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Visitor Information
Park Contact

Blackwell Park Operations Ltd
E-mail: info@explorewellsgray.com
Phone: 250 674-2194
Click here to view a non-government website for additional information.

Wells Gray Provincial Park

As of May 22, 2012:

The Clearwater River Road in Wells Gray Provincial Park is now open for public use.  Please use extreme caution and watch for rock slides, pot holes, washouts and wildlife when accessing this area.  Extreme rain events, or weather conditions may affect road conditions.

BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to pre-pay your overnight fees for backcountry and/or marine site usage, where designated. This system will not be used for vehicle accessible (ie front country) campgrounds or controlled back country permits (ie Bowron Lakes canoe circuit and Berg Lake Trail).

View the most recent trail Report [PDF]

Forest Access road to Murtle Lake

The road to Murtle Lake (via Blue River), in Wells Gray Park is now open for vehicle and public access.  Ministry of Transportation and Infastructure completed necessary repair work by Saturday June 4, 2011.  Please watch for Grader working on the road and wildlife.

Horse Riding in Wells Gray

Horse Use is permitted in many areas of the Park. Get more information about horse riding in Wells Gray

Tree Hazard Notice

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.

Personal watercraft

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

About This Park

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

Commercial Recreational Opportunities

In addition to the opportunities listed above, this park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided hiking, horseback and canoe tours). Get additional information about Commercial activities in Wells Gray.

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]
Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) 		 
– Clearwater Creek campground (Corridor) May 1 – September 30
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
– Falls Creek campground May 1 – September 30
– 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 Creek campground (Corridor) May 1 – September 30
– Falls Creek campground May 1 – 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  
– Clearwater Lake May 18 – September 2
– Falls Creek - 100% reservable May 18 – September 2
– Mahood Lake - 100% reservable May 18 – September 2
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: – Clearwater Lake = 39
– Falls Cr = 41
– Pyramid = 50
– Mahood Lake = 39
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: – Clearwater Lake = 20
– Falls Cr = 41
– Mahood Lake = 39
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.

Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted at Mahood Lake Campground.

Make a Reservation

First-come, first-served campsites are also available.
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Location and Maps

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.

Please note: The rest of Wells Gray park is not Accessible from Mahood Lake - the nearest  reservable campground to Wells Gray attractions is North Thompson PP.

Maps and Brochures

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

Management Planning Information
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Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

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.
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 Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
Cycling

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.
Fishing

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.
Hiking

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.
Trail Updates will be posted under the Important Notice above. 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.

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.
Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Horse Use is permitted in many areas of the Park.

In areas of the park used by those commercial Park Use Permit holders offering horseback riding opportunities, horseback use is permissible by the general public without additional authorization.  These trails include: the Flat Iron, Hemp Creek Canyon Lands, Hoodoo Rim Trail, Green Mountain, White Horse Bluffs, Tote Road, Still water, Majerus, Blackwater, and Bee Farm.

The Green Mountain trail system, in the Corridor Area is open to horse use.

Companies along the Wells Gray Park Road offer guided horse riding and the park offers a number of other recreational opportunities (including guided horseback tours).

All trails authorized for horse use will be marked by an appropriate sign at the trail heads. 

In addition, some other areas in the park are open to horse use through a Letter of Authorization process. These areas include, but are not limited to, Battle Mountain, Table Mountain, and Pyramid Trail to upper Murtle River. 

Those wishing to access these areas by horse must contact the Area Supervisor responsible for Wells Gray at the Ministry of Environment office in Kamloops: 250-371-6200 to provide additional details of your request.  Letters of Authorization, if issued, will be issued from the Regional Office and will contain any additional restrictions or requirements necessary in order to access those areas of the park.  Letters of Authorization are free of charge.
Hunting

Hunting

Hunting is permitted within Wells Gray Provincial Park. Please refer to current British Columbia Hunting Regulations for seasons and bag limits.
Interpretive Programs

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. See the latest visitor program schedule
Pets on Leash

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

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.
Wildlife Viewing

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.
Winter Recreation

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.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

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.
Cabins / Huts / Yurts

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.
Campfires

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

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park.
Picnic Areas

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.
Pit or Flush Toilets

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.
Playground

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.
Sani-Station/Dump

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: $5.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a reservable, or a first-come, first-served basis and campsite reservations are not accepted.
  • Corridor Area – (includes Pyramid and Clearwater/Falls Creek campgrounds) Three vehicle-access campgrounds with reservable or first-come, first-served campsites.
  • Mahood Lake – Campsites available by reservation only. Three user-maintained sites accessible only by boat.
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.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

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 6 years of age or older.
Backcountry Registration System
Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

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