Snowshoeing In Wells Gray Park

Are you ready to explore Wells Gray Park like you've never seen it before? Winter can be even prettier than summer in Canada's waterfall park, so strap on those snowshoes and get ready for an adventure like no other! Below is a list of the best snowshoeing trails to enjoy pristine snow-covered landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

1. Clearwater River Trail

The Clearwater River Trail is very long, and has several access points but for the purpose of this list we will be referring to the access point at the end of Ridge Drive. From this easily accessible parking lot, you can walk along the river for as long as you'd like. Most trail users stop at the river beach, or at the eddy just beyond the beach. From here you can continue up a hill and will soon be rewarded with an elevated viewpoint looking upstream. Just beyond this viewpoint, you can make a right, and begin your return to the parking lot in a loop. This upper portion of trail follows the crest of a slope for a ways before eventually descending and reconnecting with the stretch of trail you started on. The loop portion of this trail is not well signed and can be confusing. If in doubt, there is no harm in hiking out and back. This trail can be done in a variety of ways, but the long loop is about 2.5km and depending on snow conditions can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1hr 15 mins.

2. Triple Decker Falls

As mentioned above, the Clearwater River Trail is very long and has several access points. The trail to Triple Decker Falls begins at one of these access points. Driving from the roundabout, the parking lot is on the left hand side about 5km from the roundabout. This trail is very close to town and easily accessible. It was re-routed in 2023, and made much more accessible. The trail now features several switchbacks and despite still having steep sections, is much gentler. The crampons on your snowshoes will help give you traction and telescopic poles will help keep you balanced as you work your way down to the falls. There is a fork in the trail with a small sign indicating where to turn left to Triple Decker. The falls are very unique in winter and are a popular destination for ice-climbers during cold snaps. This short trek is 1.5km round trip and depending on snow conditions can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

3. Moul Falls

Moul Falls is the most popular hiking trail in Wells Gray Park in the summer, and is just as spectacular in the winter. The Moul Falls parking lot is often not cleared in the winter, so ensure you park safely on the shoulder of the road. From here follow the summer trail signage. This trail is 6km round-trip, and in the snow will take 2 to 3 hours depending on conditions. We suggest removing your snowshoes when walking down the 2 flights of stairs!

4. Green Mountain

Green mountain is the least technical snowshoe trail on this list, but is only worth the trip on a bluebird day! Park at the base of the Green Mountain Road, which is not plowed in the winter, and walk up the unplowed road. The trek is only 3km to the top, but you gain an elevation of 330 meters, so it is a leg burner. When you reach the summit and ascend the Green Mountain Tower you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks including Raft, Trophies, Battle Mountain, Garnet Peak and more! All together, this trail is 6km round-trip and will take you 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on conditions. 

5. Majerus Farm

This historic trail follows the Murtle River and sits in the shadow of Pyramid Mountain. Historically this trail was groomed for cross country skiing, but since the dissolution of the Murtle River Nordics, the trail is no longer groomed, making it perfect for snowshoeing! From the parking lot, take the trail that follows the river. The remains of the Majerus Cabin are 1.4km from the parking lot, and are still clearly visible on the left side of the trail! This easy out and back trail is just shy of 3km round-trip and depending on snow conditions will take 1 hour to 1.5 hours.