Road Tripping Through Wells Gray Park
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of central British Columbia, Wells Gray Provincial Park is a wilderness escape that will delight every nature-lover. During a summer road trip, I had the chance to explore this gem briefly, and the experience already has me adding it to next year's itinerary.
Road trips mean less time to explore an area, so there is much of Wells Gray that I have yet to experience. This summer's adventure included a 3-day/2-night stopover in Wells Gray Provincial Park. I was drawn by the incredible descriptions and images I have seen of the Park.
My summer road trip took me through the Rocky Mountain Parks, including rejuvenating hot spring soaks and visits to Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Yoho/Banff, Jasper, and Rocky Mountain House National Parks. I drove through Mt. Robson Provincial Park on my way to Wells Gray Park (click links for more information on each). I had a few weeks to make my way north, where I was meeting a friend, so I decided to take the long route to Prince George, which would pass right by Wells Gray.
Table of Contents
Getting There
Getting to Wells Gray Park from major metropolitan areas in British Columbia and Alberta involves different transportation options, including road trips, flights, and some limited public transit. Your best option is to have a vehicle, whether you drive your own or rent one.
If you are on a road trip, consider renting a campervan or RV. Check out my post on renting a campervan or RV in Metro Vancouver for tips and hints.
Road trippers Routes
The main entrance to Wells Gray Park is via Clearwater, and is located just off Highway 5 (the Yellowhead Highway). From Clearwater, you follow Clearwater Valley Road (the main Parkway) north to the park entrance.
From Vancouver, the 478 km journey will take about 6 hours if you follow Highway 1 and Hwy 5. The 315 km journey from Prince George will take about 4 hours if you follow Hwy 97, 26, and 5. When travelling from Jasper, the journey on Hwy 16 and 5 is about 318 km or 4 hours long. If coming from Calgary, drivers will follow Hwy 1 west and Hwy 5 north from Kamloops.
Closest Airports
The closest airports to Wells Gray Park are in Kamloops (120km from Clearwater), Prince George (315 km), and Kelowna (171 km). From these airports, travellers must book ground transportation or rent a vehicle.
Public Transportation
There are limited public transportation options to Wells Gray Park. BC Bus North runs between Kamloops and Prince George, stopping in Clearwater. However, service is infrequent, so checking the schedule in advance is crucial.
There are no direct train routes to Wells Gray Park, but you can take VIA Rail to Kamloops or Jasper and connect via road transport.
The Town of Clearwater
Located in the center of the Thompson-Nicola region in British Columbia, Clearwater is a delightful small outfitter town that acts as the entrance to Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of the province's most unspoiled wilderness areas. With its backdrop of rugged mountains, picturesque waterfalls, and lush forests, Clearwater is a paradise for those who appreciate nature.
Clearwater has a long history of logging and farming, and the introduction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1900s was crucial to its growth. Presently, the town's population is slightly above 2,000, and it prides itself on being a tight-knit community renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and passion for outdoor activities.
Pick Up Supplies
When it comes to daily necessities, Clearwater has several grocery options. The Buy-Low is a popular choice, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and pantry staples. For those seeking organic or specialty products, try to be in town on Saturday for their weekly market, which features a selection of local and natural foods alongside fresh-baked goods and snacks for on-the-go adventures.
Restaurants
Clearwater boasts some great local dining eateries. Hop N Hog Tap & Smokehouse is a must-visit, known for its delicious smoked meats and craft beers, while The Painted Turtle Restaurant offers more casual dining with stunning views of Dutch Lake.
Town Accommodations
Visitors can choose from cozy lodges to rustic campgrounds for accommodations in town. Dutch Lake Resort and RV Park offers picturesque cabins and campsites right by the lake, and Clearwater Lodge provides more traditional hotel comforts with modern amenities. No matter where you stay, Clearwater's serene surroundings promise a relaxing retreat from the bustle of urban life.
