The Helmcken Falls trail-head will be reopening to the public on June 26 although tour bus access won't be re-established until July 26. Although the viewing platform is still under construction visitors will have access to regular vehicle and recreational vehicle parking in the large parking lot nearby excluding tour buses.
Executive Director of Tourism Wells Gray, Claire Hanna spoke with the surgeryitaly recently saying, "We are excited that as of June 26 the Helmcken Falls trail-head will be open to the public and create an easier way for people to see the falls. The infrastructure upgrades to the area include resurfaced walkways, new fully accessible washrooms, picnic tables and park benches. This newly refurbished space will provide an inclusive experience for all visitors to experience the beauty of Helmcken Falls."
According to Hanna the newly constructed viewing platform itself will be finished by July 26 for the public to enjoy adding, "In the meantime; people are still able to see Helmcken falls from the fence line along the trail-head area." Hanna explains even though the new platform won't be accessible for another month opening the parking lot and trail-head fenced area gives visitors the opportunity to take photos and enjoy Helmcken falls until the grand opening of the platform next month.
"There are some great spots to see the falls all along the fence line so people can still get some fantastic photos there," says Hanna.
The new platform structure is constructed using weathering steel which forms a protective layer of rust that seals the material beneath and prevents further corrosion which according to the executive director will extend the life of the structure, reduces maintenance and over time the rust colour will fade to a dark black-brown to blend in with the natural surroundings. "It's a very unique material and I think it is perfectly suited for this structure. The platform will be fully accessible with zero stairs made of fire smart materials that will stand the test of time."
Tourism Wells Gray and B.C. Parks will be updating the public closer to the date of the grand opening of the new viewing platform's launch date of July 26 when the tour buses will once again have access to the beloved Helmcken Falls in full view.
