Indigenous Tourism Experiences
The Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc peoples where we are grateful to have the opportunity to create, collaborate, play, explore, and work. Indigenous tourism experiences can be found throughout the region that celebrate and educate about the traditions and cultures of the communities within the nations found here.
The Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc peoples where we are grateful to have the opportunity to create, collaborate, play, explore, and work. Indigenous tourism experiences can be found throughout the region that celebrate and educate about the traditions and cultures of the communities within the nations found here.
Fresh Produce
This region is one of the best places for fresh produce to grow. With Canada’s Fruit Stand Capital, Keremeos, and the Organic Farming Capital of Canada, Cawston, you can count on enjoying seasonal produce sourced from local farmers during your visit.
The Thompson Okanagan has long been home to many orchards that grow all kinds of fruits from cherries to peaches and apples. A steam ferry once transported fruit up and down the Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, from Vernon to Penticton. Over time some orchards transitioned to vineyards, like Fitzpatrick Winery that sits on Gretta Ranch, once a Peach farm repurposed to vineyard and beautiful grounds of the winery.
Today, farming is still a major industry in the region and grows all kinds of produce that you will find at farmer’s markets, in fruit stands, and in your fresh farm to table meals at many of the restaurants and bistros in throughout.
This region is one of the best places for fresh produce to grow. With Canada’s Fruit Stand Capital, Keremeos, and the Organic Farming Capital of Canada, Cawston, you can count on enjoying seasonal produce sourced from local farmers during your visit.
The Thompson Okanagan has long been home to many orchards that grow all kinds of fruits from cherries to peaches and apples. A steam ferry once transported fruit up and down the Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, from Vernon to Penticton. Over time some orchards transitioned to vineyards, like Fitzpatrick Winery that sits on Gretta Ranch, once a Peach farm repurposed to vineyard and beautiful grounds of the winery.
Today, farming is still a major industry in the region and grows all kinds of produce that you will find at farmer’s markets, in fruit stands, and in your fresh farm to table meals at many of the restaurants and bistros in throughout.
Find an Accommodation Just Right For You
The Thompson Okanagan offers accommodations from camping and cabins in the woods, beautiful and quaint B&B’s, and luxurious hotels and spas. No matter what kind of escape you are looking for you can find it here.
The Thompson Okanagan offers accommodations from camping and cabins in the woods, beautiful and quaint B&Bs, and luxurious hotels, and spas. No matter what kind of escape you are looking for you can find it here.
In Kamloops enjoy the river side South Thompson Okanagan Inn and Conference Centre. While there, pamper yourself at Sunmore Ginseng Spa in Kamloops, the only ginseng spa in North America. Ginseng removes stress from the body, promotes cell regeneration, increases circulation, detoxifies your body and tones your skin.
At the Quaaout Lodge located in Sorrento, on the north shore of Little Shuswap Lake is the Talking Rock Golf Resort. Spend the day at their spa rejuvenating and getting pampered by professionals. You can also enjoy their Indigenous cultural tours and a round of gold in the afternoon.
Variety is the name of the game at KurSpa at Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa. There are several saunas ranging from -110°C to 90°C. Choose from wide menu of spa treatments including massage, skin treatments, aesthetics, and hair styling, or indulge in a one week cleanse designed to bring you back in tune with your senses.
Sleeping under the stars is available throughout the region whether you decide to stay in a Provincial Park or a privately owned campsite. Cabin stay can also be found all over the region. Chute Lake Lodge is a year round accommodation located on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail offering year round activities on the trail and Chute lake.
Wildlife
Explore the wild country of the region and shoot to your heart’s content with your camera. Majestic mountains, rolling hills, rushing rivers, tranquil lakes and a desert are full of nature’s creatures—yours to capture. Black bears, Big Horn sheep, fish aplenty, rattlesnakes, endangered species and more birds than you’ll ever be able to count, all live here.
