Every season holds the promise of an amazing experience here in the Similkameen Valley. From the mild, blossom-filled spring to the heat and breezes of summer, the splash of colour in the fall, and the peaceful beauty of winter, you’ll find an adventure or quiet time, whatever your preference.
Winter: Snow Adventures, Nordic Trails & Cozy Getaways
The Similkameen Valley becomes a beautiful, white wonderland in winter—perfect for getting outside and embracing the season. Endless trails span China Ridge, Manning Park, and the Nickle Plate Nordic Centre. Whether you ski, board, snowmobile, or snowshoe, you’ll find terrain for every style and skill level.
Ice-fishing is at its best on Yellow Lake and Otter Lake, and winter camping is a favourite at Manning Park’s Skyview RV Campground or the open-year-round Princeton Municipal Campground. Winter tasting rooms, seasonal craft markets, candlelight skis, and community events like the Keremeos Light Up and Princeton Light-Up bring warmth to the cooler months.
No matter how snowy it gets outside, the valley’s hospitality stays warm and welcoming. Winter is a season to connect—with nature, with community, and with the quiet beauty of the valley. In winter, there is plenty to do. Check our winter travel tips before you head out.
Spring: Blossoms, Wildlife Viewing & Cycling Through Wine Country
Join us in the springtime, as the Similkameen Valley awakens from its winter slumber, when our valley blooms in a collage of colour as the fruit trees awaken.
The rivers are rushing – be cautious of the rising river as the snow melts, the grasslands are bursting with new growth, and all manner of wildlife is returning to feast on spring’s first offerings.
It’s the ideal time for spotting migratory birds throughout the valley, and a prime opportunity for catching a glimpse of black bears, California Big Horn Sheep, and Mountain goats.
After a quiet winter, Similkameen Valley wineries and cideries are excited to welcome you back. Mild temperatures make for easy days of cycling through wine country…rent a bike at Similkameen Sip & Cycle and pedal your way from Keremeos to Cawston past sprawling vineyards and orchards.
Whether you’re on foot or on wheels, you’ll hear the buzz of bees, the melodies of songbirds and feel the genuine warmth of our down-to-earth Similkameen hospitality.
Summer: River Floats, Hiking, Heritage Sites & Wine Touring
Summer in the Similkameen Valley is warm, sunny, and made for slowing down. Surrounded by rugged mountains and sparkling rivers, the valley offers endless ways to enjoy the season—whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, fresh local flavours, or small-town charm.
Spend your days floating the Similkameen River, hiking to alpine viewpoints, biking quiet backroads, or exploring Manning Park’s wildflower-filled trails, or hike, bike, and horseback on China Ridge Trails. Visit heritage sites like the Grist Mill & Gardens, wander historic main streets, and learn the stories behind the mining town of Hedley, Princeton – Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada, Keremeos, Fruit Stand Capital of Canada, and Cawston Organic Farming Capital of Canada.
Summer also brings the valley’s famous harvest season. Taste just-picked fruit from local stands, sip award-winning wines and ciders, and enjoy farm-to-table pairings in orchard and vineyard settings. Festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, and community celebrations make the season lively and welcoming.
With everything from riverside campsites to cozy inns and vineyard stays, the Similkameen is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the best of summer in BC.
Fall: Harvest Season, Fall Colours & Local Food Experiences
Experience the vibrant autumn charm of the Similkameen Valley, where nature’s colors and local flavors come alive with a tapestry of golden grasslands, fiery aspen groves, and crisp, clear skies. In the fall, taste your way across the south valley picking up fall veggies at fruit stands, uniquely decorated with hundreds of pumpkins and gourds. Sample award-winning wines and watch the harvest activities on a crush pad.
Autumn in the valley is synonymous with harvest time. Over 20 fruit and vegetable stands line the highway, offering fresh apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables. The historic Grist Mill in Keremeos showcases more than 100 heritage apple varieties, making it a must-visit for fruit enthusiasts. Local wineries, cideries, and distilleries invite visitors to sample their offerings, often accompanied by live music and wood-fired pizza
The season also brings a host of cultural events. The Similkameen Sizzle Pepper Festival in Keremeos and the Grist Mill’s Heritage Fall Fair celebrate the valley’s rich agricultural heritage. Museums in Princeton, Hedley, and Keremeos, along with Princeton’s Bronze Sculpture Walk, offer insights into the region’s history
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the valley’s natural beauty through hiking, fishing, and golf. Destinations like Bromley Rock Provincial Park, China Ridge Trails, and E.C. Manning Provincial Park provide stunning backdrops for autumn activities. With accommodations ranging from rustic inns to vineyard retreats, the Similkameen Valley offers a perfect fall getaway.
