Paddle Wells Gray Provincial Park
Location: Clearwater and Azure Lakes, Clearwater, BC
Date: July 5-9th, 2008
Cost: $750 + 5% GST (includes meals, guide, accommodation on the trip, life jackets, paddles and canoes.)

Experience a five-day, all-women canoe trip exploring Azure and Clearwater lakes in the heart of the Cariboo Mountains.  These two glacier-fed lakes are joined by a section of the Clearwater River.  Younger forests surround Clearwater Lake whereas the steep shores of Azure Lake are carpeted with old growth forests and dotted with waterfalls the most famous of which is Rainbow Falls.  In this majestic background setting all levels of paddlers can enjoy the natural wonders while leaving ripples on the water’s surface.

As you paddle leisurely over the crystal clear water of Clearwater Lake and the amazing aqua blue water of Azure Lake your opportunities for viewing snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and spotting wildlife are numerous.  Wildlife sightings include wolf, bear, moose, deer, pine martin, osprey, bald eagle, mergansers, grouse and many others.

This is an easy to moderate level trip.  No paddling experience necessary; the guide will teach you the basics fundamentals of canoeing.  Participants must be comfortable on water and able to paddle 4 to 6 hours daily, with lots of breaks and snacks.  Included are some easy to moderate hikes.

The trip begins with a water taxi ride from Clearwater Lake, up the Clearwater River and into Azure Lake.  From there we paddle to our first campsite, making our way to the spectacular Rainbow Falls.  The lake waters and wilderness campsites are, most often, exclusively ours.  After enjoying the sandy beach campsite and rainforest at Rainbow Falls we begin our return.  We move camp daily, paddling along the shores of Azure Lake until we meet the Clearwater River.  Challenge!   Paddlers will use their newfound skills as they enter the moving waters of a short section of the Clearwater River.  This is the exciting part and provides a great feeling of accomplishment.  We are almost home.

Meals are generous and deliciously prepared.  We do cater to food requirements if sufficient notice is received.

Throughout the trip you will learn the art of paddling, low impact camping etiquette, fire building, bear awareness and other wilderness survival tips.  The trip is yours to enjoy!  There are many opportunities to play in the water, explore pristine sandy beaches, read books, take photographs, enjoy new friends and be with nature.

Come and experience the wonders of canoeing the untouched wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park.