Hiking the Thompson Okanagan Mountain Resorts
Explore the many great ski mountain resorts in the Thompson Okanagan region. When the resorts transition to summer they offer a new array of exciting warm-weather adventures. Among these, hiking is one of the many adventures that can be enjoyed on these famous mountains. From easy to challenging hikes, and opportunity for trail running, these mountains have it all.
Explore the many amazing ski mountain resorts in the Thompson Okanagan region. When the resorts transition to summer they offer a new array of exciting warm-weather adventures. Among these, hiking is one of the many adventures that can be enjoyed on these famous mountains. From easy to challenging hikes, and opportunity for trail running, these mountains have it all. Next time you’re looking to change up your hiking scenery try hiking these mountain resorts.
Much of the trails start from the village and allow you to challenge yourself to make it to the top, or take the chair lift or gondola up, and start mid-mountain. Just like in the winter, some of the mountains require day-passes to use their trails and facilities, so know before you go and check the mountain resort’s website. If you like these mountain resorts in the winter, you’ll love them in the summer!
Photo by: Tourism Sun Peaks/Kelly Funk
Sun Peaks
Starting in the South Thompson Valley just 45 minutes North of Kamloops, is Sun Peaks (55.7 km/34.6mi). With 17 designated hiking trails, and a wide range of difficulty, there’s a hike for everyone. The variety of hikes offered at Sun Peaks means every trip to the mountain allows for a fresh, new adventure, never seen before.
Photo by: Tourism Sun Peaks/Kelly Funk
What to expect while hiking Sun Peaks:
Sun Peaks stands proudly at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1,828 m) above sea level. A journey to its summit leads to the breathtaking Tod Lake, a tranquil lake nestled atop the peaks. During the much-celebrated Alpine Blossom Season , a time cherished by all who hike, the landscape transforms into a vivid wildflower meadow. Exploring the trails during this season is a favorite for visitors – Learn more about the flowers with Sun Peaks' comprehensive wildflower guide. This resource enriches your hikes by unraveling the identity of the flora and fauna that lines the paths as you hike. Sun Peaks also has an abundance of birds and wildlife. As you embark on your hike, your senses will be constantly engaged, drawn in by the song birds and the potential spotting of wildlife, as well as flowers around every corner.
Click to Download Map
Summer Season at Sun Peaks
June 16 to September 4, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 7:00pm
September 5 to 24, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 5:00pm
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Heading to the North Okanagan, 25 minutes Northeast of Vernon (23.6km/14.67mi), is SilverStar Mountain Resort. SilverStar is a family and pet friendly spot – Welcoming dogs on every hiking trail. Try the express Gondola or the hike up to the summit all summer. You can hike straight from the village or take the Gondola, and walk down on the trails.
Photo by: @jlab55
What to expect while hiking SilverStar:
SilverStar offers a captivating panorama view of the vistas that make up the Monashee Mountain Range and the Okanagan Valley. The trails, ranging from casual strolls to longer journeys, open up these vistas at every step. Embark on looped hikes, each bend revealing new landscapes, or opt for unidirectional trails and take the chairlift back to the start. A worthwhile recommendation is venturing on the Ridge Walk, where a conveniently placed bench atop the trail invites you to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery (or a well-deserved break from hiking). With an abundance of diverse hiking options to choose from, SilverStar ensures that your curiosity will remain sparked throughout the entirety of your hike.
Click to Download Map
You must have a valid ticket to be on the mountain for hiking. These hiking tickets are complimentary! However, they do not grant lift access.
Summer Season at SilverStar
June 23rd to September 4th 2023 Daily, 9:30am to 5:30pm
Followed by Weekends Only September 9th to 10th, and September 16 to 17th.
Big White Ski Resort
On the way to Boundary Country, 1 hour outside of Kelowna (61.9km/38.46mi), is Big White Ski Resort. Big White is another excellent option for dog-friendly hiking. You can even bring your four legged friend on the chairlifts, just keep them on leash at all times.
Tip: follow the Inukshuks along the trails to help keep you on the right track!
