INTERIOR CASCADES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA & WASHINGTON
ROUTE 97 ROAD TRIP MAP GUIDE
BE CURIOUS ROUTE97.NET | #ROUTE97
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EXPLORE
CONTENTS Be Curious: Our Story
6
Places To Go
12
Pull Out Map
32
Things To Do
36
Wonder of Winter
52
Plan Your Trip
56
Calendar of Events
59
Contact Us: Email info@route97.net
This page: Whitewater rafting along Rearguard Falls in Rearguard Falls Provincial Park, North Thompson, BC Cover: Cycling past vineyards on the Kettle Valley Railway between Penticton and Naramata, BC
Copyright 2017 Š Route 97. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. A partnership with North Central Washington Economic Development District. Design: Roger Handling terrafda.com Copywriting: Darcy Nybo alwayswrite.ca Printing, advertising sales and ad design by Black Press Photography: TOTA, Darren Robinson, Kelly Funk, Allen Jones, Melissa Barnes, Destination BC, Tobiano Golf Course, River Safari.
Interior Cascades Map Guide | 3
IT’S ROAD TRIP TIME! FREE YOUR SENSE OF WONDER AS OUR HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS REVEAL WHAT’S AROUND THE NEXT CORNER, BEHIND THAT MOUNTAIN OR WHERE THAT RIVER VALLEY MAY LEAD. THE INTERIOR CASCADES REGION OF ROUTE 97 IS WHERE ADVENTURE AWAITS. Pick what you like and make stops along the way. Our diverse geography makes Route 97 the perfect place for outdoor recreation. There are huge trestled rail trails, golf courses, spas and resorts, history and heritage galore. You’ll find our local flavours at wineries, craft breweries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies, long table dining in vineyards, and field to table restaurants. The Interior Cascades section of Route 97 includes the North Central Washington and Thompson Okanagan regions. Both sides of the 49th parallel offer you adventure on raging and lazy rivers, lakes of all shapes and sizes, meandering foothills and high plateaus. There’s the geological wonder of the Ice Age flood plain in WA, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and a pocket desert. Route 97 is North America’s longest continuous northsouth highway extending from Weed, CA to Watson Lake in the Yukon. Mile zero of the Alaska Highway begins at Dawson Creek and follows Route 97 to just past the BC/ Yukon Border and into Alaska. Route 97 is also the longest continuously numbered route in British Columbia and the longest provincial highway. 4 | Route97.net #Route97
A hiker on Giant’s Head Mountain with a view of Okanagan Lake, BC
SATISF Y
YOUR CURIOSITY
Interior Cascades Map Guide | 5
B E C URIOUS OUR STORY
EMBARK ON CAREFREE ROAD TRIPS throughout the Interior Cascades of Route 97 where you’ll find some of the most diverse outdoor and cultural experiences in North America. Drive the corridor or venture off on any number of side trips that indulge your sense of adventure.
Lake Chelan in North Central Washington state, at 89 km (50.5 miles) long, is the largest natural lake in the state
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ROUTE 97 ROAD TRIPS (see pull out map) North Thompson / Columbia Icefields Parkway Road Trip p.35
KAMLOOPS Shuswap Road Trip p.31 Gold Country Kamloops Road Trip p.28
VERNON KELOWNA
Similkameen Valley Road Trip p.23
VANCOUVER
Many Lakes Road Trip p.19
Big White Road Trip p.25
Boundary Monashee Road Trip p.23 CANADA USA
Historic Highlands Road Trip p.19
The Cascade Road Trip p.15
SEATTLE
Monashee Road Trip p.32
Colville Tribes Road Trip p.21 Ice Age Floods Road Trip p.15
SPOKANE
WENATCHEE
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com and Shawn Talbot
ROUTE 97 EXPERIENCES TO BRAG ABOUT • Visit Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies • Explore Wells Gray Provincial Park. Over 40 waterfalls and the largest non-motorized lake in North America • Experience the Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run, the largest Salmon run in BC • Learn about and experience Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan (Syilx), and Secwepemc Indigenous culture • Attend rodeos, county fairs, festivals that celebrate cowboy culture • Tackle champagne powder in the winter by downhill, cross country skiing, snowboarding, Cat and heli-skiing • Taste our bounty at world-class wineries, fruit stands and farmers’ markets • Eat, sleep, swim, fish, and relax on a houseboat in the Shuswap • Step back in time and explore historic towns and ghost towns • Visit the mystical Spirit Bear at the BC Wildlife Park or take a river safari and watch bears and cubs • Marvel at our geological wonders: high mountain peaks, waterfalls, a pocket desert, and a gorge 4 times the size of Niagara Falls • Hike-bike or snowshoe our scenic rail trails and epic mountain and valley trails • Enjoy the hundreds of rivers, lakes and dams in the area including Grand Coulee Dam with a laser light show Interior Cascades Map Guide | 7
OUR STORY
Get inquisitive and explore Take a day trip, a week-long holiday or a month of exploration! Plan a trip in all four seasons and make memories to last a lifetime. Marvel at majestic mountains, wild and mild rivers, fertile valleys and soothing lakes. Get inquisitive and explore this diverse geographical area. You’ll be rewarded with natural beauty, wildlife, magnificence, history, friendly folk and unparalleled experiences. There are thousands of places to enjoy and explore along the roads, loops, and byways throughout North
Central Washington and the Thompson Okanagan in British Columbia. Visit our cities, towns and communities and find out why we love it here. Wind your way through this breathtakingly diverse corridor from the foothills of the Wenatchee National Forest through Washington’s Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan Counties and across the border in the Thompson Okanagan region and beyond. It’s easy to connect to and from Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary from major interstates and highways.
The view from Kelowna Mountain overlooking Okanagan Lake and Kelowna, BC
The inside of a traditional, authentic Okanagan (Sylix) winter home pit house at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, BC Interior Cascades Map Guide | 9
OUR STORY
Photo joyfuldesigns / Shutterstock.com
Choose the route that intrigues you and head out on a road trip to remember. For even more adventure, keep heading north on Route 97 and discover the Gold Rush Trail on your way to Alaska. Our region’s culture is formed from three nations that call this place home: Indigenous Nations, Canada and the United States. Throughout the Interior Cascades of Route 97, you’ll find three Indigenous Nations: Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan (Syilx), and Secwepemc, each with their own unique dialects, traditions, history, and story. The history and culture of the indigenous people are deeply interwoven into the fabric of both countries. Celebrate with us at rodeos, Pow Wows and feasts. Step into the past and learn about our history and culture at our interpretative centres and museums. Outdoor recreation is abundant here. Our diverse ecosystems provide a natural backdrop for our internationally
three nations call this place home
acclaimed trail systems, one of a kind wildlife viewing and part of the world’s only inland rainforest. Take a guided tour or explore on your own by bike, foot, horseback, skis or snowshoes. Our rivers offer you everything from gentle floats to Class IV rapids, depending on the season. Our foothills rise into mountain ranges where you can hang glide on the updrafts or have a once in a lifetime world class heli-skiing experience on fresh champagne powder. Our lakes and trails go on for miles, as do the number of ways to enjoy them. There’s lots of cowboy country here. Fish at Douglas Lake Ranch Canada’s largest working cattle ranch. Tour our heritage ranches and attend rodeos, festivals, and fairs. You’ll find
the people friendly, welcoming, and happy to share their stories. Many of our celebrations are about music. Blues, jazz, country and rock ‘n’ roll festivals can be found throughout the Interior Cascades on both sides of the border. For something different take in a drum circle or a drumming and singing competition. Taste the local flavours created by those who work these lush valleys. We have international award winning wines, and multi-generational organic farms. Year-round events celebrate our food, wine and craft beer. Take in an outdoor concert at a vineyard, try a new wine release or watch chefs compete in national culinary championships. Our gastronomic fare ranges from gourmet food truck treats to chef-prepared, long table dinners under the stars. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore what’s around the corner on your journey throughout Route 97.
Visit the scenic downtown in the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, WA Interior Cascades Map Guide | 11
OH THE PL ACES Y OU ’LL GO
Hike Cathedral Provincial Park, Similkameen Valley, BC for 360-degree vistas of sapphire lakes, wandering wildlife and jagged mountain peaks so tremendous, it’ll send shivers up your spine.
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#Route97
DISCOVER YOUR ROAD TRIP Let your curiosity roam free as you discover a road trip that’s just right for you. Travel the highways and byways and connect to the people and places that lie just around the corner. Explore the Interior Cascades Route 97’s 705 km (438 mi) long corridor from the junction of I-90 and US 97 at Ellensburg, WA to Cache Creek, BC, where Hwy 97C reconnects to Hwy 97 north and onward to Alaska via the Gold Rush Trail. Venture off on the hundreds of side routes and loops that will take you deep into the heart of the Interior Cascades and beyond. Keep exploring and choose the ones that pique your curiosity as you make epic road trip memories.
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INTERIOR CASCADES
Sunlight plays across the shoreline on the Blue Lake Trail, Okanogan County, WA
There are dozens of road trips, loops and corridors throughout Route 97. This guide will take you from the Interior Cascades of Washington State north to the Interior of British Columbia. Find your road trip and follow along with the pull-out map and create memories to last a lifetime.
ROUTE 97 CENTRAL CORRIDOR – 705 KM (438 MI)
Discover the diversity of the Interior Cascades Corridor. The main northsouth corridor runs from Wenatchee, WA up to Cache Creek, BC, where you
cruise our paradise of mountains, lakes & rivers connect with the Gold Rush Trail and onward to Alaska.
