Road Trip - Vancouver to Jasper (the Rocky Mountains)
With three ways to get from Vancouver to the Rockies (or vice versa) through our region, don’t miss out on the scenic and exciting, though longer, route through the Similkameen, Okanagan and Kamloops.
Three unique trips through the Thompson Okanagan
One of the most common questions that I get asked is, what is the best way to get from Vancouver to Jasper? Many visitors fly into Vancouver and then out of Calgary - but what should you do along the way?
I’m going to talk about this journey in the context of British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region, which is the main region you’ll pass through on your way to Jasper. Here are my recommended routes and a few highlights along the way.
Route Options
There are three main ways that I recommend getting from Vancouver to Jasper:
1. The scenic mountain road North through Whistler and Highway 99 (890 km/553.02 mi)
2. The fastest route through the Lower Mainland to Kamloops (800 km/497.10 mi)
3. Lake and wine country through the Similkameen Valley, Okanagan Corridor and Kamloops (1,066 km/662.38 mi)
Regardless of which route you take, there are numerous places to stop and enjoy your road trip. However, if you have the time, my preferred route is the third option through the Similkameen and Okanagan since you get a ton of variety.
So, for Route #3 here are the main highlights along the way:
Similkameen Valley
K Mountain, Keremeos | Photo Credit: Meghan Reading
East of Hope you’ll encounter the Similkameen (Smelqmix) Valley. This burgeoning wine region is home to rugged mountains, an abundance of organic produce and the Similkameen River.
Check out:
Keremeos, the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada
Orofino Winery - Canada’s first eco-friendly strawbale winery
Harkers Organics, Rustic Roots Winery & Cidery - a one-stop-shop for amazing local organic treats
Okanagan Corridor
Kelowna | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia
Starting from Osoyoos, drive north through the Okanagan (Suqnaqinx) Corridor and pass through Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon (amongst many other wonderful small communities). Here is where you will find wine and lake country heaven.
Check out:
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre - an interpretive centre dedicated to sharing the stories of the local Syilx People.
Burrowing Owl Winery - a leader in sustainability and (of course) delicious wine
One of these amazing Penticton Breweries - these guys are seriously committed to local, quality craft beer
Kelowna’s E-Scooters - a great fuel-free way to see the downtown
Moccasin Trails Indigenous Tours in Kelowna and West Kelowna - Offering a journey of culture, history and nature
Davison Orchards - Local & fresh produce including incredible apple pie
Kamloops
Kamloops | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia
Kamloops (Tk'emlups) is a recreation hub - known for hiking, mountain biking and a bold local flavours, this city is a great stop before continuing north.
Check out:
The Kamloops Wine Trail - Highlights wineries of the Thompson Valley
BC Wildlife Park - 40+ indigenous species, wildlife education centre, bird of prey demonstrations and more
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park - 5-hectare heritage park with guided tours of a residential school and archaeological sites
Sun Peaks Resort - located 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops, this resort community is a recreation hotspot all year round.
Clearwater & Wells Gray Provincial Park
Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia
The abundance of waterfalls at Wells Gray Park is unmatched. There is so much to do here and in the nearby town of Clearwater, make sure to set aside a few days.
Check out:
Wells Gray Waterfalls - all year round, these waterfalls should be a bucket list item
Clearwater & Azure Lakes - enjoy the lake at nature’s pace on an electric Duffy boat tour
Murtle Lake - this non-motorized lake is a paddlers dream
Wells Gray Guest Ranch - Oldest Dude Ranch in the Valley, offering accommodations and horseback riding.
Valemount & Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson from Berg Lake | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia
Stock up in the town of Valemount before heading towards Mount Robson Provincial Park. The stretch of highway between Valemount and Mount Robson Park is one of the most scenic of this entire drive. When you turn the corner and see the park’s namesake, you’ll know you’ve hit Canada’s epic Rocky Mountains.
Check out:
Valemount & Area Museum - preserving items that might end up in landfills, this museum features household items which are 50 - 100 years old
Mount Robson Visitor Centre - a great stop to learn about the park and things to do
Three Ranges Brewing - this beloved local taphouse is all about fostering community
Valemount Bike Park - some of the best mountain bike trails in BC.
From Mount Robson, continue onto Jasper - an incredible backdrop to continue your road trip. Check out Travel Alberta for details of what to do in Jasper and southeast towards Calgary.
For information on road conditions visit DriveBC.
For camping and provincial park information, visit BC Parks.
For other touring routes visit Destination BC.
Have a safe road trip and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meghan Reading is a Canadian travel photographer. She grew up in the rocky mountains of Alberta but now calls British Columbia home. While she looks forward to continuing to explore the world with her camera, her favourite destination will always be her own backyard.
Route 97 Roadtrip
Field and Forest take a road trip along Route 97 from Kelowna to Kamloops visiting forward-thinking and sustainable buisnesses working to minimize their impact and protect the landscape of BC - and the beautiful vistas along the way.
EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS IN KELOWNA, VERNON, KAMLOOPS, AND THE SHUSWAP
Route 97 is a classic BC road trip. Travelling through some of the province’s most stunning terrain, you’ll find sweeping vistas of golden grasslands and sagebrush steppe, craggy rock-topped hills rising above verdant valleys and lush vineyards, unending pine forests dotted with sparkling lakes, and some of BC’s most charismatic towns.
It’s hard not to feel awed and inspired by these landscapes, and over the years we’ve learned how important it is to help protect the places you love and how crucial it is to minimize your impacts. With this in mind, we set out to see a section of Route 97 from Kelowna to Kamloops, visiting some forward-thinking and sustainable businesses that do just that - as well as a few of the beautiful vistas that so inspired us.
View of Okanagan Lake from Knox Mountain, Kelowna
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Kelowna
We began our journey in Kelowna. Nestled on the shores of Okanagan Lake surrounded by scenic sun-drenched benchlands, Kelowna is the biggest city in BC’s wine country and a popular year-round getaway, warmed by a laid-back culture of fresh food and delicious drink.
You’ll discover orchards and farmer’s markets scattered throughout town, and we found ourselves returning to Paynter’s and Gatzke’s again and again for fresh-picked pears and apples. There are a lot of wineries nearby, too, and we enjoyed tastings at the First Nations-operated Indigenous World Winery, the organic Sperling Vineyard, and the famed Summerhill Pyramid Winery (where we also got a quick lesson on both biodynamics and sacred geometry!). Once you’ve eaten and drank your fill, head out for a quick hike up Knox Mountain, or rent some bikes with Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and explore the breathtaking trestles and tunnels of Myra Canyon.
Rail Trail along Kalamalka Lake, Vernon
Photo credit: Destination BC/@miraecampbell
Camelot Haven Alpaca Farm, Vernon
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Vernon
Venturing north towards the cozy town of Vernon, we entered the beautiful lake country of the North Okanagan. Gentle rolling hills and big blue lakes of many hues spread out almost as far as the eye could see, and we wanted to explore every nook and sage-scented valley.
Venture around the scenic Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes, stopping in at the Camelot Haven Alpaca Farm for some hyper-local yarns or Davison Orchards for crisp apples and fresh-pressed juice. For a day by the lake, bike or walk along the Okanagan BC Rail Trail that wraps around Kalamalka Lake. Then head towards the Monashee Mountains to Wildcraft Forest, where you can immerse yourself in the trees and sample some unique forest-flavoured teas.
Adams River Salmon Run, Tsútswecw Provincial Park, Shuswap
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Adams River Salmon Run, Tsútswecw Provincial Park, Shuswap
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Shuswap
Continuing on, we drove north to see the salmon return to the Shuswap. Home to some of North America’s biggest sockeye runs, millions of fish make their way all the way from Alaska and up the Fraser and Thompson Rivers to the Adams River spawning grounds. Every four years from mid September to the end of October the runs are so big that it seems like the entire river is a shimmering, splashing, sockeye red. The next dominant year is in 2026. It felt like such a momentous and important thing to see, a tiny trembling connection to the quiet rhythms of the planet. Learn more about the importance of the salmon and the traditions of the Secwepemc or Shuswap Peoples at Quaaout Lodge. (Note that the accommodation wing and cultural tours are set to return in 2025 after a fire. The restuarant, spa, and golf course are still open)
Hoodoos east of Kamloops, north side of the South Thompson River
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Kamloops
Photo credit: Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol
Kamloops
Leaving the Shuswap, we turned west to follow the river down towards the city of Kamloops. Surrounded by dazzlingly barren hills, Kamloops sits at the confluence of the South and North Thompson Rivers in a stunning landscape of lush vineyards and desolate hills. It quickly became one of our favourite landscapes in BC.
There’s a ton to see and explore from the web of trails in Kenna Cartwright Regional Park to the magnificent Lac du Bois Grasslands. After hiking, relax with a quiet stroll through the historic downtown, grab a treat from the weekend farmer’s market, or head out on a tasting tour at a couple of the local wineries like Monte Creek Ranch and Privato Vineyards and Winery.
To find more Thompson Okanagan businesses that are committed to implementing sustainable practices into their daily operations visit the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s Biosphere Committed Businesses page.
To Pledge your own commitment to living and travelling throughout the region in a sustainable and mindful way, take the 7 Affirmations Pledge. What we do today to the land will impact up to seven generations to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Megan McLellan & Emanuel Smedbol are photographers from Vancouver, BC. Driven by a passion for sharing local trips & trails, they started the adventure blog Field and Forest. When they aren’t out hiking & camping you can usually find them strolling around the neighbourhood daydreaming about hiking and camping.
W: fieldandforest.co IG: @fieldandforest