Helmcken Falls
We all know that university students never have a lot of time or money. So how do we stay sane despite all the pressure from our schoolwork and tight budgets? The answer is we find inexpensive ways to have fun or enjoy an exciting experience. One of the most inexpensive ways to do this is to get outdoors for a hike. In Kamloops, we’re lucky to have many gorgeous hiking trails available, with stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. But, if you’re looking for day-long adventure, then the best place to go is Wells Grey Provincial Park. Wells Grey is a 2.5-hour drive from Kamloops, which, realistically, is not that long. Just think, you could get to an incredible provincial park, or you could sit at home, watching the next two episodes of some cheesy Netflix show. I know which one I would choose!
Photo by Megan Wright
Wells Grey is not just any provincial park; it’s aptly known as the “land of waterfalls”. Home to 41 named waterfalls, it offers an incredible adventure and breathtaking views. Perhaps the most famous of these waterfalls is called Helmcken Falls. This natural wonder boasts a height 3 times that of Niagara Falls and takes 4th place of the tallest waterfalls in all of Canada. Luckily enough for us, we can see this waterfall with ease.
A journey to Helmcken Falls in autumn offers a scenic drive through rolling hills dusted with frost, cradling the North Thompson River. You could bring a friend along on the trip and make it an experience to remember for both of you! I’ve found that there’s nothing like a road trip with good music and good company to lift the stress away, which is all too familiar to us students.
Photo by Megan Wright
As a bonus, if you get hungry on your way to Wells Grey, you can fill up at the High Five Diner in Little Fort. This retro diner offers a unique restaurant experience that’ll transport you right into the 50’s. It even has an old jukebox in the entrance. Plus, the food is incredible, with more fries than you could eat and rich milkshakes. You even have the chance to win your meal for free if you pull the joker from the deck of cards that they use to organize the orders! All in all, this vintage diner is well worth the stop, and it’ll get you filled up and ready for a hike by Helmcken Falls.
Once you make it to Clearwater, all you need to do is take the third exit at the big roundabout, and you will be on the right path to chase waterfalls. From there, just follow the signs on the side of the road that’ll direct you straight to Helmcken Falls. The park is completely free to enter, and it’ll only cost you if you plan to camp overnight. Once you’ve made it to Helmcken Falls, you can take your time to stand on the balcony and overlook the cascading water or stroll down several of the hiking trails for a different view of the falls. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can also take advantage of some of the hiking trails posted on the signs. They range from family-friendly to more advanced, so take your pick and hike what you’re capable of!
Photo by Megan Wright
The balcony overlooking the falls is covered in carved initials, and you can add yours to the mix for a lasting memory of being so close to this awe-inspiring show of nature. Just make sure that is the only mark you leave and clean up any garbage that you may bring with you. This park showcases the beauty of nature at its finest, so keeping it clean and healthy is in all our best interests. And… you really don’t want to find yourself drawing in any bears, which are quite common in Wells Grey. Just in case, you could always bring some bear spray, and follow the signs posted on bear awareness throughout the park. All in all, enjoy your adventure, take some beautiful photos, and leave the area just as clean as you found it when you arrived!
References https://www.wellsgray.ca/site/activities/waterfalls.html https://www.narcity.com/vancouver/this-surreal-waterfall-taller-than-niagara-falls-is-only-a-few-hours-from-vancouver https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/wells_gry/ https://www.facebook.com/highfivediner/ https://bcparks.ca/explore/misc/bears/