INTERIOR CASCADES, WA
The North Central Washington section of Route 97 follows the Columbia River through Douglas, Chelan and Okanogan counties. Soak up our history
JOIN THE CONVERSATION – SHARE YOUR STORY Share the experiences of your Route 97 journey on social media. Tell us what you’ve learned or discovered along the way. 14 | Route97.net #Route97
and taste the fruits of our labour. Rural communities and down home hospitality await you.
Douglas and Chelan Counties
Geographically, most of Douglas County is to the east of Route 97 and Chelan County is to the west. Explore the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a landscape born of volcanoes, glaciers, and massive floods. Take a picturesque drive through the mountains as you make your way to Wenatchee, along the mighty Columbia River. The city of Wenatchee lies at the
@DiscoverRoute97 | #Route97
INTERIOR CASCADES, WASHINGTON, USA (see pull out map) southern tip of the Interior Cascades portion of Route 97. It’s worth your while to take a 17.5 km (11 mi) hike or bike along the River Loop Trail that crosses the Columbia River. Wenatchee also hosts the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival in June. Visit the tasting room at the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce. Sniff and sip red and white wines from local wineries as well as cider. Wenatchee is known for its outdoor adventure, wine, craft beer and Mexican food! You can connect to two great road trips from Wenatchee: The Ice Age Floods and the Cascade road trips.
Ice Age Floods Road Trip, Douglas County, WA – 264 km (164 mi)
As you drive along it may feel like you’ve travelled back 15,000 years in time. This road trip can begin or end at Wenatchee or be accessed from US 2 from Orondo. When you begin at Wenatchee, take Route 28 from East Wenatchee, then just past Lakeview, drive north on WA 17 to Dry Falls. Picture yourself next to a gargantuan
Grand Coulee Dam
ice dam. Beyond the ice dam, water is backed up, creating an inland sea that covers much of Montana. Then the ice dam breaks, scouring the land in a raging torrent. It drains into the Pacific Ocean in two short days. These Ice Age floods created giant potholes, sandbars and enormous Waterfalls. Today they are dry, massive cliffs four times the size of Niagara Falls. Watch for Yeager Rock, a 400-ton, twostory boulder on the Waterville Plateau. Relax by Banks Lake, golf in ancient flood plains, and hike the canyons as you marvel at your surroundings. A short side
trip will take you up to Grand Coulee Dam where you can take in a laser light show at one of the largest concrete structures in the world. On the way back, connect with US Hwy 2 to Orondo and you’re back on Route 97.
The Cascade Loop Road Trip, Chelan County, WA – 644 km (400 mi)
The Cascade Loop road trip was named “One of America’s grandest, most spectacular drives” by National Geographic Traveler. To get started depart from Wenatchee and take US 2 west, you can also connect to this road
Dry Falls National Park, showing effects of the Ice Age floods
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INTERIOR CASCADES, WASHINGTON, USA (see pull out map)
Alpine flowers in the North Cascades National Park near Mazama, WA
trip from Pateros (Hwy 153 to Route 20) or from Okanogan (Route 20). From Route 97, take US 2 from Wenatchee towards Leavenworth where Bavarian charm and northwest hospitality combine and where celebrations take on a life of their own. Cool breezes come down from the mountains of the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest as you head towards Everett, home of Boeing’s assembly plant, the largest building in the world by volume. You can smell the ocean as you wind your way towards Whidbey Island and Deception Pass State Park, 4,134 acres of marine, park, saltwater and freshwater shorelines with old growth forests and sand dunes! US 20 leads you to Mount Vernon, in Skagit County. Visit in April for the world-famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. You’ll pass through some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in northwestern Washington and the North Cascades Mountains. This is gawk-worthy country as you gaze out
at mountain ranges on both sides of the border. This route takes you over scenic Rainy Pass (closed in winter) through North Cascades National Park where you can connect with the Pacific Northwest Trail. Note: Portions of US 20 are closed during the winter months. At Mazama, cross-country ski in the Methow Valley or connect with the Pacific Crest Trail or hike up to Goat Peak to the Forest Service Lookout Tower. Up the road is Winthrop, an old west town with wood boardwalks and western hospitality. You can exit the loop at Pateros, Downtown Leavenworth
home of the famous Apple Pie Jamboree in July or at Okanogan, just south of Omak. Should you decide to join the road trip further north, you’ll love the view outside your window. The green pastures and orchards of the valley floor combine with the rugged cliffs and glacial features for picture perfect vistas. Take 97A along the Columbia River through Entiat to Lake Chelan, the largest lake in WA, and third deepest in the United States. Explore vineyards and orchards and sip wine in the fastest growing wine region in WA. In the winter, it’s a great place for Nordic skiing and in the summer, it’s perfect for skydiving. Just past Chelan is Pateros, where you can drive north-east on Hwy 153 to Route 20 and connect to the Cascade road trip. You can also continue another 40 minutes north on Route 97 to Okanogan where you’ll connect directly to Route 20 and travel west on the upper portion of the Cascade road trip and back down to Wenatchee. Interior Cascades Map Guide | 17
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INTERIOR CASCADES, WASHINGTON, USA (see pull out map) OKANOGAN COUNTY
Courtesy of North Central Washington Economic Development District
Unique towns and down home hospitality is what you’ll find in Okanogan County. There are the apple rich towns of Pateros and Brewster, the beautiful Methow Valley and the western-themed town of Winthrop. From Pateros, explore the northern portion of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a landscape born of volcanoes, glaciers, and massive floods. As you drive north on Route 97 you’ll go through Okanogan, Omak, Tonasket and Oroville, each rich with history. Omak WA is home to the worldfamous Omak Stampede. Up the road is Tonasket, the gateway to the Historic Highlands road trip. From there it’s on to Oroville, WA, located 6.5 km (4 mi) south of the Canadian border. The green pastures and fruit trees throughout the valley floor contrast with the rugged cliffs and glacial features. Explore vineyards and orchards and discover wineries, craft breweries and cider houses. There are three road trips off Route 97 in Okanogan County: Many Lakes
road trip, Historic Highlands road trip and the Colville Tribes road trip.
Many Lakes Road Trip, Okanogan County, WA – 193 km (120 mi)
History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts will love this short road trip. There are gravel roads and paved roads with information on historical sites, hikes, wildlife areas, lakes, campgrounds and even a cemetery tour. There are several wildlife viewing areas along this route including the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area south of Loomis, the Tuna Creek Wildlife Area north-east of Omak and the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area west of Omak. From Pateros area, drive north on Route 97 and then north east on Conconully Road, just past the town of Okanogan. If you end up in Omak, you’ve gone too far! Not to worry, you can also enter this road trip near the border at the Nighthawk or Oroville border crossings. At Conconully Lake, take Sinlakhekin Road past the Conconully National Wildlife Refuge. Keep going and you’ll reach Fish Lake. There are
dozens of lakes in the area including Osoyoos Lake near Oroville and the larger Palmer Lake, near Loomis. At Loomis, follow the road east to connect back with Route 97, or go north on the Loomis-Oroville Road to the ghost town of Nighthawk. All that is left of the Nighthawk Historic Townsite is the Nighthawk Hotel, an original school house, a mining office and an old mill. Keep following the Loomis-Oroville Road until you reach Oroville, home to the first railroad in Okanogan County. Displays can be seen at the Old Depot Museum.
Historic Highlands Road Trip, Okanogan County, WA – 240 km (150 mi)
You can take this road trip directly from Oroville in the north, or from Tonasket, between Omak and Oroville. The Historic Highlands loop is a nice way to discover back roads that add adventure to any proper road trip. This road trip links the tiny communities of Oroville, Molson, Chesaw, Curlew, Republic and then connects back to Route 97.
Stand in awe at the geographical and ecological diversity that runs through the Interior Cascades.
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NORTH AMERICAN WOOL CO-OP PRESENTS • Free admission
Marketplace, demos, craft circles, petting pen
• Take workshops!
Knitting, quilting, weaving, crochet, felting, spinning, lace, lockerhook, wool grading and processing
• Okanogan County Fairgrounds
175 Rodeo Trail Rd., Okanogan, Wa. 98840 Wine garden, live music
Funded in part by the Okanogan County hotel/motel/tax fund
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LAKESHORE RV PARK AND LAKE CHELAN GOLF COURSE
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Website: cityofchelan.us
Lakeshore RV Park, 619 W. Manson Hwy. Chelan, WA, 98816 Lake Chelan Golf Course, 800 Golf Course Rd. Chelan, WA 98816
From Tonasket take US 20 east to Republic, and then north to Curlew. While in Curlew visit the Ansorge Museum Hotel and antique car museum. Further south, the Stonerose Fossil Site is a great way to learn about the distant past. From there, drive west towards Chesaw and Old Molson. Chesaw got its start during the 1896 mining rush. It is home to one of Okanogan County’s wildest, wooliest events, the Chesaw Fourth of July Rodeo. A short detour from Chesaw will lead to the ghost town of Old Molson. This site is actually an outdoor museum operated by the Okanogan County Historical Society. You’ll find early 20th-century buildings, including a bank, an assay office, and two homestead cabins. Visitors are welcome from Memorial Day through Labor Day. From there it’s a short drive to Oroville and Route 97. For a shorter trip, drop by the Tonasket Visitor Centre where they’ll give you a map of the backroads you can take to drive from Tonasket to Chesaw and Old Molson.
