In This Park
Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
BC Visitor Information Centre (Clearwater)
Wells Gray Provincial Park: Clearwater/Azure Marine
About This Park
From a boat launch at the south end of Clearwater Lake, canoeists, kayakers, and motor-boaters can access 16 campsites, 3 backcountry trailheads, fish for rainbow trout, and admire some of the many spectacular waterfalls for which Wells Gray is famous. Each lake is approximately 22 km long, with Clearwater running north/south and Azure east/west. Canoeists use the 500 m portage between the lakes; a minimum 9.9 hp motor is required to navigate the river channel. Boat tours and guided canoeing trips are available.
Park Size: 540,000 hectares in the Cariboo Mountains
Know Before You Go
Special Notes
- Personal Watercraft (i.e. Seadoos) are not permitted on Clearwater and Azure Lakes.
- In emergencies, contact the Park Facility Operator whose residence is located near Clearwater Lake Campground, south of the boat launch. PFO staff patrol both lakes daily.
- The nearest public telephone is at Helmcken Falls Lodge, 35 km south of the boat launch.
- Excessive noise is not permitted at any time. Please be considerate and observe the quiet time from 10 pm to 7 am.
Stay Safe
- Please use caution; watch for debris or floating logs on the lake.
- The outlet of Clearwater Lake has a swift current and terminates over a waterfall. Obey the “no boating” signs and stay clear of the southern end of Clearwater Lake. First-time visitors should check the map at the boat launch to learn the safe boating channel.
- When water levels decrease in late summer, the boating channel between Clearwater and Azure Lakes becomes very shallow. Motor-boaters must exercise caution, and turn back if necessary.
- Clearwater and Azure Lakes are subject to short, violent storms with high winds and large waves. Never try to out-run a storm, but beach until it is safe to continue.
Location
From Hwy #5 at Clearwater, drive north on the Wells Gray Park Road for 71 km (43 paved, 28 gravel) to the boat launch.
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Very popular, with rental canoes available at the boat launch on Clearwater Lake. A number of companies offer guided trips on Clearwater and Azure Lakes. Contact the Wells Gray Information Centre at 250 587-2090 for more information.
Canoeists heading for Azure must use a 0.5 km portage. The portage has numerous stairs and sections of boardwalk and is not suitable for canoe carts. As the south access to the portage lies within the river channel, strong paddling ability during high water in June and July may be required.
In addition to the opportunites listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including canoe tours).
Fishing
Hiking
There are several trailheads located along the lakes shorelines; these lead to some of the parks lesser known waterfalls and viewpoints. This includes a trail leading to Rainbow Falls, located at the east end of Azure Lake, and Eagle viewpoint, located at Divers Bluff Campground.
In addition to the hiking opportunites listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided hiking tours).
Hunting
Pets on Leash
Swimming
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
Campfires
Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.
Picnic Areas
Pit or Flush Toilets
