Road Trip Along Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3)

Pass through Similkameen Valley and enjoy the views of the valley. 

• Enjoy fishing, throughout the region. Here you can expect to catch Kokanee and Rainbow and Sprout Trout.

• Enjoy spending time on the farm while staying at Klippers Organics, an organic farm that brings fresh and seasonal ingredients together to cater their onsite restaurant and the surrounding communities and markets.

• Some lesser known facts about the area is that Keremeos is the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada and Cawston is the Organic Farming Capital of Canada.

• Hiking and camping in the area remains until late into the fall season.

Continue East to Osoyoos 

• Where you can learn about the culture and history of the Sylix Peoples at Spirit Ridge Resort where you can enjoy their accommodations, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk’Mip Cellars, and The Bear, The Fish, The Root, The Berry.

• If you are curious about one of Canada’s only dessert, learn more about the climate and environment at the Desert Cultural Centre.

• Along with endless wineries, enjoy the many beaches in the area and cafes spread throughout like Jojo’s Cafe and Junction 3 Coffee House.

Head North towards Oliver, the Wine Capital of Canada

• Learn about regenerative farming at Covert Farms Family Estate Winery.

• Enjoy a world class culinary experience paired with excellent wine at one of the newest wineries in the South Okanagan, Phantom Creek Estates Winery.

• Continuing on the theme of wines, The District Wine Village is the first true wine village in Canada. Located in the heart of the South Okanagan, this beautiful destination is surrounded by vineyards and home to 12 wineries, a brewery, distillery and restaurant.

• Oliver is home to the annual Festival of Grapes bringing together the community and wineries to celebrate the harvest season.

Continue through the South Okanagan into the Boundary Country where rolling hills surround the Kettle River and many lakes in the area.

• Enjoy biking and walking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and fishing in the area.

• For a delicious fresh breakfast or lunch, be sure to stop at the Wooden Spoon in Grand Forks.

• Boundary Country is a beautiful region home to Beaverdale, Rock Creek, Midway, Grand Forks, and Christina Lake.

Okanagan Valley Road Trip

If you are travelling by car, follow Coquihalla Highway from Vancouver to reach the Okanagan.

• As you enter the region, visit Kekuli Cafe, in Merritt, an Indigenous owned and operated cafe that celebrates and brings together Indigenous culture and tradition through food.

Arrive in West Kelowna .

• Here, you can enjoy a walk on the boardwalk along the water and end at the Gellatly Nut Farm. On your return enjoy the food from the Cove Lakeside Resort restaurant.

• Learn about the terroir and the growing growing history of the valley at one of the original wineries of the region, Quails Gate Winery, and carry on enjoying the many wineries of the Westside Wine Trail 

• The Okanagan was know for its ability to grow a variety of fruit which is celebrated at you-pick experiences, like the one at Paynter’s Fruit Market.

• Learn about the indigenous culture and traditions of West Bank First Nation and how they achieved to self government in 2005 at the Sncewips Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique where you can shop from a wide range of locally sourced Indigenous art, jewellery, and gifts.

Cross the bridge into the city of Kelowna and further north into Lake Country.

• Here you will find an excellent culinary scene along with endearing coffee shops like Bright Jenny and Sprout, breweries like Red Bird and The Office, distilleries like Forbidden Spirits, cideries like Upside Cidery, endless wineries like Tantalus Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery to only name a few, and even a Kambucha Brewery called MotherLove Ferments.

• Some favourite stops to enjoy food in Kelowna are: Sunny’s Modern Diner, Bernie’s, RauDZ, Home Block Restaurant, Block One restaurant. 

• Enjoy a Cocktail from the new cocktail bar in town, the Ricco Room.

• Along with the delicious flavours of Kelowna and West Kelowna, be sure to enjoy the many trails surrounding the area, like Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, or dress in some extra layers and enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking on the Okanagan Lake and other lakes in the area.

• If you are looking for indoor experiences that kids are able to enjoy, visit Energy Plex and Work of Art Pottery Studio.

Continue South through Peachland towards Summerland. 

*Note Highway 97 is open to two lane traffic between Summerland and Peachland, expect 10-15 minute delays.

• Walk down Peachland’s mainstreet that borders the Okanagan Lake where you will find coffee shops, restaurants, and local shops. The Gasthaus offers authentic German Food and a beautiful view of the lake. 

• If you are looking for a winery to enjoy some wine with a view, be sure to check out Fitzpatrick Winery, they are known for their sparkling wines.

• Step back in time and explore Peachland’s past at the Peachland Museum.

• Summerland is a quaint Okanagan city that is bordered by Giants Head Mountain that is home to some beautiful trails. 

• Enjoy the high quality wines along Bottleneck Drive including Haywire Winery

End your Okanagan Road Trip in Penticton as a base that will allow you to explore Penticton itself and the ones surrounding it, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata.

• Penticton is a place that you can enjoy fuel free almost travel with locations easily accessible via walking or e-biking. Do something for the environment and your own health by leaving the car at home and reward yourself after a day of getting around by bike or foot with a delicious farm-to-table meal.

• Enjoy breweries like Neighbourhood Brewing, and wineries like TIME Family of Wines and Poplar Grove in Penticton and Bench 1775 in Naramata, and Blasted Church in Okanagan Falls.

• Enjoy beautiful hikes surrounding Penticton and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail through Naramata.

• If you enjoy Rock Climbing, be sure to visit the Skaha Bluffs, a park that is travelled to by climbers from around the world.

