Road Trip from the South to the North Thompson
There is nothing quite like a summer road trip, especially one from the South Thompson through to the beautiful, untamed wilderness of the North Thompson en route to the Canadian Rockies. Begin on Route 97 in Kamloops, then take Highway 5, known as the Yellowhead Highway, North to end in Valemount. Take your time along this simple route and enjoy the charming towns along the way.
Kamloops
Begin your road trip in the South Thompson, in Kamloops BC. Situated at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops is surrounded by 100 freshwater lakes within an hour’s drive, and 82 parks. Stop by the Concession in downtown Kamloops to get some snacks and get out on the Thompson River with a Kayak or Water Bike. After a day on the water, take a walk through Kamloop’s Back Alley Art Gallery and then stop for a brew and a bite to eat at Bright Eye Brewing.
For a nice place to rest your head, stay at the Best Western Plus Kamloops. They are a Biosphere committed company and have equipped their hotel with a geothermal heat/cooling system.
Kamloops - Photo: @landos.photos
Bright Eye Brewing - Photo: Destination BC/Nathan Martin
Kenna Cartwright Park, Kamloops - Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Barriere
Take Highway 5, or Yellowhead Highway, 45 minutes into North Thompson, to Barriere. Here, you will find rolling hills filled with ranch land surrounded by beautiful mountains. Barriere is laid back and the perfect place for you to relax by the lake or play a round of 9 hole golf at Chinook Cove Golf Course. If you would like to explore the trails, horseback riding is one of the most popular ways to do so in this town. Double Star Ranch is a great place to go for guided trail rides.
Spend the night at the East Barriere Lake recreation site, where you can swim and fish. If you didn’t bring your camping gear, stay at the Monte Carlo Motel located right in the center of Barriere.
Johnson Lake, Barriere - Photo: @thegreatgoldsky.and.thepittie
Barriere - Photo: @thaliacristina
South Barriere Lake - Photo: @phallies
Clearwater & Wells Gray
Continue 40 minutes up Highway 5 to the largest city in North Thompson, Clearwater. Not only is clear water known for its wildlife, but for lying at the entrance of Wells Gray Park, or Canada’s Waterfall Park. Home to 41 named waterfalls, Wells Gray is composed of 5,250 square kilometres (3,262 square miles) of wilderness. Although all the waterfalls in the park are incredible, be sure to stop and see the fourth largest waterfall in Canada cascading 462.6ft to the canyon below, Helmcken Falls.
If hiking and mountain biking aren’t your idea of a vacation, enjoy sports fishing or fly fishing in one of the many freshwater sources in the area. Osprey Falls, a waterfall measuring 1200ft across is an excellent place to fly fish.
Spend the night, or a few, at the Alpine Meadows Resort, a vacation all in itself. Their secluded location brings you the peacefulness and adventure of the outdoors.
Helmcken Falls - Photo: Destination BC/Max Zeddler
Dawson Falls - Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Clearwater - Photo: Allen Jones
Blue River
About an hour up Highway 5 you will find Blue River. Blue River is located right next to Murtle Lake, North America’s largest paddle only lake. This lake has over 100km of shoreline to be explored split between a West and North arm. The west arm is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, while the North arm is a great place to admire the mountains and observe wildlife. If you don’t have a canoe, rent one from Murtle Lake Canoe Rentals.
Blue River sits at the northern-most reaches of the lush, temperate inland rainforest. This unique climate offers the perfect home to many species of wildlife. Keep a watchful eye on the road and by the river for Grizzly Bears, Caribou, Moose, Elk, and unique species of birds. Remember while observing these animals in their own homes to give them space and be respectful.
Spend the night at Bone Creek Wilderness Retreat where they have cabins and campsites for you to enjoy.
Blue River - Photo: Allen Jones
Blue River - Photo: @mikewiegeleheli
Murtle Lake - Photo: @axelbodyspray
Valemount
Another hour along Highway 5 and you will arrive at the final stop on your North Thompson road trip, Valemount. Here, you will find the perfect terrain for all the extreme sports you could ever dream of from mountain biking, whitewater rafting, to multi-day hikes. If you would prefer to take it slow and enjoy the scenery, rent a paddleboard and explore the many lakes in the area.
Valemount is home to Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mt Robson is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies and offers an incredible view during the multi or single day hike along the Berg Lake Trail (Closed for the 2022 season) or the 22km trail along the Selwyn Traverse Trail. If you don’t have time or the capacity to hike the Berg Lake trail, why not fly? Robson Heli Magic Inc. will fly you to the end of the Berg Lake trail where you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area and Mt Robson towering over you.
Mount Robson - Photo: @wide.open.world
Emperor Falls - Photo: @marknabia
Turducken Mountain Biking Trail - Photo: @dbcvalemount
Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure, calm leisurely getaway, or that perfect Instagram photo, you will be able to find all that and more on a road trip from the South Thompson to North Thompson.
Be sure to plan ahead before departing on your road trip and do your research before visiting any of these areas to ensure businesses are operating and ready to welcome guests.
About Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.
