5 Day Hike

  • Wells Gray Park
  • 5 Days
  • $1355+ tax CAD
Available
Limited
Full
July 8-12
July 14-18
July 28-1
August 11-15
August 25-29
August 31-4
September 7-11

Overview

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Wells Gray Park with our 5-Day Hike. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll journey through pristine wilderness, ascending to alpine heights and immersing yourself in lush meadows adorned with vibrant flowers. From the iconic Trophy Mountain Chalet to the remote Discovery Cabin, each day offers new adventures and stunning vistas. Whether you’re summiting peaks, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature, this expedition promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime and uncover the magic of Wells Gray Park.

Highlights

  • Mountain Peaks
  • Vibrant Flower Meadows
  • Crystal Clear Lakes
  • Fully Guided and Catered
  • Cozy Mountain Huts
  • Famous Wells Gray Waterfall Tour

ITINERARY

  • Day 1

    Day 1: Wells Gray Adventures Office – Trophy Chalet

    • Distance: 4km
    • Time: 2-3 hours
    • Elevation Min: 1630m (5300ft)
    • Elevation Max: 2060m (6759ft)
    • Ascent: 523m (1716ft)
    • Descent: 93m (305ft)
    • Difficulty: Moderate on-trail conditions with possible muddy sections, some rocky sections and steep sections in forested terrain.

    Today you will begin at the Wells Gray Adventures office (Address Above) at 9 A.M. PDT. Here you will be introduced to your guide, sign a waiver, and be briefed further about your hiking trip. You will then have an hour ride to reach the trailhead. Today’s hike will be generally uphill as you climb through mature, lichen-filled forest to gain the beautiful alpine meadows. This uphill hike takes between 2hrs and 3hrs and is well rewarded with stunning views of Raft Mountain from the windows of Trophy Chalet—named for the range it sits nestled in. The hike today is all about becoming better acquainted with your gear, your body, the group and mountain life. If up to it, your group might take an afternoon stroll around the chalet. This would be another 2hrs and consist of around 3km and 120m of elevation change.

  • Day 2

    Trophy Chalet – Surrounding Area – Trophy Chalet

    • Distance: ~4km
    • Time: 3-4 hours
    • Elevation Min: 2060m (6759’)
    • Elevation Max: 2260m (7415’)
    • Ascent: 195m (640’)
    • Descent: 178m (584’)
    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate on-trail and off-trail conditions with some rocky and steep sections in alpine terrain.

    Yesterday was about getting to the first chalet. Today is about enjoying the area around it. These day hikes—as you will see—are of a relaxed theme. You will have ample time to explore the surrounding areas or stay put and simply enjoy the comforts of the chalet. Your guide will be able to provide you with many hiking options (ranging from 2hrs to 8hrs) to meet your group’s wants and needs for today. All options will include accessing the alpine with views in all directions, but you can also elect to stay at the chalet if you would like.

  • Day 3

    Trophy Chalet – Discovery Chalet

    • Distance: 11km
    • Time: 7hrs to 9hrs
    • Elevation Min: 1760m (5775’)
    • Elevation Max: 2150m (7053’)
    • Ascent: 510m (1700’)
    • Descent: 705m (2352’)
    • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult on-trail conditions including rock crossings, steep downhill, mud, creeks, side hilling and uneven terrain.

    Today is an adventure through total wilderness, and a guide with a compass, a map, and knowledge of the area is needed. The trip will total 11km and will include plenty of rest stops and snack breaks. Usually, it takes between 8hrs and 10hrs. For the first two or three hours, you will walk through the alpine. Then, you will drop into mature forest as you enter the Valley of the Lakes. After a lunch stop and an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear Lunchbox Lake, you will continue back up through alpine meadows as you gain Eagle Pass (elev. 2060m/6700’). From there, it is a simple forty-five-minute descent through the glades to Discovery Chalet—named for the old gold miners who once inhabited this area. Today’s traverse requires hiking in a variety of terrain. Over the course of the day you will encounter: a boulder field, steeper downhill sections with roots and mud, wetter areas, and side hilling.

