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Wells
Wells is located 79 km (49 miles) east of Quesnel
on Hwy 26 about 7.5 km (5 miles) west of Barkerville.
Fred
Marshall Wells
Wells was named after Fred Marshall Wells, who in 1932, discovered
the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine. The town of Wells, because of the
mine, grew from no residents in 1932 to a population of 4,000 inhabitants
in 1940.
Wells
Services
Although Wells is a small community, it does have a number of services
available. Included in the list is the Wells Service Station where
there is diesel, gasoline, propane, a grocery store and a liquor
outlet.
Snowmobiling
Wells and the surrounding area tend to get a high amount of snow
during the winter with some places experiencing at least 5.5-7.5
metres (18-25 feet) of annual snow fall. This snow potential adds
up to some incredible snowmobiling opportunities. For assistance,
maps or information, contact the local Wells Barkerville Snowmobile
Club.
The
Wells Hotel
For entertainment, there is the fully restored heritage building
called the Wells Hotel that features the 1930's style pub complete
with crackling fireplaces and old fir or birch wood flooring. The
Wells Hotel also has a full meal restaurant called the Pooley St.
Café and country inn accommodation making it well suited
for a cozy atmosphere.
Wells
Museum
For
historic and heritage information for the area visit the Wells Museum
located at the north end of historic Pooley Street.
Live
Theatre and Entertainment
Other excitement in Wells you might want to experience include the
Sunset Theatre which features daily entertainment, live theatre,
film and music, the Northwoods Restaurant, Bears Paw Café,
various gift and pottery shops.
Jack
of Clubs Lake
For
other outdoor recreation try exploring the beautiful Jack of Clubs
Lake. The lake which is located on the west side of Wells on Hwy
26 features a number of rest areas as well as a boat launch.
Barkerville
Wells is situated very close to the historic town of Barkerville.
Here you can discover over 130 original or reconstructed buildings
dating from the early gold rush era of British Columbia in the 1860's.
Barkerville also has a number of informative kiosks and helpful
staff who are dressed in that period and perform skits for you.
Campgrounds
For campgrounds near Wells, you can find some vehicle-accessible
sites located at Barkerville Campgrounds the former Barkerville
Provincial Campground. Just remember that because the historic town
of Barkerville is close, it can fill up fast.
Bowron
Lake Provincial Park
Situated towards Barkerville is the turnoff for the gravel road
into the world-famous Bowron Lake Provincial Park. This park contains
the famous canoe-kayak circle route. This adventure is an experience
you will never forget. Canoes and kayaks are available on a rental
basis at the base camp.
Accommodation
If you are visiting Barkerville and would like to stay the night
to enhance your visit, try the accommodation at Wells. Various Bed
& Breakfasts, Hubs Motel and an RV park are all located here.
A favourite - the White Cap Motor Inn & RV Park - has full hook-ups,
partial service and tent spaces are available.
Cunningham Pass Road to Likely
Unfortunately the 144 km (90 miles) Gold Rush Circle Tour summer
only backcountry road to Likely via the
Cunningham Pass is subject to closures because of washouts. Make
sure you visit the Visitor Centre in Wells
or contact BC Highways for future road conditions information. For
access to the Cariboo River Provincial Park and Cariboo
Mountains Provincial Park now has to be done by travelling north
on the 8400 Road from Likely.
Bear
Country
Just remember if you are enjoying the countryside around Wells,
please remember this is bear country. Try to avoid the rivers during
heavy salmon spawning times unless you feel comfortable with bears
around and take the usual precautions. There is also the possibilities
of encounters with wolves or cougars so please play it safe.
Information
on Wells
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