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Step Into Canadian Wilderness At This Provincial Park

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Drive your RV right into Canada’s true wilderness—Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Traveling to BC in an RV has to include a visit to one of the best examples of Canada’s wilderness there is—Wells Gray Provincial Park. The magnificence of this scenic, unspoiled wilderness reserve is outstanding.

The natural attractions of large dense forests, pristine protected watersheds, sparkling lakes, mineral springs, mountains, extinct volcanoes, lava beds, glaciers, and of course, the 39 iconic waterfalls that can never be described properly.

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Even the extensive variety of wildlife and vegetation alone attract persons from all over the world.

Wells Gray Park

Wells Gray Park may seem overwhelming at first because of its size, but don’t let the fact that it covers over 3200 square miles daunt you. Located in the interior of British Columbia, the park is 78 miles north of Kamloops and only 255 miles from the Canada-USA border at Osoyoos.

What is so special about Wells Gray Park?

It would be much easier to list what isn’t special about Wells Gray Park because the list of everything extraordinary is almost endless.

Scenery and wildlife

A true example of mother nature at her best. There are unlimited opportunities to relax and savor the quiet of a small stream trickling past, or more exciting adventures to remember for a long time. It’s all here and without the crowds—something to appreciate.

Wells Gray Park
Helmcken Falls Viewing Platform

Visitors bring their cameras in anticipation of seeing some of the abounding wildlife who call the park their home. There are many larger animals such as grizzly bears, moose, deer, and many much smaller animals including timber wolves, wolverines, and beaver.

Grizzly Bear photo Courtesy of Dirk Huijssoon/Flickr
Grizzly Bear photo Courtesy of Dirk Huijssoon/Flickr

Keep your eyes open as you drive through the park because that is probably the best opportunity to see the wildlife. Be patient.

Waterfall Park

Wells Gray is sometimes called the Waterfall Park because of its 139+ waterfalls, adding an element that can only be described as jaw-dropping and amazing. Visitors who visit the waterfalls are astounded at the majesty of the water cascading down onto the rocks and waters below.

Only 39 of the waterfalls are accessible and are all exceptionally beautiful. The most popular are the famous Helmcken and Dawson Falls but don’t restrict yourselves to just those two—the rest are worth exploring as well.

Helmcken Falls

Plunging 350 feet down into a canyon, Helmcken Falls is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada and just steps away from the road. It’s an easy walk along a groomed trail to the viewing platform that hangs over the canyon, providing a fantastic view of the Murtle River below.

Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls

You will hear the sounds of the water crashing amongst the rocks long before you get there.

Dawson Falls

Stretching 295 feet across ancient lava beds, Dawson Falls also tumbles down into Murtle River and is just a short walk from the main road. Bring your camera—there are plenty of places you can take photos to brag about.

Dawson Falls
Dawson Falls
Activities in Wells Gray Provincial Park

As a year-round destination, there are always activities to participate in 12 months of the year.  The spring, summer, and fall are the most popular times visitors come to Wells Gray Park unless you are wanting to play in the snow!

Wells Gray Park Viewpoint
Wells Gray Park viewpoint

The lakes, pristine rivers, and mountains all provide an opportunity for adventure. Spend the day hiking the backcountry or just take a leisurely walk along a well-groomed trail leading to another beautiful scenic view.

Fishing in the 100+ well-stocked lakes, bird-watching, camping, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and canoeing are just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy.

Looking for a chance to learn something new? Then join an interpretive hike with a local naturalist to learn the history of the volcanic fields, how the majestic waterfalls were formed, and the names of the abundant and beautiful wildflowers.

Wells Gray Trails
Wells Gray Trails

Campgrounds in Wells Gray Provincial Park

There are 3 vehicle accessible campgrounds within the Wells Gray Corridor. The first campground is Pyramid Campground approximately 40km (about 25 miles) from the Information Center.

There are 50 campsites accessible to RVs, which are located close to Dawson Falls, the trailhead to Pyramid Mountain, and within cycling distance of Helmcken Falls. Facilities include pit toilets and a hand pump for fresh water.

Camping at Wells Gray

There’s every type of campground imaginable in the region. Set up an RV in a rustic wilderness site, park at a nearby golf course, a fishing resort, a working ranch, near a lake or along a river. The nearby community of Clearwater has most amenities visitors need as well as serviced campgrounds.

If you’ve never been to Canada but have heard about its vast expanse of wilderness, then you need to come to Wells Gray Provincial Park. With its natural beauty, waterfalls, and wildlife, this park has everything visitors think about when they think of Canada’s wilderness. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience.

Fun fact

Recently (2018), a massive unexplored cave was discovered in the park and is thought to be of significant importance to Canada. Its location is being kept a secret to preserve the area and visitors will not be able to access it, but it’s typical of the majestic caves and landscape that make up Canada.

See also: Don’t Forget Your Fishing Rod When You Visit British Columbia




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