  • Day 4

    Discovery Chalet – Surrounding Area – Discovery Chalet

    (there are multiple options on this day – the guide will choose the best option based on the circumstances)

    • Distance: 4km (2.5mi) / 6km (3.75mi)
    • Time: 2.5hrs / 6 hours
    • Elevation Min: 1840m (6035’) / 1865m (6119’)
    • Elevation Max: Max: 1865m (6119’) / Elev. Max: 2240m (7350’)
    • Ascent: 25m (82’) / 375m (1230’)
    • Descent: 25m (82’) / 375m (1230’)
    • Difficulty: Easy off-trail walking in open meadows with possible wet sections / Easy to moderate on-trail/off-trail walking with some moderate uphill and downhill mixed with some uneven terrain

    A few hiking options and a relaxed atmosphere are once again in the cards for today. After the long day yesterday, you may choose the simple but enjoyable life of the chalet if you are feeling a bit tired. Perhaps you are looking for a short day-hike, in which case the meadows across the creek from the chalet are the perfect place to stretch your legs. This could be a (4km/2.5hr) flat walk in a large meadow with stunning views of the rugged north faces of the Trophy Mountains. If you are instead interested in a slightly more strenuous day hike, Table Mountain provides a full day of beautiful meadow hiking (6km/5hrs), and on a clear day, jaw-dropping panoramic views north into the park.

  • Day 5

    Discovery Chalet – Table Mountain – Philip Lake – Trailhead – Waterfalls – WGA Office

    • Distance: 14.5km (9mi)
    • Time: 6hrs to 7hrs
    • Elevation Min: 1365m (4478’)
    • Elevation Max: 2130m (6988’)
    • Ascent: 375m (1230’)
    • Descent: 765m (2510’)
    • Difficulty: All on-trail, easy to moderate hiking with minor uneven terrain, uphill and downhill sections.

    After a rest day or maybe a nice stroll in the neighbouring meadows, you have a journey ahead of you today. Compared to the traverse between Trophy and Discovery, today the trail is drier, more well-maintained, and gradually uphill. Both hikes will begin with 243m/800’ of elevation gain as you make your way past an old miner’s cabin and through some of the finest flower meadows in the world in order to gain Table Mountain (elev. 2130m/6988’). After a quick stop to enjoy the views to the north, you will descend through forests on the way to Philip Lake (11.5km). From Philip Lake the trail will exit down to the Philip Creek Trailhead (3km/-300m) where a vehicle awaits to bring you back to civilization. On the way back to the office, you will stop at the three beautiful waterfalls of Wells Gray – Helmcken, Dawson, and Spahats. You can expect to arrive back at the office between 4-6pm.

TRIP DETAILS

  • What's Included
    • Free parking at our office during your trip
    • Professional Hiking Guide with all emergency equipment
    • Transport between our office and the trailheads
    • Chalet Accommodation
    • All food from the first-day lunch to the last-day lunch. We can accommodate many different dietary requirements.
    • Delicious snacks
    • A tour of the famous Wells Gray Waterfalls
  • Group Bookings

    You can reserve a private date with 6 or more people. We will then add other people to the departure. If you make a booking with 8 or more, this will be considered a private trip. We will not add any other people on and we will take 10% off the total trip price.

  • Additional Dates

    If a date is red, the trip is full. We sometimes run supplementary dates, so if you have a date that works for you, but isn’t available please let us know. The availability of the dates above can change quickly, please call us to confirm the date has space and to tentatively reserve a spot before making travel arrangements!

  • Waivers

    All guests will be required to sign a waiver the morning of the trip at our office prior to departure. This must be done in person at our office.

  • What to Bring
    • Sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner & pillowcase (blankets & duvets are provided).
    • Good quality raincoat and pants with hat or hood
    • Walking Boots that provide ankle support (preferably of leather or another waterproof material)
    • Warm wool sweater or fleece coat
    • Hat with a brim for sun and rain
    • Sunglasses
    • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for bug and sun protection
    • Warm shirt (preferably wool) and a pair of light long underwear for added warmth
    • Personal toiletries including sunscreen and insect repellent
    • Small towel, water bottle, and flashlight or headlamp
    • Any personal medication
    • Mid-size pack (approximately 35-50 liters volume) to hold personal equipment and a small amount of group food (approx 2lbs/3-5 inches on the top of your pack)
    • Hiking poles – if you like poles, then please bring them.
    • In early July and September, consider bringing light gloves, a warm hat, and gaiters for added comfort