Road Trip from the North Okanagan to Shuswap

Begin your road trip by flying into Kelowna International Airport and renting a car and drive towards Vernon

• Spend your first night in luxury at Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa. If golf is your sport, don’t miss a round of golf at Predator Ridge located 20 minutes from Vernon

• As you drive into Vernon, enjoy the looks of the emerald coloured Kalamalka Lake. If you would like a closer look, ride or walk along the Okanagan Rail Trail and spend your day enjoying the views

• While staying in Vernon, embrace the harvest season at Davison’s Orchard where you can enjoy a tractor tour and pick your own apples and the local market.

• Cultural tours to learn about the history of Vernon and the unique people from the past, check out Caetani Centre, Mackie Lake House and Historic O’Keefe Ranch.

• Be sure to stop at Ratio Coffee for your morning coffee and the best donuts on Fridays (must get there early before they run out)

• Cambium Cider Co – a third generation apple orchard that has a brand new contemporary farm-to-table restaurant. The food tells the story here of local purveyors of fine products to make culinary dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Head out on an educational tour and tasting experience in the orchard to learn how the cider is make on-site. Missy and Dave the owners are great spokespeople to share the story and evolution at the apple orchard/cidery.

Further North you will come across Armstrong

• Here you will be charmed by the quaintness of the town and enjoy some of their staples like Farmstrong Cider Company and be sure to keep an eye out for beautifully hand stitched quilts along the Barn Quilt Trail, which celebrates the art and culture of the community. 

• If you are a movie lover, enjoy a Drive-In movie at Starlight Drive-In theatre in Enderby which is open until the end of September and into October depending on weather 

Upon arrival to Salmon Arm you will notice the first view of the expansive Shuswap Lake

• Enjoy Demille’s Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and to watch the farm animals. 

• Rent a houseboat or for a shorter experience, a kayak, in the early months of fall and enjoy the lake from the water

• Salmon Arm’s Wharf is one of the best places to watch birds of all kinds

• Enjoy all kinds of cultural activities like their Salmon Arm Art Gallery and the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum

Further along the Shuswap Lake you will find Sicamous 

• Be sure to stop at DeDutchman Dair to enjoy locally produced cheese and the best ice cream along with their cute cows and farm animals. 

• A really great way to explore the community is by following their Geocaching Trail

The Shuswap is composed of Falkland, North Shuswap, South Shuswap, Salmon Arm, and Sicamous all within a three hour radius perfect for families and those looking for outdoor adventure tied in with experiences that highlight the community culture and history. 

Road Trip through the Thompson

Explore the Thompson from South to North

You have an option to drive from Vancouver to reach the South Thompson Valley. 

• While driving up Highway 1 towards Kamloops you will come across Gold Country , home to Merritt, Ashcroft, Spences Bridge, and Cache Creek 

• This area is known for its rolling desert like hills and incredible fishing in the many lakes and rivers that compose it. 

• Bird watchers from all over the world come to this area to enjoy the many species that call Gold Country home.

• Embrace your country side by booking a horseback riding adventure with one of the many guest ranches in the area:  Big Bar Guest Ranch, Hat Creek Ranch, Wild Horse Mountain Adventures, Siwash Lake Ranch, and Sundance Guest Ranch.

Continue your drive to Kamloops or Begin your trip by flying into the Kamloops Airport (YKA)

• Upon arrival you will want to get out to enjoy the beautiful fall colours along the Thompson River that runs through the centre of Kamloops. Visit Riverside Park!

• Kamloops has an excellent culinary scene that can be enjoyed at Yew Street Food Hall, The Noble Pig Brewing, and Bright Eye Brewing , to just name a few.

• Rock climbers can test their skills traversing the bluffs of Kamloops Lake at Six Mile Hill Protected Area, or the incredible limestone at Marble Canyon Provincial Park.

• The area is best known for their mountain biking scene with the Kamloops Bike Ranch being a great starting point for all levels to break into the Kamloops trails

Head further North to Barriere

• You don’t want to miss a stop at High Five Diner for a delicious burgers and meals that remind you of home!

• Fishing is very popular in this area. There’s fly-in fishing camps and nearby Johnson Lake Resort where you may catch the famous Kamloops Trout.

Clearwater is home to the Famous Wells Gray Provincial Park home to 42 names waterfalls including the 4th largest Waterfall in Canada, Helmcken Falls.

• Wells Gray Provincial park offers view points that are easily accessible by car, or require more of a hike to walk in to. You will be left in amazement of Mother Nature’s beauty.

• Enjoy food from Wild Flour Cafe, Gateway Grill, and Hop N Hog who all delicious locally sourced food.

• If you are looking for guided adventures, enjoy a walking tour with Wells Gray Adventures or horseback riding with Wells Gray Guest Ranch.

Further North up Highway 5 you will come across Blue River.

• Blue River is known for its surrounding trails and fishing. They even have a brand new pedestrian bridge that connects their trail network over the Blue River.

• Mike Wiegeley Helicopter Skiing base camp is located in Blue River and along with being an incredible getaway in the winter, is an excellent place to stay in the summer and fall seasons.

The most northern city of the Thompson Okanagan region is Valemount, home to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mount Robson.

• Along with the impressive Mount Robson, Valemount also has an impressive mountain biking scene that can be enjoyed until snowfall.

• Hiking trails are found throughout and surrounding Valemount allowing you to enjoy the mountains from all angles. Cranberry Marsh and Kinney Lake Trail are just a few of note.

• The Valemount Museum and Mount Robson Visitor Centres do an excellent job of recounting the history of the area.

• Be sure to stop by the Funky Goat and Glacier Fire Pizza for delicious food and Three Ranges Brewing for an excellent brew.