Canoeing In Wells Gray
Wells Gray is one of British Columbia’s premier canoeing destinations, offering everything from calm, glassy paddles to multi‑day wilderness expeditions. Whether you’re exploring volcanic shorelines, drifting through quiet wetlands, or crossing vast alpine lakes, canoeing here is one of the most immersive ways to experience the park.
Clearwater Lake is long, deep, and beautifully sheltered, making it ideal for both day paddles and multi‑day trips. Towering volcanic cliffs, waterfalls, and quiet coves line the shoreline, and mornings often bring perfectly still water that mirrors the surrounding peaks.
Accessible only by water from the connecting river to Clearwater Lake, Azure Lake feels remote from the moment you arrive. Its turquoise colour, dramatic mountain walls, and pristine beaches make it one of the most spectacular canoeing destinations in the region. Many paddlers combine Clearwater and Azure into a multi‑day journey.
Murtle Lake is the largest paddle‑only lake in North America — no motors allowed. Its quiet bays, sandy beaches, and expansive wilderness make it a favourite for backcountry canoeists seeking solitude. The west arm offers calm waters and easy camping, while the north arm is wilder and more exposed.
Guided Outfitters
There are some great companies that run amazing guided canoe trips on Clearwater Lake. Clearwater Lake Tours also offers boat tours of Clearwater and Azure Lake.
Wells Gray Adventures
Wells Gray Adventures has been operating canoe trips in the park since 1988, building decades of experience on the lakes and waterways of Wells Gray. They provide all canoe gear, hearty meals, and expert guides, making multi‑day paddling trips accessible for guests of all experience levels.
Clearwater Lake Tours
Clearwater Lake Tours provides canoe rentals, water taxis, and access to both Clearwater and Azure Lakes. They also offer guided tours on request, giving visitors a chance to explore the lakes with local insight and support. Their on‑site location at the boat launch makes planning simple, and their services help paddlers reach remote beaches, trailheads, and viewpoints that are otherwise difficult to access.
Murtle Lake
Did you know that Murtle Lake is the largest canoe/paddle-only lake in the world! Yes, that’s true – you don’t have to avoid powerboats or hear them on Murtle Lake, except for the single Park Ranger boat.
Murtle Lake is accessed via Blue River – the Information Center staff can provide you with directions. There is also a portage of about 2.5km to access the lake itself. The trail is in good conditions all the way to the lake, bar a few slopes. A canoe cart is a great asset – just remember that if you use a canoe cart you must lock it up. There are provisions made for this, however you need to bring your own lock and chain to do so.
The Lake boasts over 100km of shore line and is “divided” into a North Arm and a West Arm. The West Arm of the lake is known for its white sandy beaches and open scenery. Its also generally the busiest, but well worth exploring. The North Arm has high dramatic country due to the mountainous topography. Here is also a great place to watch wildlife because of the large meadows to be found.
Campsites have fire rings, bear caches and outhouses at each campsite.
Clearwater & Azure
Clearwater and Azure Lake are located right at the end of the Clearwater Valley Road – the main road accessing the park. It’s ideal for visitors who have a short time to spend in Wells Gray Park, but still want to experience the quintessential Canadian pastime. You can rent a canoe and all your equipment from Clearwater Lake Tours, pack a lunch, and enjoy Clearwater Lake for a few hours – or a few days! On a longer trip, it is possible to make the portage from Clearwater to Azure Lake and experience an area relatively few people visit.
Both Clearwater and Azure Lake offer family-friendly camping. There are several camping areas located throughout the two lakes, each with outhouses and picnic tables, bear proof food caches, and fire rings. All campsites are patrolled and maintained on a daily basis.