Embrace a Refreshing Getaway: Ready for a New Adventure?
If open skies and warm hospitality beckon you, the Similkameen Valley awaits with numerous activities tailored for couples.
Top 10 Things To Do In The Similkameen Valley
Are you travelling with your spouse or better half?
Here are 10 things you and your partner can do in this beautiful valley…
1. Slow down
Take a breath. Take your time. Nobody’s in a rush here, and you don’t have to be, either. So brace yourself for a change of pace.
You’re a quick commute from the Lower Mainland or the Okanagan Valley, an easy drive on the Crowsnest Highway from Alberta…and the folks in this valley are ready to welcome you.
There are quiet inns nestled in vineyard and orchards, and quaint bed & breakfasts throughout the area that cater to visitors who want an intimate setting free from the commotion and noise of families on vacation.
2. Savour
Don’t be fooled by the rustic surroundings.
You’ll find some innovative menus in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re sitting on the patio in Cawston at Crowsnest Vineyards, in the airy dining room at Row 14, or the Market Café at Tree to Me, you’ll find exceptional food and genuine hospitality.
And, the local chefs are dedicated to a farm-to-table dining experience…
Want to make your own meal once in a while? Get all the provisions you might need at Harker’s Organics or The Farm Store in Cawston…or check out Sanderson’s and Buy-Low in Keremeos.
3. Sip
The Similkameen is home to organic farms and wineries, creating award-winning wines and ciders to suit every taste bud. Pick up a Similkameen Wine Passport at the Princeton or Keremeos Visitor Centre and wander your way through the valley by shuttle, car, or bike.
They are ready to welcome you to the valley and extend their warm hospitality.
You’ll find a friendly and casual atmosphere in their tasting rooms, and we know you’ll enjoy a taste of their terroir.
4. Splash
Stop for a swim at Bromley Rock between Hedley and Princeton, or check with one of the locals in Keremeos about the best place to launch your innertube on the Similkameen River and go for a leisurely float.
Want to escape civilization completely? Follow the winding road up the Tulameen River to Otter Lake Provincial Park and dip in the clear water of this beautiful secluded spot.
Bring a couple of fishing rods and try your hand at catching mountain whitefish and rainbow trout. With miles of river and 49 fishing lakes around Princeton, chances are you’ll find a secluded spot to enjoy some quiet time near the water.
5. Cycle
Check out the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. It’s a safe, accessible trail for experts and novices alike with a mild grade and stellar views. In the Similkameen, it merges with the Trans Canada Trail – the beloved and historical path that connects Canada from Coast-to-Coast.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or want to pack your camping gear and traverse the trail from Tulameen to Summerland, you have plenty of options.
Want to meander around the towns? The laid-back pace and gentle grades lend themselves to leisurely bike rides…
6. Hike
You don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the terrain, but if you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find it at Cathedral Provincial Park.
Whether you set up camp at the Pyramid Park campground, Manning Park, you’ll find an exceptional nature experience.
For day hikes, your options are limitless. For example, check out China Ridge Trails, just outside of Princeton. With 40 kilometres of groomed trails, you’ll never have to cover the same ground twice on your adventure, whether you’re on foot, on skis, horseback, or bike.
7. Wander
The Similkameen Valley has some of the most peaceful and inviting spots to take a leisurely stroll…why not wander the gardens at The Grist Mill in Keremeos. It’s the last heritage mill of its kind…
Bring a picnic, or grab something from The Grist Mill’s deli, find a shady spot and settle in after you’ve enjoyed the grounds.
You’ll find flower gardens that hearken back to the 1800s and an orchard with heritage apple trees that have been lovingly revitalized. They often have special events that highlight their history and host concerts featuring some well-known artists.
Take a slow stroll along the Similkameen River in Keremeos, or wander down main street in eclectic Hedley.
8. Stargaze
Do you remember the last time you stepped outside and saw the stars? This quiet valley is the perfect place for gazing at the night sky, a place where street lights are replaced by the moon’s bright light.
Enjoy the clean air and the clear view in the valley from the deck at Tree To Me or in Manning Park where they host stargazing events…maybe you’ll spot Orion’s Belt or the Big Dipper. So grab a blanket and some binoculars and feast your eyes on some celestial spectacles.
9. Connect
The heart of BC’s early days beats in the Similkameen Valley…want to learn more about its heritage?
This won’t be your high school history lesson. Every community has a story to tell, and they love to have quiet conversations with visitors.
Spend an afternoon in Hedley’s Museum, turning the pages of archives dating back to the mid-1800s and wandering the outdoor exhibit of early tools and machinery. If you’re feeling peckish, you can always pop into the Hedley Country Market for a bowl of Victoria’s homemade soup.
Then head to Princeton Museum. In addition to their permanent displays of artifacts belonging to the First Nations and the region’s early settlers, they’re currently hosting an exhibit on loan from the Royal BC Museum. Gold Mountain Dreams explores the journey of Chinese immigrants who arrived in the 1850s.
Learn more about our history and heritage.
10. Shop
This won’t be your typical shopping trip, though.
Stock up on fruit in Keremeos, Canada’s Fruit Stand Capital, or find a kaleidoscope of organic products in Cawston, the Organic Capital of Canada.
If it’s art you’re looking for, Princeton and Hedley have a vast selection of locally crafted works of art. While you’re in Princeton, you can take the self-guided tour through their mainstreets and enjoy the display of life-sized bronze sculptures.
What are you waiting for…?
You don’t have to get on a plane to find exceptional food, delicious spirits, beautiful sights, welcoming people, and the perfect place.
No matter the season, your quiet getaway is waiting for you.
So, what are you waiting for…?
Contact us, and we’ll get you started. We’d love to welcome you to the Similkameen Valley.
