Diverse outdoor experiences compose the Thompson Okanagan. No matter if you are looking for a thrilling or relaxing experience you can find it. Allow your senses to be overwhelmed with the region's beauty and enjoy your time in the outdoors.
Explore the wild country of the region and shoot to your heart’s content with your camera. Majestic mountains, rolling hills, rushing rivers, tranquil lakes and a desert are full of nature’s creatures—yours to capture. Black bears, Big Horn sheep, fish aplenty, rattlesnakes, endangered species and more birds than you’ll ever be able to count, all live here.
Fore! Or should we say 79! That is how many 18-hole courses we have in the Thompson Okanagan. Of these, 25 are championships courses. Spend your day golfing against a panoramic backdrop of mountains, rolling hills, sagebrush, orchards, vineyards, lakes and desert country. The Thompson Okanagan has been called Canada’s No. 1 Golf Destination and consistently ranks high year after year for its courses. We have several award-winning courses designed by prominent course architects including Les Furber, Michael Hurdzan, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Fred Couples.
The Thompson Okanagan is home to seven ski and snowboard mountains and world class backcountry terrain. Three of said mountains are world class resorts. Each offer unique features that are accommodating to all levels of ski and snowboarders. When your legs get tired, stop in the village for an Apres Ski at one of the restaurants. At each of the mountains cross country skiing and snow shoeing trails are also available to explore.
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a mountain resort, enjoy backcountry skiing found throughout the region at multiple world class backcountry lodges. Here, you will be the first to make tracks in fresh powder and experience views like you have never seen before.
Whether you are looking for the thrill of riding through the dense forest in the alpine, cruise along the shores of lakes and rivers, or trace the paths of the CP Railway that once ran through the region on your bike, you can find that in the Thompson Okanagan.
The region is home to endless mountain biking terrain . Whether you are looking to escape the city and explore mountain trails at world class ski resorts, or prefer the convenience of staying close to the city and explore the trails no more then ten minutes from town you can.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail was once home to the tracks of the CP railway that transported resources throughout BC. Now, it is a even graded path that spans 492.58 km. Spend the day admiring the canyons that surround the trail, or the towns the trail runs right through.
The Thompson Okanagan is composed of countless lakes and rivers that weave through the region. Here, you can paddle, swim, or cruise on the bodies of water. You will find motor boat rentals within communities so you can fish, waterski, surf, wakeboard, or cruise the lake. If you would prefer to explore without a motor, enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Murtle Lake, located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in the North Thompson, is North America’s largest paddle only lake that offers camping along it’s shorelines and the perfect place to escape the realities of day to day life.
Home to Skaha Bluff’s, one of Canada’s best locations for bouldering and rock climbing, the Thompson Okanagan is a climbers paradise. Whether you are just learning how to climb and want to begin indoors or would prefer to challenge yourself on steep rock faces, the Thompson Okanagan offers a diverse range of terrain and is home to many climbing tour companies who look forward to taking you to viewpoints that no one else get to see.
In a region that has rivers intertwined throughout, whitewater rafting is a very popular adventure tourism sport. With locations throughout the region from the North Thompson down to Gold Country, there are multiple operators that offer tours and sometimes even accommodations like Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Litton BC.
Along with the extensive trail network of E.C. Manning Provincial Park, the accommodations provide a place to stay year-round whether it be camping or in a cabin. In the summer it is a hikers paradise and in the winter, a paradise for anyone who enjoys snow sports. This park provides an excellent variety of moderate to challenging outdoor adventures.
Found in the Similkameen Valley, Cathedral Provincial Park provides the perfect escape from day to day life. What is a luscious green forest in the spring and summer turns to a red and golden forest in the fall, both creating breathtaking views. The park is composed of a network of trails that lead to lakes perfect for fishing, a boulder forest, incredible lookouts, and flower covered meadows. A campground and lodge can be booked for accommodations.
Located in the North Thompson, near Valemount, Mount Robson is the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The many trails of Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to many hiking trails throughout the park that offer the opportunity to photograph the spectacular panorama and overnight camping. Although closed for the 2022 season due to flooding, the Berg Lake trail is a popular multi-day trail that takes you to the foot of Mount Robson. Visitor Centre offers walking trails, souvenir shopping and opportunities to photograph the spectacular panorama.
Marvel at the distinctive 41 named waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Along with endless natural features surrounding the countless hiking trails in the park, including many backcountry trails, you can enjoy paddling on Murtle lake, the largest paddle only lake in North America. Throughout the park you will find camping opportunities and accommodations surround the outskirts of the park.