Photo by: @adventurewithkayli
What to expect while hiking Big White:
Big White offers an array of trails that cater to individuals of all ages, making it an ideal destination for the entire family. The diverse range of hiking grades offers options for leisurely strolls or the chance to conquer the summit at an impressive 7600 ft (2316 m). The convenience of a chairlift and gondola adds the choice for hikers to explore different pathways to the summit and discover new trails along the way. Lake lookouts and picnic tables allow for a chance to relax, and restrooms near the peak ensure a comfortable journey on this mountain. Try the Rhonda Lake Trail for a lake lookout unique to the summer; this trail and lake is entirely hidden by snow in the winter!
Click to Download Map
Hiking tickets complimentary! However, do sign this waver before your ascend
Summer Season at Big White
June 29th to September 4th, 2023 Daily, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Baldy Mountain Resort
The South Okanagan is home to Baldy Mountain Resort, 45 minutes outside of Oliver (37.2km/23.12mi). The summer of 2023 Mt Baldy is open for its first summer season, and they can't wait to welcome summer hikers. With ten trails to kick off the season, Mt Baldy is ready for people to come see what they have to offer in the summer.
Photo by: @jlab55
What to expect while hiking Mt Baldy:
This summit is in the Okanagan Highlands, so Mt Baldy is surrounded by old growth forest and multiple viewpoints for all levels of hikers to enjoy. There’s chances to see wildlife from a distance, as well as smell the alpine flowers as you hike and listen to the surrounding birds. Take a pit stop at one of the many picnic benches or enjoy lunch at the village.
Click to Download Map
Purchase a lift ticket before you go, or buy one at the guest service once you arrive.
Summer Season at Baldy Mountain
From 11:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday and select holiday Fridays and Mondays.
The last weekend of Summer operations is September 2nd and 3rd.
The Thompson Okanagan mountain resorts offer natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and seasonal charm. Always stay on marked trails to ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna of the mountains, and stay bear aware. Whether you're seeking panoramic views and wildflowers, family-friendly trails, or the excitement of exploring a new summer hiking destination, these resorts are calling you to the great outdoors. So, get your hiking boots, get ready for crisp mountain air, and set out on an unforgettable journey through these trails.
Written by Caroline Peterson
A BC local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. A student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Okanagan Family Activity Guide
The Okanagan is known as a destination with many activities for adults to enjoy, like wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the area, but it also is an excellent place for families to enjoy with countless activities and attractions suited for families with young children. Find out more about a few favourite activities for you and your family to enjoy in this guide.
The Okanagan is known as a destination with many activities for adults to enjoy, like wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the area, but it also is an excellent place for families to enjoy with countless activities and attractions suited for families with young children. Find out more about a few favourite activities for you and your family to enjoy in this guide. Each activity mentioned below are available year round, occasionally at different capacities depending on the season.
SilverStar Mountain Resort, Vernon - Destination BC/Blake Jorgenson
Outdoor Adventures
The Okanagan is surrounded by hiking and walking trails suitable for people of all ages and abilities. A few to note are Knox Mountain in Kelowna, which offers stunning views of Kelowna at multiple lookout points. Giant’s Head Loop, located in Summerland, is a hike that you can make as long or as short as you want while enjoying the views up and down the Okanagan Lake. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, in Vernon, offers 14 kilometres of trails leading to viewpoints of the emerald coloured lake and its beaches.
Knox Mountain Lookout, Kelowna - Destination BC/Tanya Goehring
If you are hoping to go on a family bike ride, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) connects the entire Okanagan by trail built on decommissioned train tracks that were, at one time, used daily. There are multiple rail trails from Cold Stream to Penticton. Because the trails have been built on a decommissioned train track, they have little to no slant, making them easy for the whole family to navigate.
Rental bikes are available at different locations along the trails. If you make your way to the Myra Canyon trail in Kelowna, stop at Myra Canyon Adventure Park to test your balance and agility in their obstacle course (Only open in the spring and summer).
Myra Canyon Trestles on the KVR, Kelowna - Destination BC/Kari Medig
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Kelowna - @chutelakelodge
Hoodoo Adventures is a tour company based in Penticton that is an excellent resource for families who are not familiar with the area but want to make the most out of their time outdoors. They offer countless outdoor adventure tours like kayaking on the lake, hiking, mountain biking, and even rock climbing. While in Penticton, walk the waterfront boardwalk and end at the SS Sicamous, the largest surviving sternwheeler in BC.
SS Sicamous, Penticton - @allaroundtheworld_al
The ski hills in the area offer family fun year-round from skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating, and cross country skiing in the winter to mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf in the summer. Local mountains in the area that you don’t want to miss are SilverStar Mountain Resort, Big White Ski Resort, and Apex Mountain Ski Resort.
Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna - @localsince1908
The cities in the Okanagan have worked hard to ensure that along with having a multitude of well maintained trails and paths, there are many parks and playgrounds, perfect for kids to let off steam and have a lovely family picnic. A few to note are City Park in downtown Kelowna, located right along the beach and next to a splash park, Mission Creek Regional Park, in Kelowna that sits at the entrance of the Mission Creek Greenway, and Bertram Creek Regional Park, which is surrounded by the beach and open fields near the parking lot. In Penticton, Lakawanna Playground is a beautiful park and has many picnic tables to enjoy a takeout meal or afternoon snack. Lakeshore Park and Beach is an accessible park in Vernon that allows for people of all abilities to easily enjoy the paths and amenities.
Discovery
A great way to make lasting family memories is by learning together. Visit the multiple Kelowna Museums located throughout Downtown Kelowna and learn about the history of the Okanagan. Once you have learned about how the Okanagan came to be, visit the Kelowna Art Gallery and Rotary Centre for the Arts to find out what artists and community members are keeping it alive and well.
Kelowna Art Gallery, Kelowna - @kelownaartgallery
In Vernon, you can learn about the history of the area at O’Keefe Ranch, one of British Columbia’s first cattle ranches. Now a heritage site, it offers a glimpse into the past and what Vernon once was. If you are less interested in history and more about science, the Vernon Science Centre offers interactive exhibits that make learning fun for the whole family.
O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon - @pksnow
The history of Peachland is housed at the Peachland Museum located in an eight-sided Baptist Church that was built in 1910. Here, you will find artifacts, newspaper articles, and documents that depict the history of the town and surrounding area.
If you are looking to learn about one of the key workers that keep the Okanagan’s ecosystem running, Planet Bee Honey Farm offers an educational and delicious experience while learning about the honey bee. Here you will find an indoor bee observatory and an outdoor garden, all while enjoying locally sourced honey products.
Planet Bee Honey Farm, Vernon - Nic Collar
Indoor Activities
Looking for an afternoon indoors where the whole family can let off some steam? There are multiple public pools throughout the Okanagan consisting of Parkinson Recreation Centre and the H2O Fitness + Adventure Centre in Kelowna, the Vernon Aquatic Centre in Vernon, and the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre in West Kelowna.
Indoor playgrounds can also be found in the Okanagan. Some favourite ones to note are Energy Plex and Air House, a trampoline park, in Kelowna, and Busy Beans Indoor Cafe, in Penticton, which is suitable for younger children.
Hoodoo Adventures Climbing Wall, Penticton - Hoodoo Adventures
Along with playgrounds, indoor climbing has become extremely popular in the area with excellent gyms to show for it. Gneiss Climbing has two locations in Kelowna, the Rock Garden Climbing Centre is located in Vernon, and the climbing wall at Hoodoo Adventures is in Penticton. Each of these gyms is an excellent place for a family to test their strength and bravery of heights while having fun.
These activities and so many more make the Okanagan an excellent place to spend time with your family.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.
B.C. Parks You Don't Want To Miss
There are so many provincial parks within our region, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit first. Here are few great options of parks to add to your bucket list this year.
Spring has Sprung in the Thompson Okanagan which means it’s time to pull out our camping gear. With the Thompson Okanagan region being 71, 600 km² / 27,644 mi², there is no shortage of beautiful provincial parks and natural attractions to explore.
Whether you’re spending the day or a few nights in a tent, trailer, or under the stars, there is no better way to escape the city than to enjoy the calming beauty of the region’s diverse nature and wildlife. While exploring, be mindful of the trace you are leaving behind. Sticking to the trails, cleaning up after yourself, and giving wildlife their space are just a few simple and sustainable practices that will go a long way.
There are so many provincial parks within our region, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit first. Here are few great parks to add to your bucket list this year. Remember to respect travel restrictions and find parks to explore within your community.
Overnight Campers
Boundary Creek Provincial Park
This park is located along the Kettle River offering 16 spaced out and well covered campsites. These campsites are run on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy cycling, fishing, and walking the trails. While out walking see if you can spot the remainders of the B.C. Copper Company smelter that once employed 400 men from 1901 to 1918.
