Clearwater
Gateway to Wells Gray — BC's waterfall province in its purest form.
Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of the most spectacular and least-visited wilderness areas in British Columbia. Sitting at the junction of Highway 5 and the Wells Gray Park Road, the town serves as the launching point for adventures into a park that contains more waterfalls per square kilometre than almost anywhere else on Earth. Helmcken Falls, the crown jewel of Wells Gray, drops 141 metres into a volcanic canyon — it is the fourth-highest waterfall in Canada and one of the most dramatic natural spectacles in BC. Dawson Falls, Moul Falls, and dozens of other cascades are scattered throughout the park, connected by hiking trails that wind through old-growth forest, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes shaped by ancient lava flows. The North Thompson River runs through Clearwater, offering excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. The town itself has a welcoming character, with good restaurants, accommodations, and outfitters ready to equip visitors for backcountry adventures. Wells Gray Outfitters is a beloved local institution, offering guided fishing, hunting, and wilderness trips into the park. Whitewater rafting on the Clearwater River is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Interior, with Class III and IV rapids through spectacular canyon scenery.
Brickfront Food Shop
Clearwater's Specialty Organic & Fresh Food Store
Tucked right in the heart of Clearwater, Brickfront Food Shop has become a true community favourite. This specialty grocery store focuses on fresh, organic, and locally sourced products — the kind of quality you don't expect to find on a highway stop but are genuinely thrilled to discover. Whether you're stocking up for a few days in Wells Grey Provincial Park, looking for something wholesome after a long drive, or simply want to eat well while you travel, Brickfront delivers.
Locals absolutely love this place — it's the kind of shop that regulars plan their week around. From fresh produce and artisan goods to specialty pantry items you won't find at a chain store, Brickfront has earned its reputation as Clearwater's go-to spot for real food. Stop in, say hello, and see why the community keeps coming back.
Motels in Clearwater(0)
Restaurants in Clearwater(9)
Double Dragon Restaurant
$$Double Dragon is Clearwater's beloved Chinese restaurant — a Wells Gray road-trip institution for over two decades. Tucked right on Clearwater Station Road, it'…
52 Ridge Restaurant & Pub
$$52 Ridge is Clearwater's go-to spot for a proper sit-down meal with a cold drink — a spacious, welcoming restaurant and pub that punches well above its small-to…
The Caboose Restaurant
$The Caboose is one of Clearwater's most recognizable landmarks — a charming, railway-themed restaurant that's been a favourite with locals and travellers for ye…
The Turtle Restaurant
$The Turtle is Clearwater's beloved local diner — the last proper sit-down meal before you head into Wells Grey Provincial Park, and the first one when you come…
Double R Pizza
$Double R Pizza has been feeding Clearwater and the surrounding area since 2001 — a beloved local institution that punches well above its weight for a small-town…
Well's Gray Roadhouse
$$Well's Gray Roadhouse is a Clearwater favourite known for its cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, and hearty all-day menu made fresh in-house. Breakfast is a stand…
Wild Flour Bakery & Café
$Wild Flour Bakery & Café is Clearwater's best-kept morning secret — a warm, welcoming artisan bakery and café that turns out exceptional baked goods from scratc…
The Painted Turtle
$$The Painted Turtle is one of Clearwater's most popular gathering spots — a warm, welcoming pub and grill with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and a menu t…
Hop & Hog
$$Hop & Hog is Clearwater's go-to spot for serious BBQ and cold craft beer — a lively, unpretentious restaurant that takes its smoked meats as seriously as its ta…
Golf in Clearwater(1)
Wells Gray Golf & RV Resort
9 holes holes · Par Par 36
Wells Gray Golf & RV Resort is one of the most uniquely situated golf destinations in all of British Columbia — a beautiful 9-hole course set right at the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater. Surrounded by old-growth forest, mountain peaks, and the wild North Thompson Valley, this is golf the way it was meant to be played: fresh air, stunning scenery, and zero pretension. The course winds through a natural landscape that changes with every season, offering a relaxed and welcoming round for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up the clubs for the first time, the friendly atmosphere and spectacular setting make every hole memorable. The resort also offers full RV hookups, making it the perfect base camp for exploring Helmcken Falls, Spahats Creek Falls, and the rest of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Stay, play, and explore — this is BC at its best.