Explore the wild country of the region and shoot to your heart’s content with your camera. Majestic mountains, rolling hills, rushing rivers, tranquil lakes, and a desert are full of nature’s creatures—yours to capture. Black bears, big horn sheep, fish aplenty, rattlesnakes, endangered species, and more birds than you’ll ever be able to count, all live here. While admiring the beautiful wildlife, remember you are in their home and you must treat them with respect and ensure they do not feel they are in danger. Under no circumstances will feeding wildlife be tolerated.
Looking for a way to admire wildlife without having to go too far off the beaten path, enjoy wildlife encounters at the BC Wildlife Park near Kamloops. This park offers guided tours of the park and opportunities to get up close to birds of prey and bears. Support their efforts in rehabilitation, conservation, and educational programs and spend the day admiring the incredible wildlife found at the park.
History Buff
You don’t have to dig deep to find museums, heritage sites, and educational programs that speak to the rich history of the region. Learn about the Indigenous People’s of the three nations found in the Thompson Okanagan,Syilx, Secwépemc, and Nlaka'pamux and the history of settlers arriving and inhabiting the land and living through the gold rush and Kettle Valley Railway build.
You don’t have to dig deep to find museums, heritage sites, and educational programs that speak to the rich history of the region. Learn about the Indigenous People’s of the three nations found in the Thompson Okanagan,Syilx, Secwépemc, and Nlaka'pamux and the history of settlers arriving and inhabiting the land and living through the gold rush and Kettle Valley Railway build.
Step back in time with a visit to the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park in Kamloops (Currently Closed). Displays tell the story of traditional hunting, fishing, clothing, games, food gathering, and cooking of the Secwepemc peoples, and their long-standing connection to the land in and around Kamloops.
Gold Rush fans will love the heritage tour at Hat Creek along the Gold Rush Trail in Gold Country. Tours range from 1.5 hours to two days with guided trail rides from one hour to all day. Bunker down for the night at one of Hat Creek’s RV sites, camping sites, cabins, or in a covered wagon. In Hedley, check out the Hedley Heritage Museum.
The Historic O’Keefe Ranch located in Vernon, is one of British Columbia’s first cattle ranches. Now a heritage site, it offers a glimpse into the past and what Vernon once was. Take a tour of the SS Sicamous, located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. This luxury passenger stern wheeler once transported passengers and cargo up and down the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Wander the grounds of the Pandosy Mission in Kelowna, where Father Pandosy, an Oblate priest, established the first European settlement in the Okanagan Valley in 1859.
In Westbank, the First Nation’s heritage comes alive at the Sncəwips Heritage Museum. The museum represents and focuses on the heritage of the Westbank First Nation, with stories of Okanagan Nation and First Nations people around the world.
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a state-of-the-art interpretive centre. The spacious indoor and outdoor exhibit galleries show the fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert. Experience the land, the legends, and the people with a guided walking tour through some of the 22ha site. Highlights include the sagebrush habitat, outdoor sculptures, a reconstructed Indigenous village, cultural programs and rattlesnake presentations.
Explore the original Station House of the once working Kettle Valley Railroad at the Kettle River Museum in Midway found in Boundary Country. Here, you can relive the Kettle Valley Railways history of how it was built and ran while climbing aboard an original Canadian Pacific Railway caboose. Find abandoned mining ghost towns in Boundary Country. Remnants of our copper mining past can be found from Greenwood to Grand Forks.
Indigenous Cultural Journey with People, Land, & Traditions
Indigenous Cultural Journey with People, Land, & Traditions. This Moccasin Trails tour promises to teach and celebrate the culture of the Sylix Nation.
This Package Includes
Traditional Welcoming from the Syilx Nation
Secepwemc Welcoming and Workshop Evening
Residential School Educational Tour
Heritage Park Tour
Indigenous Winery Tour
Nk’Mip Cultural Centre Tour
Nk’Mip Wine Tour
Ceremonial Gift Exchange
Sncewips Museum tour (WESTBANK)
Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly / Moccasin Trails
Lodging and Dining:
Hotel Delta GRAND Okanagan Resort - Kelowna
Dinner at OAK + CRU
Delta Hotel by Marriott - Kamloops
Dinner at Cordo Resto + Bar
Dinner at local restaurant Downtown Kelowna
Wine Tasting at Nk’Mip Winery
“We are the Syilx-speaking people – the original inhabitants of a vast and beautiful territory that encompasses forests, grasslands, lakes, and desert. We invite you to discover all we have to offer, from unsurpassed opportunities for travel and recreation to unique cultural experiences and opportunities.”
