When to come

No matter what time of year you visit the Wells-Barkerville area you are guaranteed to find something interesting to do.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and an excellent trail network the Wells-Barkerville area is truly a four season playground. Whether you are looking for epic snowfalls for skiing and snowmobiling in the winter and early spring, or challenging yet close-by trails for mountain biking in the summer and fall, we have your outdoor adventure covered.

Wells in winter

Winter / Spring

Winter and early spring is a special time to visit the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes area. We usually get between 18 and 25 feet of fluffy snow during an average winter, with beautiful sunny days and amazing starry nights. Northern lights flicker along the horizon.

You can cross-country ski, snowshoe, dogsled, snowmobile, backcountry ski or snowboard in the pristine backcountry and then retire back to your accommodation, or head to a local pub or restaurant for a night on the town.

Snowmobiling

By using the specially designated snowmobile corridor through the community snowmobilers can gas-up and reach their accommodation without having to load up their snowmobiles. Riding opportunities include hill climbing at Mt. Agnes, alpine riding at Bald Mountain or Yanks Peak and trail touring from Prince George, Likely or Quesnel (snowmobilers should familiarize themselves with local caribou closure areas – we are home to the red-listed mountain caribou.)

Trails are groomed on a regular basis and trail passes are available at local outlets in Wells as well as at a specially designed snowmobiler check-in near the entrance of Wells. For more information, including up to date snow conditions be sure to check out the Wells Snowmobile Club website.
Find out more

Skiing

The Cornish Mountain Non-Motorized Trail Network includes 25 kilometers of groomed and ungroomed trails for all ability levels. The network travels through an interesting wetland where moose, ptarmigan and wintering swans are sometimes seen and then climbs the forested slopes of Cornish Mountain for fabulous views of the surrounding mountains.

Be sure to make your way up for the annual Wells Snowman Gourmet Ski Tour, a fantastic family-friendly event that involves skiing and eating in the local trail network.

With all that fluffy snow, the powder hounds take to the mountains. There are several popular areas for backcountry skiing, telemarking and snowboarding, including Mt. Agnes and Mt. Murray. The Cariboo Ski Touring Club operates huts in the Mt. Murray area, and both areas are easily accessible for day trips from Wells and Barkerville.
Find out more

Dog Sledding

One of the most interesting winter time activities in the area is Dog Sledding. Take advantage of the miles of groomed trails to tour the winter backcountry in this enduring sport.Dog sledders from right across the world come to Wells to take part in the prestigious Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, scheduled annually for the fourth weekend in January on a trail that starts in Quesnel and ends in Wells.
Find out more

Wells in summer

Summer / Fall

The Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes area is the place to be if you are looking for summer and fall adventure for the whole family.

Hiking

For shorter hikes try Cornish Mountain, the Cariboo Waggon Road to Richfield or the Mountain Valley Trail. For a full day of alpine meadows and scenic vistas try Two Sisters Mountain, the Yellowhawk or Jubilee Trails up Mt. Murray, or one of several loop routes possible in the Mt. Agnes/Groundhog Lake area including the newly opened Cow Mountain Ditch trail.
Find out more

Mt. Biking

Besides hiking, the area also offers excellent mountain biking. Whether you prefer tough technical riding or back road cruising you'll find miles and miles of interesting roads and trails in the region.

The 17 kilometer Cornish Mountain loop is a good morning workout or a great way to finish the day. The Sugar Creek loop provides 45 kilometers of mixed technical double track riding, while the Atan-Chisel Lake Loop is 62 kilometers of non-technical back road cruising with excellent views. With numerous lakes and rivers in the area the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron Lakes region has endless opportunities for canoeists and fishers.
Find out more

ATVing

For multi-use summer/fall trails be sure to check out the great quading and 4x4ing activities that are available throughout the area. The Sugar Creek Loop is a great choice for a backcountry tour. This 39 kilometre loop provides a scenic day trip through the mountains and valleys surrounding Wells, and the route is easy enough that riders from all skill levels can participate.

As always with any motorized backcountry trips it's important to respect the environment by sticking to the trail network and being aware of any trail closures.
Find out more