Colville Tribes Road Trip, Okanogan County, WA – 493 km (306 mi) There are many ways to take this road trip and it’s best experienced over two or three days. It overlaps part of the Ice Age Floods road trip and the
Photo: GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com
INTERIOR CASCADES, WASHINGTON, USA (see pull out map)
Chesaw, Washington, Fourth of July Rodeo
Historic Highlands road trip. It’s a road trip of history and discovery, art and geographic wonders. Start your adventure in Omak, WA. As you drive east on Omak Ave. E (Hwy 155) you’ll pass historic St. Mary’s Mission and drive through Disautel Pass. Keep your eyes open, there’s roadside art along the way to Nespelem. From Nespelem you’ll connect to Hwy 21 and drive north to Republic and along the scenic San Poil River. After Republic, gorgeous vistas await as you take Hwy 20 east through the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway. From here you can access Kettle Falls or Colville for overnight accommodations. Take your time as you travel south down Hwy 3 along the Columbia River. At Inchelium, take Bridge Creek Road (Hwy 2) west to the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. There are cabin rentals and WiFi here. Stay for a few hours or stay the night. Enjoy swimming, boating and fishing your day away. From Twin Lakes, take a scenic drive
through the mountains on Hwy 2 until you connect back up with Hwy 21. After Keller, drive a little further south on Hwy 21 and take the WA State DOT River Ferry across the Columbia River. Note the stark contrast from one side of the river to the other. Cross back over on the ferry and then take Manila Creek Road / Peter Dan Road towards Hwy 155. As you drive along marvel at the view of the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt. Coulee City and Grand Coulee Dam take a day to explore. The town of Coulee Dam has the Colville Tribal Museum and Gift Shop as well as Indian Gaming. Stay the night and watch the laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam that teaches the history of this land. From Coulee Dam to Omak you’ll see more roadside art as your drive along Hwy 155. At Nespelem Agency Square leave Hwy 155 head west on the Columbia River Road. Take in the scenic wonder of the mighty Columbia River as you drive along this route. You will notice large aquaculture pens along the river near Rufus Woods Park and may see a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, deer and coyote. Those bighorn sheep and mountain goats you see are more roadside art. Before connecting back with Route 97 at Omak, spend some time relaxing in the scenic beauty of Omak Lake. Once back in Omak, stay at the 12 Tribes Resort Casino.
Omak Lake, Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State
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THOMPSON OKANAGAN
The view south to Skaha Lake from the upper vineyards of See Ya Later Ranch Winery, South Okanagan, BC
THOMPSON OKANAGAN, BC
The Thompson Okanagan region of the Interior Cascades section of Route 97 includes: Boundary Country, Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Shuswap, Gold Country and the North Thompson Valley. The Okanagan is anchored by the city of Kelowna and the Thompson by the city of Kamloops. You can travel further on Route 97 via the Gold Rush Trail and then onward to Alaska. The Thompson region lies to the west and north of the Okanagan and is accessible via Hwy 1, Hwy 5, Hwy 3 and Route 97. Just north of Vernon, Route 97 splits and you can take 97 west to Kamloops or 97A or 97B north to the Shuswap. The Okanagan Valley is divided into the North, Central and South Okanagan and runs along Route 97 and is accessible via 97C and Hwy 3. 22 | Route97.net #Route97
home of good food, wine and outdoor adventure SOUTH OKANAGAN
The South Okanagan begins at the 49th parallel. You’ll discover our communities of Osoyoos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Penticton, Naramata and Summerland. The South Okanagan is geologically diverse with landscapes that range from a pocket desert and scrub grass to rivers, lakes and foothills. During harvest season, you’ll also find lots of fruit stands along the highway. Take your time around Osoyoos and visit the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre to hear the stories and legends of the Syilx People. Near Osoyoos is kłlilxw (Spotted
Lake) a sacred medicine lake and a protected cultural heritage site. Canada’s warmest lake is also located in Osoyoos. Oliver is known as the Wine Capital of Canada for its high concentration of wineries. To the east of Oliver is Mount Baldy Ski Resort, visit for winter fun and summer hiking and biking. Between Oliver and Okanagan Falls is Vaseux Lake. Stretch your legs and enjoy the boardwalk at this migratory bird sanctuary. At Okanagan Falls you’ll find more wineries and local parks that boast warm, shallow family-friendly beaches. As you travel Route 97, take White Lake road, south-west of Okanagan Falls to St. Andrews by the Lake Golf Community. Drive five minutes more and you’ll be at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. The community of Kaleden is located just off Route 97 to the east. You can connect to
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map)
Rugged and rustic, the Similkameen River and valley, BC
the Kettle Valley Rail Trail here. The city of Penticton is nestled between two of our most visited lakes; Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake. That means there are plenty of beaches to kick back and relax at. Float the river channel between the two lakes or head up to the Skaha Bluffs, one of the finest training areas for climbers in North America. Downtown Penticton has an eclectic mix of dining choices and shopping. Saturday mornings from late April to mid-October, Main Street is transformed into one of the provinces largest outdoor Farmers and Community Markets. In the winter, you are 45 minutes away from Apex Mountain Resort for some great skiing. As you drive towards the Naramata Bench on the east side of Lake Okanagan, you’ll discover even more wineries and orchards. Access the Kettle Valley Rail Trail from here. Travel north on the west side of the lake on Route 97 and you’ll come to Summerland, with great beaches, wineries and orchards. Take a ride on the historic steam train. Book in advance and be part of a great train robbery.
There are two great road trips you can take from the South Okanagan: the Similkameen Valley and the Boundary Monashee. You can start your journey at the junction of Hwy 3 and Route 97 at Osoyoos.
Similkameen Valley Road Trip, Osoyoos to Princeton, BC – 114 km (71 mi) one way
The Similkameen River is at the heart of the Similkameen Valley. Off the beaten path, eclectic, out there and edgy, the Similkameen is strikingly stunning and full of natural wonders. Take the scenic route from Vancouver on Hwy 3 east, or from Osoyoos on Hwy 3 west, just past the US border at Oroville. From Osoyoos, follow the sun as you drive along the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3). This is the rugged, rustic and real Similkameen Valley. Their evergrowing wine region boasts almost 20 wineries and a cidery. Cawston/ Keremeos is also known as the Organic Capital of Canada and the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada. Spend an afternoon at the Grist Mill and Gardens, an 1877 water wheel powered flour mill. Get
ready for 360 degrees of stunning mountain and valley views at Cathedral Provincial Park. At Hedley, you can learn about First Nations people at the Snaza’ist Discovery Centre. Princeton is where you’ll find an abundance of outdoor recreation activities including legendary fishing. You can cycle The Great Trail (formerly Trans Canada Trail) along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to the hamlets of Tulameen and Coalmont. For more adventure, explore China Ridge and Manning Park. Here you can hike, bike and ride horseback along the trails at China Ridge and enjoy yearround family activities in Manning Park.
Boundary Monashee Road Trip, South Okanagan, BC – 738 km (459 mi)
Get ready to explore rural BC, home of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a part of The Great Trail. There are three ways to get here. East on Hwy 6 from Vernon for a journey that takes you through a valley, from Hwy 1 in the mountains near Revelstoke, or from Osoyoos where you drive east on Hwy 3. As you travel Hwy 3 you’ll pass Interior Cascades Map Guide | 23
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) Christina Lake, Canada’s warmest tree-lined lake, is a mecca for watersports in Boundary Country, BC
through the communities of Bridesville, Rock Creek, Midway and Greenwood, each with a rich history and fun things to do. At Grand Forks, where the Kettle and North Kettle (Granby) Rivers meet, there’s plenty of lush farmland. Be sure to try the authentic borscht, made famous by the Doukhobors. The oldest Canadian Pacific Railway station in BC is now the Station Pub and Columbia Grill. Further east is Christina Lake great for boating and relaxing in cottage country. At Christina Lake, head north to 3A then Hwy 6 and you’re in Kootenay Country now. At Nakusp, visit the beach on the shore of Upper Arrow Lake or take in a local event. Soak your cares away in revitalizing, natural mineral hot springs while surrounded by canyons, mountains, forests and rivers. From here, connect to Hwy 6 west and drive through the charming agricultural communities of Cherryville, Lumby and Coldstream on your way to Vernon, where you’ll reconnect with Route 97. 24 | Route97.net #Route97
Drive north on Route 97 to connect to the Shuswap, Monashee and North Thompson/Columbia Icefields road trips. You can also travel south down Route 97 along Okanagan Lake and back to the US border. From Boundary you can access the Big White road trip if you drive north on Hwy 33 at Rock Creek through the communities of Westbridge, Beaverdell and Carmi up to Big White Ski Resort. From the Laurier/Cascade (Christina Lake), Danville/Carson (Grand Forks) Ferry/Midway and Oroville/Osoyoos border crossings, on the Monashee Boundary road trip, you can connect with the Historic Highlands road trip in WA.
