The District of Clearwater was established on December 3, 2007, making it one of the newest municipalities in British Columbia.

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).

[8] According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Clearwater included:[9] Forestry was the principal industry in the area.

The park houses a multitude of lakes and waterfalls, including several inactive and potentially active volcanoes.

[17] Dutch Lake Park has a beach and there are a number of water activities there in the summer as well as ice fishing in the winter.

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 mountain bike park is located at Candle Creek, east of the city centre.

Clearwater Secondary School's team sports are named "The Raiders" and include soccer, volleyball, and basketball.

The university has a branch location in the town which provides a limited number of specialized courses.