Are you planning a road trip with your pet in tow? The Similkameen Valley welcomes dog and other pets to join you on your travels in select locations from restaurants and wineries, inns and hotels, to an impressive network of trails that hug the river, you and your furry friend will find loads of great options.
For a full list of pet-friendly businesses, view the director at the bottom of this article.
If you’re starting your journey on the west coast and you want to stop in Princeton for a little break, your pet will be welcome at the Evergreen Motel and the Cedars Motel. The cafés, restaurants and shops are renowned for their hospitality towards well-behaved dogs on-leash. You can enjoy a walk around the town, explore the bronze sculptures and pop into a coffee shop for a cappuccino with your fur friend.
Has the legend of Billy Miner piqued your interest? Hedley is the halfway mark between Vancouver and Penticton, and a fascinating historical site. You and your pet can make Gold Mountain RV Park & Cabins your home base while you go on an adventure into our frontier past. Grab some homemade snacks at the Hedley Country Market or sit on the patio at the Grand Union Café.
As you work your way east you’ll find yourself in Canada’s fruit basket. The communities of Keremeos and Cawston boast sprawling vegetable gardens, orchards and vineyards…and the dozens of fruit stands and wineries that come along with this abundance.
There is also an abundance of pet-friendly spots for your dog to run, play and stay.
If you’re ready to stretch your legs, the VVE (Vancouver-Victoria-Eastern) trail is a beautiful, easy walk or bike ride on the former railbed from the historic Red Bridge, through Keremeos and ending in Cawston. Your dog is welcome to join you on-leash. Take the dyke along the Similkameen River back to the Red Bridge and you’ve had a taste of our valley scenery. And, you’ve probably had a dip in the river to cool off along the way!
Short on time and want to let your dog get rid of their wiggles without the leash? There’s an off-leash park on Veterans Avenue in Keremeos near their community garden. Check in at the Keremeos Visitor Centre for a community map and directions.
You and your four-legged friend are welcome to tuck in for the night at Tree to Me Organics –with a café, bistro, bakery and market full of local products, you’ll find comfort in farm surroundings. Be sure to visit the pet-friendly wineries in Keremeos, like Robin Ridge Winery, Corcelettes Estate Winery and Hugging Tree Winery.
Carrying on to Cawston? You’ll have lots of outdoor options for you and your pet to enjoy Canada’s Organic Farming Capital of Canada.
Make a reservation at Klippers Guest Suites and then get out and enjoy the fresh air. Take a quiet walk along the Similkameen River – you and furbaby can dip your feet and paws in the cool water and enjoy the tranquillity of the peaceful surroundings.
Local wine tour company, Similkameen Sip & Cycle can come up with a plan for you and your pet. It’s a great way to see the valley and visit the exceptional wineries in the region.
If you’re new to the Similkameen, keep in mind that temperatures in the valley are much higher than you might expect during spring, summer and fall. It’s what makes our region such a perfect place to grow sweet fruit, hearty vegetables and fine wine grapes. You’ll want to be sure that you’ve got a plan for cooling your furry friend down while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. And we’re more than happy to help. Spring is always a season of caution as water rises from the annual snow melt. Just ask us!
Want more information about planning a vacation in our valley? Contact one of our local Visitor Centres that have all the knowledge of things to do. We can’t wait to see you.
