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Clearwater – A Town Aptly Named
Wednesday, June 19th, 2002 by GetawayBC.com
Visit Clearwater, the largest settlement in the North Thompson Valley. Situated 125km north of Kamloops on Highway 5, its name hints at the pristine surroundings and many opportunities for adventure.
Originally a major settlement for Native Indian tribes, place names such as Fight Lake and Battle Mountain hint at the struggles of three bands who fought for control of the area. The search for gold brought Caucasians in the late 1800’s and by the early 1900’s smallpox became a major threat to the tribes. By 1916 the Canadian Pacific Railway had replaced the steamboats as the major mode of transportation.
Today, Clearwater is a vacation paradise, the gateway to magnificent Wells Gray Provincial Park and hosting a variety of nearby attractions. Accommodations in the area encompass hotels, motels, B&B’s, Chalets, Guest Ranches, and campgrounds, whatever your heart desires.
Amenities include a centrally located shopping mall, specialty stores, art galleries and restaurants to suit every taste bud. If the smell of freshly baked bread draws you in, try visiting the Flour Meadow Bakery, a beautiful log building showcasing musical entertainment BBQ’s and a great place to pick up a boxed lunch.
Be sure to stop in at the Clearwater Visitor Info Centre displaying exhibits on area history including the Overlanders (adventurers from eastern Canada bound for the Cariboo goldfields), and Simpcw Native history and culture. There is a trout hatchery close by and if you have a need for speed, the community boasts one of the best dirt oval tracks in the province with stock car racing on weekends throughout the summer.
Don’t forget golf, there are two 9-hole courses, Lacarya and Wells Gray Golf Courses both offer RV Parks with stay n’ play packages.
If you truly wish to experience “clear water”, why not book a sternwheeler ride? Or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, get wet on a whitewater rafting expedition on the Clearwater River. Professionally guided tours are offered with the chance to follow the same route as the original Overlander Party who passed through during fur trading days.
Plan to treat Clearwater as a central jumping off spot for eco and adventure tourism. It attracts tourists from all over the globe for a true wilderness experience.