Why visit Wells Gray Provincial Park

Nestled in the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia, Wells Gray Provincial Park remains largely off the beaten path of Western Canada's major tourist circuits. Its 41 registered waterfalls, lakes accessible only by canoe, alpine meadows and abundant wildlife make it an ideal stop for travellers seeking untamed wilderness between Kamloops and Jasper. The park is home to 219 bird species and over 50 mammal species, including black bears, grizzlies, caribou, moose and elk.

Park history

Before European settlers arrived, the territory served as shared hunting grounds between the Secwepemcs and the Chilcotins. The conflicts between these two peoples over access to caribou herds have left their mark on the landscape's names: Battle Mountain, Fight Lake and Battle Creek still bear witness to this rivalry.

In 1860, part of the Overlander Party attempted to cross the Cariboo range during the gold rush, an expedition that ended in disaster. A decade later, surveyors for the Canadian Pacific Railway explored the region in search of a rail route to the Pacific, but the effort was abandoned.

Wells Gray Provincial Park was officially established in 1939. It takes its name from Arthur Wellesley Gray, British Columbia's provincial Minister of Lands, better known by the nickname Wells Gray.

What to see and do

Waterfalls

Nicknamed the "waterfall park," Wells Gray boasts 41 registered waterfalls, many of which are accessible from the main road.

• Helmcken Falls: 141 metres high, ranked among the highest in Canada (often listed as fourth depending on the source). In winter, water pressure creates an ice cone that can reach 50 metres tall.
• Dawson Falls: accessible via an easy 1.35 km trail (roughly 30 minutes), distinguished by their width. A second access from Pyramid campground offers a different perspective.
• Moul Creek Falls: the third-highest waterfalls in the park, with the possibility of walking behind the cascade. A 5.5 km trail (around 2 hours, 210 m elevation gain) descends into the canyon via stairs.
• Spahats Falls: overlook volcanic gorges from an observation platform, the first waterfall you'll encounter on the Clearwater Lake road.
• Triple Decker Falls: three successive tiers, accessible via a 1 km trail along Candle Creek. As parking is limited, arriving early is recommended.

Lakes

• Clearwater Lake: the park's main entry point, ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and rafting. A guided cruise allows wildlife viewing from the water, notably moose and caribou that sometimes swim across the lake. Trail: 2.4 km (roughly 35 minutes).
• Azure Lake: about ten minutes from Clearwater Lake, a serene setting prized for kayaking and fishing.
• Murtle Lake: billed as North America's largest lake accessible only by canoe, with 100 km of shoreline and camping sites reachable only by water.

Hiking

• Trophy Mountain: remarkable alpine meadows in full bloom during July and August. Day hikes or multi-day expeditions available.
• Sheila Lake: 6 km round trip (roughly 4 hours, 200 m elevation gain), with the option to extend to Skyline Ridge panorama (12 km round trip from the parking lot).

Water and aerial activities

The Clearwater River is renowned for whitewater rafting, with three active outfitters: Interior Whitewater Expeditions, Liquid Lifestyles and Riverside Adventures. Clearwater Lake Tours offers a full-day guided lake excursion. For paragliding, X Sky Paragliding operates from Birch Island.

Salmon run at Bailey's Chute

From late August through September, Bailey's Chute offers a remarkable spectacle: Chinook salmon fight their way upstream. The species, the Pacific's largest, can reach 22 kg for record specimens. An observation platform is accessible in about ten minutes from the parking lot, with morning and evening offering the best viewing conditions.

When to visit

June through September is ideal for enjoying all activities: clear trails, navigable lakes and active wildlife in early morning hours. July and August showcase alpine flowers at Trophy Mountain, while September marks the salmon run at Bailey's Chute.

December through March, the park is suited to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, provided you have a vehicle equipped for snowy roads and confirm accessibility of interior areas.

How to get there

Clearwater, situated on Highway 5 in the North Thompson Valley, serves as the park's main gateway. The town lies halfway between Vancouver and Jasper, making it a natural stop on this route.

By car

Two itineraries are possible from Vancouver:

• Coquihala Highway (Highway 5): 475 km, roughly 5 hours, a four-lane highway crossing the mountains.
• Fraser Canyon route (Highway 1): 549 km, a longer route dotted with historical sites, winding and partly two-lane.

Distances from nearby cities: 127 km from Kamloops, 317 km from Jasper, 477 km from Vancouver and 682 km from Edmonton. Before departing, check Drive BC for road conditions.

By train

The Via Rail Vancouver–Jasper line serves Clearwater on request, with a journey exceeding 10 hours from Vancouver. Taxis are available at the station to reach downtown. A vehicle remains essential once there to explore the park independently.

Practical information

• Access: free entry, certain campgrounds and services require fees in season.
• Accommodation: campgrounds within the park, lodges and motels in Clearwater.
• Fuel and supplies: available in Clearwater; no gas stations inside the park.
• Wildlife: black bears and grizzlies present; carry bear spray and store food securely.
• Mobile coverage: very limited beyond Clearwater; download offline maps.

Nearby attractions

The park fits naturally into a broader itinerary through Western Canada. Kamloops, 127 km south, offers a convenient urban stop with lakes and railway heritage. Jasper, 317 km to the northeast, provides access to the central Rockies. Sun Peaks, a mountain resort between Kamloops and Clearwater, rounds out winter offerings. To further explore Canada's wilderness, Banff National Park is another Rockies essential, while Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland offers a unique geological experience on the opposite coast.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Wells Gray fits naturally into a circuit through Western Canada's major parks, between Vancouver, the Rockies and Alberta. To build a custom itinerary including this park and other natural spaces across the country, explore our Canada travel packages.