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Similkameen Valley: The Hidden Gem

Visit the Similkameen Valley, a unique and hidden region unlike any other in Canada. Whether you’re visiting Keremeos, Hedley, Princeton, or Manning Park, you’re sure to find something that will put you in a state of awe.

Visit the Similkameen Valley, a unique and hidden region unlike any other in Canada. Whether you’re visiting Keremeos, Hedley, Princeton, or Manning Park, you’re sure to find something that will put you in a state of awe.


Boasting both the Organic Capital of Canada and the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada in Cawston and Keremeos, the area is overflowing with organically produced fresh fruit and unique experiences. The agricultural scene in this region is incredible with many multigenerational farms calling this valley their home. The farmers continue to contribute to the community, and are more neighbours and friends than they are big-company agriculturalists.


Often overlooked because of the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley’s wine scene is vibrant and unique. Locations like Corcelettes Estate Winery, Seven Stones Winery, Vanessa Vineyard and Rustic Roots Winery & Cidery all have original and different experiences, wines, and tastes. From Seven Stones’ caves to Corcelettes’ view, there’s something for every wine snob and wine rookie alike.


 Though the agriculture and wine are incredible in the valley, that just scratches the surface of what this beautiful region has to offer. The outdoor experiences are top notch on their beautiful stretch of Kettle Valley Rail Trail, connecting them to the rest of the Okanagan. You could also explore the incredible provincial parks like Bromley Rock and the ever-impressive Manning Park and go hiking, paddling, camping, or just relaxing. Finally, the Similkameen River is well known for its fishing, both fly and normal.


Whether you’ve never been to the Similkameen or you live in the area, we encourage everyone to discover (or re-discover) this beautiful, unique and often overlooked region of the Thompson Okanagan. These hidden, vibrant communities are all locally run and supported, and give an honest and real experience of what life in the Similkameen valley is like.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alastair is a Canadian writer and blogger. He grew up in Oliver and has settled in Kelowna with his wife, Adrienne. When he isn’t typing up a blog about the newest thing in the Okanagan, you can probably find him on a local patio with a cold-brew in hand (either coffee or beer).

IG @alastair.heinrichs

W alastairheinrichs.com

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Explore the Thompson Okanagan Meghan Reading Explore the Thompson Okanagan Meghan Reading

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

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:


Okanagan Corridor

Kelowna | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia

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:


Kamloops

Kamloops | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia

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:


Clearwater & Wells Gray Provincial Park

Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia

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:


Valemount & Mount Robson Provincial Park

Mount Robson from Berg Lake | Photo Credit: Destination British Columbia

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:

 

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.


MeghanReading-Headshot1.jpg

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.

IG @meghan_reading W meghanreading.com

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