Wells Gray Provincial Park has around 41 waterfalls and incredible scenery. The park has a road that winds up a mountain, offering breathtaking views at various points. The road is paved until a certain point, after which it becomes gravel.
Many visitors stop at the end of the paved road and miss out on Clearwater Lake. That’s because there are so many viewpoints on the paved part, and you can see them all in just one day! Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of a day in Wells Gray Provincial Park!
Lykkers, if you're up for it, there are some campgrounds and places to stay along the road. It's perfect if you want to stretch your trip into a couple of days of adventure or simply camp surrounded by amazing scenery.
<b>Tip:</b> Drive all the way up the hill to the end of the paved road (Helmcken Falls), then stop at each viewpoint on your way back down the mountain.
<h3>Here's the basic info:</h3>
1. Clearwater, BC is the nearest town.
2. No entry fees!
3. Highlights include waterfalls, beautiful nature, scenic views, and great hiking trails.
4. You'll need your own vehicle because there's no public transportation.
5. Make sure you fill up your gas tank in Clearwater because there's no gas available in the park.
6. Important: There's no cell service! Download offline maps or grab a paper map at the visitor center before you go in.
7. Remember, you can't fly drones in Canadian Provincial Parks without a commercial license.
<h3>1. Helmcken Falls</h3>
Helmcken Falls is the tallest and most famous waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park, and it's the fourth tallest in Canada! You can drive right to the viewpoint at the end of the paved road, and let us tell you, it's absolutely amazing!! The falls are stunning in both summer and winter. If you go in winter, you'll see this really cool cone of snow that forms around the base of the falls – it's definitely something to add to your Canadian bucket list!
There's a good-sized parking lot with outhouses nearby. From Parking lot to the falls need about 1 to 1.5 hours.
<h3>2. Trophy Mountain</h3>
Trophy Mountain offers a fantastic viewpoint, with a short hiking trail leading to meadows where you can explore the mountain. It's a great hike, about 3.3 km one way to reach the meadows, and another 2 km to reach the lake, with an altitude gain of about 1,500 feet.
Note: Trophy Mountain is situated on a side hill. On hot days, the descent from the viewpoint can be tough on your brakes, so exercise caution! Don't forget to bring bug spray with you.
<h3>3. Stop for Icecream in Clearwater</h3>
Stop by <b>the Hungry Hiker Café</b> in Clearwater, located right on the road to Wells Gray. After soaking in the scenery and nature, swing by here for a cone of your favorite ice cream flavor or a satisfying meal.
It's a cute little spot with top-notch food! They serve sandwiches on freshly made soft buns, homemade fries that are amazing, and specialty coffees. Expect to spend around CA$10 to CA$20 per person.
That wraps it up for today! Dear Lykkers, take care, and we'll catch you next time. Looking forward to exploring more exciting places together!
Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions you have with us!
