Getting Here

Getting Here

Explore the 330 km (204 mi) long North Thompson Valley in the north-central region of British Columbia via Yellowhead Hwy 5.

From southeastern British Columbia and the United States, head north up Route 97 to Kamloops, then follow Highway 5 north. From Edmonton and Jasper, Alberta, take Highway 16 across the Alberta border and head south down Highway 5. From Calgary and Banff, Alberta, drive west on Highway 1 to Kamloops, then north on Highway 5. From Vancouver, take Highway 1 east until Hope, where you’ll connect with Highway 5 and drive north.

The closest regional airport is in Kamloops, British Columbia, with international airports in Kelowna and Vancouver, British Columbia. Airport access is also available through Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta.

North Thompson And Columbia Icefields Loop

This circle tour is much more than a drive through the mountains. This scenic wilderness loop will take your breath away. This tour is the quintessential Canadian road trip, taking you from a UNESCO World Heritage site to offthe-beaten-path gems. Your journey through the North Thompson Valley and Columbia Icefields Parkway is as real as it gets.

There’s easy access to the Columbia Icefields from

Valemount in the North Thompson along Hwy 16 east to Jasper. Take your time and explore Banff and Jasper National Parks. Marvel at the stunning vistas, wildlife and over 100 glaciers. Marvel at Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Maligne is home to the world-famous Spirit Island.

Make your return trip via the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 and connect to the North Thompson at Kamloops.

Know Before You Go

The North Thompson Valley continues to welcome back travellers, from our next-door neighbours to international explorers!

To stay up to date with the current travel guidelines & regulations, please visit norththompson.ca/ current-travel-information/

Here you will find updated information regarding visiting our communities, current weather and Climate events, and resources for travelling along our routes and within the province of British Columbia.

Don’t forget to connect with our visitor centres in Barriere, Clearwater, Mount Robson, Valemount and Wells Gray where local destination experts are ready to help you with trip planning assistance as well as local expertise.

We’re in this together! Let’s make sure we travel responsibly and respectfully, and your North Thompson Valley adventure is enjoyable for all.