3 DAYS CANOEING & 3 DAYS HIKING

This trip combines the poetic beauty of wilderness canoeing with the excitement of a hut-to-hut backcountry trek. We spend three days canoeing on Clearwater Lake and then return for dinner, the night and breakfast at a local B&B. The next day we hike into the alpine regions of Wells Gray Park. Here we stay in a comfortable chalet that is situated in flower meadows and hike into the surrounding mountains. If you have only three days to spare, you can do either the hiking or canoeing portion of this trip if you choose.

CANOEING CLEARWATER LAKE: 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 (Canoe): After a 10:00 am pickup at your accommodation, we have a scenic one-hour drive to Clearwater Lake and the trips starting point. We start with one and a half-hours of canoe instruction, and then paddle approximately three hours to a beautiful sandy beach campsite.

Day 2 (Canoe): You get an early start and paddle up the eastern shore of the lake exploring the mouth of the Clearwater River before crossing over to the western shore. There is an old trappers cabin hidden beside a lagoon that you can explore. Our guide will instruct you in various canoeing techniques en route to camp.

Day 3 (Canoe): After a big breakfast and coffee on the beach, we paddle back down the other side of the lake enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. We get to the vehicle and go to a local Bed and Breakfast for dinner, the night and breakfast.

Day 4 (Hike): We pick you up at the B&B and drive to the trailhead. From here the trail takes us through mature forests into the alpine meadows. Our chalet for the night is in the high mountains. The chalet is very comfortable with all necessities supplied so the packs are very light.

Day 5 (Hike): Venturing into the surrounding alpine areas around the chalet, today we will walk through some of the finest alpine flower meadows in the world. Our destination is top of Ptarmigan or Battle Mountain for incredible views of the surrounding area, and into the northern portion of Wells Gray. This area is pristine wilderness with fantastic views of the Cariboos, Monashees, and Rocky Mountains. The elusive Woodland Caribou is found in this area along with the Grizzly Bear.

Day 6 (Hike): From the Chalet, we hike through the western finger of Fight meadow following Battle Creek. This is a trip back into the lush forest of the valley. During this day, we pass through four different vegetative zones as we descend and it makes for a fascinating hike. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife. The hike takes us back to our pick up.

Equipment List:

• For canoeing:
  • sleeping bag
  • shoes for camp & boat shoes (eg flip flops etc)
  • shirt and pants, shorts, and/or bathing suit
  • Note: We provide dry bags for your camp gear, cameras etc.
• For hiking:
  • sheet & pillowcase to make bed with (sleeping bag liner)
  • hiking boots only (hut shoes are in all buildings)
  • shirt and pants (long sleeves and pants are a higher priority on the Hike for bug protection)
• For both:
  • Good quality Rain Coat and Pants (with hat or hood)
  • warm wool or fleece coat
  • socks, underwear, T-shirts
  • Sun hat, towel, water bottle, flashlight, camera, sun glasses
  • Personal Toiletries including personal medications, sun screen, insect repellent etc.
  • Pack which holds all personal equipment

WELLS GRAY CHALETS & WILDERNESS ADVENTURES LTD.
info@skihike.com
Box 188 Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0
Ph. (250) 587 6444 Fax (250) 587 6446
TOLL FREE 1-888 SKI TREK