2016 Interior Cascades Route 97 Touring Guide by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

I N T E R I O R C A S C A D E S O F B R I T I S H C O LU M B I A & WA S H I N G TO N

ROUTE 97 R OA D T R I P M A P G U I D E

DRIVE CURIOUS

Be Curious ROUTE97.NET route97.net

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.

Explore the Interior Cascades of Route 97 featuring the North Central Washington and Thompson Okanagan regions on both sides of the 49th parallel with miles of rivers, huge lakes, a pocket desert, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. South of the border, explore friendly towns along tributaries and confluences of the mighty Columbia River as it meanders the Cascade Mountain foothills, high plateaus and Ice Age geologic wonders of the Inland Northwest. Route 97 is North America’s longest continuous north-south highway extending from Weed, CA to Mile Zero of the Alaska Hwy, at Dawson Creek, BC. This spread: Quench your curiosity and discover a place where adventure, wildlife and nature take centre stage. Dining in a BC vineyard. Cover: The North Cascades Highway in Washington provides dramatic scenery.

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SAT I S F Y

YOUR CURIOSITY

CONTENTS Be Curious: Our Story

Places To Go

Pull Out Map

Things To Do

Plan Your Trip

Calendar of Events

Contact Us: Email info@route97.net Copyright 2016 Â© 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, Tourism Kelowna, Tobiano Golf Course.

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BE CURIOUS OUR STORY

Kelowna is a lakeside city in the heart of the Okanagan surrounded by wineries and orchards where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, theatres, and shopping, right on the lakeshore.

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Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com and Shawn Talbot

Let your curiosity fuel you as you embark on carefree road trips in and around Route 97. The Interior Cascades region has some of the most diverse outdoor and cultural experiences in North America. Route 97 is at the core of your journey. From here, venture off on numerous side trips and detours that indulge your sense of adventure.

Your journeys in and around Route 97 can be a day trip, a week’s holiday, a month long exploration or more! This expansive land is perfect for four seasons of fantastic memory making. You will marvel at the majestic mountains, wild rivers, fertile valleys and relaxing lakes. Follow your inquisitive nature as you venture forth into a diverse geographical area that rewards you with wildlife, beauty, power, majesty, history, friendly folk and unique experiences. The roads, loops, byways and towns of North Central Washington and the Thompson Okanagan in British Columbia have thousands of places to explore. 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 of BC and beyond. It’s easy to connect to and from Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, from major interstates and highways. Choose the route that intrigues you and head out on a road trip to remember. When heading north on Route 97 venture through the Gold Rush Trail enroute to Alaska. Our region’s culture is formed from three nations that call this place home: Aboriginal Nations, Canada and the United States. The history and culture of the Syilx and Interior Salish Aboriginal Nations people are deeply interwoven into the fabric of both countries. Celebrate with us at Pow Wows

North Thompson / Columbia Icefields Parkway Loop p.18

KAMLOOPS Shuswap Loop p.18 Gold Country Kamloops Loop p.15

Monashee Loop p.17 Boundary

Similkameen Valley Loop p.15

KELOWNA Monashee Loop p.13

VANCOUVER

CANADA USA

The Cascade Loop p.11 A peaceful anchorage on Lake Chelan in North Central Washington state, at 89 km (50.5 miles) long it is the largest natural lake in the state.

SEATTLE

Historic Highlands Loop p.12 Many Lakes Loop p.11 Ice Age Floods Loop p.11

SPOKANE

WENATCHEE (For more detail see our large format pull out map in the centre of this guide.)

and feasts. Step into the past and appreciate a simpler life at our interpretation centres and museums. In cowboy country, you can stay and relax at a ranch or work alongside ranch hands, tour heritage ranches and attend rodeos, festivals, and fairs. You’ll find the people here friendly, welcoming, and happy to share their stories. Our diverse ecosystems provide a natural backdrop for abundant outdoor recreation with internationally acclaimed trails systems, one of a kind wildlife viewing and North America’s only inland rainforest. Take a guided tour or explore by bike, foot, horseback, skis or snowshoes. Our rivers will soothe or excite depending on the season, from gentle floats to Class 4 rapids. 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 go on for miles, as do the number of ways to enjoy them. Our lush valleys are home to rich agricultural diversity, from internationally award winning wines to multi generational organic farms. Food, wine and craft beer are celebrated with events year round that range from new releases to culinary championships where chefs compete on the world wide stage. Our gastronomic fare ranges from gourmet food truck treats to chef prepared, long table dinners under the stars. Stop for a moment, reconnect with who you are and let curiosity lead you to your next encounter on Route 97.

ROUTE 97 CONNECTS YOU WITH A WHOLE WORLD OF ADVENTURE, OVER 150,000 KM 2 (60,000 MI 2) WORTH ROUTE 97 EXPERIENCES TO BRAG ABOUT • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fat Biking at mountain resorts Stomp grapes at a wine festival Blues festivals on both sides of the border Traditional Pow Wows in Omak, WA and Kamloops, BC Mountain Bike on one of the several trails in the Interior Cascades Hike the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail in WA Hike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Trans Canada Trail in BC White water rafting on Class 4 rapids Double Black Diamond ski runs at world class ski resorts Wine tours and tastings at nearly 300 wineries, or dine Tuscan style in a vineyard Bike Myra Canyon, BC with 18 trestles and two tunnels Take in a laser light show at the Grand Coulee Damn in WA Look into the eyes of a bear Interior Cascades Map Guide | 5

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Find your happy place The Similkameen Valley is the place for rugged, rustic and real 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

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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.

