If you’re planning a fall getaway to Clearwater and Wells Gray, here are some experiences to put on your list.

Ride Through the Fall Colours at Candle Creek

One of the best ways to experience Fall is to get right into it and Candle Creek is a great place to do that.

The Candle Creek trail network offers more than 28 kilometres of mountain biking trails with routes for different riding abilities.

Don’t have your own bike? Check out Wells Gray Outfitters for mountain bike rentals and any other outdoors gear you need for your adventure.

Take a Walk Along the Clearwater River

The Clearwater River Trail is a beautiful way to slow down and experience the area at a more relaxed pace. The trail winds alongside the Clearwater River before continuing through the forest, where the changing fall colours create a gorgeous backdrop. Along the way, you can discover Triple Decker Falls and Candle Creek Falls, making this a great trail for combining a peaceful forest trail with a couple of lesser known waterfalls.

See Clearwater From a Different Perspective at Raft Rim

For a different view of the area, head up to Raft Rim Recreation Site.

Located at the lower end of the Candle Creek trail network, Raft Rim offers access to hiking and biking trails as well as a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding landscape. The recreation site also has six dry tent sites available on a first come, first served basis.

Spend an Afternoon Making Pottery

When you need a break from hiking, biking or exploring, try something completely different: make something with your hands.

Maple Seed Collective in Clearwater offers pottery experiences and other creative workshops and activities, including wheel throwing and ceramic painting.

Be sure to check Maple Seed Collective’s current schedule before your visit, as workshops and availability can change throughout the year.

Explore Some of Wells Gray’s Waterfalls

One of the fun things about exploring the park is seeing just how many waterfalls are tucked throughout the area, and fall is a pretty incredible time to go looking for them.

For something a little more adventurous, hike out to Moul Falls. An easy one hour hike through the forest delivers you to the top of the falls where you can enjoy the view from above or continue down to the base of the falls. From there you can experience the cool mist of Moul Falls’ rushing waters as you walk behind the falls. Access to the parking area is 20.7km up the park road.

Then there are the waterfalls that are a little easier to overlook.

Dawson Falls, sometimes called the “Little Niagara of Canada,” is a wide, powerful stretch of the Murtle River and is especially impressive when you get close enough to really appreciate just how much water is moving through the canyon.

You can also seek out Sticta Falls and Silvertip Falls, along with some of the other falls scattered throughout Wells Gray.

Don’t make your entire waterfall day about getting to one particular viewpoint. Pick a few, take your time, and see where the day takes you. You might find yourself pulling over for a waterfall you hadn’t even heard of before.

Wells Gray is known as “Canada’s Waterfalls Park” for a reason—there are more than 42 named waterfalls in the park, with countless smaller cascades and seasonal falls to discover.

Watch for Salmon at Bailey’s Chute

If you’re visiting Clearwater in late summer or early fall, make some time for Bailey’s Chute.

Every year, Chinook salmon make their way back up the Clearwater River and from late August into early September, you may be lucky enough to see them trying to make their way through the rapids at the chute.

Some days you’ll see them jumping almost right away. Other days, you’ll stand there watching the water for a while before one suddenly appears.

Go for a Fall Picnic at Dutch Lake

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a fall afternoon in Clearwater? Grab some snacks or a sandwich from Brickfront Food Shop and head over to Dutch Lake.

Find a spot by the water and take your time. Dutch Lake is a great place for a picnic and if the weather is cooperating, you can even get out on the water for a paddle. Canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are all popular ways to enjoy the lake with rentals available in town.