Gateway Events Presents New Year's Eve Masquerade Gala
Gateway Events Presents New Year's Eve Masquerade Gala
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Winter transforms the beautiful and iconic waterfalls of Wells Gray Park into magnificent sculptures of snow and ice. The road into the park, up to Helmcken Falls (Photo Credit - Dennis Kitto, Kamloops BC) at 46kms, is maintained all winter long so you can get front row seats to this natural winter wonderland.
The iconic crown jewel of the park, Helmcken Falls, looks spectacular in all seasons and is the fourth tallest waterfall in Canada. Watch the impressive ice cone form at the base of the falls and grow throughout the winter season as massive icicles form on the canyon wall behind. With not a crowd in sight, enjoy listening to the thunderous roar of Helmcken Falls as you marvel at its beauty from the viewing platform.
On your way back from visiting Helmcken Falls you’ll cross the one-lane bridge and see Mushbowl Falls. An impressive water feature near the bridge made more scenic with its long river and forest views. In the wintertime the Mushbowl transforms with a blanket of snowcaps sitting atop the rock features you’ll see the river change to an icy green as it rushes over the falls.
Another waterfall in the park transformed by the winter ice and snow is Dawson Falls. Terraced across the entire width of the Murtle River you can experience the rush and power of the water cascading over the 200,000-year-old lava beds. Flanked by ice and snow it’s an impressive sight to behold.
With easy access only 11km up the park road, Spahats Falls is definitely a must-see in the wintertime. With the crisp winter air creating a column of ice around the falls it creates a stunning sight to behold as icicles and snow sit on the canyon wall behind. During heavy snowfall you may need snowshoes to access the trail from the parking lot to the viewing platform.
For a winter snowshoe adventure, consider adding Moul Falls to your bucket list. This 3km round trip takes you through the quiet forest to the base of Moul Falls where you get stunning views of the icy veil adjacent to the lava rock cave. It’s recommended that you bring your snowshoes to hike into the falls if there has been any substantial snowfall.
An ancient method of winter travel, snowshoeing offers a different winter experience to Nordic skiing. Explore the winter wilds of Wells Gray as you snowshoe through the trails and hilly terrain of the Park. Experience mountain views to dramatic waterfalls, woodland trails, and historic homesteads. Requiring no other experience than simple hiking, snowshoeing is a perfect activity for a family afternoon in the snow.
There are many trails to explore with your snowshoes in the park. If you’re looking for something close to town head to the Wells Gray Outdoor Club’s Candle Creek Trail System. In addition to cross-country skiing trails, they also designate a network of snowshoeing trails in the winter. For snowshoeing up in the park, some of the best places to explore are Pyramid Mountain and campground trail, Green Mountain, Flat Iron Trail and the Murtle River Warming hut to Pyramid Bay.
For those without a fear of heights be sure to strap on your snowshoes and explore the Helmcken Falls South Rim Trail. This 8km, 3-hour round trip journey follows the Murtle River provides you with one of the most spectacular views in the park. Use extreme caution on the canyon portion of the trail because there are no barriers to keep hikers from falling. This trail is not recommended for children or anyone with a fear of heights.
Come and enjoy a truly Canadian experience and drop a line through the ice of Dutch Lake in the winter. Feel the rush of excitement as you reel in your first big trout through the ice.
Ice fishing is an activity for all ages to enjoy and can be done for several months through the winter right in the heart of Clearwater. Just be sure to wear your winter woollies to keep warm on the ice as you await your next fish to bite.
In January, Clearwater hosts the Iceman Fishing Derby on Dutch Lake with great prizes for biggest catch of the day.
It’s perfectly fitting that Clearwater and Wells Gray Country in Canada’s Great White North offers some of BC’s finest Nordic Skiing. We know snow! After all – we get between three and four metres of fine white powder each year. Explore more than 100kms of groomed and tracked trails or create your own path in our untracked backcountry and conquer winter in true Canadian style. Breathe in the scent of fir trees in the winter forest as you enjoy the quiet swish of your skis on the freshly groomed trails.
The Wells Gray Outdoor Club’s Candle Creek Ski Trail system includes over 30kms of groomed trails for both skate skiing and classic Nordic skiing for you to explore. Suitable for both beginner and more advanced skiers you can also enjoy the warming hut facilities at the end of your day. This immaculately groomed trail network wind up and down Candle Creek and through old growth cedars.
Revel in Viking lore with the Wells Gray Outdoors Club’s Annual Birchleg race where participants dress as Vikings in a re-enactment of the Norwegian Birkebiener story. It’s great fun for locals and visitors alike.
For Nordic skiing up in Wells Gray Park head to the Murtle River Trails which are located at the Majerus Farm access along the park road. There you can enjoy the scenic river trail as you glide through old growth forest past the remains of the original Majerus cabin dating back to the pioneer period.
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