Experience adventures from mild to wild Similkameen style

THE VALLEY’S TOP 10 LIST 1. Celebrate Manning Parks 75th birthday 2. Hike, ski or snowshoe in Manning Park, Cathedral Lakes and China Ridge Trails. 3. Explore our prospecting past at Mascot Mines in Hedley 4. Float down the Similkameen River 5. Fish our lakes and rivers for Rainbow and Brook trout 6. Tour the wineries, sip some wine and chat with the owners and winemakers at our boutique wineries and eateries 7. Take in an event or concert at the Grist Mill and Gardens 8. Discover our storied past at Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos museums 9. Hike or bike the Kettle Valley Rail/Trans Canada Trails in Princeton 10. Buy organic at orchards and fruit stands in Keremeos and Cawston, Organic Capital of Canada

Keremeos Area Visitor Centre 417 – 7th Avenue, Keremeos, BC 250.499.5225

Princeton Area Visitor Centre 169 Bridge Street, Princeton, BC 250.295.0235

SimilkameenValley.com The Valley includes: Cathedral Lakes, Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Eastgate, Hedley, Keremeos, Manning Park, Olalla, Princeton, Similkameen Valley, Tulameen and Twin Lakes.

OH THE P L AC E S YO U ’ L L G O

Keep exploring and choose the ones that pique your curiosity as you make epic road trip memories. 8 | Route97.net

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Photo: DestinationBC

Hike Cathedral Lakes for 360-degree vistas of sapphire lakes, wandering wildlife and jagged mountain peaks so tremendous, it’ll send shivers up your spine.

There are several highways and byways that will get you here as you connect to the people and places that lie right around the corner. Travel 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. Whether you explore along the main corridor or venture off, there are hundreds of side routes and loops that will take you deep into the heart of the Interior Cascades and beyond.

INTERIOR CASCADES OF ROUTE 97, USA AND CANADA (see pull out map) North Central Washington to US border at Oroville, WA

Courtesy of North Central Washington Economic Development District

337 km (210 mi) Rural communities and down home hospitality await as you cruise Route 97 north through Douglas, Chelan and Okanogan counties of North Central Washington, following the Columbia River. Raft the Wenatchee River, or visit the Bavarian themed village of Leavenworth. The Stuart Range south of Leavenworth is a premier rock and ice climbing spot. Take 97A along the Columbia River through Entiat to Lake Chelan, the largest lake in WA. Visit Lake Chelan in any season and enjoy Nordic skiing in the winter and sky diving in the warmer months. Ride a passenger ferry to the remote villages of Holden and Stehekin. Explore vineyards and orchards and sip wine in the fastest growing wine region in WA. From Pateros, explore the Okanogan-Wenatchee National

Forest, a landscape born of volcanoes, glaciers, and massive floods. Omak WA is home to the world famous Omak Stampede. Up the road is Tonasket, the gateway to the Historic Highlands loop. From there it’s on to Oroville, WA, located four miles south of the Canadian Border. The green pastures and orchards of the valley floor contrast with the rugged cliffs and glacial features.

Osoyoos – Desert and Culture Osoyoos, BC, at the southern tip of Route 97, is a major junction for Hwys 97, 3 and 3A. Here you’ll find a First Nation winery, the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre, lakeside resorts, orchards and farms, all combined with the unique ecology of a pocket desert.

Osoyoos, BC to Gold Rush Trail 368 km (229 mi) via 97 and 425 km (264 mi) via 97A Several small towns and cities are located on or near lakes and rivers in an area flush with orchards, fruit stands, vineyards and wineries and famous for its year round wine and music festivals. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking in spring, summer and fall, then when the snow flies get your champagne powder fix at one of the area ski resorts.

Stand in awe at the geographical and ecological diversity that runs through the Interior Cascades.

Spotted Lake, Osoyoos, BC, was for centuries and remains revered as a sacred site.

Oliver and Okanagan Falls Oliver is known as the Wine Capital of Canada for its high concentration of wineries. At Vaseux Lake walk the boardwalk for great bird watching, then follow the wine route to Okanagan Falls. Local parks boast of warm, shallow family friendly beaches. In harvest season stop at one of the many fruit stands that dot the highway. Penticton, Naramata and Summerland Penticton lies on the north end of Skaha Lake – relax on their sandy beaches or float the river channel. The Skaha Bluffs is one of finest training areas for climbers in North America. Venture up the Naramata bench for

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Clockwise from left: Shuswap Lake; First Nation pow wow in central Okanagan; Enderby’s largest drive-in theatre screen in North America; Kalamalka Lake; and the Nicola Valley.

vineyards, orchards, wineries and cycling access to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Then onwards to Summerland for more wineries and orchards, where you might get robbed by outlaws on the historic steam train. Peachland, West Kelowna/Westbank, Kelowna At Peachland visit Hardy Falls, zipline through the trees or walk their lakefront. In West Kelowna/Westbank, find dozens of wineries atop an ancient volcano. Cross the floating pontoon bridge into Kelowna, the largest city in the area. There’s fine dining, golf, shopping, live music, live theatre, hiking, biking, there’s so much to see and do here. Lake Country and Vernon North of Kelowna, Route 97 twists and turns past Lake Country, home to the Kangaroo Creek farm where you can wander among the wallabies, kangaroos, and other animals. When you spot the marled colours of Kalamalka Lake you’re near Vernon, 10 | Route97.net

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where you can hike and bike trails galore around the three lakes and two large provincial parks. Visit a multigenerational farm that sells everything it grows on site. And a meadery and honey shop where you can observe a working hive. Armstrong/Spallumcheen and Enderby 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 performances put on by the outdoor theatre company. 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 valleys. Shuswap Salmon Arm is home to the highly acclaimed Roots and Blues festival

while Sicamous is known as the Housboating Capital of Canada. It’s here where you’ll see the largest Sockeye salmon run in BC on the Adams River. Kamloops Head west towards Kamloops, a vibrant city with a focus on outdoor adventure. Enjoy one of their many parks, including a wildlife park where you can meet Clover, a rescued Spirit bear. Learn the history of the First Nations at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park and enjoy the Kamloopa Pow Wow, one of the largest celebrations of First Nations’ culture and heritage in Western Canada. Gold Rush Trail Follow in the footsteps of dreamers and prospectors along the Gold Rush Trail that begins in New Westminster along Hwy 1 and ends its northern route in Prince George at Hwy 97 N. From here you can continue on to Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC.

