Clearwater & Azure Lake

Clearwater & Azure Lake

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.

The Portage

The two lakes are linked by a fairly fast-flowing stream. A portage route is available to avoid paddling upstream. The trail is about 500m, rocky with several canoe rests along the way. Just a quick note, there are stair sets and many rocks along the way. Also, avoid paddling in the middle of the stream – not only is the flow the strongest in the middle, but powerboats heading up or down the stream will find it hard to avoid you.d canoe trip?

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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.

Clearwater and Azure Lake Portage

The two lakes are linked by a fairly fast-flowing stream. A portage route is available to avoid paddling upstream. The trail is about 500m, rocky with several canoe rests along the way. Just a quick note, there are stair sets and many rocks along the way. Also, avoid paddling in the middle of the stream – not only is the flow the strongest in the middle, but powerboats heading up or down the stream will find it hard to avoid you.d canoe trip?



FAQ

Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased at the information centre or brought with you. Please do not collect firewood from around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. This is a ticketable offence. Dead wood plays a critical role in the ecosystem and provides habitat for many plants and animals.

Yes. Please refer to the Clearwater Lake Marine Guide for campsite and lake information.
Please note that not all trails shown on the map are maintained. If you have questions about current trail conditions, feel free to contact us.

If you do not have a canoe, rentals are available through Clearwater Lake Tours. Rental rates are. All rentals include paddles, life jackets, and safety gear. We highly recommend booking in advance. Please contact us with your preferred dates if you would like to reserve a canoe.

Backcountry campsites on Clearwater Lake cannot be reserved. All sites are first come, first served. Overnight visitors pay at the lake using a self-registration system (cash only). Deposit cash in the envelope provided, fill out the registration information, and place it in the lock box at the boat launch.

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Clearwater Lake sits at the very end of the Clearwater Valley Road and is the easiest place in the park to launch a canoe. It’s perfect for visitors who want a classic Canadian paddling experience without committing to a long expedition. You can rent a canoe from Clearwater Lake Tours, pack a lunch, and explore sheltered bays, waterfalls, and quiet beaches for a few hours — or head out for a multi‑day trip. From the far end of the lake, a short portage connects you to Azure Lake, opening up a quieter, more dramatic stretch of wilderness that fewer visitors reach.

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Guided Outfitters for Clearwater Lake

For visitors who want a fully supported wilderness experience, several local outfitters offer guided and catered canoe trips on Clearwater & Azure Lakes. These trips are perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants expert instruction, local knowledge, and the comfort of having all logistics handled. From equipment to meals to safety, your guides take care of the details so you can simply enjoy the lakes.

Wells Gray Adventures

Running fully guided and catered canoe trips on Clearwater and Azure Lakes since 1988, Wells Gray Adventures offers an immersive wilderness experience with expert guides, hearty meals, and a focus on safety and comfort. Their trips are ideal for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a supported multi‑day adventure.

Clearwater Lake Tours

Located right at the lake, Clearwater Lake Tours offers guided canoe trips upon request, as well as boat tours and canoe rentals. Their guides know the lakes intimately and can tailor trips to your group’s experience level and interests.

BC Backcountry Adventures

BC Backcountry Adventures offers guided canoe trips on Clearwater and Azure Lake.

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Protect the Park

It’s easy to assume that the “natural” way to camp — like washing dishes in the lake or rinsing off with biodegradable soap — is the proper way to do things. In reality, these habits can harm water quality, wildlife, and delicate shorelines. Simple backcountry practices like washing dishes away from lakes and streams, keeping soap out of the water, and using insect repellent responsibly make a huge difference. Explore our stewardship tips below to learn how to camp cleanly and protect Wells Gray’s wild places.

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