Links, Contacts and FAQ's

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    Common Questions about Wells Gray Park
    General Questions about Wells Gray (these only apply to areas
    actually in the park)

    How big is the park?

    OVER 520,000 Hectares… how big is that?  Over 2000 Square Miles!  That’s roughly the size of the
    province of Prince Edward Island.

    What is the Elevation (how high above sea level are we)?
    The elevation varies considerably in the park, but good benchmark locations to give as references are the
    lakes: Clearwater Lake 680m, Murtle Lake 1067m, Hobson Lake 858m, Azure Lake 682m.  Trophy
    Mountain peak is 2577m; Pyramid Mountain is just 1094m.  One foot is .3048 meters.  Multiply metres by 3
    and then add ten percent to that new number to get a good rough guess at feet.  For example, Clearwater
    Lake 680m X 3 =2040ft… plus ten percent of 2040.  2040+204(10%)=2244 feet (it’s about 13 feet off).

    Were can I see a bear?
    Bears can be found in all of the parks except North Thompson. The best place to see a bear is probably
    on the road between the main entrance near Hemp Creek and Helmcken Falls.  Keep your eyes open
    everywhere else though, as bears like to eat grasses along the sides of the roads just about everywhere
    in and out of the Park.

    Where can I see a Moose?
    Though a common animal, moose are a rare sight in the park. The road between Clearwater Lake and the
    Park entrance provides the most moose sightings, but  you have to get up early. The best time to spot a
    moose on the road is between 5 am and 7 am, and even then you have to be very lucky.

    Where can I see a Beaver?
    Shadow Lake has a resident beaver, as do a couple of the creeks outside the park in the valley.

    Are there any stores/gas stations in the park?
    No gas stations, and only one store - at Clearwater Lake Campground - just the basics.
    Clearwater (North Thompson/ Spahats), Blue River (Murtle), and Forest Grove (Mahood) have the nearest
    amenities.

    Nearest Phones?
    North Thompson - yes, there's a pay phone in the park
    Spahats-Clearwater (Flour Meadow Bakery)
    Corridor and Clearwater Lake - Helmcken Falls Lodge
    Mahood - ask park staff, it changes from week to week
    Murtle Lake - Blue River

    Will cell phones work in the park?
    Generally, no.
    Internet? yes- at Clearwater lake tours, the info center, and for urgent use only at Mahood and Murtle lakes-
    contact staff on site.

    Are there hook-ups in the park (water and electricity for motor homes)?
    No.

    Showers?
    Only at Clearwater Lake campground.

    Sani stations for dumping septic tanks/ gray water?
    Yes, there are two; one at Clearwater Lake, and one at North Thompson Park. Cost is 5 dollars per use.

    Running water?
    All campsites that you can drive to have running filtered water, with the exception of Pyramid Campground
    which has a hand operated pump.  Boat access only campsites have no filtered water sources.

    Where can I get firewood?
    Firewood can be purchased from park staff at a cost of $6 per bin (approx. 2 cubic feet).
    Burn only firewood you have brought with you or that you purchase from Park Staff. Removing trees and
    branches from the forest floor is a violation of the Park Act and will result in a fine.

    Are dogs allowed in the park? Yes, dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash,**** EXCEPT at Murtle
    Lake!**** Dogs and other pets are banned from Murtle Lake (and its trails) and are grounds for immediate
    eviction from the park and possibly a fine under the Park Act.

    Other things banned from the park include, but are not limited to:
    Personal water Craft i.e. Jet skis, Sea-doo’s
    Unlicensed / uninsured MOTORBIKES i.e.Quads, dirt bikes, ATV’s
    Glass bottles on Murtle Lake
    Horses without a permit (some exceptions)
    Guided commercial groups on Murtle and Clearwater / Azure Marine (contact Clearwater Info Centre for
    allowable guiding Companies)


    How much does it cost to stay in the park?
    All drive in campsites are basically $16 dollars per night, per vehicle , except North Thompson which is 21
    dollars.

    Marine campsite fees (boat or canoe access on Clearwater / Azure/Murtle) are $5 per person (13 years or
    older) per night. (see registration sign for details.)

    Nonpayment of fees is grounds for eviction or fines under the Park Act.

    Can I pay with my Credit Card or Debit Card?
     you can via discovercamping.ca for advance reservations.  We are phasing in credit card service
    everywhere else, so bring cash  until we get the details sorted out.. Personal cheques are not accepted!

    Can I reserve a Campsite?  
    At all parks(except Pyramid) you can reserve through discovercamping.ca

    If I come early, can I save a campsite for a friend?
    This is not allowed, Wells Gray is a long drive from anywhere, so saving sites is very unfair to other park
    users.

    Can more than one vehicle / RV camp in the same campsite?
    Generally this is allowed, but you will be charged full rate for two RV’s, campers, etc…and  extra cars will
    be charged at least a half fee. This is up to our and BC Parks discretion to allow.  More than two vehicles
    on a site are not generally allowed.

    Are there special areas for tenters?
    Some sites have sand tent pads.

    What’s a good short hike I can take (2 hours or less)?
    Foot Lake
    Placid Lake
    Helmcken Rim Trail
    Ray Farm / Alice Lake / Ray Mineral Spring
    Bailey's Chute / West Lake
    Sticta Falls / Dragons Tongue
    Osprey Falls Viewpoint
    Moul Falls

    What’s a good medium hike I can take (1-3 hours)?
    Trophy Mountain
    Placid Lake (Green Mountain) to Whitehorse bluffs
    Pyramid Mountain / Majerus Falls
    Clearwater Lake Lookout
    Whale Lake (Mahood)
    Henrietta Lake (Murtle)
    File Creek (Murtle)
    Shaden (Spahats)


    What’s a good long hike I can take(3-8 hours)?
    Trophy Mountain
    Battle Mountain
    Flat Iron
    Chain Meadows
    Horseshoe Falls (bug spray please!)
    Wavy Range (Murtle Lake)

    Trails only for the very experienced and well equipped
    The trail to be base of Helmcken Falls - steep and rocky
    Huntley Col - steep and lack of water
    Kostal Lake route - extensively grown in and hard to follow
    Hobson Lake route - same
    Zodiac Mountain - trail no longer traceable

    Can I walk to any of the Campsites on the Clearwater / Azure Marine Circuit?
    No. All marine sites can only be accessed by boat or canoe, there are no trails to them. (Please be careful
    not to confuse Clearwater Lake Campground with the Marine Circuit.)

    Can I walk to any of the Campsites on the Murtle Marine Circuit? Yes, But only Campsite 1, all the rest
    must be accessed by canoe / kayak.

    Something we didn't answer? Email us