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON ROUTE 97 LOOPS (see pull out map) Ice Age Floods Loop – Douglas County, WA 264 km (164 mi) Take US 2 from Orondo or Route 28 from East Wenatchee and travel back 15,000 years in time. Picture yourself next to a gargantuan ice dam. Beyond the ice dam, water from rivers is backed up, creating an inland sea that covers much of Montana. The ice dam breaks, scouring the land in a raging torrent as it drains into the Pacific Ocean in two short days. These Ice Age floods created giant potholes, sandbars and enormous waterfalls, now massive cliffs four times the size of Niagara Falls. Watch for Yeager Rock, a 400-ton, two-story 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.

The Cascade Loop – Northern WA 644 km (400 mi) The great American road trip is alive

and well on the Cascade Loop. National Geographic Traveler calls it “One of America’s grandest, most spectacular drives.” You can join the loop at Douglas, Chelan or Okanogan County. 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. Come in April for the world famous Tulip Festival. You’ll pass through some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in northwestern Washington around and in 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. Exit the loop at Pateros, home of the famous Apple Pie Jamboree. Lake Pateros was created with the construction of the Wells Dam.

Many Lakes Loop – Okanogan County 193 km (120 mi) History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts will love this short loop. This loop includes gravel roads and paved roads with information on historical sites, hikes, wildlife areas, lakes, campgrounds and even a cemetery

Clockwise from left: Liberty Bell Mountain on Hwy 20, North Cascades; Dry Falls National Park, showing effects of the Ice Age floods; and Palmer Lake.

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Photo: GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

Chesaw, Washington, Fourth of July Rodeo

tour. You can enter this loop near the Nighthawk or Oroville border crossings. The first railroad in Okanogan County was in Oroville. Displays can be seen at the Old Depot Museum. Over at the Nighthawk Historic Townsite is the Nighthawk Hotel, an original school house, a mining office and an old mill to give you a taste of early pioneer life. There are dozens of lakes in the area including the larger Palmer Lake, near Loomis and Osoyoos Lake near Oroville. At Loomis you can follow the road east to connect back with Route 97, or go south down the gravel road

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less travelled to Forde Lake, Blue Lake and Fish Lake to Conconully, which can also be reached via paved road from Omak and Okanogan. There are several wildlife viewing areas along this route including the Sinlahekin Wildlife area south of Loomis, the Tuna Creek Wildlife area 19 km (12 mi) north-east of Omak and the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area 16 km (10 mi) west of Omak.

Historic Highlands Loop – Northern WA 240 km (150 mi) The Okanogan Highlands Historical Loop, is a nice way to discover the

back roads that can add adventure to any proper road trip. This loop links the tiny communities of Oroville, Molson, Chesaw, Curlew, Republic and connects back to Hwy 97 at Tonasket. Chesaw got its start during the 1896 mining rush. It is home to one of Okanogan County’s wildest, woolliest events, the Chesaw Fourth of July Rodeo. A short detour between Oroville and Chesaw will lead to the Ghost Town of Old Molson—the site of a museum operated by the Okanogan County Historical Society. This museum features a complex of early 20th-century buildings, including a bank, an assay office, two homestead cabins and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Continue east to Curlew and the Ansorge Museum Hotel and antique car museum. Further south, the Stonerose Fossil Site which is a great way to learn about the distant past.

THOMPSON OKANAGAN ROUTE 97 LOOPS (see pull out map) Boundary Monashee Loop, Okanagan Region – BC 738 km (459 mi) Get ready to explore rural BC, home of the Kettle Valley Rail Tail, a part of the Trans Canada Trail. Head east on Hwy 6 from Vernon for a journey that takes you through the valley, or from Hwy 1 in the mountains near Revelstoke. At Osoyoos (one of our border crossings) head east on Hwy 3 through the historic towns of Bridesville, Rock Creek, Kettle Valley, Midway, and Greenwood. At Grand Forks, where the Kettle and North Kettle (Granby) Rivers meet, there’s an abundance of lush farmland. Be sure and try the authentic borscht, made famous by the Doukhobors. The oldest CPR station in BC is now the Station Pub. Head further east to boating and cottage country at Christina Lake. For a shorter route, take Hwy 33

from Rock Creek through Westbridge, Beaverdell and Carmi up to Big White Ski Resort, home of champagne powder in the winter and lush mountain wild flowers in the summer. Take in an event or ride the Bullet Chair for fantastic views of the natural surroundings. You can connect up with the Historic Highlands loop in WA

accessible at the following border crossings: at the Laurier/Cascade (Christina Lake), Danville/Carson (Grand Forks) Ferry/Midway or at the Oroville/Osoyoos. For the complete loop take Hwy 3 to 3A to Hwy 6 at Christina Lake and head north. You’re in Kootenay country now, where revitalizing, natural mineral hot springs abound. Soak your cares away

Christina Lake, Boundary Country, is one of the warmest in Canada.

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Clockwise from top left: wine country in the Similkameen; Mascot Gold Mine at the top of a mountain; and unique geologic formations near Merritt, Gold Country.

surrounded by canyons, mountains, forests and rivers. At Nakusp, visit the beach on the shore of Upper Arrow Lake or take in a local event. 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 Hwy 97. Flip a coin, head north to the Shuswap, travel back on the Monashee loop, or travel south down the Okanagan Corridor.

