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RICH IN HISTORY & CULTURE

The Similkameen Valley, home to the Similamix and Smalqmix First Nations, has a rich history. Pioneers flocked to the Similkameen in the 1800s and began to carve out a life as ranchers, farmers and prospectors. The result is a rich blend of cultures…a beautiful patchwork quilt that blankets the valley.

The region is riddled with museums and historical sites, just waiting for you to explore – in Tulameen, Princeton, Hedley, Keremeos, Cawston, Chopaka. Take a step back into British Columbia’s past and learn about our First Nations, and the pioneers who joined them.

Exploration and discovery are steeped in our history. Walk in the footsteps of our pioneers, fur traders and prospectors. Learn of the legends of the Similkameen Indigenous peoples, tales of the Granite Creek Gold Rush in Coalmont, and the days of the Hudson Bay Brigade. Listen to our stories unfold at the Hedley Heritage Museum. Immerse yourselves as our curators bring the past to life. Discover our roots at the Princeton Museum and the South Similkameen Museum in Keremeos.

Link the past to the present as you visit the historic Grist Mill and Gardens near Keremeos. Reflect on old traditions and new practices as we honour the past and craft our future. Savour the flavours of multi-generational organic farms, orchards, and vineyards near Cawston. It’s authentically farm to table, and vine to glass here, enjoying the bounty just steps away from where it is grown.

Create your own legends filled with grit and adventure along the wilderness trails of China Ridge, Manning Park, Cathedral Lakes Park, and the Hudson Bay Company Brigade Trail.