Wells Gray Provincial Park
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As of October 16, 2008:
- Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation:
- 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.
- Trail Updates
- Personal Watercraft (i.e. Seadoos) are not permitted on Clearwater and Azure Lakes
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Park Info
Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities; hiking for every ability, ranging from a few minutes on a level trail to many days with a map and compass; boating, canoeing and kayaking. Guiding businesses offer horseback riding, canoeing, river-rafting, fishing and hiking; and the history enthusiast can learn about the early homesteaders, trappers, and prospectors, or about the natural forces that produced Wells Gray's many volcanoes, waterfalls, mineral springs and glaciers.
To simplify finding information, Wells Gray Provincial Park is divided into the following areas:
- Murtle Lake: 100 km of shoreline outlines this pristine, canoe-only lake in the wilderness.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine: Two adjoining lakes, each 22 km long, are popular with canoeists, kayakers, and motor-boaters. Ride the tour boat, and take photos of the many waterfalls along the lakeshores.
- Mahood Lake: A beautiful, quiet, family- and fishing-oriented campground on the southwestern tip of Wells Gray Park.
- Spahats Creek: Noted for its waterfall and panoramic view of the Clearwater Valley, this peaceful day-use area is only 10 km north of Clearwater.
- Wells Gray Corridor Area (includes Pyramid and Clearwater Lake/Falls Creek campgrounds): Vehicle-accessible campgrounds, short hiking trails and spectacular views along the main road from the park entrance to Clearwater Lake. For your convenience, during the summer season this area of the park has a concession managed by the Park Facility Operator.
- Trophy Mountain: Approximately 6900 ha contains over 45 sub-alpine lakes and tarns and offers opportunities for hiking, back-country overnight and day trips.
- Backcountry Areas: Information on some of the longer hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to camp in user-maintained wilderness settings.
- Clearwater River: An area of limited access along the Clearwater River offering hiking, fishing, wilderness camping and spectacular scenery.
Park Size: 540,000 hectares in the Cariboo Mountains
Special Notes:
- In addition to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided hiking, horseback and canoe tours). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
- BC Parks initiated an exclusive proposal call opportunity that awarded six (6) seasonal(spring-fall), multi-year permits for guided hiking and canoeing until 2013. There are three companies that can provide only day guiding opportunities, and three that can offer both day and overnight guiding opportunities within Wells Gray Provincial Park. Click here for details and their contact information [PDF 49KB].
Stay Safe: Bear Safety brochure for Wells Gray; English and German [PDF 172KB]
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Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
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Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
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| – Clearwater/Falls Creek campground (Corridor) |
May 15 – September 30 (Gate is closed during the off-season) |
| – Pyramid campground (Corridor) |
May 1 – September 30 (Gate is open during the off-season) |
| – Mahood Lake campground |
May 15 – September 25 (Park is open during the off-season; no fee, no services) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| – Clearwater/Falls Creek campground (Corridor) | May 15 – September 30 |
| – Pyramid campground (Corridor) | May 1 – September 30 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| – Mahood Lake campground (Corridor) |
May 15 – September 15 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
– Clearwater/Falls Cr = 80 – Pyramid = 50 – Mahood Lake = 34 |
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Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
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Location
Park can be accessed off Hwy #5 at Clearwater or turn off Hwy 97 at 100 Mile House. Murtle Lake is accessed off highway 5 at Blue River. For more details, see description of various areas of the park.
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Nature & Culture
- History - 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 3100 ha and the Trophy Mountain Addition of 6934 ha, both designated in April 1996.
- Conservation - Wells Gray Provincial 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. Wildlife abound with larger animals, such as the grizzly bear, and smaller animals including beaver, wolverine and timber wolf. A wide variety of waterfowl, although not numerous, can also be found in the park.
- Wildlife - 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, squirrel, etc. The bird checklist notes 219 species.
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Overall Park Map [PDF - updated June 2008]
- Park Map - Clearwater/Azure Marine [PDF]
- Park Map - Clearwater River [PDF]
- Park Map - Corridor Area [PDF]
- Park Map - Backcountry Area [PDF]
- Clearwater/Azure Marine Guide Brochure [PDF]
- Corridor Brochure - English Version [PDF]
- Corridor Brochure - German Version [PDF]
- Murtle Lake Marine Guide Brochure and Map [PDF] - Updated August 2008
- Trophy Mountain Brochure [PDF]
- Bear Information Brochure - English and German Version [PDF]
- Park Brochure [PDF]
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Contact Info
Blackwell Park Operations
Ltd
E-mail address: info@explorewellsgray.com
Phone: (250) 674-2194
Click here to view a non-government website for additional information.
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking.
- Murtle Lake - Only canoeists and kayakers are allowed on this lake.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine - Number of companies provide guided trips. Contact the Wells Gray Information Centre for more information. Canoeists heading for Azure must use a 0.5 km portage. During times of high water or increased current, canoeists may use a new, 1 km high-water portage. Not suitable for canoe carts.
- Mahood Lake - canoeing and kayaking.
- Corridor Area - (see under Clearwater/Azure Marine) In addtion to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided canoe tours). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
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Cycling | |
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 at the Wells Gray Information Centre.
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Fishing | |
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine - Rainbow trout has been successfully found at either end of both lakes as well as Barella Creek and Angus Horne Creek.
- Mahood Lake - Contains rainbow, lake trout, kokanee, whitefish and burbot.