The park is accessible to all, has running water, and can accommodate larger RV’s.
Provincial Park Entry Sign - Photo by B.C. Parks
Boundary Creek - Photo by B.C. Parks
Jewel Lake Provincial Park
Jewel Lake Provincial Park is a hidden gem within Boundary Country. It offers a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, along the 3km lake and the dense surrounding forest. Here, you can fly fish for trout, swim, cycle, and canoe.
While not suitable for fifth wheels and RV’s, there are 26 vehicle-accessible campsites. This park is accessible to all.
Campsite at Jewel Lake - Photo by B.C. Parks
Picnic tables on the Shoreline - Photo by B.C. Parks
Silver Beach Provincial Park
Silver Beach Provincial Park is located on the north end of the Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake. This is the site of a historical gold rush town called Ogden City (now called Seymour Arm). Along with its beautiful fir trees, there are sandy beaches on the banks of the lake. Here, you can enjoy your time next to the water or in it, doing water sports, swimming, house-bating, and fishing for over 19 different species of fish.
The park is accessible to all and has pit toilets, it can be accessed by boat or car.
Silver Beach is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd.
Email: parkinquiries@telus.net
Phone: 250 320-9305
Green Marsh and Shoreline of Silver Beach - Photo by B.C. Parks
Overhead view of the Lake and Beach - Photo by B.C. Parks
Bridge Lake
With a small campground located on the south end of the lake, near the Bridge Lake community, this park protects a large amount of untouched shoreline. It is a great place to catch a glimpse of many species like the river otter, black bear, fox, bald eagle, etc. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and canoeing are all popular activities here.
The park is accessible to all with no running water and is only accommodating to tents.
The lake in the evening - Photo by @jeannie_haller
The lake behind beautiful trees - Photo by @adeley_bean
Daytime Visitors
Christina Lake Provincial Park
If you are looking to spend the day by the water where you can picnic, swim, fish, and maybe even water ski, then you should check out Christina Lake Provincial Park. With 350 meters of sandy beaches, a lake with a reputation of being the warmest in Canada, and over 200 vehicle parking spots, this location is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.
The park is accessible to all and has plenty of trees to offer a shady spot to escape the sun.
Pathway to the picnic area on the beach - Photo by B.C. Parks
The view of the Christina Lake - Photo by B.C. Parks
Boothman’s Oxbow Provincial Park
Surrounded by the rare riparian black cottonwood tree, grasslands, and wildlife, this park is the perfect place to enjoy a nature walk and a picnic. Swimming, angling (a style of fishing), kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching are all favourite activities here. Grab your fishing gear along with a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day on the lake.
The lake with a mountain background - Photo by @kristarobertsgeary
All of the provincial parks above welcome your furry friends to tag along with you, just be sure they are on a leash when they do.
Once again while travel restrictions are still in effect, we encourage you to explore B.C. Provincial Parks within your community. Sometimes the greatest sights are just outside our door.
Written by 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.
Okanagan Peach Muffins
Have you ever wondered why it’s important to buy local food? Local food seems to be becoming more of a trend, with more and more people seeking out fresh, local options for produce and other goods. Even restaurants are sourcing locally grown ingredients, often using the term 'farm to table”.
How lucky are we that we get to live in such a beautiful place, and also have such easy access to fresh local food!
Bailey Campbell
Have you ever wondered why it’s important to buy local food? Local food seems to be becoming more of a trend, with more and more people seeking out fresh, local options for produce and other goods. Even restaurants are sourcing locally grown ingredients, often using the term 'farm to table”.
But how big of an impact does eating local food really have on your health and the planet? Before I share my Peaches and Cream Streusel Muffin recipe, I’m about to give you a mini run down!
Bailey Campbell
For the past couple years I have been trying to source local ingredients as much as possible! The easiest and most frequent way I do is by buying fruits and veggies in season at the Farmers market. First of all, it’s so much more healthy because the produce hasn’t been processed or transported long distances, so the vitamins and nutrients haven’t had as much time to break down.
It also supports the local farmers and growers because your money goes directly to them and encourages a much more sustainable way of eating. Providing out of season fruits and veggies all year round is hard to maintain and can cause harm to the environment.
Bailey Campbell
It is also SO much better for the environment. Shipping foods across large distances can cause environmental damage by using a ton of energy to refrigerate them. Fewer chemicals are also needed to fertilize in-season fruit and veggies!
