Helmcken Falls, situated away in the untamed wilderness of British Columbia, is proof of the breathtaking beauty that Mother Nature is capable of creating.
The height of Helmcken Falls is almost 141 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the Canadian provinces. Over the years, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Helmcken Falls is named after John Sebastian Helmcken, who was a doctor & politician.
Among the seven waterfalls in the Wells Gray Provincial Park, Helmcken Falls is the most popular because of its clear water. Come explore Helmcken Falls with us as we lift the curtain to reveal a world where nature’s forces are revered.
1. Helmcken Falls: A Breathtaking Natural Wonder
Helmcken Falls is the heart of Wells Gray Provincial Park. It is located in British Columbia, Canada. Visitors who love nature won’t regret choosing Helmcken Falls for a trip. Since the early 20th century, Helmcken Falls has been a popular tourist destination; thousands of visitors come yearly.
The water & the area surrounding this waterfall offers a peaceful environment. The biodiversity around these falls is maintained carefully.
The Helmcken Falls plunge from 463 feet into the canyon below. The massive size of these falls is their most striking feature. If you compare these falls to Niagara Falls, they are three times taller than Niagra Falls. They are even more elevated than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you stand at the top, you can hear the crashing sound of the water falling into the canyon.
The Helmcken Falls is also well-known for its attractive natural environment. This waterfall is in the middle of a deep canyon that the Murtle River has sculpted. Many types of trees & vegetation cover the canyon walls.
For a closer and more breathtaking view, visitors can go to Helmcken Falls for boat tours. Taking a short walk from the parking lot, they can enjoy the scenic view of the falls and the surrounding canyon.
Cycling on Clearwater Valley Road is another option that gives you more adventure on your tour. They also can choose hiking; so many hiking trails lead down to the base of the falls. From this base point of the falls, you can get a chance to view the powerful water rushing down.
Wells Grey Regional Park has also become a popular spot for photographers. In the winter months, the falls can freeze over. So, for a better experience of this place, you must go during summer, particularly in July. That’s why most visitors prefer this place in July to December or January.
This is the most beautiful fall in Wells Grey Park. For many First Nation People communities, Helmcken Falls and its surrounding area serve as an essential site for residing in, owing to its resources, flora, and fauna. This waterfall is within the Secwepemc Nation Provinces area. For millions of years, these communities lived in this area.
2. Parking:
Those who visit Canada for the first time to see the waterfalls must know about parking rules in these areas.
You need to follow the traffic rules, especially for travellers who do not know much about traffic in Canada. It is advised always to follow your travel guide’s instructions carefully. Wells Gray Park also has plenty of safety rules provided by the park office.
If you face a problem with parking, you can go to the parking office & get help from them. Tourists who use their car to go there have to book a parking place. If visitors rent a car, the rental company will do it on their behalf, but you need to confirm that before going.
3. Things to Do in Helmcken Falls:
Many places in the area are available for travellers to have a good time in. They can also choose from a vast number of activities.
3.1 Visit Surrounding Waterfalls: a Short Walk from Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls is located in the Wells Grey National Park Provinces area. Several other waterfalls are located within a short distance from this natural wonder. These beautiful falls are visible within a short walk from the parking zone.
3.1.1 Dawson Falls:
Dawson Falls is another waterfall you can easily find only a short walk from Wells Grey Park. A trip to Dawson Falls is worth taking for your journey. Dawson Falls drops into the Clearwater River.
Dawson Falls is the fourth-highest waterfall in this province. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Canadian region.
This spectacular waterfall can only be seen from the Wells Grey National Park Provinces area. You don’t want to miss the chance to see this place. In the busy season, this fall attracts many visitors. In the winter times, however, these falls also freeze over.
3.1.2 Mushbowl Falls:
The Mushbowl Falls is also a part of Wells Grey National Park. You can also go to the nearest RV campsite from the Falls’ parking lot for a better view of this place.
3.1.3 Spahats Creek Falls:
One of the most beautiful falls in this park is the Spahats Creek Falls. It is a hidden gem in the heart of the Wells Gray Provincial Park. It is located in a deep canyon. A short walk from Helmcken Falls, travelers can see this waterfall that plunges almost 76 meters into a pool below. It creates a clearwater lake.
Visitors can take a breathtaking view of this fall’s beauty from several places. A few steps from the parking area, visitors also see the Helmcken Falls Lodge. In the Helmcken Falls Lodge, they can easily rest & enjoy the view from the lodge’s balcony.
During the stunning spring & summer months, these Falls are surrounded by wildflowers. But in the winter, it also freezes like other falls in this region.
3.1.4 Moul Falls:
Moul Falls empty into the Murtle River. Moul Falls is considered a nearby attraction from this park.
3.2 Helmcken Falls Lodge:
Helmcken Falls Lodge offers guests the best cabins, & dinner tables beside a view of the park. The lodge is located near Helmcken Falls. It takes a few minutes to walk from the falls. Those who want to explore this breathtaking natural wonder can book this lodge and explore the surrounding area.
They offer visitors a variety of rooms for their comfort, ranging from cozy rooms to log cabins. These rooms are furnished with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, & a small kitchenette area with a fridge, microwave, & coffee maker.
3.3 RV Park:
RV park became a popular spot in the Wells Grey National Park. This park is for those who prefer more modern accommodations. The park has almost 35 sites & is equipped with many basic amenities such as electricity, water, & sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables & fire pits. This RV park can be seen in the heart of the Wells Grey National Park.
This park is famous because it provides travelers with a peaceful environment for hours. This RV park is surrounded by trees & visitors can even take a breathtaking view of the side hills & glen. Visitors can also venture out from this park to explore nearby attractions.
3.4 Clearwater Valley Road:
Clearwater Valley Road offers the most beautiful scenic drive in the Canadian region. If you love long drives, you must use this opportunity fully. It takes the visitors through some of this park’s beautiful, breathtaking landscapes.
On this tour, you can enjoy the mountains of the Clearwater Valley, offering stunning views of pristine lakes, rushing rivers, and lush forests. After all, if you’re a nature lover, you do not miss out on this opportunity.
Guests looking for a relaxing drive can visit the Clearwater Valley near Wally Grey National Park. Clearwater Valley Road is a must-see spot in this area.
3.5 Games & sports:
Those who love horseback riding can use horseback riding. Some water games are even available in these falls’ nearby lakes. Dutch Lake & Clearwater Lake provides a lot of water sports activities. Guests can book admission tickets for these activities & games.
Wells Grey Golf is a popular sport in this area. If you are a true golf lover, you can also tour the golf court and book a ticket to play golf. Wells Grey Golf Course can usually accommodate a small number of visitors, so be sure to make your bookings in advance.
Don’t worry about your car, car parking facilities are also available in this place & it does not cost too much for tourists.
Takeaway
Helmcken Falls is one of the most stunning tourist destinations situated in Canada. The clearwater river in this place attracts visitors the most. We have seen how cultural relevance and natural beauty may coexist. With its roaring waters and hazy embrace, this magnificent cascade invites us to recognize the unspoiled splendour of our world.
Be careful not to do anything damaging to the environment. As we come to the end of this adventure, may Helmcken Falls provide a constant reminder of the amazing forces that sculpt our planet, encouraging a shared dedication to protect these treasures for future generations.
Helmcken Falls is a natural beauty that deserves to be witnessed. So, pack your luggage & head out for an enriching adventure in nature.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty