A Guide to Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park is home to some of the best waterfalls in British Columbia, Canada. In this Wells Gray Provincial Park travel guide, we share the best things to do, such as hiking, rafting, or fishing, and we also give you tips on the best waterfalls to see, where to stay or how to get.
Like most first-time visitors to Canada, we also planned to spend our time mostly in the famous Canadian Rockies. But as flight tickets from Europe to either Calgary or Edmonton were outrageously overpriced, we chose a different way.
We landed in Seattle, USA, rented a car, crossed the border to Canada, visited Vancouver, hiked in Garibaldi Lake Provincial Park, and then traveled in the direction of the Rockies.
This is actually how we ended up in Wells Gray Provincial Park, and it was also one of the reasons why we were at the end of our trip, grateful that we were forced to take this detour.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is often nicknamed Land of Waterfalls and soon enough you'll see why.
This large wilderness park has 41 named waterfalls, and it is certainly not unknown, especially among locals and travelers who love unspoiled nature and the possibility to get off the beaten path, but the truth is that international visitors usually do not have this area on their road trip itinerary.
We almost made the common mistake, but as we were on the way to Mount Robson Provincial Park and wanted to reach Jasper the same day, we decided to stretch our legs, and signs along the way led us to Gray Wells Provincial Park.
To put it mildly, Wells Gray Provincial Park caught us by surprise.
Once we parked our car, we forgot about the tiredness and the fact that we had no idea that this park even existed only a few moments ago.
We felt lucky we came across the land famous for an insane number of waterfalls, hiking trails, rafting options, and fishing.
Hadn't this visit been completely spontaneous, we would have probably stayed longer, but it was not the case.
Hopefully, this travel guide will help you to plan your trip to Wells Gray Provincial Park better. The most popular waterfalls are easily accessible, and the walk on boardwalks to the viewpoints is totally doable.
We've put together tips on how to get, when to visit and activities you can do in the park.
HOW TO GET TO WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Getting to Wells Gray Provincial Park is super-easy, especially if you have a car. The most famous waterfalls are about 50 kilometers from Clearwater township, and the whole trip took us about 2.5 hours, including driving.
The traditional base for visiting the park is Kamloops, which is a bit further away but offers more accommodation options.
We traveled to Wells Gray Provincial Park by rental car and were on our way from Whistler to Banff National Park via Jasper National Park.
To get to the park, no matter if you travel in the same or the opposite direction as we did, you need to get onto Highway 5, alias Southern Yellowhead Highway.
This road took us directly to Clearwater's center, where we had a quick lunch and went inside the Visitors Center.
We recommend you this short stop because the information center is all about the waterfalls and activities you can do in the area, and it will give you valuable insight into local flora, fauna, and geology.
In Clearwater, turn onto Clearwater Valley Road, which will take you deeper to the park and parking lots, from where the top waterfalls are easily accessible.
THINGS TO DO
Wells Gray Provincial Park is vast, and when you don't intend to spend a night in the park and visit more remote areas, the best way to explore it is to follow Wells Gray Corridor.
All top natural attractions in the corridor are easily accessible. It is usually only a short detour off the Clearwater Valley Road.
In the list below, we've put together the three waterfalls we visited in the area during the limited time we had.
Of course, as we've already mentioned, there are tens of waterfalls, so your possibilities are almost endless. It is only good to know that some of the falls are deeper in the park, and to reach them; you should have at least some backcountry skills.
SPAHATS CREEK FALLS
The very photogenic falls drop 80 meters down from Spahats Creek into the Clearwater River.
Falls cascade from a keyhole in a rock face, and the rock formations surrounding the waterfall were created by numerous volcanic eruptions approximately 300 000 years ago. It took another 100 000 years for Clearwater River to begin cutting its shape to the lava.
During the Pleistocene, magma was scraped away by icefields, and when the ice finally melted, the floods carved the canyon.
Spahats Creek Falls is the first stop along Clearwater Valley Road, only 10 km from the visitor center.
Turn left off from the main road and then walk 250 meters to the viewing platform.