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Park was established in 1939. Named after Arthur Wellesley Gray, a renowned British fur trader, the Park's legacy is deeply rooted in its Indigenous heritage. The Simpcw (SEEMP-ah) and Tsq'escen' (She-KWE-pem) people have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
With over 5,000 square km of alpine wilderness, it's a unique landscape with more than 42 named waterfalls, a range of hikes to suit every adventurer's dream, paddling and mountain biking opportunities galore, and simply stunning landscapes. Winter activities include an extensive network of cross-country ski trails.
Be aware that there is no cellular connection in the Park. Download all maps, carry a compass, and be mindful of the weather. Cellular service and WiFi are available at the Visitor Centre in Clearwater. Campsites inside the Park are forested, making even a Starlink connection difficult.
Park Accommodations
With well-maintained campgrounds and cozy cabins, Wells Gray Park provides a range of accommodation options for visitors. Whether you prefer camping under the stars or unwinding in a rustic cabin, the Park's accommodations cater to every adventurer's needs. Check out accommodations on the Well Gray Park website
Campers wanting a more resort-like camping experience will want to book their site at Clearwater Lake campsite. This campsite is at the end of the Parkway on the edge of Clearwater Lake. With tent, serviced, and non-serviced sites, as well as some cabins, there is a range of options available for campers. Visitors will have a pampered camping experience with boat rentals, tour operators, a coffee and snack shop, and other amenities.
I stayed at Pyramid Campground, about halfway along the Parkway. Pyramid is a basic campground with pit toilets, potable water, and private forested sites. Travellers who do not make reservations in advance will be more likely to find a spot at Pyramid rather than at Clearwater Lake.
Wells Gray Parkway Drive
Very little of Wells Gray Park is accessible by road. Most of the Park is accessed by trails and unpaved tracks. Experienced backcountry hikers will find a wide range of single—and multi-day hikes. Most roads and tracks require a 4-wheel drive vehicle with an experienced driver. Visit the Visitor Centre in Clearwater for maps, road advice, and other great suggestions.
The main park drive offers a scenic journey through Wells Gray Park on a paved road that hits enough highlights for a 2-3 day visit. For travellers just passing through, dedicate a whole day to driving along the main road and stopping at the outstanding trails and waterways. If you have more time, stay for a few days to discover some of the trails and waterfalls further off the road.
Triple Decker Falls is a short 15-minute moderate paved trail with a short trail. It begins from the North Parking Lot and includes one section that is quite steep. At the beginning of the trail, there is a sign warning that it is steep. Bring your hiking poles or grab one that is leaning on the sign. Good shoes or hiking boots are recommended.
Candle Creek Falls is located along the same trail as Triple Decker Falls. This trail spans just over 2 km and typically takes hikers around an hour to traverse. The challenge begins at approximately the 1 km mark as you approach Candle Creek Falls. This is the steepest incline of the entire hike. Look for the ropes to help haul your body up or slow it down. Unfortunately, the ropes don't extend all the way, so the top section will require a bit of a scramble.
Spahats Creek Falls Viewpoint is a very short (300m, 5 min) and easy trail to a waterfall and river canyon viewing platform. The sound of the rushing water can be heard at the trailhead and grows louder with each step. This waterfall may not be as high as Helmcken Falls or as broad as Dawson Falls, but it has its own beauty. Watch from the viewing platform as Spahats Falls plunges through a keyhole in the rock face 80 metres into the Clearwater River below.
Moul Falls/McDiarmid Falls This trail includes two waterfalls, but the second (McDiarmid) has challenging terrain and is best left for very experienced hikers. I followed this advice and only did the first section. The first waterfall, Moul Fall, is a more moderate-level 3km trail. When the water level is lower in late summer, it is possible to walk behind the falls. A group of people enjoyed the cool spray from the water while I was visiting.
Helmcken Falls is the crown jewel of the Park's waterfalls. At a towering height of 141 meters, it is a sight to behold. The thundering waters create a misty spectacle of the sheer power of nature. During the summer months, visitors will feel the spray on their faces. In the winter, an ice cone is formed at the bottom of the falls.