Similkameen Valley Loop, South Okanagan Region – BC 363 km (226 mi) The Similkameen River is at the heart of the Similkameen Valley. Off the beaten path, eclectic, out there and edgy, the Similkameen is scenically stunning and full of natural wonders. Take the scenic route from Vancouver on Hwy 3 East. Alternatively, from the US border, turn west on the Crowsnest Highway (BC Hwy 3) at Osoyoos and follow the sun. This is the rugged, rustic and real Similkameen Valley. BC’s newest emerging wine region is in the

Cawston/Keremeos area, 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 Lakes. At Hedley you can tour the Mascot Mines, perched high atop a mountain and learn about the First Nation people at the Snaza’ist Discovery Centre. Further up the road is Princeton, where you’ll find an abundance of outdoor recreation activities including legendary fishing. Cycle the Trans Canada Trail along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail from Princeton to the hamlets of Tulameen and Coalmont where you’ll only find one stop sign. Come hike, bike or ride horseback along the trails at China Ridge. Slow down at Manning Park, for year round activities for the whole family. For a kinder, gentler back road experience, drive the gravel road that takes you from Princeton to Summerland alongside the Trans Canada Trail. This route is not recommended in the winter.

Gold Country Kamloops Loop, Thompson Region – BC 400 km (248 mi) Gold Country has diverse landscapes that range from semi-arid desert to thick forests with lakes, grasslands, meadows, river canyons and mountains. Your adventure can start from Hwy 97C in the central Okanagan to Merritt, where you’ll find 28 heritage sites, or in Kamloops, the largest city in the North Thompson on Hwy 97. 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. Geocache Canada’s largest geotour with 142 caches! Find 24 treasure boxes to claim your souvenir. Kamloops is known for its watersports, live theatre, horseback riding, golfing, mountain biking, skydiving, agritourism, fishing, white water rafting and more! There are Interior Cascades Map Guide | 15

events throughout the year including the Kamloopa Pow Wow and Rib Fest. From Kamloops, you can rejoin Hwy 97 on your way to Cache Creek, which may have got its name when travelers and prospectors hid their cache in the nearby Bonaparte River while they rested. Visit Historic Hat Creek Ranch in Ashcroft for a genuine cowboy experience. Hike, bird watch and mountain bike in a setting that ranges from rugged to lush. This is ranch country with hoodoos formed from 200-millionyear old volcanic rock. From Ashcroft, head south on Hwy 8 to Spences Bridge where you can taste the difference organic makes at an oasis surrounded by sagebrush. Once back in Merritt be sure to visit two the area’s original structures: The Historic Baillie House and Merritt’s most famous land-mark, the Coldwater Hotel (circa 1908).

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Central Okanagan Corridor – BC 62 km (39 mi) West Kelowna/Westbank is home to the Westside Wine Trail and dozens of hike and bike trails that run along the lake and into the hills. Highway 97 and Okanagan Lake are the heart of this corridor. Okanagan Lake is 135 km (84 mi) long, and is between 4 and 5 km (2.4 – 3 mi) wide, just the perfect size to shelter the legendary Ogopogo lake monster. Cross the floating pontoon bridge and you’re in Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan. The waterfront is the core of downtown Kelowna where 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 as is the symphony and art galleries. The beaches of Okanagan Lake are

true sand beaches that you can walk for miles. Golfing, hiking, biking, boating, flyboarding, ziplining, skiing, snow boarding and x-country skiing are some of the activities available here. Hike up Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna’s largest Natural Area Park with 310 hectares (766 acres) located immediately north of Kelowna’s downtown. Tour the orchards, vineyards and visit a pyramid at an organic winery. Visit the farms of the area with farm to table tours, or head out into the field and pick it yourself. Then end the day with a delightful epicurean dinner as you dine on an outdoor patio with stunning lake views, or visit one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Let the gentle breezes cool you as you enjoy an outdoor concert in a natural amphitheater. While summer is a busy time here, 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 from easy going to ego shattering. In the winter head up the mountain for outdoor fun in champagne powder. Head north through Lake Country and spend some time at a kangaroo farm. In Vernon, you can learn about bees, tour a working orchard, explore farmers’ markets, swim, fish, kayak, BMX, discover their back country or relax at a spa.

Monashee Loop, North Okanagan – BC, 446 km (277 mi) This is a great all seasons loop where you can fish, hike, rock climb, mountain bike, hang glide, pan for gold or try your hand at llama trekking in the warmer months. Once the snow flies, you have your pick of ski hills, including increasingly popular Cat and Heli-skiing. This loop is one of valleys, majestic mountains, hot springs, lakes and farmland. Jump from a plane and see the

Clockwise from above: strolling the sandy shores of Okanagan Lake; heliskiing in champagne powder in the Monashees; tour one of the Okanagan’s many first class wineries.

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valley from a different point of view in Vernon. From Vernon, take Hwy 6 west through rich agricultural lands. Paraglide at Coldstream, hang glide in Lumby, or heliski around Cherryville. Year round artisan shops and farmgate sales are very popular here in the harvest season. 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. Drive back to Hwy 97A and take a leisurely drive through the towns of Sicamous, Enderby, and Armstrong/ Spalumsheen on your way to Vernon.

Shuswap Loop – BC 267 km (166 mi) There are over 1,000 km (621 mi) of shoreline along Shuswap lake, with 22 Provincial Parks that provide you with

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Houseboating in the Shuswap, BC.

unlimited fun on and near the water. Shuswap Lake is unique in that the four arms resemble the letter H, and are perfect for houseboating. 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 HaigBrown Provincial Park. There are Pink, Coho and Chinook salmon here, but it’s the Sockeye that fill the Adams River in October every year, with a four-year cycle where the returns are at their peak

Hwy 97 branches off in spurs throughout the Shuswap. From Enderby, Hwy 97 goes north to meet the Trans Canada Highway at Sicamous (97A) and Salmon Arm (97B). From these communities, continue west on Hwy 1 to meet up with the main Hwy 97 Route again via Chase and Monte Creek. As your travel through the southern portion of the Shuswap on Hwy 97, you’ll pass through the ranching community of Falkland, home to one of Canada’s oldest stampedes.

