Getting Here
You’ll find Clearwater and Wells Gray Provincial Park in the Thompson-Okanagan Region just about mid-way point on the Yellowhead Highway (BC Highway 5) between Jasper, AB in the Rockies and Vancouver, BC. It’s also the mid-way point between Jasper, AB and the Okanagan Valley, the wine capital of British Columbia.Travel to Wells Gray Park is through Clearwater, BC via car or RV, Greyhound bus and by VIA Rail train. If you’d rather fly in, the closest airport is Kamloops only 134km south.
Check out the Highway 5 traffic and weather cam right here
| Driving Distances | ||
| Vancouver | 449 Km | 279 Miles |
| Edmonton | 671 Km | 417 Miles |
| Calgary (via Revelstoke) | 681 Km | 423 Miles |
| Calgary (via Jasper) | 681 Km | 423 Miles |
| Kamloops | 129 Km | 80 Miles |
| Blue River | 89 Km | 55 Miles |
| Kelowna (via Hwy 97C) | 295 Km | 183 Miles |
| Banff | 602 Km | 374 Miles |
| Seattle | 562 Km | 349 Miles |
| Sun Peaks | 129 Km | 80 Miles |
Visitor Centre
Our Visitor Centre is located at the junction of the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 5) and the Clearwater Valley Road, leading to Wells Gray Park. Open seasonally, you’ll find Jerry the Moose and plenty of parking (including RV parking). Step in to our cabin and gift shop where our staff can answer any questions you may have as well as provide you with information, directions, advice, local knowledge and assist with making last-minute reservations.Our building is also equipped with free WIFI Internet access if you need a hot spot. While you're there, be sure to pick up some brochures, maps, and other essential travel information for your trip. (Phone: 250-674-3334, 416 Eden Road, Clearwater, BC)
BC Parks
BC Parks is responsible for the designation, management and conservation of a system of ecological reserves, provincial parks and recreation areas located throughout the province. At 1.3 million acres, Wells Gray Provincial Park is BC's fourth largest.There are two main provincial parks in Wells Gray Country that include camping, day-use and recreational activities:
Access to Wells Gray Provincial Park
You can reach Wells Gray Provincial Park via Clearwater Valley Road, a paved access road (also known as the Wells Grey Corridor, or the Clearwater River Road, a rough gravel road on the west side of the Clearwater River. Both roads extend north from the community of Clearwater.Where to Stay
If you’re planning a visit to Wells Gray Park and neighbouring Clearwater you’ll want to book ahead if possible, particularly during the middle of summer.Camping is available throughout the Park between May and the end of September. Reservations can be made for Park campsites up to three months in advance. Private campgrounds and RV resorts offer more extensive camping seasons – check opening and closing dates with local operators .
Boating Safety
The picturesque lakes and rivers in the Thompson-Okanagan region are some of the most beautiful places in BC for recreational boating. Boaters must be aware that there are boating restrictions in some lakes and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card boating license (PCOC) is required if you are operating a motorized boat in Canada. A PCOC proves that you have gained the knowledge to safely operate a motorized boat on Canada’s waterways.Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line, at Service BC in Clearwater, or at select retail outlets. Visit Fishing BC for more information.What to Pack
The diversity of activities calls for shrewd packing. If you’re heading into the mountains for any sort of outdoor adventure, it’s best to dress in layers. Our restaurant scene is pretty laid-back, so casual attire is the order of the day. We’re known for our hot summers, but remember to bring sunglasses and a hat to provide protection from strong sunlight no matter the season.Weather
Wells Gray and Clearwater’s weather conditions are dependent on the season. As Wells Gray Country is located in a transition zone between the dry Okanagan region and the wetter and more variable conditions of the higher Northern mountains, the weather pattern varies from the norm.Summer begins in June, with temperatures averaging in the low 20°C / 70°F. During this period the River levels are high as they absorb much of the snow melt from the surrounding mountains. May and early June is a great time for viewing bears in the park!
The weather warms up considerable in July and August with high-pressure systems resulting in long spells of hot, dry weather, perfect hiking and canoeing conditions! Temperatures average in the mid- to high-30C (high 80ºs to low 90ºs F). Humidity is generally low, but thundershowers are frequent in the early evenings.
September usually sees a return to more moderate conditions, similar to those in June. This is for many their favourite time to visit: the water is its warmest, rainfall is least likely, there are fewer people about once the schools start again. These conditions sometimes continue right through into October.
Winter weather depends on which of the two systems becomes dominant: the warm, moist south-westerly flows from the Coast, or the cold, dry arctic high pressure from the north. The snowpack ranges from 1m (2-3ft) in the lower valley, to 2m (6ft) or 4m (13ft) in the mountains.
Snow generally clears from the valley by late March to mid-April, although the ski-touring up in the back country is still good right through May. The rivers begin to swell, reaching their peak in early June.
Spring weather brings showers and variable skies, with temperatures ranging from around 12C to low 20ºC.
The Weather Office is your best source for up-to-date conditions.