monster. Along its shores you’ll find Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank, Kelowna and Lake Country. It’s a picturesque drive with the lake, foothills and mountains surrounding you. At Peachland visit Hardy Falls, a gentle walk through salmon spawning
CENTRAL OKANAGAN
At the heart of the Central Okanagan is Okanagan Lake. It’s 135 km (84 mi) long and is between 4 and 5 km (2.4 – 3 mi) wide. It’s the perfect size to shelter the legendary Ogopogo lake
First Nations Pow Wow in Central Okanagan, BC
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) grounds. For more excitement, zipline through the trees high above the town. Most of Peachland’s shops and restaurants all come with a relaxing lake view. After a meal, take a stroll beside the lake, stopping now and then to drink in the distinctly Okanagan views. Next stop—West Kelowna and Westbank. This is home to the Westside Wine Trail and dozens of hike and bike trails that run along the lake and into the hills. Visit museums devoted to First Nations history and local agriculture and exploration. Take your dog for a well-deserved walk along the lake to the off-leash park as you enjoy the sounds of waves lapping on the shore. Take a trek up Boucherie Rush Trail which leads to the top of Mt. Boucherie, a dormant volcano. Across the bridge is Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan. The downtown core is located right on the waterfront. In the warmer months you can rent SUPs, kayaks, boats and pedal boats. Take a flight on a float plane, or zip up into the air and parasail above the lake. Downtown is filled with music in the warmer months with festivals, art shows, and celebrations galore. Live theatre is alive and well here
legendary monster ogopogo inhabits the lake as is the symphony and art galleries. There’s fine dining, golf, shopping, hiking, biking, and beaches steps away from the sidewalks. There’s so much to see and do here, from honey farms to goat farms, from wineries to distilleries to breweries. Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy stunning lake views, or sit at one of the lakeside patios and enjoy a meal. Hike up Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna’s largest Natural Area Park with 310 hectares (766 acres) located immediately north of Kelowna’s downtown. Tour an orchard, visit a pyramid at an organic winery, take a field to table tour, or take a cooking class at a winery. Let the gentle breezes cool you as you enjoy an outdoor concert in a natural amphitheater. The cooler temperatures of spring and fall are perfect times to enjoy a hike through the Myra Canyon trestles or play a round of golf on courses ranging from easy going to ego shattering. In the winter,
head up to the Big White Ski Resort for outdoor fun in champagne powder. North of Kelowna is Lake Country. Spend some time on a wine tasting tour or visit the Kangaroo Creek Farm where you can wander among the wallabies, kangaroos, and other animals. Spend some time at the Lake Country Art Gallery, then take a hike through sundrenched landscapes. Don’t forget the beaches. Lake Country encompasses Wood Lake, Okanagan Lake and the multi-coloured Kalamalka Lake. There are two road trips you can access from the Central Okanagan. The Gold Country road trip is accessible just north of Peachland on 97C. You can connect to the Big White Boundary road trip in Kelowna by taking Hwy 33 off Route 97.
Big White Boundary Road Trip, Central Okanagan, BC – 350 km (218 mi)
Take the Big White Boundary road trip for an adventure through our past and present. Connect with Hwy 33 off Route 97 in Kelowna. Drive east to Big White Ski Resort in summer or winter. Spend the day here or stay overnight. There’s winter fun when the champagne
Fancy a sleigh ride through the night time snow? It’s yours at Big White Ski Resort, BC
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NATURAL PLAIN AND SIMPLE
The Similkameen Valley is the place for authentic experiences. Rolling hills, majestic mountains, and friendly faces await you. Come experience the Organic Capital of Canada, the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada and our burgeoning, award winning wine region. The Similkameen River is the heart of our valley, with lakes, ranches, farms and towns dotting our landscape. Here you can fish, float or paddle your day away. Get away from it all at Manning Park, hike, bike or ski China Ridge, then hike Cathedral Lakes for breathtaking views. Off the beaten path, eclectic, out there and edgy – that’s the Similkameen Valley.
THE VALLEY’S TOP EXPERIENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday throughout the Similkameen Spend the day floating down the Similkameen River Hike or bike the Kettle Valley Rail/Trans Canada Trails in Princeton Take in an event, workshop, tour or concert at the Grist Mill and Gardens Discover our storied past at Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos museums Taste your way across the Similkameen at our harvest celebrations Hike, ski or snowshoe in Manning Park, Cathedral Lakes and China Ridge 8. Fish our lakes and rivers in all four seasons for Rainbow and Brook trout 9. Buy organic in Cawston, the Organic Capital of Canada 10. Visit Keremeos, Canada’s Fruit Stand Capital 11. Chat with owners and winemakers about our terroir at our wineries 12. Relax and enjoy the beauty while photographing Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary in Princeton The Valley includes: Cathedral Lakes, Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Eastgate, Hedley, Keremeos, Manning Park, Olalla, Princeton, Tulameen and Twin Lakes. Keremeos Visitor Centre 417 – 7th Avenue, Keremeos, BC 250.499.5225
Princeton Visitor Centre 169 Bridge Street, Princeton, BC 250.295.0235
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) powder snow falls, and in the summer, you can enjoy an event or ride the Bullet Chair for fantastic views of the alpine wildflowers and picture perfect natural surroundings. Feel the rush and excitement of downhill biking on the new lift-serviced bike park. You can also access Big White from Boundary Country from the south via Hwy 33 from Rock Creek past the communities of Carmi and Beaverdell. From the main street in Beaverdell there is direct access to hiking and biking trails along The Great Trail. Unplug for a while and camp beside the Kettle River. Further south along Hwy 33 is Westbridge, near the bridge that crosses the West Kettle River. There’s ample camping available here, with one campsite located on a working ranch. Just a few minutes down the highway from Westbridge is Rock
Ripping down the mountain bike trails at Big White Resort, BC
Creek. The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, part of Canada’s iconic Great Trail, runs straight through Rock Creek. You can bike, hike, horseback ride, or crosscountry ski along the trail. In warmer months, dip your pan in the river. You may discover gold! From Rock Creek, it’s a short drive
west to Osoyoos where you can connect with Route 97 and travel north to Kelowna. Or continue along Hwy 3 for a Similkameen road trip. Go east and connect with the Boundary Monashee road trip or cross the border to the Historic Highlands road trip in WA.
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THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) Experience the ways of the old west in Gold Country, BC
Gold Country Road Trip, Central Okanagan, BC – 400 km (248 mi) Speaking of gold, there’s the Gold Country road trip with diverse landscapes that range from semi-arid desert to lakes, grasslands, meadows, river canyons and mountains. You can access it from Cache Creek or Kamloops or just outside of Peachland A hiker watches the sunset atop Battle Bluff overlooking Kamloops Lake, Gold Country, BC
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on Route 97. When you start from Hwy 97C just north of Peachland and south of West Kelowna it will take you across the Coquihalla Connector to Merritt. Once there, take the time to explore some of the 28 heritage sites. At Merritt, take Hwy 5A to Quilchena. This was once the main route between Merritt and Kamloops. A
heritage hotel is the main landmark here. Take a side trip to Douglas Lake Road. It’s cowboy time at the Douglas Lake Ranch in the Nicola Valley. Established in 1884, it is Canada’s largest working cattle ranch. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes from the Nicola Valley to the glacial shorelines of ancient lakes and the rolling grasslands. The region offers a unique way to explore these natural features through geocaching. There are over 140 caches here and they celebrate in September with an annual geocaching event. Head back to Quilchena and take a leisurely hour drive back to the riverside city of Kamloops as you pass dozens of tranquil lakes on either side of the highway. When there, don’t miss the BC Wildlife Park, then drive west on Hwy 97 towards Cache Creek. This town may have got its name when travelers and prospectors hid their cache in the nearby Bonaparte River
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) while they rested. Drive north on 97 for a visit to Historic Hat Creek north of Cache Creek. This is pure cowboy time. You can even sleep in a covered wagon! At Ashcroft, take the time to view their new glass mosaic artwork. From there, you can drive south on Hwy 97C to Logan Lake and check out their remarkable Visitor Centre located in an old Mining Truck. Also from Ashcroft, you can drive south on Hwy 1 to Spences Bridge where you can taste the difference organic makes at an oasis surrounded by sagebrush. Hike, bird watch and mountain bike in a setting that ranges from rugged to lush. This is ranch country with hoodoos formed from 200-million-year old volcanic rock. From Spences Bridge it’s an hour’s drive back to Merritt, via Hwy 8 where the highway connects back to 97C. Merritt has two of the area’s original structures: The Historic Baillie House and Merritt’s most famous landmark, the Coldwater Hotel (circa 1908).
NORTH OKANAGAN/ SHUSWAP
The North Okanagan/Shuswap is a land of lakes and mountains, ranchlands and orchards and home to the Secwepemc Nation. Vernon is the largest city in the North Okanagan. Cherryville, Armstrong-Spallumcheen and Enderby are also located here. Falkland, Salmon Arm, and Sicamous are three of the many small communities in the Shuswap, most of which hug the shoreline of Shuswap Lake. Access to the North Okanagan is from Route 97 in the south, Hwy 6 to the east and Hwy 1 through the Shuswap. The city of Vernon lies to the north of Kalamalka Lake. It has a vibrant history, much of which is depicted in murals painted on buildings in the downtown area. There are 28 murals that chronicle the area and the people who laid the foundation for what you see
Paddleboarding on Kalamalka Lake near Vernon, North Okanagan, BC
A land of lakes and parks resides in these hills today. Come hike and bike trails galore around three lakes and five provincial parks that border the city. Visit a multigenerational farm with a petting zoo and tractor museum that sells everything it grows on site. Afterwards, visit the meadery and honey shop down the road where you can observe a working hive. Warmer months mean it’s time to get to the beach and lakes or out on the golf course. In the winter, head up to SilverStar Mountain Resort for some great snow fun including 105 km (65 mi) of groomed Nordic trails! North of Vernon you have a choice: take Route 97 through to the Thompson and Gold Country, or take Route 97A onto the Shuswap. Route 97 branches off to 97A towards Armstrong-Spallumcheen, where you can explore the Barn Quilt Trail, the cheese factory and an asparagus farm. The Interior Provincial
Exhibition happens here every Labour Day weekend. Take in year-round outdoor performances at the Caravan Farm Theatre. A few minutes up the road is Enderby with the largest drive-in theatre screen in North America. Hike the Enderby cliffs with stunning views of both the Shuswap and the Okanagan Valley. Minutes north of Enderby, the Shuswap begins. Hwy 97A forks off to the east to Sicamous and 97B forks off to the west to Salmon Arm. Sicamous, on 97A, lies on the shores of Eagle River, Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake. It is known as the Houseboat Capital of Canada. Rent a houseboat for a few people or a large family gathering. There’s an abundance of outdoor activities including wildlife viewing, fishing, golfing, hiking, and cycling. In the winter, the boats are put away and the snowmobiles come out. Take 97B from outside of Enderby and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful town of Salmon Arm along one of the arms of Shuswap Lake. Walking and hiking trails are plentiful in and around town. Make sure you take a stroll along Canada’s longest wooden inland curved wharf. There are many more trails within Interior Cascades Map Guide | 29
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THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) minutes of the city centre—for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Shuswap has several other small towns, most of which lie on the banks of Shuswap Lake. There’s also Roderick HaigBrown Provincial Park, home of the famous Adams River Salmon Run. The Monashee, the Monashee Boundary, the Shuswap and the North Thompson Columbia Icefields road trips can all be accessed from the North Okanagan/Shuswap.
