FLOWER POWER - Wells Gray Provincial Park

Looking for a trip with a lighter backpack and incredible flower meadows? You prefer cozy mountain huts over camping? We have the perfect trip for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of fitness level do I need to do the hut to hut hike?
A: We offer five and seven day hut trips. The seven day trip is the most demanding, not only because of it's length but because the route has the longest hiking day as well. We will describe the two longer days on this trip here. If you feel like you could handle these days, you will be fine on the trip. The first long day is on the third day of your trip. On this day you will hike between the first and second chalets. The distance covered this day is not long, but you will be hiking through the alpine and for about 45 minutes in the forest without a well-defined trail. This sort of hike can require a bit of extra attention that may be tiring for folks used to a large, wide trail. This day is the longest day on the five-day hike.
On the seven-day hike, the longest day is between the second and third Chalet. On this day you will cover about 15 km (9 miles) and it will take about 6 - 9 hours. All of these times include any stopping on the trail for pictures rests and lunch.

Remember that despite the distances you have two advantages. The first is a light pack. The second advantage is the itinerary. On the hikes you will spend one day moving between chalets and then one day exploring the environs of each chalet. The guide will lead a day hike from the building on these days. If you prefer, you can take it easy and rest up for the next day when you move between cabins. You may decide to take photos, read or draw, it is up to you. So, if you feel like you can carry your pack on the hikes between the cabins, you will be fine. For more information, look over the itinerary carefully and feel free to call our toll free number and we will be happy to assist.

Q: What if I am the slowest person?
A: This is a very common question!! Don't worry, there are other people on your trip who have asked the same thing! The people who come on these trips feel that it is the discovery in the journey that is important, not rushing to the chalet! Your guide will also emphasize this theme. We find the people who come on these trips are fit and strong but not competitive. There is so much to see that the faster hikers have plenty to experience and are always very happy to hike to the pace of slower folks.

Q: How many people come on the trips?
On the hiking trips, there is usually a maximum of 10 people, however, in rare cases we can/will accommodate as many as 12 guests comfortably.

Q: What is the best time of the season to come?
A : If you are interested in wildflowers, Wells Gray is one of the premier places to experience the profusion of bloom that occurs in the short alpine summers of British Columbia. Each day offers a different and wonderful experience. We think the best plan is to choose a time that is convenient for you to travel in and enjoy what the mountains has to offer when you come. Every day of the two-month flower season offers a different character and on your hiking trip, you will see the color and life of the mountains evolving and shifting as the days progress.

From July 1 to mid July. The first bloom follows the melting snow. As the beginning of July approaches and the days lengthen and warm, the snow starts to recede. Blooming behind the retreating edges of the snowfields are the spectacular avalanche lilies, spring beauties, pasque flowers, marsh marigolds, arnica and valerian. These flowers create the freshest vistas possible carpeting the ground with yellow and white. Because they over winter as bulbs, these flowers have all the reserves they need to grow quickly and can often be seen blooming after pushing right up through the snow. The landscapes in early spring change daily as the warm sun frees up the ground. The animals and birds are frantically trying to fit a family in before the next snow and lovely fresh water streams rush headlong down the mountainsides to fuel the river valleys. The whole atmosphere of the mountains during this time is charged with exuberant energy.

Mid July to end July. Middle spring brings the rare mountain avens, clinging to the tops of the highest rides and glowing brightly as the sun streams through them. The indian paintbrush, lupine, and golden scenicio are budding and on the well exposed southern slopes beginning to show bloom and give the hikers a taste of what is to come. This is the time when you can spot the largest number of different flower species as the northern slopes are just losing the last of the spring bloom and the southern slopes are starting to show a bit of the summers promise.

Beginning August- third week August - As August begins it is truly summer in the high country. Now the ridges are lush with the fragrant but delicate boom of the heathers. Wet spots provide homes for the beautiful and fragrant rein orchids. All of the meadows seem to be moving toward the final major bloom of the summer, which occurs, between the first and third weeks of August. During this time, you can walk through flower meadows as deep as you waist in places. It is truly one of natures most incredible sights.

End of August and beginning of September - September is our driest month. You can expect clear, warm days and cool evenings. By now, there has often been a first frost which has killed any bugs that are left and put an end to the flower riot. The flowers are fading now but as they do, they make way for a more subtle palette of rich russets, golds and reds as the sedges, grasses and small shrubs take their turn on the mountain stage. Birds of prey soar over the meadows, and the animals of the high mountains are busy making final preparations for the long winter which they know must come. The heady rush of summer is gone and in its place a hush as profound as an ancient cathedral steals over the mountains. This is an incredibly inspiring time to be in the high country.