2022 Tour Dates
May 16-20
June 6-10
June 20-24
July 4-8
July 18-22
August 6-10
August 22-26
September 12-16
October 11-15
October 24-28
Adams River Salute to the Sockeye 2022
Experience the majesty, beauty, and tragically poignant life of the Pacific Sockeye Salmon. Struggling against insurmountable odds, 1 out of every four thousand eggs laid in the Adams River lives to return to spawn as an adult.
The Adams River Salmon Society celebrates the Sockeye “coming home” during the first three weeks of October each year at the Tsútswecw Provincial Park in British Columbia's Scenic Shuswap Region. The next dominant year is this year, 2022 (mark your calendars)!
Salute to the Sockeye
Hosted by the Adams River Salmon Society at Tsútswecw Provincial Park, Lee Creek, N. Shuswap, BC
The Adams River welcomes Bus Tour Operators to the Home of the Adams River Sockeye Salmon.
Experience the majesty, beauty, and tragically poignant life of the Pacific Sockeye Salmon. Struggling against insurmountable odds, 1 out of every four thousand eggs laid in the Adams River lives to return to spawn as an adult.
The Adams River Salmon Society celebrates the Sockeye “coming home” during the first three weeks of October each year at the Tsútswecw Provincial Park in British Columbia's Scenic Shuswap Region. The next dominant year is this year, 2022 (mark your calendars)!
Destination BC/Chun Lee
The Journey
With clockwork precision, millions of sockeye (dominant year) join together on a 480-kilometer migration from the Pacific Ocean to the Adams River to lay their eggs. It is where they were born and will end their life’s journey. During their travel, they stop eating, loose their silvery scales. Their head and tails turn green while the body becomes bright red from their rich krill diet. The spawning grounds become an extraordinary display of colors.
Onsite Amenities and Services
Food and Coffee Vendor
Souvenir Sales
Local Artisan Wares
Cultural and General Entertainment
Coach Rates:
10-20 Person Van $3.00 Person
21-40 Passenger Coach $120.00
41 Plus Passenger Coach $150.00
Added Value: Guided Interpretive Tour Of Park Trails and Learn the Salmon Life Cycle, Free Souvenir Brochure: $150 Per Guide.
50% Deposit on Booking
Remaining Balance 7 Days Before Arrival To Park
Accept Credit Card, Cheque, or E-Transfer
Salute to the Sockeye 2022
EVENT DAYS:
September 30, 2022 – October 23, 2022
Open Daily: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Exit Gates locked at 5:30pm
Golf
Fore! Or should we say 79! That is how many 18-hole courses we have in the Thompson Okanagan. Of these, 25 are championships courses. Spend your day golfing against a panoramic backdrop of mountains, rolling hills, sagebrush, orchards, vineyards, lakes and desert country. The Thompson Okanagan has been called Canada’s No. 1 Golf Destination and consistently ranks high year after year for its courses. We have several award-winning courses designed by prominent course architects including Les Furber, Michael Hurdzan, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Fred Couples.
Fore! Or should we say 79! That is how many 18-hole courses we have in the Thompson Okanagan. Of these, 25 are championships courses. Spend your day golfing against a panoramic backdrop of mountains, rolling hills, sagebrush, orchards, vineyards, lakes and desert country. The Thompson Okanagan has been called Canada’s No. 1 Golf Destination and consistently ranks high year after year for its courses. We have several award-winning courses designed by prominent course architects including Les Furber, Michael Hurdzan, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Fred Couples.
