Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park
4.5
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This large scenic park and wilderness area contains five major lakes, two river systems, many small lakes, streams, waterfalls and rapids, which make this an outdoor recreation paradise.
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- phylbeck1951Eastbourne, United Kingdom42 contributionsA hidden gemThis is a real gem, first visited from the UK in 1997 and always wanted to come back. So different from the tourist areas in Banff and Jasper, a haven of tranquility and so unspoilt. The scenery is amazing, no crowds, an empty road most of the way in and the Ray Farm has an atmosphere all of its own. I miss it already. One of my top 3 destinations.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- CRAIG CUtah438 contributionsWaterfall HeavenWe drove to the end of the dirt road on the north end of the park and then started stopping at waterfalls on the way back. The big H waterfall was closed for viewing platform maintenance, but there was still plenty of waterfalls to see. Make sure you stop at the waterfalls and walk back to each — they are worth it. The view from on top of the lookout tower provides you with great views of the surrounding snow capped mountains.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 May 2024
- Jason ESheffield, United Kingdom129 contributionsWaterfalls and great viewaThis park is large and some of the furthest parts are on unpaved roads that night not be suitable for all vehicles in places as our hire car struggled with some of them. Saying this the waterfalls that we were there to see were spectacular and made the effort well worth it. There are quite a few of the falls that are easy to drive up and are just a few meters to the view. Others, such as Moul falls, are a longer walk and because of this are quieter but again are well worth the effort. There are lots of stopping points along Clearwater road with great viewpoints showing off some of the more mountainous scenes.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
773 reviews
Excellent
545
Very good
192
Average
24
Poor
10
Terrible
2
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Asterix135
Toronto, Canada202 contributions
Sept 2021
There are tons of hiking trails, falls and other things to see here. You can spend as little as 45 minutes to drive up to Spahat falls, or probably multiple days on hikes.
I'd highly recommend stopping at the Wells Gray Information centre on Highway 5 near the park entrance. The woman who was there when we visited was very helpful in pointing out what might fit our timeline and interests, and provided us with a useful map (there's no cell service in the park).
I'd highly recommend stopping at the Wells Gray Information centre on Highway 5 near the park entrance. The woman who was there when we visited was very helpful in pointing out what might fit our timeline and interests, and provided us with a useful map (there's no cell service in the park).
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kupcake K
2 contributions
July 2023 • Family
AMAZING WATERFALLS. We had Clearwater campground d booked but changed to the first come first serve Pyramid campground (no services). It’s only $20 a night (cash only) and was more central to most of the popular hikes. No water only hand pump so bring water in from town of Clearwater.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
k_danssaert
Antwerp, Belgium24 contributions
June 2022
Big variety in nature, waterfalls, lake, mountains, little and bigger walks and hikes. Good driving by car but there is much to experience by boat or hike. There are some good lodges and a camping.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SB01
Sonning Common, UK946 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Probably the main reason to visit would be to see the various falls, most of which are within easy short hikes of the car parks. Seeing as there is no entrance fee this has to count as a great VFM attraction. However if you are coming from Jasper or Banff you might be a little disappointed. The trails are not any where near as well signed and the endless, possibly essential, warnings about bears may well put you off walking. There is also a lack of driveable routes. This is great for the wildlife, but limits the appeal for the tourist. And despite all the dire warnings we saw not one sign of wildlife, others than swarms of mosquitoes, echoed by others travellers we met.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermann t
Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany569 contributions
June 2024 • Family
The park is not quite as crowded as the major national parks in Alberta. Nevertheless, it was already very busy in June. This applies at least to the asphalted part of the 65 km road to Clearwater Lake. From the branch g to Helmken Falls - currently only accessible on foot - it gets lonelier on Gravel Road. Road conditions are bad. Overall, the park offers many sights, waterfalls, easy and difficult hikes etc.
You can very well spend a whole day here.
You can very well spend a whole day here.
Automatically translated
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan K
Kamloops, Canada249 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
After 57 years made a return visit to Wells Gray Provincial Park and appreciated the visit much more than I did as a 15 year old callow youth. Beautiful early fall day made even better with the trees beginning to dress in their fall colours. Visited Spahats and Helmcken falls and took many pictures. Well maintained road with little traffic. At most only 2 hours to Helmcken falls from Kamloops. We will be back!
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony Stephen L
St. Albert, Canada14 contributions
July 2023
Beautiful wilderness area in northeastern BC. A hidden gem. A trip up Clearwater Valley Road is a easy drive. Go as far as the pavement takes you or onward to Clearwater Lake on a decent gravel surface. Clearwater Lake is about an hour drive and 65 km.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurecurls
Rietberg, Germany320 contributions
July 2022 • Family
We had a great campsite next to the river and a creek. This was fantastic, so our one year old could dip her feet in the water.
There are every sort of biting insect what one can think of. Mozzies, black flies, other flies… Those big flies, which bite chunks of skin off were the scariest.
Anyway, we had a great stay. Did a 2km hike up to a lookout over the river which flows past the campsite. It’s a bloody step climb we weren’t aware of in the end. Sorta scary to carry a one year old in a carrier bag, not to fall out slip away. But the view was fantastic. On the way back, we went past dragons tongue and a close by waterfall. That waterfall is a must do too. Great to sit there and get cooled down after such a climb and to day.
