Kelowna 
The natural attractions found within Wells Gray Provincial Park are numerous. Not only that, the many beautiful or inspiring natural features of this eastern BC mountain park are varied. Across Wells Gray are the towering mountains, the Clearwater River and Valley, glaciers, lava beds and extinct volcanoes, dense forests, and over 40 waterfalls!
This large park boasts year-round adventures, too, with the frozen waterfalls a major highlight of a winter trip to Wells Gray. A trip here in the snowiest month offers many other winter adventures to add to the day’s activities, too.
Winter Waterfalls of Wells Gray
With dozens of waterfalls to see in Wells Gray Provincial Park, there are only a select handful that are accessible in the winter months. However, with the Wells Gray backcountry areas open to skiers and snowshoers over the winter, there could be many more to see, depending on how much adventure you crave.
- Spahats Creek Falls is the first to encounter upon entering Wells Gray Park from Clearwater. This waterfall is near a major turnoff from Clearwater Valley Road with ample parking and picnic areas. From here, a short trail leads to a viewing platform that looks out over the expansive valley and possibly frozen falls. The waterfall appears from what looks like a large cave in the rocks to add to the incredible winter scenery of Spahats Creek Falls and the Clearwater River below the platform.
- Continue north on the Clearwater Valley Road for the scenic drive up to Helmcken, Mushbowl, and Dawson Falls. All three of these waterfalls are on the Murtle River and near the same bridge crossing.
- Dawson Falls, to the east of the bridge crossing over Murtle River, has two viewing platforms and short trails leading to these rewarding views. This waterfall stretches out low and wide across the entire river.
- The Mushbowl is the smallest of the area’s three waterfalls and is easily visible from the drive in, or small parking areas near the bridge.
- Helmcken Falls is not only one of BC’s must-see waterfalls, but also one of the top to see in Canada. The Murtle River waterfalls stands at a staggering 141m to make it the fourth tallest in the country. During the winters, the tall rock cliffs are shiny with thick sheets of ice, while the frigid waters continue to rush into the deep pools below the viewing platform.
- The above waterfalls are all accessible with a short walk or winter hike. To get to Wells Gray’s Moul Falls, however, offers a bit more of winter adventures. This small but mighty waterfall is easiest to access on snowshoes with 3km to trek out-and-back.
More Winter Adventures around Clearwater
Together, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater, and the Thompson River Valley, provide a great deal of winter recreation and chances for adventures. This includes winter activities for all ages and abilities, things to do in town, and things to do around the Provincial Park.
- The Clearwater Ski Hill, on the south side of the Thompson River and town, is a great opportunity for winter adventure with skiing, snowboarding, and split boarding.
- Take to the cross-country trails around the Wells Gray Candle Creek area, where the winter trails wind around the park’s low river valley and foothills. In all, Wells Gray Provincial Park has over 50km of groomed backcountry cross-country ski trails!
- Clearwater operates a community skating rink in the heart of the picturesque mountain town, while Dutch Lake, also in town, is open to ice fishing.
Where to Eat: Fueling up in Clearwater
All of those winter adventures will require some fuel. And around Clearwater, there are an exceptional number of places to dine and ready yourselves for a day of adventure.
- For those taking on adventures around Dutch Lake, there are options like the Painted Turtle Restaurant which sits lakeside, the Wells Gray Roadhouse, or the Back 40 Restaurant.
- Cozy up inside Clearwater cafes like The Hungry Hiker Café or the Wild Flour Café & Bakery.
- Gather with friends or family at Clearwater’s 52 Ridge Restaurant and Pub, or Gateway Grill.
Planning Your Trip – Wells Gray Provincial Park
What: Wells Gray Provincial Park, in the eastern Rockies of BC, was originally established to help protect the biggest waterfall in the park, Helmcken Falls. Today, the expansive park helps to protect over 40 different waterfalls which span the Thompson, Clearwater, and Murtle Rivers. The Provincial Park has numerous backcountry ski and snowshoe trails open in the winter, while a handful of the park’s waterfalls, including Helmcken, are easier to access than others in the winter.
Location and how to get there: All waterfalls are accessible from Clearwater Valley Road which leads north from Clearwater into Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Clearwater is located about 125 km from Kamloops, 290 km from Kelowna, and 480 km from Vancouver.
It is very important to be aware of road conditions, trail conditions, dress for the weather and carry essentials for a winter trip.
Cost: free
For more information:
Check Road Conditions before you go.