Tackle Shops in Clearwater(1)
Wells Gray Outfitters
4816 Clearwater Valley Rd, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1
Wells Gray Outfitters is Clearwater's ultimate year-round adventure hub — far more than a tackle shop. Whether you're gearing up for a backcountry fishing trip into Wells Gray Provincial Park, picking up a new mountain bike for the trails, or getting your skates sharpened before hitting the ice, this is the place locals and visitors count on. Summer brings a full lineup of bike sales and rentals, paddleboards, kayaks, and water sports gear for exploring the Clearwater River and the park's stunning lakes. Their active lifestyle clothing and fitness section keeps you outfitted for every season — from trail running and cycling to skiing and snowshoeing. The knowledgeable team lives and breathes the outdoors and will happily point you to the best fishing holes, trails, and hidden spots that only locals know.
Nearby waters: Clearwater River, Murtle Lake, Azure Lake, Mahood Lake
Mechanics in Clearwater(3)
Marcel's Automotive — Wells Gray Service Center
RepairServing the North Thompson Valley. ATV & boat engines too.
T N T Transmission and Automotive
RepairCAA approved. All makes & models including diesel.
Clearwater Towing
Towing / 24hrCAA Authorized. Serves Avola, Blue River, Clearwater, Little Fort & Barriere.
Hidden Gems near Clearwater(9)
Jasper Way Inn Food Trailer
Parked right at the Jasper Way Inn, this unassuming food wagon has become a genuine word-of-mouth legend among road-trippers heading north. It's the kind of stop that doesn't look like much from the highway — but pull in, and you'll find freshly made food that punches well above its weight. Hot, satisfying, and made with care, it's exactly the kind of roadside discovery that makes a long drive feel like an adventure. Truckers, locals, and travellers in the know have been stopping here for years, and once you've tried it, you'll understand why. A debit machine is available for bank card payments.
Tip: Check in at the Jasper Way Inn front desk if the wagon isn't immediately visible — hours can vary by season. Debit and cash both accepted. If you're staying the night, ask about the daily specials.
Clearwater Stop
Tucked just off the highway, the Clearwater Stop is one of those unpretentious little roadside gems that earns its reputation entirely through the quality of the food. Pull up to the counter, grab a picnic table outside, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The menu runs from thick, juicy burgers and smoky grilled sausages to real ice cream — but the standout is the European specialties. The Jäger schnitzel arrives with four generous slices of tender meat in a rich mushroom cream sauce, accompanied by a crisp fresh salad with crunchy lettuce and cucumber. Whether you go for the schnitzel Viennese style, a bacon cheese pizza, or a classic cheeseburger, everything is made fresh and packed with flavour. Friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and food that punches well above its roadside setting — this one is absolutely worth stopping for.
Tip: Don't skip the European specialties — the Jäger schnitzel is the real highlight here. Save room for the real ice cream to finish. Picnic tables are available outside for a proper sit-down stop.
Canadian Bear Guesthouse B&B
A three-storey log home bed and breakfast sitting at the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park — one of BC's most spectacular wilderness destinations. Host Louise opened the Canadian Bear Guesthouse in 2022, drawn by a love of the mountains and a desire to share this uniquely Canadian landscape with guests from around the world. Four bear-themed suites (Brown Bear, Black Bear, Kermode Bear, and the private Grizzly Bear Cabin) offer everything from king beds with soaker tubs to a self-catered cabin sleeping six. Panoramic windows open onto a large patio with unobstructed mountain views, and a homemade breakfast is included with every B&B suite. Walking distance to shops and restaurants, and a direct route to 40+ waterfalls and 200 km of trails.
Tip: Book the Grizzly Bear Cabin if you're travelling as a family or group — it sleeps six and gives you full independence while still being steps from the main house. Ask Louise for her favourite waterfall hike; she knows them all.
Wells Grey — Helmcken Falls
Standing four times taller than Niagara, Helmcken Falls is one of Canada's most spectacular waterfalls — yet most travellers drive right past it. The falls plunge 141 metres into a volcanic bowl, sending mist billowing above the canyon rim. A short walk from the parking area delivers one of the most jaw-dropping views in the province.
Tip: Visit in winter if you can — an enormous ice cone builds up at the base and the frozen spray creates an otherworldly scene. Summer visits are equally stunning.
Wild Flour Bakery Café
Wild Flour Bakery Café is Clearwater's beloved community gathering spot — a warm, welcoming café where everything is made from scratch. From freshly baked breads and pastries to hearty soups, sandwiches, and daily specials, the kitchen puts real care into every plate. It's the kind of place where road-trippers heading into Wells Gray Provincial Park stop for a proper breakfast before hitting the trails, and where locals linger over coffee on a slow morning. The baking alone is worth the detour — expect golden loaves, flaky pastries, and the kind of cinnamon bun that makes you wish you'd ordered two.
Tip: Stop in before heading into Wells Gray Park — grab a fresh-baked loaf and a sandwich to take on the trail. The daily soup is always worth asking about, and the pastry case sells out early on weekends.
