Photo: travelograf / Instagram
Welcome to the "Land of Waterfalls."
Located in east-central British Columbia, Wells Gray Provincial Park offers a spell-binding wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spanning a whopping 5,250 square kilometres, the park is home to over 41 waterfalls, as well as five major lakes and numerous small ones. What's more, almost half the major waterfalls are found in the Corridor, and very close to Clearwater Valley Road. As a result, some of the most breathtaking scenery is extremely accessible. As such, the park is a highly-sought after destination for sightseeing, camping, hiking, fishing, river-rafting, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and much more.
The park is also home to the soaring Trophy Mountains, which rise 2,575 metres into the sky. The range has nine peaks, and its northern slopes are steep and cloaked in glaciers while their southern slopes are gentle and dotted with alpine lakes and flower meadows. These mountains are also home to 45 sub-alpine lakes and tarns.
Known as the largest canoe-only lake in North America, Murtle lake offers the ideal place for peace and tranquility. In fact, 100 km of shoreline outline the pristine body of water, and it is located in a quiet mountain valley. The peaceful lake is also noted for an abundance of rainbow and kokanee trout.
Cascading 141 metres down into a breathtaking canyon, Helmcken Falls offers one of the most stunning photo opportunities in the province. What’s more, it is the fourth-largest waterfall in Canada. Situated in Wells Gray Provincial Park on the Murtle River, the statuesque rapids fall from the top of a soaring rock face with a thunderous roar.
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Running from a glacier in the Cariboo Mountains, the Murtle River stretches an impressive 18 kilometres and is home to a number of other other waterfalls including: the Mushbowl, Dawson Falls, Majerus Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Meadow Falls and McDougall Falls.
Stretching 90 metres across ancient lava beds, Dawson Falls looks like a cascading, watery veil. In addition, the shallow-rapids are surrounded by lush, seemingly endless old-growth rainforest, which creates a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.
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Visitors will also have an opportunity to view wildlife, however, BC Parks recommend that hikers exercise caution in wilderness. Wild, powerful, and unpredictable, bears and cougars pose a substantial threat to people. Luckily, however, encounters between these animals and humans are relatively low in B.C. Nevertheless, you’ll want to be prepared for an encounter if you plan to venture into the woods anytime soon. View a detailed list of what to do if you encounter a bear or a cougar here.
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Be sure to check current weather, terrain, and wildlife conditions prior to embarking on a hike. In addition, make sure that you know your physical limitations, tell someone where you are going, bring enough food and water, wear appropriate clothing, and never hike alone. Don’t attempt dangerous poses for photographs.
Visit Vancouver Trails online for a detailed list of safety tips and things to consider before your next hike.