North Thompson / Columbia Icefields Parkway Loop, Thompson Region – BC 443 km (275 mi) 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 on 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 most people imagine all of Canada to be. 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 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, the largest non-motorized lake in North America. View bears in their natural habitat on the fringe of Canada’s only inland rainforest and go bear watching river safari style at 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 take to 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

Helihiking the Berg Lake Trail provides constant views of Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

winter, snowmobile in the alpine. 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 and for four months of the year you can visit Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies which is home to the world-famous Spirit Island. Stay in the beautiful mountain community of Jasper with stunning vistas, ever-

changing landscapes and activities that range from the mild to the wild. As you drive south on BC 93 to Lake Louise and Banff you’re in for a truly quintessential Canadian experience. Free your mind in the area spas and relax in the hot springs. From Banff travel west on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to return to Kamloops, via Golden and Revelstoke where you can continue on another journey through this ecological and geological diverse area.

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EVER WO N D E R â&#x20AC;Ś T H I N G S TO D O

Enjoy boating and water sports on our many lakes. Kalamalka Lake at Vernon is one of the top SUP destinations in Canada.

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There is so much to doâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 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

LET YOUR CURIOSITY DRIVE YOU ON A ROUTE 97 ROAD TRIP HISTORY AND CULTURE

Photos left and below left: joyfuldesigns / Shutterstock.com

History abounds along Route 97. Visit the old western town of Winthrop, WA, where you can quench your thirst at the oldest legal saloon in WA State. If western is to your liking, there’s the O’Keefe Ranch in Vernon, BC where you can tour the old mansion, walk the farm, and watch the potter and the blacksmith create works of art. Get out of the car and ride a steam train on a miniature railroad in Wenatchee, WA. Across the border, there two steam trains that run seasonally in Summerland and Kamloops. Be careful of bandits though, as you could get robbed as your ride the rails of years gone by. Our culture is a mixture of Aboriginal Nations, Mexican, American,

and Canadian people. You’ll find an abundance of interpretive centres and museums showcasing our Aboriginal Nations people along this Route. There’s also a Mexican influence on the south side of the border with many options for authentic Mexican cuisine. Cowboy up is a phrase heard on both sides of the border. This incredibly diverse landscape is home to some of the best stampedes, rodeos and powwows you’ll ever attend. Events start in the spring and carry on right through to the fall. From the Omak Stampede and Suicide Race to the Interior Provincial Exhibition agriculture fair to the Barriere Rodeo, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate agriculture and cowboy culture along the way.

Clockwise from above: scenic downtown in the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, WA; ride an authentic steam train, BC and WA; take a nature safari and view some furry wildlife; the western replica village of Winthrop, WA.

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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. A myriad of ecosystems that house interesting creatures from the damsel dragonfly to the bald eagle, and from the beaver to the grizzly bear. Big horn 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. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat on a guided river safari from Blue River, BC where you’ll get goosebumps as you stare into the eyes

Clockwise from above: alpine flowers in the North Cascades National Park near Mazama, WA; hiking the Pacific Crest Trail; biking the trestles of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail in Myra Canyon, BC; and the 462 m (1200 ft) Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

of a bear and her cubs grazing on the shores.

Photo: River Safari

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 39 named waterfalls.

ICONIC TRAILS There’s something about the Interior Cascades that makes for some breathtaking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail is a wild and scenic pathway from Mexico to Canada, where you’ll experience breathtaking terrain. 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 portion of the TransCanada trail in the Okanagan will take you over the 18 trestles and two tunnels in the Myra Canyon. 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.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE When you think Interior Cascades, it’s hard not to think of the great Interior Cascades Map Guide | 23

Top to bottom: challenge yourself to tackle one of western Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest golf courses at Kamloops, BC; white water rafting on the Wenatchee River, WA.

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outdoors. Activities range from laid back to downright challenging with plenty in between. Are you ready to tackle one of the toughest golf courses around? There are over 70 golf courses on both sides of the border, including one of the toughest courses ever designed. Choose from extreme challenging courses to walks in the park. Golf season runs from March through October so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of time to play a round. Water activities are a natural part of the warmer months here. Fish, kayak, canoe, SUP, 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, Enderby or Similkameen Rivers during the slower moving times of summer. Tighten up your lifejacket and tackle some white water rapids on the Methow and Wenatchee Rivers in WA, and the Thompson, Fraser and Clearwater Rivers in the Thompson region of BC. Search

for treasure in the largest geocache area 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 with the Skaha Bluffs near Penticton BC offering up a series of more than 650 routes with cliffs from up 80 m (250 ft) in height. Other outdoor activities include whipping though the trees on a zipline, strapping on a rocket pack and soaring above the lake, wake and surf boarding, paragliding, parasailing, skydiving, mountain biking, fat biking, heli-hiking more! There are hundreds of ways to explore the great outdoors in all seasons. Check our website at Route97.net for more information.

SIP AND SAVOUR Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do yoga in a vineyard or sit in a pyramid? You can do that here. Have dinner on a patio overlooking

orchards, vineyards and lakes, then be entertained at an outdoor concert as the sun sets behind the band. Foodies and wine aficionados come from far and wide to explore and taste the difference the terroir of Route 97 makes to food and drink created here. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find vineyards and wineries along Route 97 from its southern most tip in WA and up past Kamloops, BC in the north. Enjoy a sip and dine experience as you thrill to a twilight Tuscan style dinner in a vineyard and walk the oak barrel cellars while sipping the flavours of our land. Several of the area wineries have regular events and their restaurants source their ingredients locally. Some wineries have accommodations. Imagine waking up to a view of rolling hills with row after row of ripe grapes hanging from the vine! While wine is part of our culinary story, we have a variety of hand crafted beers, ciders, meads, fruit wines, liqueurs, and liquor from Wenatchee,

Above: savour a Tuscan evening dinner in a vineyard in BC; the Similkameen Valley, BC, has the perfect climate for growing fruit, peaches, cherries and apples proliferate.

