How to plan your perfect Nordic ski getaway in Wells BC

Doug and Megan met in 2009 in Quesnel, Doug's hometown, and adventure has been part of their lives together ever since. Trips to the Bowron lakes circuit in summer, skiing in the winter. 

Although they often ski or snowshoe with their two young daughters (age 10 and 12), the couple took a little time out for themselves recently to enjoy some trail time together in Wells, and they welcomed SnowSeekers along for the glide.

Ready for a Nordic ski adventure in Wells? Follow along with the Doyles and learn how to make the most of your own Nordic ski getaway to Wells. 

Wells Nordic skiing = good vibes always 

Gliding along through the lightly falling snow, Megan and Doug paused for dramatic, greyscale winter views, identified local mountains by name and reminisced about previous trips: coming to Wells for the Gourmet Ski event (held every February) or weekends with friends where midnight ski outings under a full moon turned into late-night stargazing.

Looping through the meadow trails, taking a break for a cozy fire (firewood is plentiful, but bring a lighter) and whizzing down the tree tunnel trails, Doug leaned in and asked Megan, "Should we get a room?" 

How to Nordic ski in Wells 

If you don't know where to go or what to ski, start by parking in the Jack O' Clubs store & pub (pro tip: apres here for weekend karaoke!). You can load up on snacks there, or pop next door to the Frog on the Bog (pictured above) for coffee and fresh baked treats. 

At the latter, tell owners Dave and Cheryl that you're here to ski and they will hook you up with the perfect route suggestions to keep your whole crew happy, and offer a paper map to go. 

Chatting with Cheryl Macarthy, co-owner of the Frog on the Bog, and Head Carrot Cake Baker, she told me that "people are often surprised at the condition of the trails, in terms of grooming and of scenic value, and the excellent signage is always unexpected."

From the parking lot here, there are two trailheads. Starting out, I suggest the one at the trail kiosk, with a great colour map of the network. 

Ski Wells for a Nordic winter getaway

Don't worry about getting lost, at each and every trail junction there will be a signpost and map (with a "You Are Here" indicator). Beginning your trek here also gets your trip started by gliding through a tunnel of trees next to the pillowy Willow River. 

This is the most intuitive trail navigation system I've ever seen. 

There's no need to worry about a thing, even though it may feel like you're at the end of the road. Wells is remote but you'll also find everything that you could need to stay safe and happy.

Skate amid mountains at Wells' new outdoor rink

Keeping a good thing going, we next checked out the new skating rink. The impressive log frame is unmissable in upper Wells (adjacent to the Community school). There are pucks and nets to get competitive and smooth ice for reenacting the scene from Bambi together.

Stroll the Wells art scene 

The other factor that makes Wells wonderful is the number of artists who have embedded themselves in these mountains. A slow wander through town is a golden opportunity to check out dozens of outdoor paintings, murals and galleries.

Next to the Wells Hotel, is Island Mountain Arts (IMA), a gallery and arts-promoting organisation that hosts workshops, exhibits and advocates for the arts community in this little town. Pop by to see the current gallery show and to get the back story on any of your favourite outdoor art. 

One Wells artist who combines the outdoors life and oil painting in perfect balance is Peter Corbett. His gallery is in the St. George church (across from IMA). 

His passion is painting "en plein air" and if you're lucky, you may ski through the meadows and bump into him, with his paint-stained hands, focusing on a new canvas. 

The cold doesn't deter him, and neither should it deter you. Bundle up and appreciate the beauty of this uniquely creative little town, on a Wells nordic ski getaway.

How to winter in Wells

A Nordic ski trip to Wells is unexpected, artful and unforgettable. When you're ready to plan your Nordic Day Date or a winter friends' weekend somewhere unique, quiet and wintery, check out winter travel resources from the District of Wells  to put it all together.

Driving  Wells is a 1h drive from Quesnel, or 2h15 from Prince George, BC.

Where to ski  find info on Wells' expanding trail network at the Wells and Area Trails Society (WATS) website. 

Where to stay  book a stay in a cozy cabin at Wells' Historic Stays (which includes the cozy B&B at Frog on the Bog), the historic Wells Hotel or The White Cap Motel.