The Waterfalls Rim Trail is a moderate 4 km (1.5 hr) trail. It can get narrow and does not have safety rails, so if you choose this trail, watch children and pets. Alternatively, drive to the Viewpoint trailhead and take a 5-minute stroll to the viewing platform.
Dawson Falls is my favourite waterfall along Parkway. It is not a high cascade but lower and broader. This is another easy (800m, 10 min) trail to the Murtle River viewing area. Here, you can get close to the falls and feel the water's power as it flows over rock ledges. This is also a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic.
Horseshoe Falls Trail is a 10km (one way), 2.5-hour trail rated as moderate. It is one of the seven waterfalls along the Murtle River, starting at the Pyramid Campground. The first waterfall on this trail is Majerus Falls, which bursts through a walled gorge. Another 4 km along the trail is Horseshoe Falls, which is where I turned around. Continue along the trail to find Meadow Falls and four other falls along the route.
Norman's Eddy Trail was a bit disappointing when I visited. The trail is a short, well-marked, and maintained trail that runs through a forested area to the edge of the Clearwater River. The eddy was not very visible in early summer. I took the trail because one of the park rangers told me it was an excellent place for wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, he didn't tell the wildlife.
Clearwater Lake & Falls is at the end of the Parkway, and it is also the location of the only RV campsite in the Park. The lake is beautiful, and you can arrange rafting tours, canoe rentals, or set out on numerous hikes. I urge you to explore the water in Wells Gray Park, so plan to bring a paddleboard, rent a canoe, or book a tour to take you to the hidden delights in the Park. There are few things as wonderful as paddling in the Canadian wilderness.
I did the Osprey Falls/Clearwater Lake Lookout Trail (8.25 km/2.5 hours), which includes the Osprey Lookout, Chain Meadows Lake, Easter Bluffs, and the Clearwater Lake Viewpoint. The trail is rated moderate and has several steep sections on narrow cliff-edge paths.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Wells Gray Park was unforgettable and left a lasting impression on my soul. For those seeking an escape into the heart of British Columbia's untamed beauty, Wells Gray Park promises adventure, serenity, the joy of discovering nature in its rawest form, and awe at the power of water.
If you are enjoying the content and would like to be kept up to date with new posts become a member/subscribe (it's free!) and follow along on the RamblynJazz Facebook page, Facebook Group, Twitter, and Instagram. You can help the blog to grow by sharing the link with a travelling friend or through social media. I truly appreciate your comments and encourage you to share your thoughts below.
As a big fan of bread, I must say those prices are quite steep! Like the waterfalls in the area lol ;-) Do they charge that much for bread in Canada? or just particular in Prince George? But putting the bread aside, I felt your excitement visiting Wells Gray Park and for some summertime downtime. These are impressive list of waterfalls and merit an afternoon idyll #flyingbaguette
Jan - https://flyingbaguette.com/
Look at those pretty waterfalls. I'm just itching to get up here and visit some of them, and do some of those hikes too - both short and maybe multi day. The no cell service at the lake is just the icing on the cake for a proper digital detox trip. I haven't visited Wells Gray yet but I'm forming a plan in my head as I write this
Your photography is so impressive. The shot of Dawson Falls is breathtaking! It also captures the true beauty of that part of the continent. I like that the nearby area also has grocery stores, restaurants and lodges. I love nature, but I like to also have a lifeline just in case. I like how you wrote out your trip in a chronological way, but it still felt like a story. Very well done. Also, I agree with your last point, take a moment, sit down and take it all in. You never know if and when you'll be back again.
I can understand why you wanted to make your way to Wells Grey! Over 40 waterfalls is quite impressive. I would imagine the hiking is gorgeous there! Spahats waterfalls looks really unique since it's in a canyon. Which waterfall was your favorite?
wow what a wonderful post for waterfall fans like me! Once again Canada does not disappoint with its natural charms and Wells Gray Park is a good example of this.
The Horseshoe Falls Trail certainly caught my attention, what a spectacular waterfall. Angela | Blonde Around The World Travel -