We know when you’re visiting Kamloops you want to make sure you see the surrounding area before you leave too – we’ve got one spot you don’t want to miss before your stay in Kamloops is over.
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Kamloops, Wells Gray Provincial Park is a worthy destination. Known as Canada’s waterfall park, it boasts 41 named waterfalls, which are at their most impressive in May and early June, after the spring thaw. While spring is an ideal time to visit since the park is quieter than during peak summer season – this destination is gorgeous year-round.
So, what should be on your Wells Grey bucket list?
1.Waterfall Gazing
Helmcken Falls Clearwater Wells Gray
It’s not just about impressive numbers: the waterfalls in Wells Gray are remarkable because they’re easy to access. Almost half the named falls are found in the Corridor, a road that starts at the park’s entrance outside the town of Clearwater.
Take a self-guided tour, and don’t miss the star attraction, Helmcken Falls. It’s the fourth-largest waterfall in Canada, dropping 141 m, and you can see it from a viewing platform accessible from the road. In early spring, you may still be able to see remnants of the ice cone that forms at the Falls’ base in the winter.
Dawson Falls Wells Gray Provincial Park
Dawson Falls is another highlight. Described as a “mini–Niagara Falls”, its broad veil stretches 90 m (295 ft) across lava beds. You can see these falls after just a 10-minute walk from the road.
Spahats Creek Falls lies just inside the park gates and a five-minute walk through the forest.
If you’d like to get some exercise, the park has over 200 km of hiking trails. These lead to falls including Moul Falls, Silvertip Falls, and a closer look at Helmcken Falls via the South Rim Trail.
2.Whitewater Rafting
Interior Whitewater Rafting in Wells Gray Provincial Park
The spring thaw means the rivers are running at its peak, which is ideal for the ultimate rafting adventure. The water on the North Thompson and Clearwater Rivers is the highest from mid-May to mid-July with Class I to VI rapids. But you can enjoy rafting all spring, summer, and fall.
Riverside Adventures offers a three-hour, family-friendly trip on Clearwater River in the park. They also have a float option for those looking for a bit less of a wild ride. These are available between May and October.
3.Bear/Wildlife Watching
Wildlife Watching Bears in Wells gray Provincial Park
Spring is the best time to spot wildlife along the Corridor in Wells Gray. Bears come out of hibernation in April; later in May, they feed on new grass and dandelions along the park road. This is the best time to view them on the drive to Clearwater Lake.
Follow these guidelines to view bears safely and responsibly. The park is also home to grizzly bears, moose, deer, coyotes, wolves, and over 250 species of birds.
4.Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding in Wells Gray Provincial Park
Guided horseback riding tours provide a leisurely perspective of the park – seeing the park on horseback is definitely a great memory for your family.
Wells Gray Guest Ranch offers rides from an hour to almost all day or Battle Mountain Equine Enterprises offers two-hour trail rides through the forest that depart from Helmcken Falls Lodge and lead to the waterfall at Hemp Creek and Canyon.
Fuel up at The Painted Turtle overlooking Dutch Lake, or dig into a platter of smoked meat at Hop n Hog before hitting the road for the 1.5hr return drive to Kamloops.