Originally a company town managed by the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine, Wells was a thriving community of 4500 during the 1930s.  In 1942, Wells had a population larger than Quesnel and Prince George.  However, when the mines closed in 1967, Wells was eclipsed by the larger centre.  The Wells Townsite Company was dissolved and the community was governed by the Cariboo Regional District based in Williams Lake. 

Today, with a winter population of 240 which triples during the busy summer tourism season, Wells is becoming famous as a destination for the arts, for heritage and for outdoor adventure. 

On June 29, 1998, Wells incorporated as a District Municipality, and again took charge of running her own affairs.  Immediately the community began to improve its sewer and water infrastructure, develop a new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. 

Wells is a small, safe community, a fabulous place to live.  Many people have chosen to get away from the hectic pace of the city and take up a better life-style.  Surrounded by wilderness and all of the benefits of rural living, Wells is a close-knit community with a school, church, shops, and services and the conveniences of a larger centre.  It is pedestrian oriented and small enough that you can walk, bike or ski everywhere.  We have a strong arts community, an excellent arts curriculum in our elementary school, more galleries and artists studios per capita then anywhere else we know of, and cultural events ranging from concerts, courses in the arts, live theatre and more. 

The District of Wells is a progressive municipality, providing residents with quality services in a sustainable manner.  In 1999, we were designated one of BC’s first Official Gateway Communities in recognition of our position as the Gateway to Barkerville Historic Town, Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park.  We are a Super Host Community and pride ourselves in welcoming visitors into our community.