- Corridor Area - refer to current BC Environment Fishing Regulations Synopsis.
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Hiking | |
- Clearwater/Azure Marine - Lakeshore trailheads lead to the backcountry areas of Hobson Lake, Huntley Col and Zodiak Peak.
- Mahood Lake - Easy, short trails to Mahood, Canim, Deception Falls and Whale Lake.
- Spahats Creek - Easy walk to viewing platform provides spectacular views of Spahats Falls and the canyon where Spahats Creek has cut through layers of volcanic rock. Shaden Viewing Platform provides a view of Clearwater River Corridor.
- Corridor Area - Variety of short hikes available.
In addtion to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided hiking tours). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
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Horseback Riding | |
Corridor Area - Green Mountain trail system is open to horse use. Some other trails are available by Letter of Permission when conditions permit. Companies along the Wells Gray Park Road offer guided horse riding.
In addtion to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided horseback tours). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
In addtion to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided horseback tours). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
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Hunting | |
Hunting is permitted within Wells Gray Provincial Park. Please refer to current British Columbia Hunting Regulations for seasons and bag limits.
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Interpretive Programs | |
Wells Gray Park, sponsored by the BC Conservation Corps, the Federation of BC Naturalists, Park Facility Operators and BC Parks, will be offering Interpretation programs this summer. Click here to view a schedule of events.
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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.
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Swimming | |
There are swimming opportunities in the park but there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine - Most lake, rivers, streams are glacier fed and the water is icy cold all year round.
- Mahood Lake - 220 m of beach and shelving foreshore.
- Spahats Creek - Most lake, rivers, streams are glacier fed and the water is icy cold all year round.
- Corridor Area - Most lake, rivers, streams are glacier fed and the water is icy cold all year round.
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Wildlife Viewing | |
With a large variety of habitats and ecosystems, Wells Gray Provincial Park provides exceptional wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities. Among the most notable wildlife in the corridor area, you may see black bears in the spring, Chinook salmon during the autumn and wolves and moose during the winter months.
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Winter Recreation | |
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.
Click here to view a non-government web link for additional information.
Click here to view a non-government web link for additional information.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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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. Paved and gravel maintained.
- Mahood Lake - Paved boat launch. If parking overnight advise Park Facility Operator of return time.
- Corridor Area - Boat launch is located at the end of Wells Gray Park Road, near southern end of Clearwater Lake.
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Cabins / Huts / Yurts | |
There are a few rustic public cabins in the park. These facilities are intended for emergency use and are not regularly maintained. There are also 2 log cabins available to rent at the Clearwater Lake campsite. For more information, please contact the Park Facility Operator.
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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.
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Drinking Water | |
Cold water taps are located throughout the park.
- Clearwater/Azure Marine - Boil or otherwise purify lake or creek water; no drinking water provided.
- Mahood Lake - Water is not provided in the day-use area.
- Spahats Creek - Cold water taps located throughout the park.
- Corridor Area - Water is not provided in the day-use areas.
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Picnic Areas | |
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.
- Mahood Lake - There is parking for approximately 40 vehicles in the picnic/day-use area. Campfires not permitted in the picnic area. Water is not provided in day-use area.
- Spahats Creek - There is parking for approximately 40 vehicles in the day-use area at the Clearwater Valley viewpoint.
- Corridor Area - There are 10 picnic/day-use areas, with a number of tables at each. Campfires not permitted in the picnic area.
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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
There are flush toilets located at Spahats day-use area. The rest of the park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
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Playground | |
Mahood Lake - Excellent adventure playground for small children, a large grassy playing field for ball games, and a horseshoe pit adjacent to the campground.
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Sani-Station/Dump | |
A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season. It is in the Corridor Area and located across the north end of False Creek Campground.
Sani-station Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
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Vehicle Accessible Camping | |
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted.
- Corridor Area - (includes Pyramid and Clearwater/Falls Creek campgrounds) Three vehicle-access campgrounds for a total of 130 sites, available first-come, first-served.
- Mahood Lake - 34 campsites available first-come, first-served. Three user-maintained sites accessible only by boat.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
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Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) | |
| - Clearwater Lake/Azure Lake |
May 15 - September 25 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| - Mahood Lake |
May 15 - September 30
Off-season: no fee, no services |
| - Murtle Lake |
June 15 - September 25 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| - Clearwater Lake/Azure Lake |
May 15 - September 25 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| - Mahood Lake |
May 15 - September 15 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| - Murtle Lake |
June 15 - September 25 Off-season: no fee, no services |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | Not applicable |
| Total Number of walk-in Accessible Campsites: |
- Clearwater/Azure = 54 - Mahood Lake = 3 - Murtle Lake = 69 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) | Not applicable |
| Note: The Park is open year round unless inaccessible due to weather conditions, especially during the off-season. If the park or campground are closed for other reasons, information is noted in the Attention Visitor Notice at the top of this page. | |
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Walk-In/Wilderness Camping | |
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
- Clearwater Lake - Access to these sites by boat only. 12 camping areas with a total of 33 tent sites.
- Azure Lake - Access to these sites by boat only. Four camping areas with a total of 21 tent sites.
- Mahood Lake - There are three user-maintained lakeshore sites that are accessible only by boat.
- Murtle Lake- Access to these sites by canoe only. There are 69 sites. No combustible motors on this lake.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older
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Wheelchair Access | |
Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair accessible.
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