Wells Gray Country.

Natural Beauty

The famous Wells Gray Provincial Park is only a short 35 kilometer drive from Clearwater. The park is world famous for its majestic and numerous waterfalls. The three major falls are only a short walk from your car.  For the more energetic, there are some excellent hikes to view the more remote falls.

Wells Gray Park also offers extinct volcanoes, lava rock formations, alpine meadows, lush forests, unspoiled lakes and beautiful rivers.  It  is a "must see" on your tour of Western Canada.

For more information on Wells Gray park and available hikes visit BC Parks web site or information on Tourism Wells Gray Association web site.  Also click here for an article on the area.

River Rafting and Kayaking

Clearwater, BC is famous for its excellent river trips.  From exciting white water rafting, to the more relaxing scenic boat trips, there is a trip to suite your taste and time schedule.  Kayaking trips and classes are also available. Check out these businesses located in Clearwater for more information:

 


Take a trip back in time and experience the old style 26 foot Voyageur canoe used by the Canadian fur trading - Riverside Adventures

Fishing

For those fishing enthusiasts look no further.  Wells Gray country  offers some excellent fishing; especially the fresh water Rainbow Trout, well known for its  fierce fighting power.

Try fly fishing on the Clearwater River  with "Silent Sport Fly Fishing" at www.silentsportflyfishing.com

With the numerous lakes and rivers in the area you are sure to find your "ideal' fishing hole.

 

 

Hiking

Fantastic hiking in the area.  From short one kilometer trails to all day hikes to the more remote backcountry trips.  The Clearwater/ Wells Gray area has pristine wilderness that is waiting to be discovered. You can explore on your own or utilize the services of the many qualified guides in the area.   Click here for a map of the trails in Wells Gray Park.

Wells Gray Adventures has hut to hut hiking to their three remote lodges in the beautiful alpine of Wells Gray Park.  They operate both summer and winter programs.  Wells Gray Adventures also do combination trips of canoeing and hiking.  For more information visit www.skihike.com

Between the end of June and mid-August is the time to see the wildflowers that carpet the subalpine meadows of Trophy Mountain.  The 'To the Treeline and Beyond' trail is an easy 2 k walk.   A lengthier hiking trail leads from the meadows to views of the Shuswap Highlands from Skyline Ridge (moderate; 12 km return).  The turnoff for this trail is 10K up the Clearwater Valley Road and turn east at Spahats Creek Provincial Park.

On the Water - canoeing, kayaking

In addition to its famous waterfalls, Wells Gray Park is also know for its two large pristine lakes, Clearwater Lake and Azure Lake.  Try canoeing and kayaking  on these lakes as a means to explore the park and stay at one of the eleven wilderness campsites.  

Wells Gray Adventures offers 3 to 6 day canoe trips on Clearwater and Azure lake. They also offer fully guided and catered canoe trips to the end of Azure Lake and back

Horseback Riding

Some unique horseback riding adventures await those who prefer the "traditional" western means of transportation.

Vavenby Trail Rides offers 3 or 4 hour rides to full day adventures.  In May and June you can even experience a real cattle drive.

Buffalo Ranch also offers 2.5 hour rides to Moul Creek Falls.

Golfing

Still more to do in Clearwater-  we have a few golf courses in the area.  

The Wells Gray Golf Resort 35 kilometers north at the entrance to Wells Gray Park.  This 9 hole course has the incredible Trophy mountains as a backdrop while you play, call 1-877-215-golf.  
 
The  9 hole Chinook Cove Golf course is 45 kilometers south of Clearwater.  This meticulously groomed course offers challenge to the advanced players and pleasure for beginners. 

Suggested Itineraries

The Peek - 30 to 45 minutes

A visit to Spahats Falls allows you to get a taste of the beauty that Wells Gray Country offers its visitors.  Spahats is noted not only for its impressive waterfall but beautiful gorge where you can see the layers of lava rock.

 

Approximately 21 km return

 

 

 

 

 

The Waterfall Dash - 3 hours

If you arrive in Clearwater later in the afternoon there is still enough time to visit 3 impressive waterfalls - Helmcken, Spahats and Dawson.  In summer (July & August)  it is usually light until after 8:00pm. Or relax in the evening and take a visit the park in the morning before heading off to your next destination.

 

Driving distance is approximately 93 km round trip to Helmcken Falls

Spectacular Waterfalls - 6 to 8 hours

Same as the dash only at a slower pace so that you can view more of the beauty of Wells Gray Park.  Add in a short hike to Ray's farm & the mineral springs or if you are here in September/ October see the Salmon jumping at Bailey's Chute.  Also for those in a car - a trip up Green Mountain for a spectacular 360° view is a must.

Driving distance is approximately 114  km round trip to Bailey's Chute or 112 to Ray's Farm and Mineral Spring. If you have the time, take a tour of the Clearwater Lake.

Full Day - 8 - 9 hours

Option A - Waterfalls and Whitewater

Take a whitewater rafting trip in the morning and view the spectacular waterfalls in the afternoon. Clearwater has some great rafting trips at excellent value.

Option B - Horseback Riding and Waterfalls

View the waterfalls in the morning and take a horseback riding trip in the afternoon.  Chance to walk behind the Moul Creek Falls. Not a fan of riding, you can also hike to the falls.

Option C - Waterfalls and hike

After viewing the falls take time to hike one of the many 1/2 day trails in the area.  If visiting in August a drive up Trophy Mountain and short walk will take you to a beautiful meadow of wildflowers.

Mix and match to plan your stay in Wells Gray Park - 1/2 Day Activities

  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Float trip
  • Boat tour of Clearwater Lake
  • Sightseeing airplane ride of Wells Gray area
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking
  • Golfing
  • Kayaking - whitewater or flatwater

Full Day Activities

  • View the spectacular Waterfalls of Wells Gray Park
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Horseback riding
  • Canoeing Clearwater Lake
  • Kayaking - whitewater or flatwater
  • Full day hike - guided tours also available
  • Fishing - tours available
  • Just relax and enjoy the area

Clearwater BC really does have it all for your vacation enjoyment!

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