Welcome to the Similkameen Valley
British Columbia, Canada
Rugged. Rustic. Real.
Welcome to the Similkameen Valley—a place of contrast, connection, and raw beauty. Summer here is an invitation to slow down and explore the land where alpine peaks meet sun-drenched desert landscapes. Explore scenic hiking and biking trails at China Ridge near Princeton (the Bronze Statue Capital of Canada) or discover the natural wonders of E.C. Manning Park, one of British Columbia’s top mountain destinations. Enjoy your favourite outdoor activity, from fishing, camping, RVing, golfing, or floating the Similkameen River on a warm day.
The valley is bursting with farm-fresh produce and authentic agritourism experiences. Stop in Keremeos, the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada, or Cawston, the Organic Farming Capital of Canada, to taste the bounty of the season. Enjoy wine tastings, craft cider, fruit sodas, and artisan spirits or options for an orchard, vineyard, distilley or organic farm stay, all surrounded by stunning valley views.
Meet friendly locals in welcoming communities and small hamlets, where waving to strangers is still the norm. Whether you’re road tripping, cycling, or touring on a motorcycle, every bend in the road invites discovery.
Linger longer. Here, slow travel leads to rich experiences and lasting memories. For trip ideas and planning tips, check out our Summer Blog, and be sure to take in one of our local events.
The Similkameen Valley is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Similamix and Smelqmix People.
Official visitor website for the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada, including Cathedral Park, Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Eastgate, Hedley, Keremeos, Manning Park, Olalla, Princeton, Tulameen, and Twin Lakes.
Top Rated Experiences
Getting Here Is Easy
The Crowsnest Scenic BC Highway 3 runs straight through the Similkameen Valley. Starting from the west exit from Hope, you will travel to Manning Park, then onward Princeton, followed by Hedley, Keremeos and Cawston. Further eastbound you will arrive at the junction of Highway 97 at Osoyoos and gateway to the Okanagan Valley in the Thompson-Okanagan Region of BC’s Interior. We are a 3-hour drive from Vancouver.
If you were to drive the valley from end to end, you’d cover 111 miles (180 km). Start at Manning Park in the west and end up at the BC Highway 97 junction in Kaleden (Hwy 3A) or Osoyoos in the east. How long it takes to drive it will be up to you, there is plenty to see and do! Check out our road trip routes to get you here from any direction.
What Does Similkameen Mean?
The Similkameen River and valley are named for their Indigenous people, the Similkameen, meaning “people of the river.” Learn more.
