Top 10 things to do when visiting Clearwater BC and Wells Gray Park

The Clearwater Valley emerged from ancient volcanic activity that sculpted the unique and rugged landscape that formed the waterfalls we boast about. Endless trails and backcountry exploration for nature enthusiasts, Class 0-6 rapids on the Clearwater River that attract paddlers worldwide, and the Dutch Lake in the middle of town with a family picnic area and sandy park for kids make Clearwater a destination for everyone.

Our most popular feature is the Wells Gray Provincial Park, spanning over 1.3 million acres (5,400 square kilometres) of natural landscape. With more than 40 waterfalls to explore, many are easily accessible from the roadway, featuring trails and viewing platforms for visitors. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 kilometres of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. And you will be sure to spot some wildlife on your journey.

Our favourite top 10 things to do:

1. View the stunning Helmcken Falls from the new viewing platform and hike the trails for 360 degree views. Don't forget all the other falls in the park!

2. Splash through the iconic rapids of the Clearwater River on a whitewater rafting trip

3. Hike the Trophy Mountains and flowering alpine meadows and commune with the wildlife

4. Camp and paddle the pristine Clearwater Lake with remote access and limited spots, keeping it immaculate

5. Star Gazing- the night sky is endless and amazing without any light pollution

6. Trail ride by horseback on a guided tour through the parks

7. Tour around the historic Ray Farms and old homestead

8. Try out some fishing! Year-round fishing in the lakes and rivers surrounding our valley

9. Dine out on the heated patio of the Painted Turtle at the Dutch Lake Resort

10. Check out the Farmer's Market on Saturdays, year-round for local vegetables, meats, preserves, crafts and more!

Some reference sites for planning activities:

Tourism Wells Gray website: https://wellsgray.ca/
BC Parks: https://bcparks.ca/wells-gray-park/
Wells Gray Outdoors Club & Candle Creek Trails: https://www.wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca/
Trail Forks Maps: https://www.trailforks.com/
Wildlife awareness: https://wildsafebc.com/

Check out some of the local activity providers:

Whitewater Rafting with Liquid Lifestyles (May - September). Book a whitewater trip and save 15%. Ages 5 and up. See trip information online: https://www.liquidlifestyles.ca
Paragliding with XSky Paragliding (May - October). Soar through the air on this exciting tandem tour! Get free footage of your trip as our guest. See trip information online: https://xskyparagliding.com/
Wells Gray Trail Riding with Wells Gray Guest Ranch (May- October). 2-hour to all-day excursions on horseback. 10 years of age and up. See trip information online: https://www.wellsgrayranch.com/rates.html
Vavenby Trail Rides (April- October). A variety of activities from wrangling cattle to an overnight horseback excursion! Save 10% as our guest. See trip information online: https://www.vavenbytrailrides.ca/.
Outdoor equipment rentals with Wells Gray Outfitters. This store has it all for an outdoor enthusiast. Get 10% off a mountain bike rental as our guest! See store information online: https://wgoclearwater.com/

*Codes and instructions to redeem the special offers are available once you have booked a stay with us- please contact us for more information!