Wineries
The Thompson Okanagan is home to three wine regions, the Okanagan Valley, the Thompson Valley, and the Similkameen Valley. Each are composed of unique climates that create an excellent portfolio of multiple varietals found in the region.
The Okanagan Valley is a widely recognized wine region that is home to over 200 wineries that produce multiple varietals of wine. It’s unique climate and terroirs offers the perfect place for vineyards to thrive. Along with the Okanagan valley is the up and coming Thompson Valley offers quality wines and winery experiences. The Similkameen Valley is a tranquil destination that has hillsides composed of vineyards.
Within the region winery you will find unique winery experiences and many options of wine tours.
The Thompson Okanagan is home to diverse wine regions, the Okanagan Valley, the Thompson Valley, Shuswap, and the Similkameen Valley. Each is composed of unique climates and terroir that create an excellent portfolio of multiple varietals found in the region.
There are many wine trails throughout our area. Take a self-guided tour or sign up with one of the many tour operators. You can tour by bus, luxury SUV, electric bike, regular bike, and even by kayak with Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton! From the Kamloops Wine Trail in the north, the Golden Mile in the South and the Similkameen Valley in the west, you’ll find plenty of varietals to smell, sip, and swirl.
The Okanagan Valley is a widely recognized wine region that is home to over 200 wineries that produce multiple varietals of wine. The unique climate and terroirs offer the perfect place for vineyards to thrive. Along with the Okanagan valley is the up and coming Thompson Valley which offers quality wines and winery experiences. The Similkameen Valley is a tranquil destination that has hillsides composed of vineyards. In the dense forest of the Shuswap lies quaint wineries that promise to leave you wanting more.
Wine Trails to Note:
Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries
Breweries and cideries have begun to pop up all over British Columbia and in the Thompson Okanagan. In fact, the region is a prominent portion of the BC Ale Trail offering unique and traditional flavours of beer along with delicious food items to pair it with. Breweries offer a unique environment for people to come together and enjoy craft beer that has been created to represent the brewery itself and showcase the surrounding community.
Along with breweries you will find cideries throughout the region that create their beverages from fresh fruit picked from local orchards. Much like breweries and cideries, distilleries offer a unique experience to taste different spirits that are unique to their home distillery and the Thompson Okanagan.
Breweries and cideries have begun to pop up all over British Columbia and in the Thompson Okanagan. In fact, the region is a prominent portion of the BC Ale Trail offering unique and traditional flavours of beer along with delicious food items to pair it with. Breweries offer a unique environment for people to come together and enjoy craft beer that has been created to represent the brewery itself and showcase the surrounding community.
Along with breweries, you will find cideries throughout the region that create their beverages from fresh fruit picked from local orchards. Much like breweries and cideries, distilleries offer a unique experience to taste different spirits that are unique to their home distillery and the Thompson Okanagan.
Some of the best adult beverages are created right here in the Thompson Okanagan. Regional and seasonal beers, fruit liqueurs, honey mead, and spirits all contribute to the heady flavours of our area. Tours are available year round, or you can taste them on your own! Pick your favourites and prepare to be amazed.
Culinary
The Thompson Okanagan is known for its abundance of farm to table restaurants and bistros, who work hard to source their products from local growers. Here you will find top chefs from around the world who’s main focus is to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Whether you are looking to grab a quick bite at a coffee shop, enjoy lunch at a casual restaurant, or indulge in a fine dinning experience, you will be able to find the culinary experience suited for you and your cravings.
The Thompson Okanagan is known for its abundance of farm to table restaurants and bistros, who work hard to source their products from local growers. Here, you will find top chefs from around the world who’s main focus is to create an unforgettable culinary experience. All excellent chefs in the region are supported by a farmer who provides them with fresh seasonal products that is turned into mouth watering meals.
Whether you are looking to grab a quick bite at a coffee shop, enjoy lunch at a casual restaurant, or indulge in a fine dinning experience, you will be able to find the culinary experience suited for you and your cravings.