The cafe got yummy food and nice waiters. We have seen hummingbirds over there.
Really in awe with this place, regardless the biting and stinging insects.
Dearly recommend that place.
PS: There is a full day boat trip offered. We missed it as the boat leaves quite early and no departure time is mentioned anywhere. Sadly figured it out the day after when we dined in the cafe that we are just an hour too late. The boat leaves BBC at 10:30am.
There are every sort of biting insect what one can think of. Mozzies, black flies, other flies… Those big flies, which bite chunks of skin off were the scariest.
Anyway, we had a great stay. Did a 2km hike up to a lookout over the river which flows past the campsite. It’s a bloody step climb we weren’t aware of in the end. Sorta scary to carry a one year old in a carrier bag, not to fall out slip away. But the view was fantastic. On the way back, we went past dragons tongue and a close by waterfall. That waterfall is a must do too. Great to sit there and get cooled down after such a climb and to day.
The cafe got yummy food and nice waiters. We have seen hummingbirds over there.
Really in awe with this place, regardless the biting and stinging insects.
Dearly recommend that place.
PS: There is a full day boat trip offered. We missed it as the boat leaves quite early and no departure time is mentioned anywhere. Sadly figured it out the day after when we dined in the cafe that we are just an hour too late. The boat leaves BBC at 10:30am.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enjoyinglife0668
Maple Ridge, Canada21 contributions
July 2022
The waterfalls are absolutely amazing! Some are only a 10 minute easy walk in, others require a bit more time & effort. The ones we visited were all different. We didn't even know this area existed in BC until we visited. So lucky to live in such a diverse, beautiful province.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimParkway
Toronto, Canada2,143 contributions
Sept 2020
There is so much more to explore in this park. This first time day trip's goal was to cover both Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls. The bonus also added Spahats Falls and the Green Mountain Lookouts.
Written 7 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
im wondering how are the roads heading to some of the falls. someone said its tough if you dont have 4x4.. well i dont. i have an audi a3 and thats it haha. dont really feel like renting an suv for $600.
Any info would be great :)
Written 14 July 2022
Where is the best campground to stay at near Wells grey provincial park to do day trips to all the falls and lakes? We will be exploring on an adventure style motorcycle bike with good off road tires so decent gravel roads are okay. We are planning on staying at Clearwater Lake provincial for 4 nights. Is that a good base point? Or is there a better choice? Falls Creek? North Thompson provincial?
Thanks, Wendy
Written 28 May 2021
Добрый день! Подскажите, пожалуйста, как можно добраться общественным транспортом сюда из Ванкувера?
Written 1 May 2017
if staying at a B&B lodge in the park how far would it be to the nearest decent eating places for the evening?
Written 10 October 2016
Hello Mary S. It does depend on how far in your B&B is, into the park. If prior to Helmcken falls, the road to there is paved. I would assume a good half an hour back into the town of Clearwater. One note is if travelling back in the dark, the road maybe difficult to drive on as it is winding and probably not much lighting along the way as well as possible wildlife to watch for.
Written 17 October 2016
Is the falls visible from the road or park? We are traveling with some elderly people who will not be able to hike very much.
Written 14 June 2016
Some falls such as Spahats and Helmeken have parking almost beside then with just an easy few metres of flat walking. Moules falls and Dawson are much more challenging. Enquirer at the visitor centre and they will be able to guide you.
Written 15 June 2016
We are arriving in Clearwater about 2pm-3pm by the time we've set up camp. We were originally planning on staying just one night. is this worth staying the extra night so we have a full day at the park?
Written 4 May 2016
Hi Sammi,
Yes, the province is worth exploring. Much of the area is ancient volcanic and the glacial land striations are beautiful. Helmcken falls and it's South rim trail about 4km round trip, Mushbowl, Dawson and Spahats Falls
are just breathtaking. Get some mosquito spray for around this time of year, walk and enjoy this country. I'm kind of a nature overachiever and walked a bit in one day, but stay and enjoy. We walked in the rain the whole time...loved it. The sounds of the falls spring upon you and you lose your breath!!!!!
Written 4 May 2016
Is there much mountain biking around the camping areas and on some trails?
Written 22 April 2016
Can I walk in and find a camping spot in summer for 3 nights or shall I pre-book?
Written 22 April 2016
I am wondering about access to the campgrounds in Wells Gray Park. Is there pavement off Highway 5, all the way to a campground? We like to avoid unpaved roads. Are the roads and campgrounds manageable for the height and length of a 30' fifth wheel? We are planning to go in early August. What kind of weather could we expect?
Written 16 April 2016
We think that you should contact Gy at Discover Wells Gray Tours as he knows all that is to know about the park . And book a tour with him or Cindy as they will show you places that you would not find on your own.
Enjoy the park as it is one of the best in BC
Written 18 April 2016
Hi
We are looking to head to Wells Gray first week in July. 35' trailer, campers and kids/ possible a dog. We are having a hard time deciding where would be the best location. Rather not have it jammed packed with people but have the nice wilderness camping area. We are laid back and music, fires etc are not a issue. Where would you suggest?
Written 29 March 2016
Sorry can't help with your question, but there is an great jnformation centre in Clearwater who should be able to assist you. Check them out on Trip Advisor!
Written 30 March 2016
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