Welcome to the Similkameen Valley
British Columbia, Canada
Rugged. Rustic. Real.
Spring in the Similkameen Valley, is ideal for wildlife viewing before trees and shrubs have the chance to completely leaf out. You’ll never forget the first time you see a black bear, still groggy from its winter slumber lazily grazing along the side of the road, or the sight of California Big Horn sheep and mountain goats clustered along the roadside, licking the pavement for traces of salt. From the fruit orchards of Keremeos and Cawston to the wild grass meadows of Princeton’s cattle country, the air is alive with the honeyed song of bees, perfumed by blossoms exploding in the trees. It’s tee time so choose from three golf courses in the Valley, and the Princeton course has RV facilities.
Hiking or biking at Manning Park and China Ridge offer some unique experiences from mountains to wide open spaces. Explore Princeton, Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada, this self-guided walking tour (with over 25 sculptures to discover) will guide you throughout town. While farms and ranches are welcoming new calves and foals, ask a local how to get to the Swan Lake Nature Reserve near Princeton and bring along your binoculars and best bird-viewing guide to glimpse the migratory creatures that nest or stop to rest and refuel.
Farm fresh choices from Keremeos, Fruit Stand Capital of Canada, and Cawston, Organic Farming Capital of Canada commence at this time. The wineries, cideries, fruit soda, and our only distillery are open for tastings, purchases, and farm-to-table culinary experiences. Many offer unique accommodation options so you can stay and play in an orchard or vineyard. Rent a bike or book a guided tour. Purchase fresh produce as it ripens by the season. Friday night Pizza, music, and homemade sourdough all await you.
Spring is ideal for outdoor activities with plenty of Things To Do and Places to Go. Be sure to check out our Spring events, it’s rodeo season and there are music and local events to discover. See you there!
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, Similkameen Valley, 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!
What Does Similkameen Mean?
The Similkameen River and valley are named for their Indigenous people, the Similkameen, meaning “people of the river.” Learn more.
