WELLS GRAY VOYAGEUR

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

FOR ONLY $ 995.00

(Groups of minimum 6 participants)

Starting at the Wells Gray Guest Ranch ( www.wellsgrayranch.com) this eight day adventure trip is the ultimate way to explore the lake and mountain backcountry of this fascinating wilderness area. After detailed instructions we climb into our canoes at the south end of Clearwater Lake we paddle all the way up to the short portage into Azure Lake. Our final destination is the rainforest at Rainbow Falls with it’s adjacent sandy beach campground at the east end of this lake. All this time we camp on sandy beaches and enjoy the sunsets and spectacular views of the surrounding majestic Cariboo Mountains with countless waterfalls rumbling down the steep rocky slopes. We hike Huntley Call, have some swift water fun running the short stretch of Clearwater River into Clearwater Lake and return to the ranch on day eight in the afternoon.

Day 1: Arrival at the Wells Gray Guest Ranch at 09.00 a.m. Register at the desk. After meeting your guide at 09.30 drive to Green Mountain Viewing tower overlooking the southern part of Wells Gray Park. We continue on to visit Dawson Falls and do an enjoyable easy walk into Ray Farm, the first pioneer settlement. After lunch at the Clearwater River we continue on to Clearwater Lake. There our guide will give us a detailed introduction into paddling techniques and environmental ethics before we paddle our canoes for 3 hours to a beautiful camp setting, where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 2: Today we paddle north to the end of Clearwater Lake and reach the mouth of Clearwater River where we will paddle upstream for about 30 minutes until we reach the starting point of the portage. We now have to carry the gear and equipment across the approximately one kilometer long trail to Azure Lake. It will take us approximately two hours to unload, carry all equipment across and reload the canoes. Another short paddle will bring us to our camp for the night.

Day 3: After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast we will have easily handle the paddle of four hours along the south shore of Azure Lake to our campsite at Rainbow Falls. Azure, as it’s name reveals, is a glacier-fed lake of deep blue color. We paddle along spectacular cliffs and snow capped peaks, and have spectacular views of the many small streams cascading over cliffs into the lake. We will camp for the next two nights on the sandy beaches at Rainbow Falls.

Day 4: This day we can use to relax, paddle to the mouth of Azure River and a little ways upstream to look for wildlife, have an opportunity to fish and take an interpretive walk through the old-growth forest to the base of the falls.
Day 5 : After breakfast we take down camp and load our canoes.. We then paddle across the lake and down the north end until we reach "Four and a Half Mile" camp. We set up our tents and stay for two nights.
Day 6: This morning we invite you to join us for a half day hike up the slopes of Mount Huntley, the Huntley Col trail. This is a challenging hike but the steep ascend will be rewarded by breathtaking vistas of the Caribou Mountain Range. Non-hikers are welcome to relax on the sandy beach, go for a swim or practice their canoeing skills.
Day 7: After a leisurely morning we pack up camp and prepare for the swift water run down the Clearwater River into Clearwater Lake. This is a fun and safe river run, which gives the now experienced canoeist a feel for moving water. We camp on the west shore for the night.
Day 8: Reluctantly we leave the mountains behind us and paddle down the lake to the canoe wharf at the southern end. We pack our gear into the van and head back to Wells Gray Ranch. If we find time we walk down to Bailey's Chute to see the Salmon jump, and stop in at Helmcken Falls. We arrive back at the ranch at approx. 05.00 p.m.

DEPARTURE DATES 2010

On Arrangement for groups of minimum 6

RATES 2009

8 Days / 7 Nights - $ 995.00 / person
We require a minimum of 6 persons per group. Rates are subject to 12% HST

SPECIAL NOTES

All tours are for groups of a minimum of 6 participants
The minimum weight for a child to participate is 25 kg to properly fit a life jacket. Children up to 12 years of age are discounted at 10%. Your guide will determine at the start of the trip if the child is strong enough to paddle as a bow paddler.
All guests are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to departure
For room accommodation before and/or after the tour please visit www.wellsgrayranch.com or www.bluegrousecountryinn.com

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

Guided canoeing, hiking and sightseeing in Wells Gray Park as outlined
Use of camping equipment (tent and insulating pad)
Canoe and equipment rental
Wilderness campsite fees
All meals starting with lunch on first day and ending with lunch on the last day.
Park use fees

NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE

Personal expenses

Transfers to/from Wells Gray Ranch

Fishing license, tackle etc.

Bring your own sleeping bag (Rental $ 10.00/night)!

Applicable Taxes

WHAT TO BRING

Warm sleeping bag

Rain Coat and pants

Waterproof bag or pack large enough to hold your personal gear

Sun Hat

Hiking boots and Runners, Rubber Boots, Sandals or other waterproof footwear

Jeans or Cotton Pants

Bathing Suit

Cotton T-Shirt or long sleeved shirt

Warm Wool or Fleece Coat

Wool or Fleece Sweater

2 Pair of Wool Socks

Camera and Films

Sun Lotion and Insect Repellent

Flashlight

Pocket Knife

Personal Water Bottle

Water Purifying Tablets (optional)

Fishing Tackle (optional)

Personal Medication and First Aid Kit

HOW TO GET THERE

Turn off Highway # 5 in Clearwater (122 km north of Kamloops, B.C.) at the Tourist Information Centre and follow the road to Wells Gray Park for 27 km and then turn left at the sign "Wells Gray Guest Ranch". We gladly pick up guests arriving in Kamloops or Clearwater by public transportation for an additional charge. (Kamloops $ 95.00 pp/one-way, minimum 2, Clearwater $ 30.00 pp/one-way,
minimum 2)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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