Every season holds the promise of an amazing experience here in the Similkameen Valley. From the mild, blossom-filled spring, to the dazzling heat 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.
In spring, our valley blooms in a collage of colour as the fruit trees awaken. (Be cautious of the rising river as the snow melts.) In the summer heat, find cool breezes on our alpine trails, cast a line, take a dip or enjoy breathtaking vistas as you tube down the river. Take in a round of golf or birdwatch. Indulge in a farm-to-table experience in a vineyard or orchard. 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. In winter, explore the trails by snowshoe or Nordic ski or take a day to enjoy the Manning Park Resort which has two chairlifts and a tube park. Try ice fishing in one of our many lakes.
Get ready for the mercury to jump when it’s summertime in the Similkameen Valley. Grab your bathing suit, a hat and your sunscreen and get ready for some serious waterplay.
The rivers become calmer and the lakes are warm. Jump on a tube at the Red Bridge in Keremeos and take a lazy ride down the Similkameen River. Or hop in a kayak and paddle your way to Cawston or Chopaka. Build sandcastles on the beach at Otter Lake in Tulameen and dive into the clean, clear waters to cool off.
Of course there are so many outdoor recreation choices – ah what to choose? It’s always fun to discover our storied past from local museums and storytellers.
Wineries are buzzing with activity and patios are open. Grab a spot under the shade of an umbrella or an apple tree and sip your way through the bounty our vineyards and orchards have to offer. Pack a picnic and lounge in the gardens at the Grist Mill or find a bistro and let us take care of you. Don’t forget to visit one of the dozens of fruit stands in the area. It’s time for plump cherries, sweet apricots and peaches, juicy berries and crisp, tender greens. Take a bit of the Similkameen Valley back home with you and savour the memories…and the flavours.
Join us in the springtime, as the Similkameen Valley awakens from its winter slumber.
The rivers are rushing, 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.
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.
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.
The Similkameen Valley becomes a beautiful, white playground in the winter.
Whether you’re going out in the snow on cross-country or downhill skis, a snowboard or snowshoes, or a snowmobile, you’ll find the perfect terrain to enjoy your time in our peaceful valley. Endless trails await you at China Ridge, Manning Park, and on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Cross-country ski at Nickle Plate Nordic centre, near Apex Mountain.
It’s prime time for ice-fishing, too. Cast your line in Yellow Lake near Keremeos or Otter Lake in Tulameen. If you prefer to keep moving, strap on your skates and go gliding on one of the many frozen ponds in Manning Park, or the rinks in Princeton, Keremeos and Tulameen.
Looking for something magical to do? Join the candlelight ski at China Ridge, or witness the Princeton Light-Up in November. Many of the wineries in Keremeos and Cawston hold special winter markets – be sure to check with the Visitor Centre for details. Winter wine tasting wraps up in December but there are various locations for year-round tasting, some by appointment.
The weather might be cooler, but you’ll still find our warm, Similkameen Valley hospitality when you visit us in the winter.