Spahats is a term for bear in the First Nation Language, and for some time, Spahats Falls was known as Bear Creek Falls, but because there are so many Bear Creeks in British Columbia (almost as many as bears in BC), to avoid confusion, it was decided to use the Aboriginal name as the official one.
HELMCKEN FALLS
Helmcken Falls is probably the most iconic waterfall in the Wells Gray Provincial Park. This site is the best example of the power of nature, and thanks to the easy accessibility, it is one of the most visited waterfalls in the park.
Its height is 141 meters which makes it the fourth largest waterfall in Canada. If you have enjoyed Athabasca Falls along the Icefields Parkway, wait until you see Helmcken Falls.
Helmcken Falls' importance can be documented by the fact that the whole park was created just to protect it. We visited this waterfall in late summer, but don't hesitate to stop here if you travel in the wintertime.
We've found amazing pictures of the frozen 141 meters high cone of water from the winter months, which must be quite impressive to see with your own eyes.
To get to Helmcken Falls, turn left off the main road 42 km from the visitor center. You get to the side road and just follow it as it ends at the parking lot area.
DAWSON FALLS
Dawson Falls is only a few kilometers before Helmcken Falls, but its appearance is entirely different.
To get to a viewing platform, you must take a flat trail via a forested walk, and in about 10 minutes, you'll reach the falls. The flat walking trail is suitable for families with small kids.
Dawson Falls is sometimes nicknamed Little Niagara Falls. It is 90 meters wide, 20 meters high, and the loud roar of running down water is deafening.
ACTIVITIES IN WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Visiting numerous sites and seeing waterfalls in the park was amazing. Still, we know some of our readers might be interested in more adventurous activities because visiting the waterfalls we've mentioned above is not very demanding. However, it is, in our opinion, rewarding.
If road-tripping is not your thing or you want to break the journey, Wells Gray Park might have up in the sleeve an activity you're looking for.
HIKING
The park features about 250 kilometers of hiking trails. Some of them are short, a few-hours or full day hikes, but the network is well-connected, and you can basically create your own trip and spend in the wilderness as many days as you like.
The only condition is to plan your multi-day hike carefully so you'll always finish the day in the hut, and you'll have a place to spend the night, and you should also have some backcountry skills.
Hiking in Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the best ways to disconnect from the outside world and escape the crowds.
For the trail conditions and suggestions, we recommend visiting the information center before your trip.
RAFTING
Wells Gray Provincial Park is a destination where water is never too far away, and this fact reflects on the number of activities in the area. One of the most popular things to do is rafting on the Clearwater River.
The river offers adventure for all skill levels, from Class I to Class VI rapids.
This activity requires a well-trained guide, so if you would like to include this activity in your itinerary, check out this well-rated Clearwater River Rafting Tour.
If you do not prefer to be part of the group or you're a solo traveler, consider Tandem Whitewater Kayaking Tour.
CANOEING
Canoeing is one of the most popular British Columbia activities, a region boasting numerous lakes surrounded by thick forests and mountains.
If your dream is to spend some time on a lake that reflects the scenery around, canoeing on the Clearwater Lake might be the right option for you.
Renting a canoe or kayak at Clear Water Lake is not exactly cheap, but at least it is affordable compared to prices in the Canadian Rockies.
You can rent a canoe/kayak for $75/$90 per day in Wells Gray Park. The important word in this sentence is 'per day'.
When canoeing on Maligne Lake, Lake Louise, or Moraine Lake in the Rockies, you pay the same price not per day but per hour!
FISHING
If you love fishing in your home country, you might be interested in this alternative as well.
Admittedly, fishing is the most popular among locals because the license is required, but you can certainly arrange it and stay in the park for several days, enjoying a tranquil atmosphere.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
This park is a paradise for outdoor lovers, so it is clear the list of things to do could go on and on. It is possible to watch wildlife here (from a safe distance), take a scenic flight, go paragliding, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is a place that satisfies families with kids or tough hikers, which is why this region's popularity increases every year.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter in Canada is a quiet season, and tourism during this period slows down as well. Still, we think that with careful planning (and creating several backup itineraries in case roads are blocked by snow), winter is a magical time.