Buying in season will also save you money! A lot of the time farmers market prices will be lower in cost because there is an increased supply of in-season fruits and vegetables which drives the price down!
And of course, in-season produce is always fresher and tastes WAY better!! As much as I love fresh cherries, apricots, and pears… peaches will always be my favourite fresh fruit in the Okanagan. I LOVE making summer peach tarts, peach crisp, peach sorbet, etc. This week I used some fresh peaches to whip up these Peaches and Cream Streusel Muffins.
Bailey Campbell
Bailey Campbell
They’re gluten-free, because everyone and their mom is intolerant to gluten nowadays (including myself), so the majority of all my cooking and baking is gluten-free. They’re honestly so healthy and delicious that I’ve been eating them for breakfast with my morning coffee.
Bailey Campbell
Bailey Campbell
If you wanted to get real crazy you could even serve one up with a side of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It feels good to offer wholesome, real food treats with FRESH ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Hope you enjoy them!
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
For the streusel:
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup sweetener (I used Lakanto Golden)
1/8 cup coconut oil, solid and chilled
For the muffins:
1 cup gluten-free oat flour (you can simply blend oats in a food processor or blender until fine)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 cup peaches, cut into cubes
For the cream cheese icing:
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/8 cup powdered collagen or vanilla protein powder of your choice
1/8 cup powdered sweetener (I used Lakanto but you can sub this for icing sugar)
2-3 tbsp almond milk
Bailey Campbell
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Using a fork or potato masher, combine all the ingredients for the streusel together and mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To prepare the muffins, mix together the oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients (do not add the peaches yet).
Combine the dry and wet ingredients and fold in peaches.
Line a muffin tin with 8 liners and fill cups approximately 3/4 of the way full.
Top each muffin generously with the chilled streusel.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the centre of one of the muffins comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes then drizzle the cream cheese icing over the muffins and ENJOY!
xo, Bailey
About the Author
Bailey Campbell is a passionate food blogger who started Basics with Bails in 2017 as a way to share her food photography, as well as healthy, delicious, and accessible recipes that nourish the body and soul. Just as the name suggests, Basics with Bails is a blog to help you get back to the basics! She loves to bake, cook, exercise, drink wine, and take photos. She believes the secret to health and happiness starts from within and isn’t as complicated as everyone thinks! She hopes to inspire others to live their healthiest, BEST lives!
IG: @basicswithbails
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.
Discover Spotted Lake
Located on the unceded Syilx Nation’s territory and maintained by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Spotted Lake, called Ktlil’x” in the Okanagan language, is a sacred site to the indigenous nation.
A Lake unlike any other
Located on the unceded Syilx Nation’s territory and maintained by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Spotted Lake, called Ktlil’x” in the Okanagan language, is a sacred site to the indigenous nation. Northwest of Osoyoos and observable from Highway 3, the aptly-named Spotted Lake is breathtaking both up close and from afar.
The lake has naturally occurring spots created from the unique chemical and mineral deposits from the neighbouring hills, and at times each spot can become its own distinct colour, from blue to green to yellow and purple. This cultural and ecologically sensitive area is a sight to behold, worthy of thousands of photos. The sign next to Highway 3 explains the history, the unique science behind this biological phenomenon, and what cultural significance this lake plays for the Okanagan Nation, as it has served as a revered place of healing for centuries.
Spotted Lake, Osoyoos
Photographer: Nic Collar
This naturally forming mineral lake is captivating, and we encourage everyone to pull over on the side of the highway to take some great pictures, though there is no trespassing beyond the gate onto this private property outside of a guided tour led by one of the local Syilx guides from, Sẁiẁs Spirit Tours. These tours will offer a unique perspective on the cultural significance of the lake, and what role this traditional site played (and continues to play) in the Okanagan Nations ongoing history.
Spotted Lake, Osoyoos
Photographer: Allen Jones
Whether you’re stopping for a quick picture or hope to join a guided tour, the lake is a sight to behold and could be different a mere week later. The ongoing changes in the dense deposits of magnesium sulfate, calcium, sodium sulphates, and eight other minerals make Ktlil’x” an experience unlike any other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alastair Heinrichs is a Creative Writing student from UBC-Okanagan. Alastair loves encouraging people to discover more about our region, whether that’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the local food and craft beer scene or secret campgrounds.