Taking in an excellent view of Sicamous from a hang glider launch ramp in the Shuswap, BC
Shuswap Road Trip, North Okanagan, BC – 267 km (166 mi)
This is a great road trip for a day trip or a week of exploration. Hwy 97 branches off in spurs throughout the Shuswap. From Enderby, Hwy 97A goes north to meet the Trans-Canada Highway at Sicamous and 97B leads to Salmon Arm. For the complete road trip, start by taking Hwy 97A to Sicamous,
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THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) the land of lakes and houseboats. There is over 1,000 km (621 mi) of shoreline along Shuswap Lake, with 22 Provincial Parks that provide you with unlimited fun on and near the water. Shuswap Lake is unique in that it has four arms that resemble the letter H. You can rent houseboats for overnight stays
Houseboating in the Shuswap, BC.
Mount Fosthall, the highest peak in Monashee Provincial Park, North Okanagan, BC
or you can rent a treehouse at the Cinnemousin Narrows near where all four Shuswap Lake arms join. From Sicamous travel west on Hwy 1 to Salmon Arm. It’s a great place that has a mixture of outdoor recreation, untamed wilderness and great amenities. Spend your time walking through town,
enjoy unique boutique shops, theatres, cozy bistros, and open-air venues. Farmers’ markets and specialty food shops feature locally grown and organic options for your culinary pleasure. Salmon Arm is host to the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, an annual event that attracts over 30,000 people to the region every year. People from around the world gather to watch the return of the Sockeye Salmon at Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, north of Salmon Arm. There are Pink, Coho, Chinook and Sockeye salmon here. The Sockeye fill the Adams River in October every year, with a four-year cycle where the returns are at their peak. The next large run is expected to be in October of 2018; however, in 2017 you can expect to see 10,000+ salmon returning to their spawning grounds. Continue west on Hwy 1 through Chase on the South Thompson River. Chase is an ideal base for adventures around Little Shuswap Lake, Neskonlith, Chase Creek, Turtle Valley, and Adams Lake. During the summer, experience and celebrate First Nations culture by taking in a Pow Wow. Then it’s on to Monte Creek where you’ll meet up with Route 97 again. As you travel south along Route 97, you’ll pass through the ranching community of Falkland on your way back to Vernon.
Monashee Road Trip, North Okanagan, BC – 446 km (277 mi)
This all-seasons loop is one of valleys, majestic mountains, hot springs, lakes and farmland. Come and fish, hike, rock climb, mountain bike, hang glide, or try your hand at panning for gold. Get on the road and take Hwy 6 east of Vernon through rich agricultural lands. Paraglide at Coldstream, hang glide in Lumby, or Heli-ski around Cherryville. Year-round artisan shops 32 | Route97.net #Route97
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map)
Helmcken Falls thunders over a 141 m (463 ft) drop in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
and farmgate sales are very popular here. Just past Cherryville you’ll enjoy a short ferry ride across Upper Arrow Lake as you make your way to Nakusp, known for its natural hot springs. There are more hot springs up Hwy 23 at Halcyon, then it’s a quick ferry ride across the lake where you’ll turn west just before Revelstoke on your way back to the Shuswap. Once the snow flies, try the increasingly popular Cat and Heli-skiing. Take Hwy 97A for a leisurely drive through the towns of Sicamous, Enderby, and Armstrong-Spallumcheen on your way to Vernon. Or keep going and take the Shuswap road trip for more fun and adventure.
THE THOMPSON
The Thompson region is an ever-changing landscape of hoodoos, ranchlands,
wilderness is just a step away in the north thompson valleys, lakes and mountains and is home to the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations. It is northwest of the Okanagan and is accessible via Hwy 1, Hwy 5, Hwy 3 and Route 97. It consists of Gold Country, Kamloops and the North Thompson Valley. It stretches from Gold Country and Merritt in the south to Mt. Robson in the north; the highest mountain peak in the Canadian Rockies. When travelling to the Thompson west of Vernon on Route 97 you’ll come to the picturesque town of Falkland in a narrow part of the Salmon River Valley at the base of Tuktakamin Mountain.
This lush land is known for the Falkland Rodeo in May. Continue north and you’ll intersect with Hwy 1 at Monte Creek on the South Thompson River, where you can visit a historic working ranch with a winery. As you follow the river and the highway west you’ll notice the lush lands transform into bunchgrass and sage grasslands. The North and South Thompson rivers converge in Kamloops. There are more than 200 lakes in this area brimming with Kokanee and rainbow trout. Pull over and cast your line, there are ample opportunities for fishing here. Kamloops is a vibrant city with a focus on outdoor adventure. Hike the windswept hoodoos and alpine meadows or stand in awe at a 10,000-year-old sandstone rock formation. Take part in watersports, horseback riding, golfing, Interior Cascades Map Guide | 33
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map)
Heli-hiking the Berg Lake Trail provides constant views of Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies
mountain biking, skydiving, agritourism, fishing, white water rafting and more! There are events throughout the year. Kamloops has several parks, including BC Wildlife Park where you can meet Clover, a rescued Spirit bear. Visit the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park. Learn about Indigenous history and marvel at the remains of a 2,000-yearold village. In August, plan to experience the Kamloopa Pow Wow, where you will see world-class dancers and the bright beautiful colours of their regalia. Hear the heartbeat of the drum as it echoes throughout the city at one of the largest celebrations of First Nations culture and 34 | Route97.net #Route97
Bears, Salmon, eagles under a sky full of stars heritage in Western Canada. While in Kamloops, you may receive a warm cowboy welcome from the Kamloops Mounted Patrol. You’ll see them from March to December on the streets, in the parks and up at Thompson Rivers University. Kids will love the Big Little Science Centre where they can have lots of hands on
experiments and experiences. History buffs will love the walking tour and Kamloops Heritage Railway. Beer lovers will enjoy the self-guided walking brew tour while wine aficionados can take a tour of area wineries. Kamloops has a thriving arts and theatre scene with eight art galleries including the Arnica Artist Run Centre. Take the Back Alley Art Gallery tour for a variety of full scale murals. Check with the local Visitor Centre to find out what shows are currently running at their live theatres. Warmer weather means getting out and enjoying what the area has to offer. Visit both of their farmers’ markets
THOMPSON OKANAGAN REGION, BC, CANADA (see pull out map) for locally grown fresh goodness. You can also get your greens on one of Kamloops’ eight golf courses. Follow the sagebrush and tumbleweeds west from Kamloops to Cache Creek. It’s here where you can follow in the footsteps of dreamers and prospectors on the Gold Rush Trail. This trail begins in New Westminster along Hwy 1 and ends its northern route in Prince George at Hwy 97 N. From here you can continue to Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC. From the Thompson, you can access the Gold Country or the North Thompson / Columbia Icefields Parkway road trips.
North Thompson / Columbia Icefields Parkway Road Trip, Thompson, BC – 443 km (275 mi)
The North Thompson Valley stretches from Kamloops in the south to Mount Robson in the north. It includes the communities of: Barriere, Sun Peaks, Clearwater/Wells Gray, Blue River, and Valemount. This corridor can be experienced in either direction as part of the Columbia Icefields Parkway road trip. Venture off from Kamloops on BC 5 north to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort, the second largest recreational ski area in Canada and year-round resort village with ongoing events. Continue to Barriere in the Lower North Thompson where you’ll find dozens of fishing lodges, set up ranch style. The largest community in the North Thompson Valley is Clearwater, considered the gateway to rugged wilderness. Take your time in Wells Gray Provincial Park where you can view the amazing vista of Helmcken Falls or walk behind Moul Falls, which plummets 35m (115 ft) into the canyon below. We dare you to keep count of the number of waterfalls along the way. Paddle in the quiet of Murtle Lake,
Lock eyes with a black bear in the wild near Blue River, North Thompson, BC
the largest non-motorized lake in North America. Explore the fringe of the world’s only inland rainforest. View bears in their natural habitat river safari style in Blue River. Ride the rapids near Valemount and hike the iconic Berg Lake Trail at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Then Hike through alpine blossoms at Sun Peaks or Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
take to the air. Nothing quite compares to the 360-degree view of the valley below from a helicopter. Heli-hike Berg Lake Trail, heli-tour the glaciers and in the winter, snowmobile in the alpine wilderness. Just past Valemount, take Hwy 16 east to Jasper and Jasper National Park, where you’ll be amazed by the diverse ecology and glacier-laden area of the Columbia Icefields. Tour the glaciers year-round. For four months of the year, you can visit Maligne Lake. It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and is home to the world-famous Spirit Island. Stay in the beautiful mountain community of Jasper with stunning vistas, everchanging landscapes and activities. As you drive south on BC 93 to Lake Louise and Banff you’re in for a truly quintessential Canadian experience. Free your mind and relax at spas and in the hot springs. From Banff, travel west on the TransCanada Highway (Hwy 1) to return to Kamloops, via Golden and Revelstoke. Interior Cascades Map Guide | 35
A mountain biker on a trail on Mount Conkle overlooking Summerland, BC
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E VER W O ND ER… THINGS TO DO
LET YOUR CURIOSITY DRIVE YOU There is so much to do – so get out on the road and discover Route 97 your way. Explore on your own or let one of our tour guides take you on an adventure. Here are some of the highlights of things to do. Be sure to check the Route97.net website or visit the local Visitor Centers for more information as you travel the highways, byways and loops of Route 97.
