419 km (260.3 mi)
Are you ready to discover glacial shorelines of ancient lakes in cowboy country or gaze at hoodoos formed from 200-million-year-old volcanic rock on a road trip through the Thompson and Nicola Valleys.
From Route 97 in Vernon, head 117 km (73 mi) west toward Kamloops, through the charming communities of Falkland and Monte Creek. Be sure to visit Clover, the Kermode (Spirit) Bear, at the fully accessible BC Wildlife Park or take a hike through the grasslands in Kenna Cartwright Nature Park, BC’s largest municipal park. Travel through the sage-filled, semi-arid landscape as you continue west along Route 97. Explore hoodoos in Savona and experience life as it was during the Gold Rush at the Historic Hat Creek Ranch in Cache Creek.
Take Highway 1 west for 94.2 km (58.5 mi) to the historic village of Ashcroft before heading south-east on Highway 8 toward Merritt. Try your hand at geocaching as you explore Gold Country with over 142 caches hidden throughout the area. Search for treasure while uncovering details about each site you discover.
In Merritt, tune in at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame or take a self-guided walking tour to view the country music Walk of Stars and the Country Legends Murals. Merritt is the Country Music Capital of Canada and the center of the Country Music Corridor road trip.
Approximately 25.2 km (15.6 mi) east of Merritt, via Highway 5A, you’ll come to Quilchena and Douglas Lake. Famous first-class bandit, Billy Miner, was said to have been captured in the area, and the western atmosphere will transport you back in time (with modern luxuries, of course).
To cap off the Gold Country Loop experience, continue 72.6 km (45.1 mi) north and wind past fishing lakes, protected wetlands, and vast ranchlands towards Kamloops. While Kamloops isn’t a major gold-mining city, it has become an important transportation and supply hub for prospectors heading north to Cariboo. Needless to say this will be the best place to finish off your road trip.
Places you don’t want to miss
Deadman Valley Hoodoos
are impressive rock formations and a traditional gathering place of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation.
Douglas Lake Area
encompasses ranch life, world class fly fishing and 19th century history nestled within the Nicola Valley.
Heritage Place Park
features a “walk through time” exploring the Village of Ashcroft’s history. The park features an authentic soddy house, and operating waterwheel and a refurbished railway caboose.
Annual Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Kamloopa Powwow (Kamloops, June)
Wildlights (BC Wildlife Park, Kamloops, December & January)
Attractions & Tours
Communities
