 Cathedral Provincial Park, Don Weixl photo
Camp in an alpine meadow or in a river valley. Position yourself within easy reach of a town or venture deep into largely untouched wilderness. Monck Provincial Park, for example, is a 20-minute drive from Merritt and equipped for all manner of outdoor recreational activities. Mount Robson Provincial Park, on the other hand, offers fewer amenities but more opportunities for true wilderness camping experiences, as well as a stunning array of hiking trails.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Camping fees in effect
- Reservations may be required
- Pets may not be permitted in all parks
- Campfires may not be permitted in all parks
- No electrical hook-ups in provincial parks
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
A word or two on safety:
- Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Magnificent Wells Gray contains many lakes, rivers and streams as well as a number of waterfalls. This includes the spectacular Helmcken Falls, which is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls. Drive-in campgrounds are located on the western shore of Mahood Lake, while the main areas for wilderness and backcountry camping are Clearwater Lake, Azure Lake, Murtle Lake and the less-accessible shores of Mahood Lake. Walk-in campgrounds can be accessed from the Corridor Trails.
Wells Gray is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater via Clearwater Valley Road.
> Wells Gray Park website
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park is a protected area - a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. It offers serviced, drive-in campgrounds as well as walk-in, wilderness backcountry and numerous winter camping opportunities. Scheduled interpretive programs are available in July and August in the Robson Meadows campground.
Mount Robson is a 20-minute drive northeast from Valemount via Highways 5 and 16.
> Mount Robson Park website
Monck Provincial Park
The well-serviced campgrounds of Monck are popular with families and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The area is hot and dry in summer, suitable for picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, windsurfing and hiking. In the day-use area, there are a number of archaeological sites to explore. Its drive-in campsites can accommodate small-to-large camping units.
Monck is a 20-minute drive north from Merritt via Highway 5A.
> Monck Park website
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