Wells Hiking
More than 300km/188mi of hiking and multi-use trails traverse the diverse terrain between Wells, Barkerville, and the surrounding area. Pass through wetlands, meadows and mountain ranges or soak up history on trails used during the Cariboo Gold Rush. Choose from a variety of guided hikes or explore independently with friends or family.
Guided Hikes
Half-day guided hikes are available in Wells, including rambles to ghost towns and abandoned mine workings. Knowledgeable and experienced guides share secluded historical sites and allow plenty of time to explore.
Day Hikes
Williams Creek Nature Trail is an easy 2km/1.2mi hike. During the summer months, the trail traverses wetlands teeming with wildlife and meanders through acres of spectacular wildflowers.
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Other day hikes in the area include:
- Cornish Mountain Non-Motorized Recreation Area (more than 20km/12mi of trails)
- One Mile Lake wetlands (4km/2.5mi)
- Coronado Loop (7km/4mi)
- Cariboo Wagon Road to Richfield (2km/1.2mi)
- Kibbee Portage Trail (5km/3mi)
- Two Sisters Mountain, Yellowhawk and Jubilee Trails, or Mt. Agnes/Groundhog Lake area offer alpine views (full day hikes of varying length)
Challenging Tours
For those who love the idea of following a historical trail with incredible views, a guide may be hired for a challenging three or four-day excursion through the ghost town of Richfield, along the Powderhouse trails and Groundhog Lake Trail to the open meadows of Bald Mountain.
The original 1861 Gold Rush Pack Trail (40km/25mi) from Barkerville to Keithley Creek has been restored and signage installed by the Friends of Barkerville. This trail is now part of Canada's National Hiking Trail.
Scenic, week-long trips, guided or self-guided, allow visitors hiking Bowron Provincial Park to explore up to the alpine and sub-alpine of the Cariboo Mountains. Check with the Wells Visitor Centre for information on guides and tours.
Hiking Safety and Practical Points
- Come equipped with bug repellent – insects can be a real pest in the summer.
- Pack layered clothing, including warm outer clothing, since the weather is ever-changing and snow can fall anytime, even in the summer.
- Leave itineraries, including departure and return dates, with someone. Barkerville site security will record visitors' plans and log their return. Visitors who decide to check with site security must report in upon their return.
- The trails are wildlife habitat and bear and deer may be spotted. Not all the trails are signed, and hikers are advised that if they are not hiring a guide, to carry a compass, altimeter, good maps and take bear and wilderness safety precautions.
Information and maps can be obtained at the Wells Visitor Centre. When the centre is closed, stop in at the local service station, the general store or the District of Wells office.
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