Wells Gray Provincial Park: Clearwater/Azure Marine

Personal Watercraft (i.e. Seadoos) are not permitted on Clearwater and Azure Lakes.

Please use caution – watch for debris or floating logs on lake.

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 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.

Return to Wells Gray Provincial Park

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.
All boaters - please read the Greywater Discharges Banned from Vessels in B.C.'s Inland Waters.

Stay Safe:

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 and Maps

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

Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Park Map - Clearwater/Azure Marine [PDF 145KB]

Clearwater Campground Map [PDF 99KB]
Clearwater Hiking Trails Map [PDF 98KB]

Brochure [PDF 336KB]

Nature and Culture

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Online Management Plan

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 250 674-2646 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