Similkameen In Winter
Join us for winter in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia. We’ll help you get the most out of your time with us…
Whether you’re seeking a backcountry adventure, a day of skiing, skating and tubing with your family, a quiet walk in the forest, or a low-key visit at one of our many wineries, there are plenty of wide-open spaces to explore in the Similkameen.
Feel the exhilaration of exploring mountains, valleys, and lakes in the winter. Hike, cross-country ski, or sled the backcountry mountain trails and alpine bowls from China Ridge to the Coquihallas. Try your hand at ice fishing on one of the many regional lakes. Ski, slide, snowshoe or snowboard at Manning Park Resort, cross-country ski at Nickle Plate Nordic area. Skate the local rinks in Princeton, Tulameen and Keremeos and play a game of hockey. Book a getaway stay in a self-contained suite or guesthouse with vistas overlooking vineyards and orchards or cozy up in a cabin, lodge or motel after a day of adventures.
Here are some of the highlights to take in while you’re staying in the Similkameen Valley this winter. Remember to check our winter travel tips before you venture out…we want you to get here safely!
China Ridge
Nestled just minutes outside of Princeton, China Ridge is a winter playground that combines breathtaking natural beauty with thoughtfully designed trails to suit every outdoor enthusiast. Surrounded by pristine snow-dusted forests and panoramic views of the Similkameen Valley, this serene destination offers the perfect backdrop for winter adventures.
To get here take a short drive from Princeton up Snowpatch Road to China Ridge Trails. There, you’ll find over 31 miles (50 km) of trails winding through the forest. Every trail is designed for a specific use, making it the best experience for visitors.
The trails are lovingly maintained by volunteers – members of the China Ridge Trails Association – and include tracks for cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter months. Cross-country rental gear is available with a membership, and the trails are typically open from December through to March. If you’re an avid skate skier, they’ve even created a track around the Princeton airport.
E.C. Manning Park
Manning Park Resort, located in the Cascade Mountains, offers the full alpine experience for you to explore winter in the Similkameen Valley at elevation.
This beautiful alpine escape offers up so many great experiences for everyone, from weekend warriors or a family seeking an escape from the ordinary. You can create memories to last a lifetime.
Whether you enjoy snowboarding, downhill or Nordic skiing, skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing, or playing at the Polar Coaster Tube Park, there’s a winter adventure for everyone at Manning Park Resort. For those craving even more exploration, the park’s backcountry offers incredible opportunities for snowshoeing and ski touring. Take a trek along trails like the Three Brothers Mountain route, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the kind of peaceful solitude that makes winter in the mountains truly unforgettable.
Ever been on a Polar Coaster before…? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. Bundle up and get ready for some giggles and great memories at the resort’s tube park.
After a day packed with adventure, warm up by the fire in the cozy lodge, indulge in hearty mountain fare at the Pinewoods Dining Room, or unwind with a soak in the indoor heated pool and hot tub. For families, the resort’s welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities make it an ideal destination to reconnect and create unforgettable moments.
If you’re heading into the park, keep in mind that there isn’t a gas station for 37 miles (60 km) east or west of the entrance, so be sure to top up your tank in Princeton or Hope before you venture up the mountain via Crowsnest Highway 3.
Ice Fishing
In the Similkameen Valley, fishing isn’t just a summer pastime—it’s a year-round tradition, and winter offers one of the most rewarding experiences.
If you’ve never braved the crisp mountain air to drop a line through the ice, you’re missing out on a uniquely tranquil and exhilarating adventure. Imagine the quiet stillness of a frozen lake, the anticipation as you wait for the first tug on your line, and the thrill of reeling in your catch against the stunning backdrop of snow-covered peaks.
Seasoned anglers know there’s nothing quite like ice fishing in the Similkameen, where the lakes are as inviting as the scenery is breathtaking. So whether you’re a first-timer looking to try something new or a fishing pro eager to test your skills in the cold, now is the perfect time to grab your gear and head to the ice!
