In This Park

Visitor Information

Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Shuswap Adams Parks Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305

BC Visitor Information Centre (Clearwater)

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park

During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Possible Fire Restriction in Effect for this Park

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» Wells Gray Provincial Park: Corridor Area

Wells Gray Provincial Park: Corridor Area

About This Park

Most of Wells Gray Park’s 530,000 hectares is remote wilderness that you can only view after a vigorous hike or canoe. However, in the southern quarter of the park, a road runs 34 kilometres from the park entrance to Clearwater Lake. From this road corridor, you can explore many fascinating geological, cultural and natural features that make one of British Columbia’s largest provincial parks so special.

Know Before You Go

Special Notes

In emergencies, contact the Park Facility Operator whose residence is located just north of Clearwater Lake Campground.
The nearest public telephone is at Helmcken Falls Lodge, 1 km south of the Park entrance.
Excessive noise is not permitted at any time. Please be considerate and observe the quiet time from 10pm to 7am.
There is a concession available near the Clearwater Lake campground.

Location

Best-known of the access routes into Wells Gray Park, the road north from Clearwater takes visitors to a choice of 3 campgrounds, several picnic sites, many trails, spectacular scenery, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Before leaving Clearwater, visit the Wells Gray Information Centre at the junction of Hwy #5 and the Wells Gray Park Road. InfoCentre staff offer up-to-date information on trail conditions, campsite availability, guided activities, and local accommodation for the non-camping visitor.

Maps and Brochures

Nature and Culture

History: Established November 28, 1939, the park was named for the Honourable Arthur Wellsley Gray, Minister of Land for British Columbia from 1933 to 1941.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

The corridor area is popular with canoeists and rental canoes are available on Clearwater Lake. Contact the Wells Gray Information Centre as 250 674-2646 for more information.

In addition to the opportunites listed above, a number of companies offer guided trips on Clearwater and Azure Lakes.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Specific trails are open to mountain bikers; ask at the Wells Gray Information Centre.

Fishing

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

A variety of short hikes are available. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. Trail information and trail conditions and updates will be posted on the main page under the Attention Visitor Notice.

Horseback Riding

The Green Mountain trail system is open to horse use. Some other trails are available by Letter of Permission when conditions permit. Please refer to the Horseback Riding section of the main Well Gray Park page for information. Guided horse riding is offered by 3 companies located along the Wells Gray Park Road, south of the Park entrance.

In addition to the opportunites listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including horseback riding expeditions).

Interpretive Programs

Wells Gray Park in conjunction with Friends of Wells Gray and Blackwell Park Operations Ltd. may be offering Interpretation Services this summer. The program may run from June to September. It may include evening programs, interpretive walks, children’s event and other special programs.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals 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.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Most lakes, rivers and streams are glacier-fed and the water is icy cold all year-round.

Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair-accessible.

Boat Launch

The boat launch is located at the end for Wells Gray Park Road, near the southern end of Clearwater Lake.

Campfires

While 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. 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.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park but are not provided in the day-use areas. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season across the north end of Falls Creek Campground.

Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites, both reservable and first-come, first-served.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Dates of Operation for frontcountry/vehicle accessible sites in Wells Gray

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided. Information about backcountry/walk-in sites in Wells Gray

Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night for all persons 6 years of age or older.