Winter Sports
The Thompson Okanagan is home to seven ski and snowboard mountains and world class backcountry terrain. Three of said mountains are world class resorts. Each offer unique features that are accommodating to all levels of ski and snowboarders. When your legs get tired, stop in the village for an Apres Ski at one of the restaurants. At each of the mountains cross country skiing and snow shoeing trails are also available to explore.
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a mountain resort, enjoy backcountry skiing found throughout the region at multiple world class backcountry lodges. Here, you will be the first to make tracks in fresh powder and experience views like you have never seen before.
The Thompson Okanagan is home to seven ski and snowboard mountains and world class backcountry terrain. Three of said mountains are world class resorts. Each offers unique features that are accommodating to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. When your legs get tired, stop in the village for an Après Ski at one of the many restaurants located on each mountain. At each of the mountains cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are also available to explore.
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a mountain resort, enjoy backcountry skiing found throughout the region at multiple world class backcountry lodges. Here, you will be the first to make tracks in fresh powder and experience views like you have never seen before.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail connect in Midway, B.C., making this the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. Together, they form a 492.58 km section of the Trans Canada Trail.
Once a comprehensive railroad system that connected dispersed communities, the decommissioned tracks are now home to an extensive recreational trail providing almost 650 km (400 mi) of connected pathways throughout the region.
Experiences along the trail can be guided or self guided by foot, snowshoe, or cross country skis depending on the time of year you explore it.
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail connect in Midway, B.C., making it the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. Together, they form a 492.58 km section of the Trans Canada Trail. This once a comprehensive railroad system that connected dispersed communities, is now home to an extensive recreational trail providing almost 650 km (400 mi) of connected pathways throughout the region.
Spend your time on the trail admiring old trestles and mountain tunnels that run through the canyons that surround the trail, or experience the towns the trail runs right through. Explore the trails by bike, foot, snowshoe, or cross country ski.
Bike rentals and guided bike tours are available along the trail. Tours can span from one to multi day trips that will take you through Myra Canyon, along rivers, or through wine country along Naramata Bench. Because trains needed level terrain the trails have a small gradient and most are well kept enough to be accessible to small children or adults with mobility restrictions, there is a portion of this trail suitable for you.
Mountain Biking
Whether you are looking for the thrill of riding through the dense forest in the alpine, cruise along the shores of lakes and rivers, or trace the paths of the CP Railway that once ran through the region on your bike, you can find that in the Thompson Okanagan.
The region is home to endless mountain biking terrain . Whether you are looking to escape the city and explore mountain trails at world class ski resorts, or prefer the convenience of staying close to the city and explore the trails no more then ten minutes from town you can.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail was once home to the tracks of the CP railway that transported resources throughout BC. Now, it is a even graded path that spans 492.58 km. Spend the day admiring the canyons that surround the trail, or the towns the trail runs right through.
Whether you are looking for the thrill of riding through the dense forest in the alpine, cruise along the shores of lakes and rivers, or trace the paths of the CP Railway that once ran through the region on your bike, you can find that in the Thompson Okanagan.
The region is home to endless mountain biking terrain. Escape the city and explore mountain trails at world class ski resorts, or enjoy the convenience of staying close to the city and explore the mountain biking trails no more then ten minutes from town you can. Camping is offered at some of the ski resorts so you can enjoy riding your whole weekend. Whether you have your own bike, or need to rent a bike and equipment, you will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Spending Time on the Water
The Thompson Okanagan is composed of countless lakes and rivers that weave through the region. Here, you can paddle, swim, or cruise on the bodies of water. You will find motor boat rentals within communities so you can fish, waterski, surf, wakeboard, or cruise the lake. If you would prefer to explore without a motor, enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Murtle Lake, located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in the North Thompson, is North America’s largest paddle only lake that offers camping along it’s shorelines and the perfect place to escape the realities of day to day life.
The Thompson Okanagan is composed of countless lakes and rivers that weave through the region. Here, you can paddle, swim, or cruise on the bodies of water. You will find motor boat rentals within communities so you can fish, waterski, surf, wakeboard, or simply cruise the lake. Shuswap Lake offers 600 kms of shoreline to park a houseboat on and discover, making it the most popular lake in the region to spend a few days on the water.