Interior Cascades Map Guide | 25

Photo: SEASTOCK / Shutterstock.com Photo: Sun Peaks

WA to Cache Creek, BC. Agriculture is a big part of who we are, many of our farms are multigenerational and several are organic. Our farmers and orchardists take pride in what they produce. Stop by a Farmers’ Market or fruit/produce stand and experience biting into a crisp, ripe apple, or wiping butter off your chin as it drips from the fresh picked corn. Farm to table dining is big here, and there are tours available where you can visit a local farm and savour the dishes prepared from their bounty a few hours later. You’ll find authentic Mexican culture throughout the WA area of this region. The stores sell an abundance of authentic ingredients including an amazing variety of chilli peppers. Take some time to stop and enjoy the variety of Mexican flavours in the many restaurants along the way.

WONDER OF WINTER When the snow covers the orchards, vineyards and mountains of our region, it’s time to get outside for great champagne powder. Go tobogganing, ice skating, ice climbing, or start a pick up game of hockey at a number of 26 | Route97.net

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Clockwise from top: night skiing at Stevens Pass, WA; try your luck at the game of your choice in BC and WA; live a little by skiing the snow ghosts and fresh powder at Sun Peaks, BC.

resorts in our area. Strap on your skis or snowboard and delight in freshly fallen snow on our mountain resorts. Snowmobile, snowshoe, fat bike, or tube your way through our winter wonderland. Nordic fans will love the over 105 km (65 mi) of groomed trails near Vernon, BC, and the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America in the Methow Valley, with over 300 km (186 mi) of groomed trails. Sip hot chocolate by the fire as you recall the thrills of flying over the mountain in a helicopter and being dropped on the top of a mountain, to sky down in freshly fallen snow. Many of our winter resorts are open year round where you can traverse the trails by foot or enjoy a live outdoor concert. Several have mountain biking trails. Beginners will love winding gently through wildflower meadows, while experts will thrill to the runs filled with jumps and berms.

GET ARTSY Artists, writers, musicians, artisans and performers have made this corridor their home. World class venues, both indoors and out, are yours to discover.

Come and enjoy Pop, Rock, Blues, Opera, Jazz and Chamber. Take in a play under the stars, or wander one of 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. Try your luck in towns and cities in Douglas, Chelan, and Okanogan County, and across the border in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops. Many of these entertainment centers are proud to boast big name entertainers from the worlds of music and comedy. Take in a show, relax in the spa, have a bite to eat and then settle into your comfortable room. SEE OUR PULL OUT MAP FOR MORE PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO OR VISIT ROUTE97.NET

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QU E N C H YO U R C U R I O S I T Y

P L A N YO U R T R I P Welcome to the Interior Cascades and all the amazing places in and around Route 97. You can start on the west coast of BC or WA, or from the east via Alberta, Idaho or Montana. Come visit after an amazing road trip on the Cascade Loop or a visit to Jasper and the Columbia Icefields Parkway. Route 97 provides easy access to all the communities and attractions throughout the 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, municipal parks, and even some college campus locations.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Accommodations range from private cabins in orchards to lake view or lakeside hotels with stunning room views. Get to know the locals and learn the best kept secrets of our area direct from the source.

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 drivers licence will grant you access to both countries. Both Oroville, WA and Osoyoos, BC feature border visitor centres. Come in and find out more of what there is to see and do, get help planning the rest of your trip, or pick up some maps for the road ahead. A complete list of visitor centres for the Interior Cascades region can be found on our website at Route97.net. Border Crossings are located at Laurier/Cascade (Christina Lake), Danville/Carson (Grand Forks) Ferry/ Midway, Oroville/Osoyoos and Night Hawk/Chopaka.

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 pitch a tent, park your RV or rent an RV, a yurt, a miner’s tent or a covered wagon for the night. It’s all part of your Route 97 experience.

Top to bottom: rechargers are available throughout the region; dine with a view; and beautiful scenery will embellish your road trip.

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LAKESHORE RV PARK · 163 – 40’ full hookup sites (water, sewer, electric & cable TV) including 22 tent sites · Free Wi-Fi throughout the RV park · RV Dump station, ADA accessible restrooms, pay showers · Family Fun Activities, Public Beach, Playground, Tennis/Basketball/ Volleyball, Skate Park, Putting Course · Allow us to personalize your reservation experience, call 509.682.8023 today

LAKESHORE RV PARK AND LAKE CHELAN GOLF COURSE

LAKE CHELAN GOLF COURSE The Lake Chelan Golf Course has long been a favorite course of all skill levels in central Washington. The course condition, setting, and the views are unmatched anywhere in the Northwest. Many consider it the best Municipal in the state. Our speedy greens challenge the best golfer while still offering fairness to the beginner. The Veranda and the food at the City Course Grill are both one of a kind. Call us, 509.682.8026, to book your tee time. Come experience the original, come play the Lake Chelan Golf Course.

