On July 26 Tourism Wells Gray announced the full reopening of the newly renovated and fully accessible viewing platform at Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Park.
Tourism Wells Gray’s executive director, Claire Hanna said, “We’re incredibly happy to open the new viewing platform at Helmcken Falls. This project underscores BC Parks’ dedication to making Wells Gray Provincial Park an inclusive destination for all visitors.”
Hanna says the viewing platform was designed with “accessibility as a priority” to serve the needs of all visitors to the site. Some of the main features now include resurfaced pathways leading from the parking area to the viewing platforms, fully accessible washrooms, picnic tables and benches with added space for mobility aids that have been placed strategically for easy access to the viewing areas.
“This is the first of two provincially funded initiatives by BC Parks aimed at enhancing park accessibility,” said Hanna, adding, “As this platform opens, it will bring new opportunities for tourism in our community and showcase the park’s natural beauty to an even broader audience.”
Due to recent wildfire activity some backcountry areas are currently closed in the park including Murtle Lake, Battle Mountain Area: Fight Lake, Philip Lake, and the upper parking area to Phillip Lake, Azure Lake campsites that are closed: Indian Point, Chain Meadows Trail and Flat Iron Trail although much of Wells Gray Park remains open and operational to visitors.
Clearwater Valley Road into Wells Gray Park is fully accessible leading to many of the falls including Spahats, Dawson and the newly renovated viewing area at Helmcken Falls.
Hanna said, “Wildfires are unpredictable and ever-changing, which often makes media coverage confusing. I’m pleased to confirm as a part of our viewing platform announcement, that Wells Gray remains open and ready to welcome visitors. There are no wildfires of note along the main corridor of Wells Gray Provincial Park. We are working to provide accurate and timely information and clear up any misconceptions. We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty of the park.”
You can get up-to-date information about park closures and wildfires from several official sources, such as the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the local regional district, and Drive BC.
You can still visit unaffected areas of Wells Gray Park, and other BC Parks that remain unaffected by wildfires. Find other places to visit on the find a park page.
