Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Conditions in British Columbia can change quickly. Before travelling to Clearwater and Wells Gray Provincial Park, check the official resources below for current wildfire activity, smoke forecasts, air quality, highway conditions, park advisories and emergency notices.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
Current local updates
Campfire ban in effect as of noon Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Effective at noon Wednesday, July 22, 2026, campfires are prohibited in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
Check BC Wildfire Service restrictions for details. View Current Fire Bans and Restrictions here
Moul Falls Trail is Open!
We’ve become aware that some AI-powered trip planning tools are incorrectly reporting that Moul Falls Trail has been closed since March. This information is incorrect. Moul Falls Trail has remained open and accessible throughout the year. The confusion appears to stem from a closure affecting the McDiarmid Falls Trail access, which branches off the Moul Falls Trail. Visitors can continue to enjoy the full hike to Moul Falls, including the iconic walk behind the waterfall. For the most up-to-date trail conditions, always refer to official BC Parks updates or contact the Wells Gray Visitor Information Centre.
One Stop Resource
HelloBC offers Visitors a one-place list of resources for health, travel, and conditions updates to help you plan your trip to and through British Columbia. For updates specific to the Thompson Okanagan region see the travel advisory page on the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) website.
BC Highways and Road Travel
Our roads are lifeline of the province helping you get from place to place and and onto your next trip. Clearwater and Wells Gray are accessible through Highway 5. Whichever route you take, stay up to date on highway and drive conditions.
Highway and Road Conditions
Clearwater is accessible via Highway 5. Stay up to date on highway and drive conditions and check DriveBC for closures, construction, delays and other travel advisories.
DriveBC is the Province of British Columbia’s official source for highway information and roadside camera images.
Road and weather conditions can vary significantly along Highway 5. Visitors travelling from Vancouver should also check conditions on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Kamloops if travelling in the winter months between November and March.
See Current Conditions in Clearwater
DriveBC operates highway cameras on Highway 5 at Clearwater Valley Road, immediately beside the Wells Gray Visitor Information Centre and the turnoff to Wells Gray Provincial Park.
The cameras provide views looking north and south and can help visitors see current visibility, weather and highway conditions in Clearwater. Please remember that camera images represent conditions at one location and one moment in time. Visibility and weather may differ elsewhere in the Clearwater area or within Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Smoke Conditions and Air Quality
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Smoke visible in Clearwater may originate from a fire far outside the region and does not necessarily mean that a wildfire is burning nearby.
Smoke conditions can also change throughout the day as winds, temperatures and weather systems shift. Visitors should consult current forecasts rather than relying on older photographs, social media posts or reports from other parts of British Columbia.
Current Smoke Forecast
FireSmoke Canada provides an interactive forecast showing the anticipated movement and concentration of wildfire smoke over the next 48 hours.
Current Air Quality
British Columbia is a very large province! Smoke conditions can change hourly . Be sure to check Purple Air for updates on Clearwater’s air quality
Wild and Safe
In this wild place, full of wildlife and remote terrain, it’s important to learn how to protect our wildlife and adventure safely. WildSafe BC offers great information and resources to assist with traveling in Bear Country.
Venture Prepared
For those venturing into Wells Gray Provincial Park, please note that there is no cell reception in the park. There is also no gas service. Please fill-up or plug-in your vehicle in Clearwater before heading into the Park. Ensure that your contacts know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Access Through the Seasons
The road to Wells Gray Park is open and maintained to Helmcken Falls throughout the winter. The road access from Helmcken Falls to Clearwater Lake is closed in the winter and re-opens for full Park access from mid-May until the end of October.
Leave No Trace
Always follow leave no trace outdoor ethics. Minimize your impact on plant and animal life and be considerate of other visitors. Dispose of waste properly.
For detailed information on outdoor ethics, visit the Leave No Trace Canada website.