Website: cityofchelan.us

Lakeshore RV Park, 619 W. Manson Hwy. Chelan, WA, 98816 Lake Chelan Golf Course, 800 Golf Course Rd. Chelan, WA 98816

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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 big city blowouts. Winter, spring, summer and fall, you’ll find us celebrating festivals, events and fairs in the parks and streets, out in the fields, or high up a mountain. We have wine festivals in every season just because we can. There’s indoor and outdoor concerts from music in the park to huge mind-blowing concerts well worth the drive. Food is high on our list and we celebrate our chefs as well as the bounty we have from apple pie to oysters and peaches to peppers. It doesn’t matter when you visit, we have events and festivals year round. For information on key events, visit our website at route97.net

JANUARY

> Penticton Elvis Festival. BC

> Apple Triathlon, Kelowna, BC

> Annual Winter Okanagan Wine Festival, Sun Peaks, BC

> Stan Thompson and Keremeos Elks Rodeo, BC

> Hopscotch Festival, Kelowna, BC

> Lake Chelan Winterfest, WA

> Graffiti Days, Cache Creek, BC

FEBRUARY

> Wine Country Triathlon, Osoyoos, BC

SEPTEMBER

> Wine Capital Triathlon, Oliver, BC

> Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival, Vernon, BC

> Sunshine Festival, Vernon, BC

> Fiestas Mexicanas, Wenatchee, WA

> Earth, Wind and Fire Culinary Event, Kelowna, BC

> Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth, WA

> Fat Cat Children’s Festival, Kelowna, BC

> Taste of the Harvest, Wenatchee, WA

> Bluegrass Festival, Summerland, BC

> Get Corked Run, Kamloops, BC

JULY 2016

> Interior Provincial Exhibition, Armstrong, BC

> Annual Apple Pie Jamboree – Pateros, WA

> Motorsports Weekend, Princeton, BC

> Fourth of July Celebrations, WA > Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Fest, WA

> Princeton and District Agriculture Fall Fair, Princeton, BC

> Canada Day Celebrations, BC

> Similkameen Sizzle, Keremeos, BC

> Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan, BC

> North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo, Barriere, BC

> Vernon Winter Carnival, Vernon, BC > Snowshoe Softball Tournament, Winthrop, WA

MARCH > Entiat Kite Festival, Chelan, WA > Winthrop Balloon Roundup, WA > Devour Kelowna Foodie Event, Kelowna, BC

APRIL > Chelan Nouveau (new wine releases), WA > Taste Leavenworth, a culinary crawl, WA > Earth Day Fair, Chelan and Leavenworth, WA > WA State Apple Blossom Festival, Wenatchee, WA > Boogie the Bridge, Kamloops, BC > Okanagan Fest of Ale, Penticton, BC > Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival, Sun Peaks, BC > Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, Okanagan, BC

> Country Fest, Sun Peaks, BC > Music in the Park, Osoyoos, BC > Kamloopa Pow Wow, Kamloops, BC > Founders Day, Greenwood, BC

> 1.6 Mile Dinner at Orofino Winery, Cawston, BC

OCTOBER > Leavenworth Oktoberfest, WA > Ghost Train, Kamloops, BC > Festival of the Grape, Oliver, BC > Starry Plates Wine Paired Dinner, Kelowna, BC

> Bavarian Maifest, Leavenworth, WA

> Homecoming Summerfest, Christina Lake, BC

> Rally at the Border Blues Fest, Oroville, WA

> Party in the Park, Okanagan Falls, BC

> Winthrop 49’er Days, WA

> Center of Gravity, Kelowna, BC

> World of Wheels Car Show, Peachland, BC

> Similkameen BBQ King, Keremeos, BC

> Meadowlark Festival, Okanagan/ Similkameen Valleys, BC

> Omak Stampede, WA

> Kamloops Wine Festival, Kamloops, BC

> NCW Fair, Waterville, WA

> Tilt and Lance Joust, Osoyoos, BC

> Ribfest, Kamloops, BC

> Spring Release and Wine Club Party, Okanagan Falls, BC

> Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, BC > Peachfest, Penticton, BC

> Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, WA

> Devour Food and Film Festival, Osoyoos, BC

> Retro Concert Weekend, Sun Peaks, BC

> Festival of Lights, Summerland, BC

> Mud, Sweat and Tears, Kelowna, BC

> Bonaparte Pow Wow, Cache Creek, BC

> Keremeos Elks Rodeo, Keremeos, BC

> Metalocalypstick Fest, Valemount, BC

> Winery Open Houses, Similkameen and Okanagan, BC

MAY

AUGUST

JUNE

> CannaFest Music Festival, Grand Forks, BC

> Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival, WA

> Feast of Fields, West Kelowna, BC

> Cruizin Chelan Car Show, Chelan, WA

> Rock the Lake Festival, Kelowna, BC

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> Boo at the Zoo, Kamloops, BC

NOVEMBER > Christmas at the End of the Road, Winthrop, WA > Chriskindlmarkt, Leavenworth, WA > A Christmas Story, the musical, Kelowna, BC > Creatique, Kelowna, BC

DECEMBER

> Wildlights Festival, BC Wildlife Park, Kamloops, BC > Little Treasures, Enderby, BC

DiscoverRoute97

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ROUTE 97 EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS (see map for locations)

NATURAL HISTORY – This geologically diverse area has high mountain peaks, waterfalls, a pocket desert, lush farms, orchards and vineyards. Tour the Ice Age Flood National Geographic Trail, with massive cliffs, a gorge four times the size of Niagara Falls, and Yeager Rock, a 400-ton, two-story boulder.

ABORIGINAL NATIONS PEOPLE – Syilx and Interior Salish First Nation heritage centres and events including: Nk’Mip Cultural Centre, Snaza’ist Discovery Centre, Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, Okanagan Nations Salmon Feast, Omak annual Indian Encampment and Pow Wow and Kamloopa Pow Wow.

BEAR WATCHING – Take a river safari in the world’s only inland temperate rain forest at Blue River and watch as bears and their cubs roam the river banks. Stand in awe at the mystical Spirit Bear at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops, where you’ll also find grizzly and black bears up close.

