A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Personal Watercraft (i.e. Seadoos) are not permitted on
Clearwater and Azure Lakes.
Please use caution – watch for debris or floating logs on lake.
Park Info
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 approx 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
Special Notes:
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.
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.
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 250 674-2646 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). Click
here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
Fishing
Fishing for Rainbow trout
is popular here, with the most successful areas being at either end of
both lakes, as well as creek mouths such as Barella Creek and Angus Horne
Creek. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate
licence.
Hiking
Lakeshore trailheads lead to the backcountry areas of Hobson Lake and Huntley
Col. 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. Click here for more trail
Information and trail conditions and updates will be
posted on the main page under the Attention
Visitor Notice.
In addition to the hiking opportunites 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.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in
the off-season at Clearwater Azure Marine. Please refer to the Hunting
and Trapping Regulations for more information.
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
Boat Launch
There is a boat launch located at the end of Wells Gray Park Road, near
the southern end of Clearwater Lake. It is 71 km from Highway 5 in Clearwater.
The road is paved to 43 km with a further 28 km of well-maintained gravel
road leading to the boat launch.
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.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.
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. 8 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.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons
13 years of age or older Hours of Operation for backcountry/walk-in
sites in Wells Gray
