Wells Gray Provincial Park

Park Vast British Columbia park famed for waterfalls

In east‑central British Columbia, Wells Gray Provincial Park is known for waterfalls such as Helmcken Falls, volcanic plateaus and backcountry trails; visitors canoe, hike and camp.

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Wells Gray Provincial Park is a large provincial park in east-central British Columbia known for its waterfalls, wilderness landscapes and volcanic landforms. The park protects extensive forested backcountry, alpine areas and river systems and is a major outdoor recreation area in the region.

The park’s best-known feature is Helmcken Falls, a 141-metre waterfall on the Murtle River that is accessible from established viewpoints and trails. Numerous other falls, including Moul and Dawson Falls, plus lakes, rivers and old lava flows make the park notable for both scenic and geological interest.

Established as a provincial park to protect these landscapes, Wells Gray offers hiking, paddling, fishing and winter recreation; management emphasizes wilderness access combined with developed day-use areas near park gateways. Facilities and trailheads are concentrated around the main access points.

Wells Gray lies inland in east-central British Columbia, with the small town of Clearwater serving as the principal gateway community; the park occupies rugged terrain north of the Thompson Plateau and east of the Cariboo Mountains.

  • Scale: The park covers over 5,000 square kilometres and contains extensive backcountry routes, volcanic features and a network of waterfalls.

What to See #

  • Helmcken Falls: Helmcken Falls, a 141-metre waterfall on the Murtle River, is the park's most famous single feature and a major viewpoint for visitors.
  • Other waterfalls: Moul Falls and Dawson Falls are accessible waterfalls within the park that can be visited via established trails and boardwalks.
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia
52.3332, -120.0025

How to Get to Wells Gray Provincial Park #

Wells Gray Provincial Park is roughly 120-200 km northeast of Kamloops and Clearwater, BC, depending on which part of the park is targeted; access is by Highway 5 and local roads to trailheads and campgrounds. A car is recommended for exploring the park.

Tips for Visiting Wells Gray Provincial Park #

  • Check provincial park notices for active closures and bear advisories before visiting.
  • Drive the Clearwater Valley and stop at Helmcken Falls viewpoint for a dramatic, accessible waterfall.
  • Campgrounds fill on holiday weekends - book in advance if planning overnight stays.

Best Time to Visit Wells Gray Provincial Park #

Summer provides the most accessible conditions for hiking, waterfall viewing and camping; spring offers powerful runoff and waterfall flow.

Summer
June-September · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Best for hiking, canoeing and waterfall viewing with easy access to trails and campgrounds.
Spring
April-May · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Melting snow feeds waterfalls; some roads and trails may be muddy.
Autumn
October-November · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Fewer visitors and dramatic fall colours; shorter daylight hours.

Weather & Climate near Wells Gray Provincial Park #

Climate

Wells Gray Provincial Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1175 mm/year), wettest in November.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -6°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -3°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -3°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-12° -6°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

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