Bundle up and head to Yellow Lake near Keremeos on Highway 3A – it’s one of the most popular destinations for novice and experienced anglers alike. It’s easy to access and a beautiful spot to spend the day waiting for the big one to take a bite.
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, take the winding road up to Tulameen and try your luck on Otter Lake.
You can get a full list of fishing lakes in and around Princeton – stop by the Visitor Centre for the definitive guide. And if you’re needing gear, Princeton Outdoor Supply on Bridge Street can probably take care of you.
Don’t forget…you’ll need a BC Fishing Licence. You can get one at the store.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to explore the pristine winter landscapes of the Similkameen Valley. With endless trails winding through snow-covered forests and wide-open meadows, it’s an activity that anyone can enjoy—no experience required.
Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers, snowshoeing lets you set your own pace, whether you’re out for a peaceful stroll or a more energetic hike. There’s something magical about floating over freshly fallen snow, hearing nothing but the crunch underfoot and the whisper of the winter breeze. It’s your chance to connect with nature, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy a truly serene winter experience.
Take a short drive from Princeton up Snowpatch Road to China Ridge Trails. There, you’ll find 9 miles (15 km) of snowshoe trails winding through the forest. You’ll need to bring your own gear.
Or, head to E.C. Manning Park and wander the Similkameen West Trail…then pop into the Bear’s Den Pub in Manning Park Resort to warm up – or cool down. You can rent snowshoes at the resort and also find out about the various trails surrounding the area.
Remember to fuel up before heading to Manning Park, as the nearest gas stations are in Hope or Princeton—about 37 miles (60 km) away in either direction. Starting your journey with a full tank will ensure a smooth and worry-free adventure in this remote winter wonderland.
Keremeos Review
skating
Few things capture the magic of winter quite like skating in the great outdoors. In the Similkameen Valley, winter transforms frozen lakes and outdoor rinks into natural arenas where you can lace up your skates and glide beneath a canopy of snow-covered peaks. The crisp mountain air and stunning views make every stride across the ice a memorable experience.
And if you’re a hockey fan, don’t forget your stick! Outdoor rinks in towns like Keremeos and Tulameen are the perfect places to join a friendly game of shinny with locals or fellow visitors. Whether you’re passing the puck with friends or perfecting your slap shot, these spontaneous matches bring people together and add a lively, social element to your winter adventure.
Staying in Keremeos? Their open-air community rink is open to the public – you can get the schedule here. Bring your skates and stick if you’ve got one and you might catch a pick-up game. The rink is typically open from December 4th to February 4th, weather permitting.
Princeton’s indoor arena is also open to the public for parts of the day – the schedule is posted here – and they offer skate rentals, as well.
Ice-skating in Manning Park is for resort guests and they supply skate rentals. The outdoor rink is located next to Lost Lagoon.
Skating on frozen lakes, ponds and rivers can be extremely dangerous as weather conditions can change and ice depths vary. Use extreme caution when adventuring out.
Snowmobiling
There’s a thrill unlike any other that comes from powering through untouched powder on a snowmobile, and the Similkameen Valley delivers it in spades. With miles of backcountry terrain and sparkling snow as far as the eye can see, this region is a paradise for sledders who crave the freedom of the open wilderness.
Sledders like it steep and deep, and the Similkameen Valley has some of the steepest and deepest this side of the Rockies.
Head onto the snowmobile trails from Princeton to Olalla, or make Tulameen your home base and connect with sledding enthusiasts who call the community their home. They’ve even got a repair shop if your machine needs some maintenance.
For those new to the area, local snowmobile clubs, like those affiliated with the BC Snowmobile Federation, provide valuable resources, maps, and group rides. Tulameen even boasts a vibrant sledding community, complete with repair shops to keep your machine in top shape
Backcountry conditions are unpredictable, so be sure to check the BC Avalanche Forecast and have a safe ride.
With its wide-open spaces, endless trails, and breathtaking winter scenery, the Similkameen Valley is a winter paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a week-long escape, this guide will ensure your visit is both safe and unforgettable. Pack your gear, plan your route, and get ready to discover all the Similkameen has to offer this winter.