Q: Will there be mosquitoes?
A: Throughout the summer, the insects are also trying to complete their life cycle. The mosquito population will ebb and flow through the season largely dependent upon when the rain last fell and topped off the puddles of still water required for their egg laying. For the most part, the mosquitoes are not much of a worry on the Wells Gray traverse during the days in the higher mountains or on ridge walks as the almost constant breeze keeps them away. In the evening however when it can be much more still, they can be very pesky and you will be grateful to be looking at them through the window of the chalet while you drink your tea! There will be some dates where they don't make an appearance at all, and others where the lower more sheltered valleys and the evening will bring in enough mosquitoes to warrant long sleeves and long pants. Unfortunately, it is not possible to know ahead of time which situation it will be! After the first very hard frost, usually around the end of August and beginning of September, they are gone. So, if you would absolutely prefer not to deal with any mosquitoes, come in September!

Q: What repellent do you recommend?
A: More important then repellent, we recommend appropriate clothing. Have light and loose long sleeved shirts and pants with you. We have bug hats for you to use if the air becomes still or if we are hiking through a forest after a hatch. Most folks say that anything with DEET as the active ingredient is good. It is very strong stuff, so we prefer to apply it on a hat or other outer clothing

Q: What weather do I expect?
A: September is usually the driest month of the year. You can expect warm days and clear cold nights with chances of frost. Mountain weather is unpredictable and it can also be cold during July and August, but it is more likely to be warm enough for a quick swim in even the colder lakes. Most of the precipitation during these months is in the form of thundershowers toward the late afternoon and evenings. Raingear is always necessary as well as warm fleece or wool sweaters. A hat and gloves are sometimes welcome during a cool rain. For the most part, we do not get long storm episodes in the summer months and it is good to plan for sunny days by bringing sun-hats and sunscreen.

Q: What animals will I see?
A: If you are lucky you will see some of the shy animals who live in this demanding environment. Wells Gray is home to one of the most southern woodland caribou herds. These incredibly beautiful animals run in loose, same gender associations this time of the year. If we are quiet and vigilant, we will see them on a mountain slope or grazing in the remote bull valley on the other side of 52 ridge where Fight Meadow Chalet lies.
This area is also home to the grizzly bear though we are more likely to see signs then the actual animal. The grizzly has a huge territory and wanders through it continually. They are also extremely shy of hikers and will go out of their way to avoid you so we have to be very watchful, looking out over the long horizons to be lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
Not so elusive are the cheeky martins, which are very inquisitive and will often allow us to photograph them or the slow porky pines who don't care if we photograph them! Marmots and pikas whistle at us from their lookouts. You will need a good telephoto lens to get a decent picture of these well-camouflaged animals. The bird life in the mountains is amazing, and the ptarmigans, grouse, and birds of prey are always an inspiration to see. The sides of Battle Mountain often have golden eagles nesting there .


Q: What are the sleeping arrangements in the Chalets like?
A: The chalets are two-story buildings. The sleeping area is upstairs and the living area and kitchen is downstairs. The sleeping arrangements in Fight Meadow and Trophy Mountain Chalet are semi-private. The rooms are divided by walls and have a curtain as a door. There is enough space for everybody to have one of these berths to himself or herself and there is no extra cost for it.
The middle cabin is called Discovery and it does not have a full upstairs, it has a loft. In this building most of the
sleeping is open and dormitory style. There is a set of bunk beds downstairs for folks who would like more privacy. There are duvets and pillows in the buildings. Most folks bring a sleeping bag liner or, for a couple, a double sheet set; a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. There are pillows as well, so bring pillow cases. Carrying a sheet to make your bed with instead of a sleeping bag will help to keep your pack light.

Q: What size pack do I take?
A: We always tell people to take a good look at the equipment list, decide what to bring, fill a backpack and if there is room for two to four pounds of group food on top then you have a great pack size! Also, it is better to have a bigger well fitting pack with a good waist belt that is comfortable then a lighter smaller pack that is not comfortable! How you carry your gear is as important as how much you carry! If you have a light pack that is ill fitting or not offering the support for the load that you need you will be much more tired than if you had a well fitting, more supportive, bigger pack.

Q: How much will I have to carry?
A: The chalets are outfitted with the idea of having everything you need for a comfortable stay and a light pack! You are not carrying a sleeping bag; (you carry a sheet to make your bed with). There is no need to pack extra shoes; there are hut slippers for inside and rubber boots for quick trips outside. Most of the food is in the chalets as well; we just supplement the menu with fresh food. So, if you are conservative with your personal belongings, the packs can be quite light. Normally, you would expect to carry 2 to 4 pounds of group food on the travel days between the chalets and your lunch on the days around the buildings. This is not a hard and fast rule however, and we often have enough folks on the trip who take enough of the group food that some one who is not up to carrying any extra weight is free not to. Basically it seems that most packs range from about 10 to 30 lbs and it depends on what you consider necessary!