Clearwater, British Columbia

Clearwater is a district municipality in the North Thompson River valley in British Columbia, Canada, where the Clearwater River empties into the North Thompson River. It is located 124 km (77 mi) north of Kamloops. With a population of 2,331, Clearwater's workforce is predominantly employed directly or indirectly by the forest industry. Tourism and related outdoors and sports services are also major industries, with Wells Gray Provincial Park just to the north. The park encompasses 5,250 square kilometres, with four rivers, six major lakes, and 39 named waterfalls, including Canada's fourth highest, Helmcken Falls. A municipal government was incorporated in December 2007.

As a flag stop Via Rail's The Canadian calls at the Clearwater railway station three times per week in each direction.

Clearwater has two schools: Raft River Elementary with approximately 300 students and Clearwater Secondary School with about 225 students. Clearwater Secondary School's team sports are named "The Raiders" and include soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Currently, they play in single "A" categories.

The Overlanders expedition to the Cariboo goldfields rafted down the North Thompson River in 1862. When they first arrived at the mouth of the Clearwater River, they named it for its distinct clarity compared to the relatively muddy waters of the North Thompson. The Overlanders also named Raft Mountain which rises northeast of Clearwater to a height of 2,450 m (8,038 ft).