Current Travel Info

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 worth its weight in gold.

Spring
Spring

Join us in the springtime, as the Similkameen Valley awakens from its winter slumber.

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.

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.

Summer
Summer

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.

Fall
Fall

Autumn is harvest time, and a great time to visit the Similkameen Valley. Trees are heavy with ripe red apples and golden pears, the vines are weighed down with clusters of cabernet, syrah, pinot gris…all ready for harvest.

It’s still plenty warm enough to splash in the clear waters of the two rivers, or drop a line in one of the dozens of fishing lakes in the area. Or, climb on your bike and ride the historic riverside trail from the Red Bridge in Keremeos all the way to Cawston. The whole family can enjoy the leisurely glide on this smooth path.

Your hikes through Manning Park and China Ridge will be rewarded with splashes of colour as the larch, cottonwood and sumac start to turn gold and red amongst the pine trees, and migratory birds will be gathering to prepare for their journey down south. It’s as photographer’s dreamscape. It’s time for wineries to shine, so be sure to check the with the Visitor Centre for special events being hosted up and down the valley. The days may be shorter but we still pack a lot into them.

Come enjoy the down-to-earth hospitality the valley has to offer, soak in the heritage, the wide open spaces, and the boundless activities that everyone can enjoy. We look forward to seeing you, no matter the season.

Snowshoeing in Manning Park
Winter

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.

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.

The weather might be cooler, but you’ll still find our warm, Similkameen Valley hospitality when you visit us in the winter.