Fall In the Similkameen Valley

Golden fall leaves in the Similkameen Valley — The Similkameen Valley – Rugged. Rustic. Real.

A FALL ROAD TRIP THROUGH SOUTHERN BC

Fall is a good time to take Highway 3 a little slower. The farm stands are still full, wineries and cideries are pouring, summer crowds have eased and the hills are starting to turn gold.

Follow 140 km (87 mi) of BC’s Crowsnest Scenic Highway 3 from Manning Park and the Cascade Mountains in the west, through Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos, to the warm, dry landscapes of Cawston in the east. Along the way, discover welcoming small towns, winding backroads, dramatic landscapes and plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.

Cooler autumn days are made for getting outside. Hike through colourful forests, cast a line in a quiet river or lake, tee off with mountain views, or simply find a scenic spot to take it all in. Fall is also harvest season, when the orchards and farms around Keremeos—the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada and Cawston the Organic Farming Capital of Canada—are overflowing with the flavours of the season. Stop at a roadside fruit stand, visit a farm, explore a winery, or savour the fresh flavours grown right here in the valley.

And there’s more to discover beyond the scenery and harvest.

Step into the valley’s past at museums in Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos, explore the stories behind its communities and cultures, or walk Princeton’s Bronze Sculpture Walk, where art and history come together on the streets of town. From golden landscapes and fresh harvest flavours to trails, heritage and unexpected discoveries, fall in the Similkameen Valley is an invitation to slow your pace, stay a little longer and experience more of what makes this place special.

Walking near Princeton — Bridge of Dreams – Trans Canada Trail – Princeton, Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada

Fall Harvest in Keremeos and Cawston

By fall, the farm stands around Keremeos and Cawston have shifted with the season.

The Similkameen Valley Farm Trail comes alive along Highway 3 and 3A with over 24 fruit and vegetable stands brimming with crisp apples, juicy pears, colourful squash, and hearty root vegetables, straight from the orchards and fields that line the valley floor.

Make time for the Grist Mill & Gardens in Keremeos, where more than 100 heritage apple varieties ripen in a lovingly restored heritage orchard. The annual Heritage Fall Fair is also held here in September. Check the events calendar before your trip for this year’s date and details.

The Similkameen is wine and cider country. Sip the Similkameen makes it easy to plan a few tasting stops along the way. Follow the trail to visit wineries, cideries, a fruit soda maker, and distillers, eawith tastings available at stops throughout Keremeos and Cawston.

On Friday and Saturday nights through September, Crowsnest Vineyards pairs live music with wood-fired pizza. Round out the experience with a farm-to-table meal at one of the valley’s eateries, and farm-to-table options at Tree-To-Me, Klippers Organics, and The Farm Store, or let a guided tour do the navigating while you sip and sample with the experts.

Get Outside this Fall

Cooler fall days are a good time to hike, bike, fish or spend a few hours outside.

Bromley Rock Provincial Park: Stop for a picnic beside the Similkameen River.
China Ridge Trails: Explore disc golf, biking, or a leisurely fall hike just outside Princeton.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park: A Cascade Mountain playground filled with wildlife and fall larch colours.
Fishing: Cast a line in the Tulameen, Ashnola, or Similkameen Rivers, or relax beside one of Princeton’s dozens of lakes.

And if golf is your game, tee off at any of the three courses stretching from Princeton to Twin Lakes. Start at the Princeton Golf Club, established in 1928—an 18-hole, par-72 championship public course where crisp fall air and mountain scenery make every round memorable.

Road-Trip Routes & Getting Here

Highway 3, the Crowsnest Highway, runs through the heart of the valley—connecting us from Hope to Manning Park, Princeton, Keremeos, Cawston, and onto Osoyoos. Scenic loops and circle tours are perfect for fall motorcycle tours, vineyard hopping, or weekend getaways. Getting here is an adventure in itself – check out our road trip routes that bring you here from any direction.

Find us from any direction – ideal road trip for motorcycle touring

Stay Awhile

There are plenty of ways to turn the drive into an overnight trip, from motels and guest houses to farm, orchard and vineyard Stay.

For those who love life on the road, RVing and fall camping are another way to experience the valley. Camp beside the river, book a cabin or glamping stay, bring the RV or choose from 7 Provincial Parks with campgrounds. Some locations also offer horse-friendly camping.

Staying overnight gives you time to do more without trying to squeeze everything into one day.

Unique stays in the valley include farms, vineyards, orchards, acreage, riverside RV, camping, and clamping, and you can stay in a teepee at the Similkameen Valley Resort

Travel Kindly

The valley welcomes you with down-to-earth hospitality. While you’re here, tread lightly, respect private property, working farms, wildlife, the land and the small communities you’re travelling through. Follow posted signs, restrictions and closures, and leave places as you found them.