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THINGS TO DO
First Nations winter home pit house at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, BC
experience the old west first hand
HISTORY AND CULTURE
cowboy culture along the way. You can experience the old west first hand in the western town Winthrop, WA. Walk along the board sidewalks and step inside to quench your thirst at the oldest legal saloon in WA State. Across the border in BC, there’s the O’Keefe Ranch in Vernon. Take a tour of the old mansion, walk the farm, and watch the potter and
The authentically western town of Winthrop, WA
Photo joyfuldesigns / Shutterstock.com
Route 97 is an experience of three nations – Canada, USA and First Nations people. Years ago, this route was an ancestral trail that wove its way through Washington and British Columbia. For thousands of years, Indigenous people passed freely, unencumbered by the borders we have today. Throughout the Interior Cascades of Route 97, you’ll find three Indigenous Nations: Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan (Syilx), and Secwepemc, each with their own unique dialects, traditions, history, and story. You’ll find an abundance of interpretive centres and museums showcasing their history and culture throughout Route 97. There are also traditional Pow Wows held on both sides of the border. This incredibly diverse landscape is home to some of the best stampedes, rodeos and pow wows you’ll ever attend. Events start in the spring and carry on right through to the fall. From the Omak Stampede and Suicide Race in WA to the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong and the Barriere Rodeo and Fall Fair in BC, there are plenty of ways to celebrate agriculture and
the blacksmith create works of art. There are still a few steam trains left here too. In Wenatchee, WA you can ride the steam train on a miniature railroad. Across the border, there are two steam trains that run seasonally in Summerland and Kamloops, BC. In the summer, you can take part in the Great Train Robbery on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland. There’s a strong Mexican influence on the south side of the border as well, with many options for authentic cuisine and fresh ingredients to make your own.
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THINGS TO DO WILDLIFE
Wildlife here is as diverse as our ecology and geography. The dramatic forces of nature sculpted this land into sagebrush laden deserts, rolling foothills, daunting cliffs, towering mountains, incredible forests, powerful rivers and shimmering lakes. There’s a myriad of ecosystems that house interesting creatures from the damsel dragonfly to the bald eagle, and from the beaver to the grizzly bear. Bighorn sheep, deer, moose, mountain goats, wolves, foxes, coyotes, grizzly and black bears, marmots, salmon, hawks and owls are just some of the abundant wildlife in this area. There are
44 species of raptors and 33 of owls in the Vernon, BC area. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat on a guided river safari in Blue River, BC where you’ll get goosebumps as you stare into the eyes of a bear and her cubs grazing on the shores.
SIGNATURE PARKS
Route 97 boasts several parks that you don’t want to miss. The North Cascades National Park in WA has over
300 glaciers and it’s where you’ll find Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in America. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park has 22,450 m (73,640 ft) of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls, a stark cliff, carved by the Ice Age Floods, 120 m (400 ft) high and 5.6 km (3.5 mi) wide. Wells Gray Provincial Park in BC is home to Helmcken Falls, Canada’s fourth highest waterfall. Wells Gray has volcanic fields, glacier fed lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, jagged mountain peaks and 40 waterfalls. Mt. Robson Provincial Park is home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. A big black bear shakes himself dry
Photo River Safari
A bald eagle swoops in to capture its meal
diversity of wildlife and landscape
Sunset panorama of Mount Baker, North Cascades National Park, WA
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THINGS TO DO
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, WA
ICONIC TRAILS
Follow in the footsteps of dreamers, prospectors, pioneers and Indigenous people. There’s something about the Interior Cascades that makes for some breathtaking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail runs from Mexico to Canada. This wild and scenic pathway has breathtaking terrain for you to explore. The Pacific Northwest Trail is 1900 km (1200 mi) of exhilarating exploration that runs from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is part of the Trans Canada Trail, now known as The Great Trail, with several access points throughout the Interior Cascades in British Columbia. The Shuswap Trail System includes approximately 400 km (249 mi) of shoreline, as well as mountains with trails for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking and hiking.
RAIL TRAILS
The Curlew Lake Trestle is a highlight of the Ferry County Rail Trail, WA
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Imagine being on a trail where steam engines once chugged through the valleys and mountains of the Interior Cascades. Walk, hike, bike, or ride on rail trails in and around Route 97. In North-Central Washington, the old Great Northern Railway is where you’ll find most of the rail trails. The Iron Goat Trail in Chelan County is an hour west of Leavenworth. Years ago, it was home to America’s worst avalanche. Today it is a tranquil walk through a lush forest. Near Curlew, take your time as you experience picturesque landscapes of the Ferry County Rail Trail along Kettle River and Curlew Lake. You’ll cross two former railroad bridges and go through a short tunnel cut into the rocky hillside. You can connect to the Historic Highlands road trip from this trail. The Similkameen Rail Trail follows the Similkameen River from Oroville towards Nighthawk. Only the first 5.5
THINGS TO DO km (3.5 mi) of the trail are currently used as a rail trail. Hop on your mountain bike or your trusty steed and enjoy the shrub-steppe and occasional evergreens as you explore the land. There are several breathtaking rail trails in Canada, most join to form The Great Trail. In Boundary Country access the KVR at Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Railway in Midway. Hike or bike through shifting landscapes of tranquil rivers, ranchlands and soaring mountains. Enjoy the mountain views,
iron rails morph into nature trails beautiful forests and venture into the shadowy tunnels near Grand Forks. The Similkameen Valley road trip in BC connects with the Kettle Valley Rail Trail at Princeton. Hike or bike where pioneers once travelled in search of possible riches in the fur trade and gold mining. Pack your tent and spend the
night at a campsite along the Tulameen River. Access the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail just outside of Kelowna, BC. This trail has fantastic mountain views and stunning scenery. Traverse wood-frame trestles and tunnels carved in the rock and exit at Naramata where you can ride the trail through picturesque vineyards. Check with the closest Visitor Centre about wheelchair accessibility and to ensure trails are open.
Experience sunsets on the trestle bridges that overlook Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Okanagan, BC
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THINGS TO DO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
When you think Interior Cascades, it’s hard not to think of the great outdoors. Activities range from laid back to downright challenging with plenty in between. There are over 70 golf courses on both sides of the border, including one of the toughest courses ever designed. Choose from extremely challenging courses to walks in the park. Golf season runs from March through October so there’s plenty of time to play a round. Water activities are a natural part of the warmer months here. Fish, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, boat, ski, or just relax by one of the hundreds of lakes and rivers. Explore the lakes of the Shuswap by houseboat or drift along the Thompson, Shuswap or Similkameen rivers during the summer when the river moves slower. Tighten up your lifejacket and tackle some whitewater rapids on the Methow and Wenatchee Rivers in WA, and the Thompson, Fraser and
go for sports on water, land and in the air Clearwater Rivers in BC. Search for treasure in Canada’s largest geocaching geotour in Gold Country, BC or pan for gold in rivers and streams. With all the mountains and cliffs in the area, rock climbing and caving are
a natural fit. At the Skaha Bluffs, near Penticton, BC, you’ll find a series of more than 650 routes with cliffs up to 80 m (250 ft) in height. Other outdoor activities include ziplining through the trees, strapping on a rocket pack and soaring above the lake, wake and surfboarding, paragliding, parasailing, skydiving, mountain biking, fat biking, heli-hiking, dog sledding and more! Tobiano is one of the toughest golf courses in Western Canada, Kamloops, BC
Photo Mount Robson Whitewater
Whitewater rafting on the upper Fraser River, Valemount, North Thompson, BC
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THINGS TO DO
Savour a unique dinner experience in a vineyard
LOCAL FLAVOURS
Foodies and wine aficionados come from far and wide to explore and taste the difference the terroir of Route 97 makes to food, drink and produce. And, you can taste it while doing really fun things! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do yoga in a vineyard or sit in a pyramid at a winery? Have you ever tasted honey fresh from the hive, or apple juice fresh from the tree? You can do that here. Visit Route97.net and look under Things to Do for more great information on our themed trails.
Culinary Trail
The Route 97 culinary trail is a delight waiting to be discovered. The field to table movement is alive and well in this bountiful land. Spend your mornings walking through lush gardens and orchards picking the ingredients for
beauty, drink and lots of good eats your dinner that night. Many of our chefs forage in the hills, mountains and valleys for wild edibles to make your meal all the more reflective of the region. Enjoy a meal on patios that overlook orchards, vineyards, lakes, deep in a cave beneath a vineyard or a historic bottling plant. There is no shortage of flavours and places to enjoy them throughout Route 97. You’ll find authentic Mexican culture throughout the WA area of this region with stores selling an abundance of authentic ingredients including an amazing variety of chilli peppers. Wine is a big part of our culinary
story, but we also have a variety of hand crafted beers, ciders, meads, fruit wines, liqueurs, and liquor from Wenatchee, WA to Cache Creek, BC.
