WHAT IN THE WORLD?

I invite you to join me in my conversation with Matthias as he shares his unique perspective on how immersing oneself in the great outdoors supports mental well-being. This interview serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care and embrace the remarkable advantages nature offers.

Are you tired of the daily grind? Do you find yourself craving to escape the chaos of everyday life and connect with nature? You’re not alone. With our overbooked schedules and endless responsibilities, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking a break and enjoying some quality time with ourselves.

But the good news is, there’s a place that offers the perfect retreat from the stresses of daily life – Wells Grey Provincial Park. This incredible wonderland is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a plethora of outdoor activities that have been proven to improve mental health and well-being.

Research has shown that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental health. An article by the Canadian Mental Health Association claims that exposure to nature can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress, increase feelings of happiness and self-esteem, and improve our quality of life. Vitamin D levels are increased by exposure to sunlight and clean air, which can enhance mood and lower the chance of developing mental health conditions. Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping can also encourage physical activity, which has been linked to a variety of advantages for our mental health.

What the Park has to Offer:

Wells Gray Provincial Park offers visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and reap the benefits of spending time outdoors (and guess what – there is no cell service!)

Take a Hike:

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Wells Gray Provincial Park. There are a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels from short walks to challenging treks. Most of the time, you will even see a waterfall! Here are some of my favourites:

• Baileys Chute – Check out this nature walk (about 1.6km long) to view a series of both waterfalls and rapids.
• Moul Falls Trail – A 5.5km trail that features a massive waterfall that you can hike behind!
• Trophy Meadows Trail –  Approximately 10.5km – can be done as a day hike or as a nice place to camp out.
  

Spend the Night:

Enjoying nature and want to extend your stay? Wells Gray Provincial Park has numerous campsites, both front-country and backcountry. Visitors can enjoy the comfort of nature and campfires, which can be both calming and therapeutic.

• Pyramid Campground – for $20/night, you can sleep under the stars in this front-country campsite and be situated close to Helmcken Falls.
• Falls Creek – another great front-country campsite, with a fee of $23/night.
• Murtle Lake – For more of a challenge, access this backcountry site by canoe or kayak!

Wells Grey Provincial Park gives people the chance to get in touch with nature and improve their well-being because it has been shown that spending time in outdoors helps improve mental health. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural magnificence and enjoy the benefits of being in nature by hiking, camping, or paddling. It’s crucial to put self-care first as we deal with the challenges of everyday life and find methods to re-engage with nature. Put on your hiking shoes, grab your backpack, and let Wells Grey Provincial Park do its magic.

Watch the below video to learn more from a Kamloops local,
Matthias MacLeod, about Wells Gray!