Spahats Creek Falls
A 61-metre waterfall plunging into a dramatic volcanic canyon just minutes from the highway — one of the most accessible and spectacular waterfalls in BC, and somehow still overlooked by most travellers. The canyon walls are layered lava flows from ancient volcanic eruptions, and the viewpoint platform puts you directly above the falls with nothing between you and the drop. It's the first major stop on the road into Wells Grey Provincial Park, and it sets the tone perfectly for everything that follows. Five minutes from your car, and you're standing above something genuinely extraordinary.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the light hits the canyon walls. The viewpoint is fully accessible and takes about 10 minutes return from the parking lot.
Moul Falls Swimming Hole
A hidden swimming hole at the base of a 15-metre waterfall deep in Wells Grey Provincial Park — reached by a 4km trail through old-growth forest along the Murtle River. The pool is cold, clear, and perfectly formed, with a natural rock shelf for sitting and the falls thundering down in front of you. It's one of the best swimming holes in BC, and because it requires a proper hike to reach, it never gets crowded. The trail passes through some of the finest old-growth cedar forest in the province — the walk itself is worth the trip.
Tip: The trail starts at the Moul Falls trailhead off Clearwater Valley Road. Bring a towel and water shoes — the rocks at the base of the falls are slippery. Water temperature peaks in August.
The Turtle Restaurant
The Turtle is Clearwater's beloved local diner — the last proper sit-down meal before you head into Wells Grey Provincial Park, and the first one when you come out. It's been feeding locals and road-trippers for years with honest, unpretentious cooking: all-day breakfast, house-made burgers, BC salmon, and pies baked in-house. The staff know the regulars by name and the food is made with real care. Not a chain, not a franchise — just a genuinely good small-town restaurant that road-trippers remember long after they've left.
Tip: Breakfast is served all day — after a morning hike to Helmcken Falls, coming back for eggs and hash browns at noon is a completely legitimate move. The park has no restaurants, so fuel up here before you head in.
Brickfront Food Shop
Right in the heart of Clearwater, Brickfront Food Shop is a road-tripper's hidden gem — a specialty grocery store focused on fresh, organic, and locally sourced food. Locals absolutely love this place and plan their week around it. It's the kind of quality stop you don't expect to find on a highway run through the North Thompson Valley, but once you know it's there, you'll never drive past without stopping. Stock up on wholesome provisions before heading into Wells Grey Provincial Park, grab something fresh and satisfying after a long stretch of highway, or simply treat yourself to food that actually tastes like something. From fresh produce and artisan pantry goods to specialty items you won't find at a chain store, Brickfront has earned its reputation as Clearwater's go-to spot for real food.
Tip: Stop in before heading into Wells Grey — it's the last chance for quality fresh food before the park. Great for stocking a cooler with real ingredients for a cabin stay or camping trip.
Road trip planning
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Wildlife Watching
Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of BC's premier wildlife destinations. Moose, black bears, mule deer, wolves, and over 200 species of birds call this wilderness home. The park's remote lakes, river corridors, and old-growth forests create ideal habitat — and patient visitors are regularly rewarded with close encounters. Early morning and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife along the park road and near the lakes.
Moose
Moose are commonly spotted along the park road, near marshy lake edges, and in the river corridors. Dawn and dusk offer the best sightings — keep your eyes on the water's edge.
Mule Deer
Mule deer are a frequent sight throughout the park and surrounding Clearwater Valley. Look for them grazing in open meadows and along forest edges, especially in the early morning hours.
Black Bear
Black bears are active throughout the park from spring to fall. They're often seen foraging along the park road and near streams during salmon season. Always maintain a safe distance and never approach or feed wildlife.
Things to Do in Clearwater
5 local experiences worth exploring
Helmcken Falls — Wells Gray Provincial Park
A thundering 141-metre cascade that dwarfs Niagara Falls — one of Canada's most spectacular waterfalls, just 35 km from Clearwater.
Learn more
Whitewater Rafting the Clearwater River
The turquoise glacial Clearwater River offers some of BC's most exciting whitewater rafting through dramatic canyon scenery.
Wells Gray Provincial Park Hiking
BC's fourth-largest provincial park has over 40 named waterfalls, ancient lava beds, and spectacular alpine hiking in pristine wilderness.
Spahats Creek Falls
A dramatic 60-metre waterfall plunging into a volcanic canyon just minutes from Clearwater — an easy and spectacular short walk.
Wildlife Watching — Moose & Bears
Wells Gray Provincial Park has one of the highest densities of moose in BC. Black bears, wolves, and mountain caribou are also commonly seen.
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