ADAMS RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON RUN – The largest Sockeye salmon run in BC is at Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park on the Adams River. It’s an October celebration of First Nation culture and Mother Nature. In other months enjoy the wheelchair accessible walkway and visit the Interpretive Centre.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE – Explore the original buildings used by Gold Rush travellers at Hat Creek Ranch, BC. Watch a potter and a blacksmith at work at Historic O’Keefe Ranch, BC. Visit the state’s oldest legal saloon in the historically accurate town of Winthrop, WA.

WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK, BC – A park for all seasons. Enjoy Murtle Lake, the largest non-motorized lake in North America, with over 40 waterfalls including Helmcken Falls. Relax at glacier fed lakes, encounter wildlife, go white water rafting, fishing and dog sledding, all in one place.

HOUSEBOAT CAPITAL OF CANADA – Explore Sicamous and the lakes of the Shuswap region via houseboat surrounded by hundreds of km (miles) of waterfront, sunshine and scenery. No need to go ashore, you can eat, sleep, swim, boat, fish, or simply relax in the sun from the deck of your houseboat.

MOUNT ROBSON – This UNESCO World Heritage Site has highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Home to Berg Lake Trail which crosses three biogeoclimate zones with access to over 217,000 ha (536,219 ac) of pristine wilderness and wildlife habitat of deer, black bear, grizzly bear and mountain goats.

COWBOY CULTURE – County fairs, festivals and rodeos abound on both sides of the border including the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) and the Omak Stampede, which blends Canadian, Aboriginal Nations and United States traditions. Tour historic ranches on both sides of the border.

CHAMPAGNE POWDER AND MOUNTAIN RESORTS – Downhill and cross country skiing, and snowboarding at its best in champagne powder on both sides of the border at ski in/ski out resorts. There’s Nordic, Cat and Heli-skiing in the Monashees and the North Cascades with historic ski lodges and world cup venues.

Photo: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com Photo: Big White Ski Resort

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NORTH AMERICA’S LONGEST CONTINUOUS NORTH – SOUTH HIGHWAY 2,254 KM | 1,409 MILES Los Angeles CA San Francisco CA Weed CA Bend OR Wenatchee WA Seattle WA Kelowna BC Kamloops BC hway

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INTERIOR CASCADES R OA D T R I P M A P G U I D E

WINE/ORCHARD COUNTRY – World class wineries, vineyards and fresh fruits abound; includes the Apple Capital of the World (Wenatchee, WA) and the Wine Capital of Canada (Oliver, BC). Over 200 unique experiences to be had including vineyard and farm to table dinners and farmers’ markets.

TRAILS – Hike or bike our picturesque trails. The Trans Canada Trail has scenic trestles and tunnels at Myra Canyon in BC. The Pacific Crest trail winds its way from the Mexican border to the US border and into BC. The Pacific Northwest Trail runs from the continental divide to the Pacific Ocean. LAKES AND DAMS – There are hundreds of lakes to be found in this area including Lake Chelan, the largest natural lake in the state at 81 km (50.5 mi) long and Okanagan Lake in BC, at 135 km (84 mi) long. Take in a laser light show at the Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest dams in the world.

GOLD RUSH TRAIL – Follow in the footsteps of dreamers and prospectors along the Gold Rush Trail that started during the 1850s. Explore the Old Cariboo Trail in WA and when venturing further North re-connect from Hwy 97c and onward to Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC.

Route97

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NORTH AMERICA’S LONGEST CONTINUOUS NORTH – SOUTH HIGHWAY 2,254 KM | 1,409 MILES Los Angeles CA San Francisco CA Weed CA Bend OR

Yakima WA

Wenatchee WA

Spokane WA

Seattle WA

Calgary AB

Vancouver BC

Jasper AB

Kelowna BC Kamloops BC Alask a Hig

Edmonton AB hway

Dawson Creek BC

Delta Junction AK

ROUTE 97

INTERIOR CASCADES R OA D T R I P M A P G U I D E

ROUTE 97 EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS (see map for locations) HOUSEBOAT CAPITAL OF CANADA – Explore Sicamous and the lakes of the Shuswap region via houseboat surrounded by hundreds of km (miles) of waterfront, sunshine and scenery. No need to go ashore, you can eat, sleep, swim, boat, fish, or simply relax in the sun from the deck of your houseboat.

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Photo: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

LAKES AND DAMS – There are hundreds of lakes to be found in this area including Lake Chelan, the largest natural lake in the state at 81 km (50.5 mi) long and Okanagan Lake in BC, at 135 km (84 mi) long. Take in a laser light show at the Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest dams in the world.

Route97

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Discover Route 97

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Discover Route97

Be Curious ROUTE97.NET route97.net

NORTH AMERICA’S LONGEST CONTINUOUS NORTH – SOUTH HIGHWAY 2,254 KM | 1,409 MILES Los Angeles CA San Francisco CA Weed CA Bend OR

Yakima WA

Wenatchee WA

Spokane WA

Seattle WA

Calgary AB

Vancouver BC

Jasper AB

Kelowna BC Kamloops BC Alask a Hig

Edmonton AB hway

Dawson Creek BC

Delta Junction AK

ROUTE 97

INTERIOR CASCADES R OA D T R I P M A P G U I D E

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Photo: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Route97

@DiscoverRoute97

Discover Route 97

Discover Route97

Yakima WA Spokane WA Jasper AB

Vancouver BC

Calgary AB Edmonton AB Dawson Creek BC

ROUTE 97 EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS (see map for locations)

Photo: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Discoverroute97

Be Curious ROUTE97.NET route97.net

NORTH AMERICA’S LONGEST CONTINUOUS NORTH – SOUTH HIGHWAY 2,254 KM | 1,409 MILES Los Angeles CA San Francisco CA Weed CA Bend OR Wenatchee WA Seattle WA Kelowna BC Kamloops BC hway

Alask a Hig

Delta Junction AK

ROUTE 97

INTERIOR CASCADES R OA D T R I P M A P G U I D E