Thompson. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Wells Gray Trail Report [PDF] (July 8, 2024)
- For information on staying safe around bears, see the wildlife safety page
- As a result of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation, there are numerous dead trees in the marine camping areas of Murtle Lake. While efforts are ongoing to remove many of the tree hazards at these campsites, we still require you to do your part. When choosing a site please take time to look at the trees and their condition.
- Campsite locations should be chosen with care. Tents and canoes should be placed a safe distance from potential deadfall. Use extra caution choosing campsites in windy conditions.
Special notes
- Operation of snowmobiles is not permitted in the park unless granted under special exception by a park official.
- Operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs) is not permitted in the park unless granted special exception by a park official.
- Horse use is permitted in many areas of the park.
- Personal watercraft (for example, seadoos) are not permitted on Clearwater and Azure Lakes.
Commercial recreation opportunities
In addition to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided hiking, rafting, and canoe tours).
Please note: The links below are provided for your interest only. The Ministry of Environment and BC Parks do not manage or maintain any of the following websites, nor are we responsible for any of the content contained within.
- Park activities
- Park activities and training
- Park activities and accommodation
Group tours in Wells Gray Park day-use area
BC Parks does not require guiding companies to have a permit if they are stopping at short term day-use spots in the corridor. Following are the listed day-use locations where a commercial company may stop with their clients without a park-use permit: Spahats Falls (viewing platform and Shaden), Green Mountain Viewing Tower, Majerus Hut, Dawson Falls, Helmcken Falls, Red Springs, Ray Farm (to farm meadow only), and Bailey’s Chute (to viewing platform only).
Commercially guiding clients in all other areas in Wells Gray Park requires a valid park-use permit.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Reservation policies
Get information on:
Maps and location
- Overall Park Map [PDF] (June 2008)
- Park Map – Clearwater/Azure Marine [PDF]
- Lower Clearwater Lake Trails and Campgrounds [PDF]
- Pyramid Campground Map [PDF]
- Park Map – Corridor Area [PDF]
- Park Map – Green Mountain and Flatiron Area [PDF]
- Clearwater/Azure Marine Guide Brochure [PDF]
- Corridor Brochure – English [PDF] or German [PDF]
- Mahood Lake Brochure [PDF]
- Murtle Lake Marine Guide Brochure and Map [PDF] (May 2017)
- Trophy Mountain Brochure [PDF]
- Bear Information Brochure – English and German Version [PDF]
- Park Brochure [PDF]
Getting there
The park can be accessed off Highway 5 at Clearwater or turn off Highway 97 at 100 Mile House. Murtle Lake is accessed off Highway 5 at Blue River. For more details, see detail pages for various areas of the park.
The rest of Wells Gray Park is not accessible from Mahood Lake.
The nearest reservable campground to Wells Gray attractions is at North Thompson River Park.
Camping
Backcountry camping
This park offers backcountry camping.
When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.
Backcountry areas
Cabins and huts
There are a few rustic public cabins in the park. These facilities are intended for emergency use and are not regularly maintained.
Frontcountry camping
This park offers vehicle-accessible camping on a first come, first served basis and campsite reservations are also accepted.
Clearwater Lake, Falls Creek, and Mahood Lake Campgrounds
- Camping fee: $23 per party per night
- BC senior’s rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $11.50 per senior party per night. Read the camping fees page for information on senior camping discounts
Pyramid Campground
- Camping fee: $20 per party per night
- BC senior’s rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10 per senior party per night. Read the camping fees page for information on senior camping discounts
Frontcountry campgrounds
Group camping
There are two reservable group campsites 20 metres from the beach at Mahood Lake. The sites include picnic tables, outhouses, and water taps.
Youth group camping charges per night are:
- $1 per person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum
Regular group camping charges per night are:
- The base rate for the site, which is $20 per group site per night, plus;
- $5 per adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus;
- $1 per child (6–15).
- Children under 6 camp free.
See the group camping page for more information.
Groupsites
Marine-accessible camping
Backountry camping, accessible by boat only, is allowed in each of the below campgrounds. These sites each have a food cache, a pit toilet, and a fire rings. Some have picnic tables.
- Azure Lake: Access to these sites by boat only. Four camping areas with a total of 21 tent sites.
- Clearwater Lake: Access to these sites by boat only. 12 camping areas with a total of 33 tent sites.
- Mahood Lake: There are three user-maintained lakeshore sites that are accessible only by boat. No fees are collected at these sites.
- Murtle Lake: Access to these sites by canoe only. There are 69 sites. No combustible motors on this lake.
Camping fee: $5 per person per night (age 6+)
The BC Parks backcountry permit registration service allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although this does not reserve a campsite, it provides the convenience of prepaying for your trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field.
Fees can also be deposited at self-registration fee stations.
For your safety, even if you have pre-paid your camping fees, please fill out a registration form with your name and the colour of your canoe or kayak upon arriving at the park. Please add a copy of your camping permit to the envelope.
You also need to carry a copy of the permit on your body while you are in the park.
So, if you have pre-paid online, print two copies of your permit and bring them with you.
When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.
Things to do
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Lakeshore trailheads lead to stunning views of lesser known waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking the lake.
- Corridor Area: There are a variety of short hikes available.
- Mahood Lake: Easy, short trails to Mahood, Canim, Deception Falls, and Whale Lake.
- Spahats Creek: An easy walk to a viewing platform provides spectacular views of Spahats Falls and the canyon where Spahats Creek has cut through layers of volcanic rock. The shaded viewing platform also provides a view of Clearwater River corridor.
