Welcome to the Similkameen Valley
British Columbia, Canada
Rugged. Rustic. Real.
Spring in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Plan your spring road trip to the Similkameen Valley, one of British Columbia’s hidden gems for authentic, nature-rich travel. This official guide to visiting the Similkameen Valley brings together the best things to do, places to stay, and seasonal experiences across the region.
As the valley awakens, mountains, rivers, lakes, vineyards, and orchards come to life. Explore scenic hiking and cycling trails, spot wildlife returning to the grasslands, cast a line in the Similkameen River or nearby lakes, or enjoy a relaxed round of golf. Wander through blooming fruit orchards and discover the quiet beauty of spring at your own pace.
Travel slows down here. Follow peaceful backroads through welcoming small communities and take in the valley’s striking diversity—from the Cascade Mountain range in the east to the desert-like landscapes in the west. Breathe deep, take your time, and reconnect with wide-open spaces.
Taste the season with farm-to-table experiences, early fresh produce, and award-winning wines, ciders, and craft spirits. Local farms, wineries, and producers offer a true flavour of the Similkameen.
Spring events bring the community to life, from late-season adventures at Manning Park to the start of rodeo season across the valley. Learn about sustainable agriculture at the Ntamtqen Community Garden & Food Hub, explore local museums and heritage sites, or discover Princeton’s outdoor bronze sculpture walk.
Stay a little longer. Choose from riverside campsites, vineyard guesthouses, mountain resorts, private retreats, family-run motels, and cozy bed and breakfasts. End your day beneath star-filled skies in one of Canada’s most naturally diverse valleys.
Planning a wedding? The Similkameen Valley offers a unique blend of rural charm, scenic backdrops, and relaxed venues for an unforgettable celebration.
Plan Your Trip to the Similkameen Valley
Looking for ideas? Explore our Top 10 Things to Do in Spring and start building your perfect getaway.
Support the Kettle Valley Railway
The Province of British Columbia announced the decommissioning of approximately 67 km of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) between the Town of Princeton and the Coquihalla. This section forms part of the Trans Canada Trail network. Decommissioning this corridor would permanently eliminate public access and preclude future restoration of this historic, regionally significant trail.
If you would like to show your support, you can sign the petition here.
The Similkameen Valley is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Similamix and Smelqmix People.
Official visitor website for the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada, including Cathedral Park, Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Eastgate, Hedley, Keremeos, Manning Park, Olalla, Princeton, Tulameen, and Twin Lakes.
Top Rated Experiences
Getting Here Is Easy
The Crowsnest Scenic BC Highway 3 runs straight through the Similkameen Valley. Starting from the west exit from Hope, you will travel to Manning Park, then onward Princeton, followed by Hedley, Keremeos and Cawston. Further eastbound you will arrive at the junction of Highway 97 at Osoyoos and gateway to the Okanagan Valley in the Thompson-Okanagan Region of BC’s Interior. We are a 3-hour drive from Vancouver.
If you were to drive the valley from end to end, you’d cover 111 miles (180 km). Start at Manning Park in the west and end up at the BC Highway 97 junction in Kaleden (Hwy 3A) or Osoyoos in the east. How long it takes to drive it will be up to you, there is plenty to see and do! Check out our road trip routes to get you here from any direction.
What Does Similkameen Mean?
The Similkameen River and valley are named for their Indigenous people, the Similkameen, meaning “people of the river.” Learn more.