Wine Trail
You’ll find vineyards and wineries throughout Route 97 from its southernmost tip in WA and up past Kamloops, BC in the north. Enjoy fresh, fragrant flavours amidst the backdrop of sun-soaked valleys and lush mountain views. Take a self-guided or organized wine tour, or try touring in a helicopter, hot-air balloon, kayak, bike, or classic car. Watch the sunset over the hills as you dine in a vineyard under the stars. Several of the area wineries have regular events and their restaurants source their ingredients locally. You can stay overnight at some wineries. Imagine waking up to a view of rolling hills with Interior Cascades Map Guide | 47
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THINGS TO DO row after row of ripe grapes hanging from the vine! There are over 250 wineries in the Interior Cascades. With several distinct sub-regions, you’ll have a myriad of delicious vintages to choose from. If you sampled 10 wines a day, it would take you over 225 days to taste them all! Find vintages you love and then learn what foods to pair with them. There’s yoga, concerts, culinary classes, competitions, festivals and events, all linked to our wonderful wineries. Don’t miss our year-round signature winery events from high atop a mountain to down in a valley by the lake.
Ale Trail
The Route 97 Ale Trail highlights the breweries throughout Route 97 that range in size from two rooms to two blocks of hoppy goodness. In the summer, be sure to try some of the dozens of varieties of hefeweizen, and in the cooler months, a delicious porter or stout. Try something a little different, perhaps a chocolate oatmeal stout or a peach ale. You don’t have to pick just one. Many of our brews can be found in brewpubs and are paired with their menu items. There are hundreds of beers to choose from as you discover the Route 97 Ale Trail.
Farmers’ Market Trail
Agriculture is a big part of who we are, and many of our farms are multigenerational and several are organic. The lands throughout Route 97 are rich and abundant. People have been growing great things here for as long as there have been farmers. Let’s face it… things just taste better when grown locally. The best place to find delicious local food is at our farmers’ markets. They have great organic and non-organic produce as well as locally grown meats, fish, baked goods, honey, jams, jellies and other handmade preserves.
Enjoy a meal in the heart of culinary country
Interior Cascades Map Guide | 49
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THINGS TO DO Fruit Stand Trail
There’s nothing like biting into treeripened fruit or a crunchy vegetable straight from the field. The Fruit Stand Trail throughout Route 97 offers up a cornucopia of fresh from the farm goodness sure to make you smile. Most of our fruit and produce stands are open from spring through late fall. This is a trail you should visit more than once. Go on a fruit stand road trip every month and discover what’s in season!
Similkameen Valley, organic capital of Canada
Get Artsy
Artists, writers, musicians, artisans and performers have made this corridor their home. Our indoor and outdoor venues are yours to discover. Come and enjoy a variety of music set against a naturally beautiful backdrop. Experience live theatre under the stars, or wander through our several art galleries. You may even meet one of our writer’s in residence on your journey. Our Farmers’ Markets are second to none when it comes to finding high
quality artisanal items made with great care and expertise.
Games People Play
Take a chance, roll the dice, play the slots or sit down to a game of cards at one of the several casinos along Route 97. Many of these centers are proud to boast big name comedy and music entertainers. Take in a show or pamper yourself at the spa. Have a bite to eat and then settle in for the night in your comfortable room.
Try your luck at a game of chance
Let loose at one of our events and festivals, many are held at wineries
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WON DER OF WINTER When winter comes to the Interior Cascades we don’t stay inside... we bundle up and head out for some winter fun! You’ll find frozen waterfalls, ice-wine, wine festivals, outdoor recreation, indoor exploration and culinary delights like snowshoeing to a fireside dinner.
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Cross-country skiing at night at Silver Star Mountain Resort, Vernon, BC
Interior Cascades Map Guide | 53
Photo courtesy tourismkelowna.com - Shawn Talbot
Don O Ray Vegetables was established in the 1960’s. Proud to provide superb quality produce from our farm to your family; our roots to your table. Find a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs, home-made juices, jams, jellies, desserts, spices and natural snacks. Try our famous hot sauce and ever-popular butter chicken sauce!
3443 Benvoulin RD, Kelowna BC, V1W 4M5 250-860-2557 (bus) 250-575-7806 (cell)
54 | Route97.net #Route97
WONDER OF WINTER Go tobogganing, ice climbing, ice skating, or start a pick-up game of hockey. Strap on your skis or snowboard and delight in freshly fallen snow on our mountain resorts. We have night skiing where the runs are lit up and places where you ski with a headlamp! Come on out and snowmobile, snowshoe, fat bike, or tube your way through our winter wonderland. Our mountain resorts are brimming with winter events. There are Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, downhill and cross-country races and slalom races. Enjoy the tele-races and full moon ski and dinner nights, as well as family days. We have days set aside just for BBQs and others for tasting wine. Take a sleigh ride to a remote cabin for a five-star dinner. If you prefer, camp under the stars or enjoy some live outdoor theatre.
Deep powder or vertical ice – your choice Nordic fans will love the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America in the Methow Valley, with over 300 km (186 mi) of trails. Then there’s over 105 km (65 mi) of groomed trails near Vernon, BC. Experience the thrill of flying in a helicopter and being dropped on the top of a mountain so you can ski down on freshly fallen snow. Winter is a time for culinary delights. We have events where the best of the best chefs compete and you get to taste their entries! Then there’s the wine. We have plenty of wine festivals and food celebrations, there’s even a celebration of wine and chocolate.
Climbing frozen waterfalls is an exciting winter sport in the Interior Cascades
Ski among the snow ghosts at Big White Ski Resort, BC
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Q UENCH YO U R C U R I O S I T Y
PLAN YOUR TR IP
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#Route97
PLAN YOUR TRIP Count on seeing beautiful country during your road trips in the Interior Cascades
Come explore the Interior Cascades and all the amazing places in and around Route 97. Start your road trip from the west coasts of Washington and British Columbia or from the east via Alberta, Idaho or Montana. Connect to Route 97 from any direction to explore the communities and geological wonders throughout the Interior Cascades region.
ELECTRIC CAR FRIENDLY
Go green and explore Route 97’s scenic wonders in the comfort of your Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV). Get a boost along the way at select resorts, wineries, convention centers, municipalities, parks, visitor centres and even college campus charging stations. In the Okanagan, BC, you can rent a Tesla for your road trip. Visit our website for more information and location maps, route97.net.
pitch a tent, park your RV or rent an RV. Sleep in a yurt, go off the grid in a tree house, hunker down in a miner’s tent or catch some zzzs in a covered wagon. It’s all part of the Route 97 experience. Accommodations range from private cabins in orchards to lakeside resort hotels with stunning views. Get to know the locals and ask them about the area. For accommodation, search our directory at route97.net.
Many accommodations boast great views
Electric car recharging stations are available throughout the region
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
With all this adventure, you’ll need someplace to lay your head at the end of a busy day and there are plenty of options to choose from. Hotels, motels, ranch stays, spa retreats, destination resorts, Tuscan styled lodging in a vineyard, mountain resorts and quaint B&Bs dot the region. You can
CROSSING THE BORDER
The 49th parallel represents the world’s largest unprotected border separating two countries. Route 97 crosses from the United States to Canada at Oroville, Washington and from Canada into the United States at Osoyoos, BC. A valid passport or enhanced driver’s licence will grant you access to both countries. Both Oroville and Osoyoos feature duty-free shops. See our website for a complete list of visitor centres for the Interior Cascades region. Route97.net. Additional border Crossings are located at Laurier/ Cascade (Christina Lake), Danville/Carson (Grand Forks) Ferry/ Midway, and Night Hawk/Chopaka. Interior Cascades Map Guide | 57
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CALENDAR |
12-MONTH EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
There’s an abundance of festivals and events in this region that range from small town eclectic to mountaintop resorts. Winter, spring, summer and fall, you’ll find us at festivals, events and fairs. We celebrate in the parks, on the streets and out in the fields. We celebrate with wine festivals in all four seasons. There are indoor and outdoor concerts from music
in the park to big name concerts well worth the drive. Food is high on our list and we celebrate our chefs as well as our bounty, from apple pie to peaches and peppers. It doesn’t matter when you visit, we have events and festivals yearround. For information on key events, visit our website at Route97.net.
