Wildlife
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.
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. While admiring the beautiful wildlife, remember you are in their home and you must treat them with respect and ensure they do not feel they are in danger. Under no circumstances will feeding wildlife be tolerated.
Looking for a way to admire wildlife without having to go too far off the beaten path, enjoy wildlife encounters at the BC Wildlife Park near Kamloops. This park offers guided tours of the park and opportunities to get up close to birds of prey and bears. Support their efforts in rehabilitation, conservation, and educational programs and spend the day admiring the incredible wildlife found at the park.
Golf
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.
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.
Winter Sports
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.
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 offers unique features that are accommodating to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. When your legs get tired, stop in the village for an Après Ski at one of the many restaurants located on each mountain. At each of the mountains cross country skiing and snowshoeing 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.
Mountain Biking
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.
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. Escape the city and explore mountain trails at world class ski resorts, or enjoy the convenience of staying close to the city and explore the mountain biking trails no more then ten minutes from town you can. Camping is offered at some of the ski resorts so you can enjoy riding your whole weekend. Whether you have your own bike, or need to rent a bike and equipment, you will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Spending Time on the Water
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.
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 simply cruise the lake. Shuswap Lake offers 600 kms of shoreline to park a houseboat on and discover, making it the most popular lake in the region to spend a few days on the water.
If you 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.
Climbing
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.
Home to Skaha Bluff’s, one of Canada’s most popular areas 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 gets to see.
Endless hidden waterfalls and large canyons offer an excellent terrain for canyoning which has become a popular sport in the region. Enjoy rappelling down waterfalls, jumping into deep pools or water, and sliding down natural waterslides on a guided tour.
White Water Rafting
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.
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 accommodations like Kumsheen Rafting Resort in Litton BC.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
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.
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.
Cathedral Provincial Park
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.
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.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
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.
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.
Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater
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.
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.