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.