One Of Canada's Tallest Waterfalls Turns Into An Epic Frozen Sight In The Winter

Waterfalls are some of the most sought-after natural wonders. Even though TLC warned us not to go chasing them, we can't help ourselves. So when a dramatic winter waterfall creates a stunning frozen scene, resisting the chase becomes basically impossible. Located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia, Helmcken Falls is Canada's fourth-tallest waterfall. While it's a popular attraction in the summer, it's even better in the winter.

A two-hour drive from Kamloops, this dramatic 463-foot plunge on the Murtle River transforms into a magical, icy spectacle when temperatures drop. While it's rare for the waterfall to freeze solid, it creates a towering ice cone at its base as mist freezes layer by layer. Snow-dusted basalt cliffs, icy spray, and the echoing roar of the water tumbling down make Helmcken Falls a must-see for any waterfall aficionado. In ideal conditions, the snow cone can reach 200 feet tall, so photographers have the opportunity to capture something truly spectacular. It's arguably one of the best tourism experiences in British Columbia.

To make your journey to the falls exceedingly scenic, drive from Vancouver via Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. It takes about eight hours, but is worth it for the adventure. The road from the small town of Clearwater — the Gateway to Wells Gray Park — is plowed throughout the winter. However, it can be icy, and there's limited parking, so be sure you're comfortable driving in the snow and check weather conditions before heading out. Once you've parked, the viewing platform is an easy walk on a paved path.

Helmcken Falls is the undeniable star of the Wells Gray Provincial Park show. But there are also tons of other outdoor activities you can add to the trip. For starters, there are 40 other named waterfalls throughout the park, earning its reputation as Canada's "Waterfall Park." Dawson, Moul, and Spahats Falls are some of the most impressive and, like Helmcken Falls, dazzle when they freeze over in the winter. Stretch your legs and follow the 2.5-mile trail between Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls for stunning scenery. It takes about an hour each way.

The surrounding landscape has been shaped by volcanoes and glaciers over millennia. Be sure to bundle up and pack skis, snowshoes, and binoculars for a true Canadian experience. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular ways to explore the park's quieter corners, while binoculars come in handy for winter wildlife viewing — also ideal for a closeup view of Helmcken Falls' ice cone. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent or buy everything you need at Wells Gray Outfitters.

About an hour west of Clearwater, you can also join an ice fishing tour with Lone Butte Fishing Adventures. It's perfectly situated along British Columbia's Fishing Highway 24, an area known as the "Land of Hidden Waters" for its many fishing lakes. Six hours east of Wells Gray, towards Calgary, don't miss another epic waterfall in Yoho National Park.