Wide Open, Wildly Beautiful
Long, sunny days are the invitation the Similkameen Valley was made for. This is the official guide to summer in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia — 140 kilometres of Crowsnest Scenic Highway 3 threading through orchards, vineyards, rivers, mountain parks, and small communities where summer feels the way it’s supposed to.
Meander through untamed beauty on BC’s iconic Crowsnest Scenic Highway 3, from the Cascade Mountain Range at Manning Park in the west to the desert-warm orchards of Cawston in the east. Take a slow-paced road trip visiting our small towns and villages, or explore by motorcycle following the curves of the highway. Wherever you go, the buzz of bees, birdsong, and the warm smiles of locals remind you that you’re in a place that feels like home.
Freshwater fishing is easily accessible from many sites along Crowsnest Highway 3, from Princeton to Cawston, and along Highways 3A and 5A. Discover some of the best spots for trout, mountain whitefish, and the elusive West Slope cutthroat. Cast away on the many lakes and rivers of the Similkameen, which have been luring anglers for decades.
Whether you’re camping under the stars, picnicking in the gardens, taking in an event at the historic Grist Mill and Gardens, unwinding at a local bistro, exploring wine country with tasting rooms and patios open, taking in a round of golf (choose from 3 locations), or cooling off with a lazy float down the Similkameen River — summer here is pure, simple joy. Check out our Summer Events, including music, food, and a few surprises.
E.C Manning Park
E.C. Manning Provincial Park is a vast 83,671 hectares of wilderness and the western gateway to the Similkameen’s alpine landscape. Paddle across the serene waters of Lightning Lake — the Boathouse rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, making it easy to get out and explore. Hike among meadows filled with wildflowers, bike scenic trails, or drive up to Cascade Lookout for sweeping valley views you’ll never forget. Manning Park Resort offers accommodation and services for those who want to linger longer.
Princeton & Area
Princeton is the largest community in the valley (estimated population 3,200), located at the junction of the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers. Recognized as the Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada, discover 23 stunning life-sized bronze statues on the Princeton walking tour — a free, self-guided route through town where each piece tells part of the region’s story.
Wildlife lovers can head to Swan Lake Nature Reserve, while anglers will find ample fishing spots in the many nearby lakes. Pan the river for gold (that you can keep!). Golf the historic 18-hole course. Learn about the rich mining and pioneer history at the Princeton Museum. The nearby China Ridge recreational area features an extensive trail system spanning a north-south upland ridge, traversing forested regions, grassy slopes, and reforested areas — popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Coalmont (pop. 100), once a junction on the Kettle Valley Railway, is known for outdoor recreation and fishing. Discover White Sands Beach along the Tulameen River. Located 18 km northwest of Princeton, explore the remnants of the area’s gold rush history with a self-guided walking tour of Granite Creek Ghost Town.
Tulameen (pop. 250) sits on the south end of Otter Lake, 26 km northwest of Princeton. Swim, boat, water ski, and fish for lake trout. Camp at Otter Lake Provincial Park, surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range with canyons and clear flowing streams. The Kettle Valley Railway once passed through both Tulameen and Coalmont — now part of the Trans Canada Trail, perfect for hiking and biking. Check with locals for current trail conditions.
The Kettle Valley Railway once passed through Tulameen and Coalmont, both of which are now part of the Trans Canada Trail—perfect for hiking and biking. Be sure to check with locals for current trail conditions, as some areas are still impacted by the floods of 2021.
Bromley Rock Provincial Park
Bromley Rock is the ideal place to cool off during the Similkameen summer, as the Similkameen River’s flow relaxes here; dip into the refreshing water by wading or swimming. Always use caution in a river, as river flows change with the weather and seasons. If you’re of the more adventurous mind, swim across the river to get a better look at the 50-foot behemoth itself or explore the untouched forest behind it.
Hedley
Visit the eclectic hamlet of Hedley (pop 260). The Hedley Museum offers insightful exhibits into our First Nations and prospecting history, and relax a while in the tea room. Pan for gold in the Similkameen River at the mouth of Hedley/20-mile Creek. Check out the local arts scene. Stemwinder Park is a quaint pine tree riverside park where you can camp, fish, or enjoy the tranquil running of the river.
Keremeos and Cawston
This summer, the Similkameen Valley launches two signature self-guided trails — new ways to experience the valley at your own pace.
Similkameen Valley Farm Trail is a 25-stop self-guided journey along Highway 3 and Highway 3A from Keremeos, the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada, to Cawston, the Organic Farming Capital of Canada. Follow farm stands lined with just-picked produce, stop at organic farm stores, dine farm-to-table, and stay overnight on working orchards. Pack a cooler — you will fill it.
Sip the Similkameen is a slow-paced wine, cider, fruit soda, and spirits road trip through one of BC’s most distinctive wine regions. Beginning in Keremeos and winding toward Cawston, seventeen small-batch producers across three scenic routes pour wines shaped by hot days, cool nights, relentless valley winds, and mineral-rich soils — true expressions of vintage and terroir, poured by the people who made them.
Tasting rooms and patios with stunning views are open all summer, with many offering farm-to-table culinary options and vineyard and orchard stays.
Pair both trails together for the full taste of the Similkameen: farm to glass, orchard to tasting room, farm stand to table.
Don’t miss the historic Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos — a BC Provincial Heritage Site and the last operational waterwheel flour mill in BC, dating to 1877. Open all summer with live music, heritage dinners, special events, and creekside camping and RV hook-ups.
Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park is accessed from Keremeos and opens for the 2026 season on June 12 through October 12. Cathedral Lakes Lodge provides guest transfer services to reach the lodge, with hiking trails, pristine backcountry lakes, dramatic granite formations, and alpine meadows awaiting you once you arrive — one of the most spectacular high-elevation landscapes in southern BC. Book early.
Contact Us
The Similkameen is calling — come for the adventure, stay for the flavour, and leave with unforgettable memories. Our Visitor Centre councillors are local knowledge experts and are here to assist you. Contact Us
Getting Here
Getting here is an adventure in itself – check out our road trip routes that bring you here from any direction.
Stay
Linger longer, stay at a quaint inn, guest house, B&B, suite, motel in town, heritage site, ranch, orchard, vineyard and even a distillery. For camping, glamping & RVing, options range from remote tenting spots to fully serviced sites. Many locations are river view, riverfront, on acreage, on a golf course, near towns and trails or choose from 7 Provincial Parks with campgrounds.
Summer Highlights Gallery
