Fun In The Freezer

There are lots of different ways of enjoying winter in Wells Gray Country which don't involve skis: here are just a few suggestions...
 

In Traditional Style
With so many routes established in the area for summer use by hikers and bikers, there is an enormous scope for seeing the great outdoors on snowshoes. This increasingly-popular winter recreation is often along established trails in or near the front-country: a favourite for many is to trek through the snow to see the sparkling spectacle of the Park’s waterfalls in their winter coats, several of which grow spectacular ice-cones at their bases. There are also opportunities for longer trips into the hills and mountains: local businesses offer a variety of options for guided adventures, which might last anything from an an hour or two to several days at a time, perhaps staying in remote cabins and shelters where it’s just you, the snow, and the occasional pine marten, caribou or moose.
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Out Of The Dog-House
The sensation of being whisked through the wilds by dog-sled is a never-to-be-forgotten experience, and high on the list of 'true winter' experiences for many. Several operators offer excursions in Wells Gray Country: these range from short tasters to multi-day adventures deep into the bush. You will certainly be offered the opportunity to ‘mush’ your own team, although those who prefer to sit back in the sled and watch the scenery glide (or bump?) by are always welcome to do this! One business even provides the option to sample something of the grit required to compete in a big race such as the Yukon Quest or Iditarod, by inviting you to push on through the night and into the next morning.
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Making Tracks
There’s plenty of room for snowmobilers to rev it up in the great white yonder: most gravitate into the powder-bowls of Raft Peak north of Clearwater, which is served by a network of groomed trails and two cabins high in the alpine. There are also hundreds of kilometres of sledders’ heaven along roads and trails on the Nehalliston Plateau west of the Clearwater River: these include a long-distance route stretching all the way through to 100 Mile House. Yet more options are to be found south of the North Thompson River, where routes head far into the hills above Birch Island and Vavenby. The local club organises a series of special events throughout the season, usually including a snow-cross and a major hill-climb.
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Slip-Sliding Away
Of course, gravity is always an alternative to dog- or motor-power: there are many good, safe slopes for toboganning. Please note that you should be wary of any apparently inviting ploughed forest roads: as one local sage has observed, small sleds and large logging-trucks seldom mix well!
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On Ice
Clearwater is Wells Gray Country's hockey town, thanks to the rink at the North Thompson Sportsplex. There are thriving leagues for adult and junior teams, as well as figure-skating programs and opportunities for recreational skating. The arena is open from late August to late April.
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Frozen Fish?
Not to be forgotten amongst favourite traditional winter pursuits, ice-fishing is popular on the area’s many frozen lakes. The rewards are often rich, particularly if you complete the experience by grilling your catch over an open fire under the stars. Please take local advice before venturing onto the ice, particularly if the weather has climbed to anywhere close to freezing-point in recent times. Please also note that provincial fishing regulations still apply in winter!
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