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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.
Cariboo
River Provincial Park
For adventure there is a 144 km (90 miles) summer only 4X4 backcountry
road through Cariboo River Provincial Park to Likely
that takes off from the Bowron Lake Road. Make sure you visit the
store in Wells or contact BC Highways for
road conditions information. Also make sure your vehicle is in good
operating condition before attempting this as there is no cell phone
service or roadside help available.
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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