473 km (294.1 mi)
Who’s ready for a road trip for the ultimate thrill seekers, the Monashee Loop is an all-season playground where majestic mountains and glistening lakes provide a flawless setting for boundless adventure.
To start off our adventure, head north from Vernon on Route 97, then take BC-97A approximately 23.7 km (14.7 mi) to the charming city of Armstrong. Here you’ll find an array of antique stores, an outdoor theatre and handcrafted artisanal cheese. Continue onward through Enderby, where the Shuswap meets the Okanagan.
When you reach Sicamous, connect with the Trans Canada Highway and take it eastbound 72.7 km (45.2 mi) toward Revelstoke, home of Mount Revelstoke National Park. When you’re ready to depart this year-round mountain community, head south on Highway 23 and let the river and soaring mountains lead the way.
Approximately 52 km (32.3 mi) into your journey, you’ll reach Shelter Bay where you’ll board the Upper Arrow Lake ferry that will carry you south toward Nakusp. In Nakusp, unwind and relax in natural hot springs as you breath in the natural beauty of the West Kootenay Rockies.
From there, take Highway 6 south along the water's edge to Fauquier to catch the Needles Cable Ferry. A 5-minute journey across Lower Arrow Lake will connect you back to BC-6 where you’ll continue 135 km (84 mi) west toward the North Okanagan city of Vernon. Along the way, be sure to stop in the agricultural communities of Cherryville and Lumby where outdoor recreation is endless at the foothills of the Monashee Mountains.
Once in Vernon, head north-east for 24.3 km (15.1 mi) up to SilverStar Mountain Resort, an accessible destination that everyone can enjoy throughout the year.
Places you won’t want to miss
Enderby Cliffs
Provincial Park offers sweeping views of the Shuswap and Okanagan Valleys against volcanic rock as cliffs tower 850 meters (2,788 feet) above the valley floor.
Rainbow Falls
is nestled amongst the lush interior rainforest of Monashee Provincial Park. Approximately 70 km (43.5 mi) from Lumby, two viewing platforms allow for unobstructed views of the waterfall.
Halfway River Hot Springs
are rustic, natural hot springs located approximately 37 km (23 mi) north of Nakusp. They can be accessed via a logging road parallel to the Halfway River and a well-worn, steep trail. This is an ideal setting for those looking for a rugged wilderness experience.
Annual Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) (Armstrong, September)
Grindrod Garlic Festival (Grindrod, August)
Caravan Farm Theatre Winter Sleigh Ride Show (Armstrong, December, January)
Outdoor Adventure
