Wells Gray Expedition

Overview

Starting at the Blue Grouse Country Inn this eight day wilderness adventure trip is the ultimate way to explore the lakes and mountain backcountry of this fascinating B.C. provincial park wilderness area. After our guides provide detailed instructions we climb into our canoes at the south end of Clearwater Lake and paddle our canoes all the way up to the short portage into Azure Lake.

Our final destination is the rainforest at Rainbow Falls with its 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 wilderness trail, have some adventurous swift water paddling fun running the short stretch of Clearwater River into Clearwater Lake and return to the Blue Grouse Country Inn on day eight in the afternoon.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Green Mountain Viewing Tower at Wells Gray Park

Arrival at the Blue Grouse Country Inn at 9:30am PDT. After meeting your guide at 9:30am and loading the vehicle we 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 wilderness setting, where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 2 – The Starting Point of the Portage to Azure Lake

Today we paddle our canoes north to the end of Clearwater Lake and reach the mouth of Clearwater River where we will travel upstream for about 30 minutes until reaching the starting point of our 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 to reload the canoes. Another short paddle will bring us to our outdoor wildlife camp for the night.

Day 3 – The Glacier-fed Azure Lake Adventure

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast we will have easily handled the paddle of four hours along the south shore of Azure Lake to our campsite at Rainbow Falls. Azure, as its name reveals, is a glacier-fed lake of deep blue color. We paddle along spectacular cliffs and snowcapped 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 – An Interpretive Walk to Rainbow Falls

We can use this adventurous day in Wells Gray to relax, paddling our canoes to the mouth of Azure River and a little ways upstream to look for wildlife. Activities will include fishing and an interpretive walk through the old-growth forest to the base of the Rainbow Falls.

Day 5 - Wilderness Stay Over at Four and ½ Mile Camp

After breakfast we take down camp and load our canoes. We then paddle across the Azure Lake and down the north end until we reach the "Four and 1/2 Mile" campsite. We set up our tents and stay for two nights.

Day 6 - Hike up the Huntley Col Trail

This morning we invite you to join us for a hike up 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 of Azure Lake, go for a swim or practice their canoeing skills.

Day 7 - Swift Water Adventure Run down the Clearwater River

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, giving our experienced canoeists a feel for moving water. We camp on the west shore for the night.

Day 8 - Head back to Blue Grouse Country Inn

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 Blue Grouse Country Inn. If we find time we walk down to Bailey's Chute to see the Salmon jump (Aug/Sep), and stop in at Helmcken Falls. We arrive back at approx. 05.00 p.m.

Special Notes:

• We require a minimum of 5 and maximum of 9 participants.
• The minimum age for a child to participate is the 15th birthday.
• All guests are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to departure.
• For accommodation before and/or after the tour please visit: Blue Grouse Country Inn.

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
• Fishing license, tackle etc
• Bring your own sleeping bag (Rental $ 25.00 / trip)
• Applicable Taxes

!! Gratuity is mandatory in North America and a minimum of $ 10.00 per day per adult should be handed to the guide at the end of the tour, please !!

What to Bring  Terms and Conditions