6 minute read
Clearwater/Wells Gray
Helmcken Falls, the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, plummets dramatically into a lava canyon of its own making.
Waterfalls, Wildlife, Wilderness
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This is ‘the Canada you Imagined’. Over one million acres of wilderness in Canada’s waterfall park act as a playground for humans and animals alike. Clearwater/Wells Gray is a land of ancient forests, pristine glacial lakes, epic whitewater rafting, and more than 41 waterfalls (including Canada’s fourth-highest). Some call this the land of fire and ice. Long ago, volcanoes erupted beneath the glaciers, leaving the breathtaking landscapes you see today. Bears, wolves, moose, deer, beaver and over 250 bird species call this land home. BC’s fifthlargest Provincial Park, Wells Gray, lies in the heart of the world’s only inland temperate rainforest. Once you’ve had your fill of adventure, support local and fulfill your cravings at Clearwater’s numerous original cafes & restaurants. Clearwater/Wells Gray is the perfect midway stop between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. Giving yourself additional days & time to explore the area is a must.
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Photo Tourism Wells Gray
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Photo Holly Louwerse
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Photo Allen Jones
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Photo Riverside Adventures
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1. GO CHASING WATERFALLS
‘Canada’s Waterfall Park’ is home to 41 spectacular waterfalls, including Helmcken Falls, Canada’s fourthhighest waterfall (141 m high).
2. WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
Float or paddle over pristine waters on Clearwater and Azure Lakes, surrounded by nature. These lakes have plenty of backcountry camping opportunities.
3. TAKE A HIKE
Let your feet carry you along 200 km of trail that goes through volcanic fields, rainforest, wildflower meadows, and up epic summits.
4. WHITEWATER RAFTING
Experienced guides will help you find adventure on the legendary Clearwater River with the biggest rapids in BC.
5. MOUNTAIN BIKING
Hit the Candle Creek Trail System, with bike trails and terrain to keep novice & expert riders exhilarated.
Drop into the Wells Gray Park Visitor Centre or visit us online at wellsgray.ca.
TOP 5
EXPERIENCES
ENDLESS FORESTS, GREAT MOUNTAINS, AND MIGHTY RIVERS
In the Spring, bears come out of hibernation, giving great opportunities for bear viewing. The rivers reach their crescendo with spring run-off and slow in early summer for excellent whitewater kayaking and rafting on the legendary Clearwater River. This is the best time to view the awe-inspiring Helmcken Falls and the other 41 plus waterfalls at their full and breathtaking force. Three waterfalls with the best accessibility for mobility-limited visitors include Dawson, Spahats, and Helmcken, with shorter, paved paths and viewing decks. Spring, summer and fall are optimal to explore the 200 kms (125 mi) of hiking trails. The geology is incredible here—you’ll walk along 200,000-year-old lava beds past ancient volcanoes with sounds of the river below or at your side. Try hut-to-hut hiking in Canada’s largest alpine flower meadow on Trophy Mountain for a real adventure. Paddle the pristine glacial waters of Clearwater/Azure Lakes dotted with beaches and campgrounds.
In the late summer, watch the salmon return to our great rivers at the accessible Raft River viewing platform off Hwy 5 or at Bailey’s Chute on the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Horseback riding and mountain biking are always exciting ways to explore, and they offer a perfect view of the stunning autumn colours in our endless forests. Choose from a short ride to multi-day and fully outfitted horseback riding excursions. Pack your bike to explore the whole network of mountain bike trails in town. You can also experience Clearwater/Wells Gray from the air on a helicopter flight tour or even on a tandem paragliding experience to see the valleys as the birds do.
A mother bear and her cub approach the river.
Photo Tourism Wells Gray
Affordable, low impact adventures in Wells Gray Park, one of the premier wilderness destinations in Canada
Hut to Hut Hikes Wilderness Canoe Trips
Naturalist Led Day Trips (canoe or hike) $150.00 per person $130.00 groups over 6
WELLS GRAY ADVENTURES Wells Gray Park, Clearwater, B.C. Toll free 1888 754 8735 or 1250 587 6444 www.skihike.com
UNBEATABLE SAVING
Everything you need from your grocery store and more...
QUALITY Meats, Dairy and Produce FRESH Baked goods daily Bulk foods and Full Deli • Newspapers and Magazines • Snacks and Ice • Lottery
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365 Murtle Crescent SW, CLEARWATER, Phone 250-674-2213 Store Hours: Open 7 days a week
Summer: 9am - 8pm | Winter: 9am - 7pm
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www.pharmasave.com/clearwater/ 201-365 Murtle Cres, Clearwater, B.C. 250-674-0058 Download the app today!
FROZEN WATERFALLS AND SNOWY TRAILS
Autumn colours give way to breathtaking winter scenes in Clearwater/Wells Gray. Many of the rushing waterfalls freeze into picturesque ice sculptures the likes of which you’ve never seen.
For postcard-worthy photos, visit Helmcken Falls, Canada’s fourth-tallest waterfall, where Old Man Winter creates a majestic ice cone beneath the rushing water. Roads and viewing platforms are maintained in the winter for your viewing pleasure.
The mountains and meadows of Trophy, Battle and Fight Mountains offer a wide variety of spectacular terrain for hut-to-hut skiing and snowshoeing. This area is covered in the most reliable powder snow in the province – Cariboo Mountain Powder! One of the most affordable backcountry ski experiences, you can choose access by Snowcat or helicopter. In the winter, it’s the only way to experience Clearwater Lake, where you can snowshoe through ancient cedar forests, winter canoe and enjoy the coziness of a warm cabin and campfires under the stars. Let your cross-country skis glide over the 28 kms of groomed ski trails at the Candle Creek Ski Trails. Or join us in February for the Birchleg—a Viking-themed Nordic fun cross-country ski race. There may be fewer people here in the winter, but moose, pine martens, foxes and deer are abundant.
Snow and ice coat Wells Gray’s Helmcken Falls.
Photo Jonny Bierman
Clearwater Lake Tours
Come with us into the Wilderness that is Wells Gray Park
Come and explore the incredible Wells Gray Provincial Park. Located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Wells Gray Provincial Park is the third largest park in the province and offers some of the most spectacular untouched wilderness scenery in the world. We are located at the Clearwater Lake Campground, 68km from Highway 5 on the Clearwater Valley Road. That is where your adventure begins. Activities and Services: Canoe, kayak, shing and camping gear rentals. Boat tours, water taxi, interpretive guided trips and a café. If we do not do the activity you are looking for, feel free to ask and we will point you in the right direction.
ACCOMMODATION
After a full day in the great outdoors, rest your head at one of our friendly accommodations. B&Bs, hotels, resorts, cabins, and ranches all have places for you to relax and rejuvenate. With over 700 RV and campsites in the area, pick your favourite and spend the night. In addition, there are several local and provincial campgrounds, including several in Wells Gray Provincial Park and at North Thompson Provincial Park, at the confluence of the North Thompson and Clearwater Rivers.
Alpine Meadows Resort near Clearwater.
Photo Holly Louwerse
Fall colours at Moul Creek Lodge B&B in Wells Gray.
Photo Allen Jones