- Wells Gray Trail Report [PDF]
Trail updates will be posted in the know before you go section. For your own safety and for the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
There are swimming opportunities in the park.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Most lakes, rivers, and streams are glacier fed and the water is icy cold all year.
- Corridor area: Most lakes, rivers, and streams are glacier fed and the water is icy cold all year.
- Mahood Lake: Has 220 metres of beach and shelving foreshore.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking.
- Murtle Lake: Only canoeists and kayakers are allowed on this lake.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine and corridor area: A number of companies provide guided trips. Contact the Wells Gray Park Information Centre for more information. Canoeists heading for Azure must use a 0.5km portage.
- Mahood Lake: Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available.
Kayaking opportunities are available at Murtle Lake and Mahood Lake.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Rainbow trout has been found at either end of both lakes as well as Barella Creek and Angus Horne Creek.
- Corridor area: Refer to the current BC Environment Fishing Regulations Synopsis.
- Mahood Lake: Contains rainbow, lake trout, kokanee, whitefish, and burbot.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Find fun summer outdoor learning experiences with Discover Parks Ambassadors here all summer long. For specific dates, along with many more seasonal and year-round activities, visit discoverparks.ca.
Wells Gray Park, sponsored by the BC Conservation Corps, the Federation of BC Naturalists, park operators, and BC Parks, may offer interpretive programs in the summer.
With a large variety of habitats and ecosystems, Wells Gray Park provides exceptional wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities. You may see black bears in the spring, Chinook salmon during the autumn, and wolves and moose during the winter months.
Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
In the corridor area, there are specific trails open to mountain bikers. Ask for details at the Wells Gray information centre.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on any trails within Wells Gray Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Horse use is permitted in many areas of the park. All trails authorized for horse use will be marked by an appropriate sign at the trail heads.
In areas of the park used by commercial park use permit holders offering horseback riding opportunities, horseback riding is allowed for the public without additional authorization. These trails include the Flat Iron, Hemp Creek Canyon Lands, Hoodoo Rim Trail, Green Mountain, White Horse Bluffs, Tote Road, Still Water, Majerus, Blackwater, and Bee Farm.
The Green Mountain trail system in the corridor area is also open for horse use.
Some other areas in the park are open for horse use through a Letter of Authorization process. These areas include, but are not limited to, Battle Mountain, Table Mountain, and Pyramid Trail to upper Murtle River.
Those wishing to access these areas by horse must contact the Area Supervisor responsible for Wells Gray at the Ministry of Environment office in Kamloops at 250-371-6200.
A Letter of Authorization, if issued, will be issued from the regional office and will contain any additional restrictions or requirements necessary in order to access those areas of the park. There is no fee for a Letter of Authorization.
Hunting is permitted within Wells Gray Park. Please refer to current British Columbia Hunting Regulations for seasons and bag limits.
Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
There are backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in various areas of the park. There are groomed cross-country ski trails in the Majerus Farm area.
Operation of snowmobiles is not permitted in the park unless granted under special exception by a park official.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:
Mahood Lake boat launch
There are opportunities for boat launching.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: There is a boat launch located at the end of Wells Gray Park Road, near the southern end of Clearwater Lake. It is paved and gravel maintained.
- Corridor area: The boat launch is located at the end of Wells Gray Park Road, near the southern end of Clearwater Lake.
- Mahood Lake: There is a paved boat launch. If parking overnight, advise the park operator of your return time.
Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.
Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Cold-water taps are located in certain areas of the park.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Boil or otherwise purify lake or creek water. No drinking water provided.
- Corridor area: Water is not provided in the day-use areas.
- Mahood Lake: Water is not provided in the day-use area.
- Spahats Creek: Cold-water taps are located throughout the park.
This park offers day-use picnic areas.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Campsites closest to the boat launch are popular with day-use visitors for picnic sites.
- Corridor area: There are 10 day-use areas, with a number of picnic tables at each. Campfires are not permitted in the picnic area.
- Mahood Lake: There is parking for approximately 40 vehicles in the day-use area. Campfires are not permitted and water is not provided.
- Spahats Creek: There is parking for approximately 40 vehicles in the day-use area at the Clearwater Valley viewpoint.
There are flush toilets located at Spahats day-use area. The rest of the park has pit toilets only.
Mahood Lake has an excellent adventure playground for small children, a large grassy playing field for ball games, and a horseshoe pit adjacent to the campground.
A sani-station is available during the collecting season. It is in the corridor area and located across the north end of Falls Creek Campground.
Sani-station use fee: $5 per discharge
About this park
Established November 28, 1939, the park was named for the Honourable Arthur Wellsley Gray, Minister of Lands for British Columbia from 1933 to 1941. As a result of the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan, several land additions have been incorporated into Wells Gray Park. These include the Clearwater River Corridor Addition of 3100ha and the Trophy Mountain addition of 6934ha, both designated in April 1996.
Wells Gray Park offers a variety of topographical features. Extinct volcanoes, lava beds, mineral springs, and glaciers are just a few of the wondrous natural attractions at the park. A number of spectacular waterfalls also exist, including the famous Helmcken and Dawson Falls. Dense forest cover characterizes the lower elevations, with excellent examples of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock.
Wells Gray is noted for a wide variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bear, wolf, cougar, lynx, bobcat, wolverine, moose, deer, mountain goat, caribou, plus a host of smaller mammals such as fisher, marten, mink, weasel, and squirrel.
A wide variety of waterfowl, although not numerous, can also be found in the park. The bird checklist notes 219 species.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd. |
| Visitor centre | There is a Visitor Information Centre in Clearwater. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
