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Wells Gray to Mount Robson Information If you follow the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 5) along
the North Thompson Valley for just 1.5 hours north from Kamloops,
or 3.5 hours south from Jasper, you will find yourself amid the
mountains, forests, rivers and lakes of one of the true gems
of BC – Wells
Gray Country, home of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This vast wilderness
preserve of big lakes, deep river
gorges, glacier-clad peaks, broad alpine meadows and old growth
forests, at over 5,000sq km (1,931 sq mi), is very nearly the
same size as Banff National Park and offers an equally memorable
experience.
Wells Gray is often known as the Waterfall Park for the many spectacular falls and rapids formed by the rushing waters of the Clearwater, Murtle and Mahood Rivers. Amongst these is the 143m (470ft) Helmchen Falls, which is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, and 1.5 times the height of Niagara. The Park also provides excellent wildlife watching: black bear are seen from spring through fall, moose are particularly numerous in winter, and in quieter corners, it’s possible to glimpse grizzly bear, lynx, wolves, cougars and caribou. Amazing blooms of wildflowers await hikers in the alpine meadows that skirt the Trophy Mountains during the mid-summer months. Early fall marks the beginning of major runs of sockeye and Chinook salmon – watch these huge fish leaping the rapids at The Kettle or Bailey’s Chute on the Clearwater River, or see them begin their journey up the Raft River from the new purpose-built platform just north of town.
The major towns in this area are Valemount, Blue River, Clearwater, and Little Fort. All four towns are accessible by the Yellowhead Highway 5.
Blue River is a small community 94 km (56 mi) to the south of Valemount. Located in the North Thompson River Valley, the small community of 260 residents is bounded by the Monashee Mountains to the east and the Cariboo Mountains to the west. Mike Wiegele’s Helicopter Skiing is the town’s foremost attraction and draws visitors from all over the world. The five-star resort offers some of the world’s best heli-skiing and heli-hiking. Throughout the community, there exists an ambiance of hometown values and tradition; visitors will feel welcomed and relaxed in this cozy community.
LinksNeed a place to stay or camp while exploring Wells Gray to Mount Robson? Explore the Communities of Wells Grey to Mount Robson Discover the Thompson Okanagan Sub Regions
Tourism Region Contact Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association |
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Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find their ideal arena here
in Wells Grey, whether you’re seeking an adrenalin-rush
or sheer serenity. The Park’s big lakes – Clearwater,
Azure, Mahood and Murtle (the largest paddle-only lake in North
America) – offer wonderful opportunities for canoe-camping
while the Clearwater and North Thompson offer world class whitewater
rafting and kayaking. Hikers, mountain-bikers and horseback-riders
will find endless miles of trails, and several well-kept courses
offer challenging golf opportunities. Fishing continues all year
for the river and lake trout and for salmon during late fall.
In winter, the area is a snowy wonderland where you can experience
80km (50mi) of groomed cross-country ski trails, excellent back-country
skiing, snow-showing, authentic dog-sledding and challenging
snowmobiling. 
Mount Robson Park is the other major attraction
in the northern part of the Thompson Okanagan. It is the second
oldest park
in British Columbia’s park system, and is home to the highest
peak in the Canadian Rockies, for which the park is named. Mount
Robson staggers over the landscape at 3,954 m (12,972 ft) as
it guards the western entrance to the park. Travelers are in
awe of the mountain’s magnificence and commonly find
access to the park from Tete Jaune Cache, which is located
on the Yellowhead
Route at Highways 5 and 16.
The northern-most point of the Thompson Okanagan, Valemount,
is on the steps of magnificent Mount Robson Provincial Park.
This is an ideal place to start exploring this exciting region – the
community is dedicated to providing its visitors with high-quality
service and some of the most exciting adventures in BC. There
are many opportunities to explore nature in Valemount. Popular
activities include wilderness hiking, canoeing, horseback riding
and ATVing. Visitors can see the world’s longest salmon
run at George Hicks Regional Park or visit the R.W. Starratt
Wildlife sanctuary – home to over 150 species of birds
for some of Canada’s best bird watching. A popular spot
for snowmobiling, Valemount has repeatedly won prestigious Riders
Choice Awards for its world-class runs suitable for every level
of rider. While in Valemount, expect heart-warming hospitality
and all the visitors’ services needed to make it a memorable
stay. 
Clearwater, located 124 km (77 mi) north
of Kamloops and 106 km (66 mi) south of Blue River, is the
largest community in
the North Thompson Valley. With many remote lakes in the
area, visitors
can test their angling skills in this small town. For a more
thrilling experience, try white-water rafting down the Clearwater
River – an adrenaline rush that lets you see beautiful
scenery surrounding the river. 