Fortunately, Wells Gray Park is opened all-year-round, so in case you're well-experienced, you can enjoy here cross-country skiing, snowshoeing ice fishing, and much more.
Waterfalls between December and March look completely different, and you might consider taking Frozen Waterfalls Tour to enjoy this unique experience safely.
WHERE TO STAY
You have several options on where to stay before or after visiting the waterfalls in Wells Gray Park, and it all depends on your itinerary and what time you reach the park's entrance.
The traditional gateway to the park is Kamloops town that offers many accommodation choices, but you can stay directly in Clearwater.
If you visit the park early, it is possible to continue as far as Whistler or in the other direction to Mount Robson or even Jasper.
We've hand-selected the best hotels in locations you might consider as a base for exploring the park.
Clearwater | Jasper Way Inn - This affordable accommodation offers spacious and clean rooms and a perfect location on the lake's shore, so you can easily spend here a few days and relax.
Kamloops | The Plaza Hotel a Trademark Collection by Wyndham - Excellent location, spacious rooms, helpful staff, and tasty breakfast. Great value for money, plus the park is less than an hour away.
Jasper | Whistler's Inn - One of Jasper's most traditional lodgings has an atmosphere that will take you back to in time. The hotel's location is within walking distance to the town's center, and the staff will help plan your day if you're overwhelmed by the number of hiking options.
Whistler | Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler - Beautifully appointed rooms, short walking distance from Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, outdoor pool, and hot tub are the main reasons to stay here.
Valemount | Super 8 by Wyndham Valemount - Conveniently located on Highway 5, this motel is close to Mount Robson Provincial Park, and it is also within driving distance from Wells Gray Park.
SAFETY
Wells Gray Provincial Park is a safe place if you follow a few simple rules.
First of all, if you plan on hiking, do not overestimate your backcountry skills, be well-prepared, pack quality gear, and always tell someone your plans. This is even more important if your trip takes place in the winter.
If you walk only to the waterfalls near parking lots, remember that you walk through a fragile area, and always follow designated trails, and never try to take a better photo outside the viewing platform as there's a high risk of falling.
Last but not least, the park is home to bears, and although wildlife watching is a popular activity, your safety should always be a priority.
Always keep your distance, never approach wildlife deliberately, and for peace in mind, carry bear spray. We hope you won't have to use it, but it was a thing we never left our car without.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
BEST TIME TO VISIT WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
As you can see, the region is accessible to visitors year-round thanks to well-maintained trails for hiking (summer) and cross-country skiing (winter).
Still, it is necessary to carefully think through all pros and cons for every season because the conditions can be rough.
Undoubtedly, the best time for planning the trip is summer, between June and September, when temperatures are higher, days longer, although be prepared that the weather in the mountains can change anytime. Plus the waterfalls are still powerful.
Autumn brings colorful leaves and new photo opportunities, and although the level of water flowing in the waterfalls is lower, October and the beginning of November are still popular months, especially if you want to avoid seasonal visitors.
The least popular time in the park is winter. During this time, the area belongs mostly to locals who love snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Waterfalls are often frozen, so you'll get a completely different experience and photo ops.
The weather in spring can turn either way, but once the snow and ice start melting, the waterfalls become powerful and depending on how long and tough in the winter, they are at their best in late April and in May.
Trails can be muddy, and it is still cold for kayaking or rafting, although good equipment can open up these possibilities too.
WHAT TO PACK
The packing list for visiting Wells Gray Provincial Park can be diametrally different for every traveler, depending on if you plan on hiking in the wilderness or if you'll follow our footsteps and visit only the top waterfalls along the way.
Still, there are a few items every traveler should need in the daypack.
Bug repellent is one thing you should not leave in the car, especially if you go camping, but even the short stroll can be a nightmare if you do not use the bug spray.
For walking on boardwalks, you need sneakers; hiking boots are necessary only for hiking. Pack a rain jacket, same as a down jacket as it can be cold in the forest.
The weather can be pretty unpredictable, pack a rain poncho, and you should always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is exceptionally photogenic and is crammed full of breathtaking photo locations, so pack your trusty mirrorless camera.
One piece of photography equipment that we highly recommend for photographing waterfalls is a sturdy tripod.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
