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CANADIAN ROCKIES, WELLS
GRAY PARK
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Hut to Hut hiking trips
Based out of our hut system in the alpine of Wells Gray Park,
these buildings allow ecologically sound access to the sensitive
high country.
The price includes transport to the trailhead, great food, backcountry
accommodation in our comfortable chalets, and expert guides who
will share their extensive knowledge of Wells Gray Park and of the
plants and animals that reside there. We work hard to ensure that
these trips remain among the best backcountry experiences you will
ever have!
Example Itinerary
3 Days
We will hike into the alpine regions of Wells Gray Park. Here
we stay in a comfortable chalet that is situated in flower meadows
and hike into the surrounding mountains.
Day 1 We pick you up at the B&B and drive to the trailhead.
From here the trail takes us through mature forests into the alpine
meadows. Our chalet for the night is in the high mountains. The
chalet is very comfortable with all necessities supplied so the
packs are very light.
Day 2 Venturing into the surrounding alpine areas around the chalet,
today we will walk through some of the finest alpine flower meadows
in the world. Our destination is top of Ptarmigan or Battle Mountain
for incredible views of the surrounding area, and into the northern
portion of Wells Gray. This area is pristine wilderness with fantastic
views of the Cariboos, Monashees, and Rocky Mountains. The elusive
Woodland Caribou is found in this area along with the Grizzly Bear.
Day 3 From the Chalet, we hike through the western finger of Fight
meadow following Battle creek. This is a trip back into the lush
forest of the valley. During this hike, we pass through four different
vegetative zones as we descend and it makes for a fascinating hike.
Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife. The hike takes us back to
the guest ranch.
Canoe trips
In the summer, we operate canoe trips on the beautiful Clearwater
Lake. Clearwater Lake is the heart of the 1.4 million acre Wells
Gray as it is the meeting point for all of the water draining out
of the mountains of the Park. No canoeing experience is needed as
our guides are also instructors and all trip members will have the
opportunity to perfect Canadian canoeing techniques.
Example Itinerary
3 Days
Day 1 After a 10:00 am pickup at your accommodation, we have a scenic
one hour drive to Clearwater Lake and the trips starting point.
We start with canoe instruction, and then paddle approximately three
hours to a beautiful sandy beach campsite. All campsites have outhouses,
tables, firepits, and tent sites.
Day 2 Today there are many options. The guide can set up a canoe
obstacle course and we can have races and sharpen our skills. We
can pack a lunch and explore up lake for fishing holes or paddle
to the end of the lake where the Clearwater River pours into the
lake and forms a small lagoon. We can swim or sit in the sun and
read or choose a combination of all these activities.
Day 3 Today we have a leisurely start. After breakfast and a swim,
we can start to take camp down. We load up the canoes and paddle
down the other side of the lake to the canoe dock. We then start
back down the Wells Gray Road and after 30 minutes stop at Helmecken
Falls (the third highest in Canada) We then have a look at Dawson
falls and continue down to Clearwater.
Canoe & Hike Combo
For people who can't decide, a little of each! First, we drive
to Clearwater Lake where we load up the canoes and paddle to a lovely
beach camp. Here you can go fishing, hiking and swimming. The camp
is gorgeous and the food is great; what more can you ask for? On
the third day, we paddle back to the pickup, and after touring the
famous Wells Gray waterfalls, we head for the lovely dinner waiting
at our bed and breakfast accommodation. The next morning, we hike
into the high country to spend three days at a secluded mountain
hut.
Example Itinerary
3 Days Canoeing & 3 Days Hiking
This trip combines the poetic beauty of wilderness canoeing with
the excitement of a hut-to-hut backcountry trek... Wildlife viewing
on Lake Clearwater is excellent as wolf, deer, and moose are frequently
seen. We hike into the alpine regions of Wells Gray Park. If you
have only three days to spare, you can do either the hiking or canoeing
portion of this trip if you choose.
Day 1 CANOE
After a 10:00 am pickup at your accommodation, we have a scenic
one-hour drive to Clearwater Lake and the trips starting point.
We start with one and a half-hours of canoe instruction, and then
paddle approximately three hours to a beautiful sandy beach campsite.
Day 2 CANOE
You get an early start and paddle up the eastern shore of the lake
exploring the mouth of the Clearwater River before crossing over
to the western shore. There is an old trappers cabin hidden beside
a lagoon that you can explore. Our guide will instruct you in various
canoeing techniques en route to camp.
Day 3 CANOE
After a big breakfast and coffee on the beach, we paddle back down
the other side of the lake enjoying the quiet beauty of nature.
We get to the vehicle and go to a local Bed and Breakfast for dinner,
the night and breakfast.
Day 4 HIKE
We pick you up at the B&B and drive to the trailhead. From here
the trail takes us through mature forests into the alpine meadows.
Our chalet for the night is in the high mountains. The chalet is
very comfortable with all necessities supplied so the packs are
very light.
Day 5 HIKE
Venturing into the surrounding alpine areas around the chalet, today
we will walk through some of the finest alpine flower meadows in
the world. Our destination is top of Ptarmigan or Battle Mountain
for incredible views of the surrounding area, and into the northern
portion of Wells Gray. This area is pristine wilderness with fantastic
views of the Cariboos, Monashees, and Rocky Mountains. The elusive
Woodland Caribou is found in this area along with the Grizzly Bear.
Day 6 HIKE
From the Chalet, we hike through the western finger of Fight meadow
following Battle Creek. This is a trip back into the lush forest
of the valley. During this day, we pass through four different vegetative
zones as we descend and it makes for a fascinating hike. Keep an
eye out for signs of wildlife. The hike takes us back to our pick
up.
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