If you prefer to explore without a motor, enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Murtle Lake, located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in the North Thompson, is North America’s largest paddle only lake that offers camping along it’s shorelines and the perfect place to escape the realities of day to day life.
Climbing
Home to Skaha Bluff’s, one of Canada’s best locations for bouldering and rock climbing, the Thompson Okanagan is a climbers paradise. Whether you are just learning how to climb and want to begin indoors or would prefer to challenge yourself on steep rock faces, the Thompson Okanagan offers a diverse range of terrain and is home to many climbing tour companies who look forward to taking you to viewpoints that no one else get to see.
Home to Skaha Bluff’s, one of Canada’s most popular areas for bouldering and rock climbing, the Thompson Okanagan is a climbers paradise. Whether you are just learning how to climb and want to begin indoors or would prefer to challenge yourself on steep rock faces, the Thompson Okanagan offers a diverse range of terrain and is home to many climbing tour companies who look forward to taking you to viewpoints that no one else gets to see.
Endless hidden waterfalls and large canyons offer an excellent terrain for canyoning which has become a popular sport in the region. Enjoy rappelling down waterfalls, jumping into deep pools or water, and sliding down natural waterslides on a guided tour.
White Water Rafting
In a region that has rivers intertwined throughout, whitewater rafting is a very popular adventure tourism sport. With locations throughout the region from the North Thompson down to Gold Country, there are multiple operators that offer tours and sometimes even accommodations like Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Litton BC.
In a region that has rivers intertwined throughout, whitewater rafting is a very popular adventure tourism sport. With locations throughout the region from the North Thompson down to Gold Country, there are multiple operators that offer tours and accommodations like Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Litton BC.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
Along with the extensive trail network of E.C. Manning Provincial Park, the accommodations provide a place to stay year-round whether it be camping or in a cabin. In the summer it is a hikers paradise and in the winter, a paradise for anyone who enjoys snow sports. This park provides an excellent variety of moderate to challenging outdoor adventures.
Along with the extensive trail network of E.C. Manning Provincial Park, the accommodations provide a place to stay year-round whether it be camping or in a cabin. In the summer it is a hikers paradise and in the winter, a paradise for anyone who enjoys snow sports. This park provides an excellent variety of moderate to challenging outdoor adventures.
Cathedral Provincial Park
Found in the Similkameen Valley, Cathedral Provincial Park provides the perfect escape from day to day life. What is a luscious green forest in the spring and summer turns to a red and golden forest in the fall, both creating breathtaking views. The park is composed of a network of trails that lead to lakes perfect for fishing, a boulder forest, incredible lookouts, and flower covered meadows. A campground and lodge can be booked for accommodations.
Found in the Similkameen Valley, Cathedral Provincial Park provides the perfect escape from day to day life. What is a luscious green forest in the spring and summer turns to a red and golden forest in the fall, both creating breathtaking views. The park is composed of a network of trails that lead to lakes perfect for fishing, a boulder forest, incredible lookouts, and flower covered meadows. A campground and lodge can be booked for accommodations.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Located in the North Thompson, near Valemount, Mount Robson is the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The many trails of Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to many hiking trails throughout the park that offer the opportunity to photograph the spectacular panorama and overnight camping. Although closed for the 2022 season due to flooding, the Berg Lake trail is a popular multi-day trail that takes you to the foot of Mount Robson. Visitor Centre offers walking trails, souvenir shopping and opportunities to photograph the spectacular panorama.
Located in the North Thompson, near Valemount, Mount Robson is the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The many trails of Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to many hiking trails throughout the park that offer the opportunity to photograph the spectacular panorama and overnight camping. Although closed for the 2022 season due to flooding, the Berg Lake trail is a popular multi-day trail that takes you to the foot of Mount Robson. Visitor Centre offers walking trails, souvenir shopping and opportunities to photograph the spectacular panorama.