JANUARY
> Lake Osoyoos Cup, NW Jet Sports, Oroville, WA
> Lake Chelan Winterfest, WA
> Wine Country Triathlon, Osoyoos, BC
> NW Ice Fishing Festival, Molson, WA
> Cactus Jalopies Desert Wine Cruise, Osoyoos
> BC Family Day, Sun Peaks, Big White, Apex Mountain, Mount Baldy and SilverStar, BC
> Wine Capital Triathlon, Oliver, BC
> Winter Okanagan Wine Festival, Sun Peaks, BC
> Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament, GF, BC
> Robb’s Ride, Grand Forks, BC
FEBRUARY
> Stan Thompson Rodeo, Princeton
> Snowshoe Softball Tournament, Winthrop, WA
> Elks Rodeo, Keremeos, BC
> Sip with Your Sweetheart, West Kelowna, BC
> Bluegrass Country Jamboree, Keremeos, BC
> Canadian Culinary Championships, Kelowna, BC > Vernon Winter Carnival, Vernon, BC
> Rally at the Border Blues Fest, Oroville, WA
> Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival, Penticton, BC
> Rotary Wine Festival, Princeton, BC
> May Day Festival, Oroville, WA
> Peach City Beach Cruise, Penticton, BC
> Shuswap International Film Festival, Salmon Arm, BC
> Devour Food and Film Festival, Osoyoos, BC
> Ribfest, Penticton, BC
> Medieval Faire, Tilt and Lance Joust, Osoyoos, BC
> Bluegrass Festival, Summerland, BC
MARCH
> Elks Rodeo, Keremeos, BC
> Sip in to Summer, Westside Wine Trail, West Kelowna, BC
> Winthrop Balloon Roundup, WA > Entiat Kite Festival, Chelan, WA > Devour Kelowna Foodie Event, Kelowna, BC > Spring Fest, Manning Park, BC > Sun Peaks March Music Madness, BC
APRIL
> WA State Apple Blossom Festival, Wenatchee, WA > Chelan Nouveau (new wine releases), Lake Chelan, WA > Taste Leavenworth, Leavenworth, WA > Earth Day Fair, Chelan and Leavenworth, WA > Conconcully Trout Derby, Conconcully, WA > Osoyoos Oyster Festival, Osoyoos > Okanagan Fest of Ale, Penticton, BC > Chopaka Rodeo, Keremeos, BC > Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, Okanagan, BC
> Similkameen Heritage Festival, Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC > Princeton Mining Days, Princeton, BC > Meadowlark Festival, Okanagan/Similkameen Valleys, BC > Vernon Bike Festival, Vernon, BC > Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, BC > World of Wheels Car Show, Peachland, BC > Rutland May Days, Kelowna, BC > Great Okanagan Beer Festival, Kelowna, BC > Cider Fest, Kelowna, BC > Shuswap Writer’s Festival, Salmon Arm, BC > BC Open Gold Panning Championships, Enderby, BC > Falkland Stampede, Falkland, BC > Kamloops Wine Festival, Kamloops, BC
> IndieFest, Kelowna, BC
> Deadman’s Creek Open Rodeo, Thompson Valley, BC
> Interior Jazz Festival, Kelowna, BC
> High School Rodeo, Valemount, BC
> Boogie the Bridge, Kamloops, BC
MAY
JUNE
> Bavarian Maifest, Leavenworth, WA
> Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival, Wenatchee, WA
> Winthrop 49’er Days, WA
> Cruizin Chelan Car Show, Chelan, WA
> Okanogan Valley Fiber Festival, Okanogan, WA
> Okanogan Days, Okanogan, WA
> Westside Daze, West Kelowna, BC > Earth, Wind and Fire Culinary Event, Kelowna, BC > Fat Cat Children’s Festival, Kelowna, BC > Craft & Country Beer & Mountain Fest, Big White, BC > Sunshine Festival, Vernon, BC > Funtastic Softball and Music Festival, Vernon, BC > Lumby Days, Lumby, BC > Graffiti Days, Cache Creek, BC > Foam Fest, Sun Peaks, BC > Valemount Craft Beer Experience, Valemount, BC Interior Cascades Map Guide | 59
Located directly on Rt. 97 just 6 miles south of the US/Canadian border. Visit our website at:
pastimebarandgrill.com (Must be over 21 to enter)
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Don’t pass us by!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY
> Kamloopa Pow Wow, Kamloops, BC
> Fourth of July Celebrations, WA
> Annual Retro Concert Weekend, Sun Peaks, BC
> Apple Pie Jamboree, Pateros, WA
> North West Mud Racing, Valemount,BC
> Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Fest, WA
> Robson Valley Music Festival, Valemount, BC
> 4th of July Pow Wow and Celebration, Nespelem, WA
> Metalocalypstick Fest, Valemount, BC
SEPTEMBER
> Cheesaw 4th of July Rodeo, Chesaw, WA
> Fiestas Mexicanas, Wenatchee, WA
> Canada’s 150th Birthday, July 1, BC
> Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth, WA
> Music in the Park, Osoyoos, BC > Founder’s Day, Greenwood, BC > Snowbirds Air Show, Grand Forks, BC > BMX Tourney, Grand Forks, BC > Founders Day, Greenwood, BC > Homecoming Summerfest, Christina Lake, BC > Princeton Show and Shine Car Show, Princeton, BC > Challenge Penticton Triathlon, Penticton, BC > Scottish Festival, Penticton, BC > Prospera GranFondo Axel Merckx, Penticton, BC > Westside Art Show, West Kelowna, BC
> Taste of the Harvest, Wenatchee, WA > Outdoor Art Happens Festival, Oroville, WA
> Alpine Blossom Festival, Sun Peaks, BC
> Fall Fair, Grand Forks, BC
> Country Fest, Sun Peaks, BC
> Fall Fair, Rock Creek, BC
> Kamloopa Pow Wow, Kamloops, BC > Canoe Mountain Rode, Valemount, BC
> Similkameen Sizzle, Keremeos, BC
AUGUST
> Heritage Fall Fair at the Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC
> Similkameen Pow Wow, Keremeos, BC
> NCW Fair, Waterville, WA
> Wings on the Wind Kite Festival, Manning Park, BC
> Omak Stampede, Omak, WA
> Princeton and District Agriculture Fall Fair, Princeton, BC
> Rally at the Border Blues Fest, Oroville, WA
> Westside Days, West Kelowna, BC
> Apple Triathlon, Kelowna, BC
> Sukanaqin Sxelxalt – Okanagan Day, West Kelowna, BC
> CannaFest Music Festival, Grand Forks, BC > Park in the Park Car Show, Grand Forks, BC
> Center of Gravity, Kelowna, BC
> Traditional Music Festival, Princeton, BC
> Folk Fest, Kelowna, BC
> Lights on Lightning Lake Lantern Festival, Manning Park, BC
> Okanagan Trestles Tour, Kelowna, BC > L’Alpe de Grande Blanc – Big White, BC > Ciderfest – Big White, BC > Okanagan Military Tattoo, Vernon, BC > Funtastic Softball and Music Festival, Vernon,BC > Sun Valley Cruise in Car Show, Vernon, BC
> Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival, Penticton, BC > Dragon Boat Festival, Penticton, BC > Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival, Vernon, BC
> Peachfest, Penticton, BC > Feast of Fields, Kelowna, BC > Hopscotch Festival, Kelowna, BC > Rock the Lake Classic Rock Festival, Kelowna, BC > Mud, Sweat and Tears, Big White, BC
> Summer Suds, Vernon, BC
> Garlic Festival, Enderby
> Canada 150 Original Wooden Dragon Boat Festival, Salmon Arm, BC
> Roots and Blues Festival, Salmon Arm, BC > Bonaparte Pow Wow, Cache Creek, BC
> Summer Stomp and Burnout, Sicamous, BC
> Ribfest, Kamloops, BC
Plan your road trip at Route97.net
@DiscoverRoute97 | #Route97 Interior Cascades Map Guide | 61
CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER
> Raptor Festival, Vernon, BC
> Light Up Celebrations throughout the Interior Cascades
> 2017 55+ Games, Vernon, BC > Apple Festival, Vernon, BC
> Christkindlmarkt, Leavenworth, WA
> Fall Wine Festival, Okanagan, BC
> Christmas at the End of the Road, Winthrop, WA
> Interior Provincial Exhibition Fair, Armstrong, BC
> Winter in Wine Country, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC
> Adams River Salmon Run, North Shuswap, BC
> Okanagan Falls Wineries Holiday Cheer, Okanagan Falls, BC
> Geocaching Event, Gold Country, BC > Get Corked Run, Kamloops, BC
> Gallery 2 Wine Tasting & Artisan Craft Fair, Grand Forks, BC
> Peaks Pedal Fest, Sun Peaks, BC > North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo, Barriere, BC > Mount Robson Marathon Run, Valemount, BC
DECEMBER
OCTOBER
> Christmas on Main Street, Omak, WA
> Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, WA
> Leavenworth Oktoberfest, Leavenworth, WA
> Winery Open Houses, Similkameen and Okanagan, BC
> Halloween Harvest Festival, Omak, WA > Festival of the Grape, Oliver, BC
> Tulameen Winter Festival, Tulameen, BC
> Apple Day at the Grist Mill, Keremeos, BC > Fall Wine Festival, Okanagan, BC
> Little Treasures, Enderby, BC
> Oktoberfest, Penticton, BC
> Adams River Salmon Run Festivities, North Shuswap, BC
> Caravan Farm Theatre Winter Sleigh Ride Show, Enderby, BC
> Festival of Lights, Summerland, BC
> Rotary Shuswap WineFest, Salmon Arm, BC
> Wildlights Festival, BC Wildlife Park, Kamloops, BC
> Vernon Fall Festival, Vernon, BC
> Boo at the Zoo, Kamloops, BC
> Zombie Walk, Princeton, BC
> Ghost Train, Kamloops, BC
> Summerland Festival of Light/Light Up The Vines, Summerland, BC
Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre
Prestige Beach House Kelowna The perfect combination of upscale yet casual, we’re conveniently located in downtown Kelowna, only steps from the park and beach. Free cruiser bikes, beach toys, and sports equipment for guest use.
The Vernon Lodge is a truly unique hotel with guestrooms surrounding a tropical atrium offering a pool, hot tub, and dining area. Don Cherry’s Sports Grill and a liquor store are also on-site.
VERNONLODGE.COM
250-545-3385
Prestige Hotel Vernon
PRESTIGEHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM
250-860-7900
Prestige Harbourfront Resort Salmon Arm Located on a nature estuary and only a short stroll from the marina, the resort offers peaceful views of Shuswap Lake from its guestrooms, pool and hot tub, and restaurant patio.
Conveniently located next to recreation, and shopping areas. With a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and on-site restaurant, guests will enjoy comfort and convenience.
PRESTIGEHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM
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250-541-2650
PRESTIGEHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM
250-833-5800
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