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.

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.