Canoeing
Clearwater and Azure Lake Canoe Trips
In the summer, we offer 3 and 6 day canoe trips deep into the heart of Wells Gray Park. These trips take the visitor up the Clearwater and on the longer trip, Azure Lake, two of the premier canoeing lakes in British Columbia. More than that they are the heart of a totally protected watershed. The massive Wells Gray park protects the Watershed of the Clearwater River. A trip on these lakes offers you the chance to swim, paddle and enjoy one of the most pristine bidies of water in the world. Wildlife viewing on both lakes is excellent as wolf, deer, and moose are frequently seen. No canoeing experience is needed as our guides are also instructors and all trip members will have the opportunity to perfect Canadian canoeing techniques.► To view complete trip Itineraries click on the Trip title
| Canoe Trips | Rate | Dates |
| 3 Day Canoe Trip: | $440.00 + 5% GST | June 28 | July 12, 26 | Aug 9, 23 | Sept 6 |
| 6 Day Canoe Trip: | $800.00 + 5% GST | June 27 | July 11, 25 | Aug 8, 22 | Sept 5 |
All prices include guide, accommodation, meals and transport to and from trailhead from Clearwater.
Kids under 13 years old are 25% off. PLEASE NOTE- Any payments and booking made AFTER JULY 1, 2010 will be subject to an additional 7% tax. After July 1 the province of BC is going to a harmonized tax which will be 12%.
Group Discounts will apply for a group of ten people or more.
3 Day Summer Canoe Trip Itinerary
For more information please call 1 888 754 8735 or email info@skihike.com
Day 1: We will pick you up at your accommodation, or meet you at our office and drive 1 hour to the canoe dock on Clearwater Lake. We then paddle approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to our beach campsite. All campsites have outhouses, tables, fire-pits, and tent sites.Day 2: Today there are many options. 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. You may choose to 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 for a tour of the famous waterfalls. We will visit Helmecken Falls (the fourth highest in Canada) and walk into Dawson Falls. You will be awed by your Wells Gray wild waters experience.
CANOE TRIP EQUIPMENT LIST
- Sleeping Bag
- Good quality Rain Coat and Pants (with hat or hood)
- Running Shoes for camp
- Shoes for the boat - diving shoes or flip flops
- Warm wool or fleece coat
- Sun hat
- Shirt and pants (both short and long sleeves)
- Personal Toiletries including sun screen, sun glasses
- Towel, water bottle, flashlight
- Any Personal Medications
- Duffle Bag or Pack which holds all personal equipment
6 Day Summer Canoe Trip Itinerary
For more information please call 1 888 754 8735 or email info@skihike.com
In the summer, we offer six day canoe trips deep into the heart of Wells Gray Park. These trips take the visitor up the Clearwater and Azure Lakes, two of the premier canoeing lakes in British Columbia. Wildlife viewing on both lakes is excellent as wolf, deer, and moose are frequently seen. No canoeing experience is needed as our guides are also instructors and all trip members will have the opportunity to perfect Canadian canoeing techniques.
Day 1: After a pickup at your accommodation in Clearwater or our office, you have a scenic one hour drive to Clearwater Lake and the trips starting point. You start with a bit of canoe instruction and then paddle approximately four hours to a beautiful sandy beach campsite. All campsites have outhouses, tables, firepits, and tent sites.Day 2: Paddle north up Clearwater Lake for two hours and reach the mouth of the Clearwater River. You take one hour to paddle up the river to the portage site, and then carry the gear and equipment across the portage to Azure Lake. The portage is only 1 mile and will take two hours to unload, carry the route, and reload the canoes. Another one hour paddle brings us to our camp, a beautiful beach surrounded by an old growth forest of giant cedar trees.
Day 3: You paddle for three hours along the south shore of Azure Lake. Azure Lake is so different from Clearwater Lake you will be amazed. The crystal clear water of Clearwater contrasts sharply with the sky-blue glacier fed waters of Azure Lake. The terrain changes also, with the easy shorelines of the Clearwater giving way to spectacular cliffs and snow capped peaks of Azure Lake. As we paddle, we pass small streams cascading over the cliffs into the lake, and the views are spectacular. Finally, you glimpse the crescent of white sand where the rainbow falls plunges into the Azure lake. This gorgeous spot will be your home for two nights.
Day 4: A rest day at Rainbow Falls provides the opportunity to fishing and hiking in the area surrounding the falls.
Day 5: A good days paddle along the north shore of Azure Lake and down the Clearwater River. This is a safe river run, which gives the now experienced canoeist a feel for moving water. You arrive on Clearwater Lake and camp on the west shore.
Day 6: A four hour paddle back to the put-in-point and the vehicle. You get off the lake in the early afternoon. On the return drive you stop in and see the famous Helmcken and Dawson waterfalls along the way and also visit Green Mountain lookout to get a feel for the immensity of this wilderness park.
Total distance of the trip is 60 miles.
The canoe trips and summer hiking trips run on alternate weeks, and make an excellent two week trip combination.
Canoe Trip Personal Equipment List
Participants of the Clearwater and Azure Lakes canoe trips are expected to arrive with the following clothing and equipment:- Sleeping Bag
- Good quality Rain Coat and Pants (with hat or hood)
- Running Shoes for camp
- Shoes for the boat - diving shoes or flip flops
- Warm wool or fleece coat
- Sun hat
- Shirt and pants (both short and long sleeves)
- Personal Toiletries including sun screen, sun glasses
- Towel, water bottle, flashlight
- Any Personal Medications
- Duffle Bag or Pack which holds all personal equipment
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