SUN PEAKS RESORT | BARRIERE | CLEARWATER | BLUE RIVER | NORTH THOMPSON VALLEY

VISITOR GUIDE

NORTH THOMPSON VALLEY Wilderness...Wilderness. ..just just a astep step away away

NorthThompson.ca | #norththompsonNorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 1 Elevate your heart rate in the Sun Peaks alpine

West Ridge Trail Photo Blake Jorgenson

2 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 3 Blue River, the Jewel of the Yellowhead

View of Mud Lake and the town of Blue River Photo Dylan Kristian

4 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 5 contents WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY www.barrieretimbermart.ca • 4287 Yellowhead Hwy. 5 • 250-672-9323

BBAARRRRIIEERREE You can do anything Emperor Falls along the Trail, Provincial Park

• Lumber & Plywood • Hardware • Tools • Landscaping & Gardening • Electrical • Insulation Mouldings • Housewares & Appliances • Painting Supplies • Hunting/Fishing Licenses & Supplies

Our Story 8 NORTH THOMPSON OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE VALLEY Sun Peaks 14 Copyright 2019 © North Thompson Valley Marketing a partnership Specializing In: Barriere/Lower North Thompson 20 of LowerWi Northlderness Thompson. .Tourism,. just Tourism a step Sun Peaks, away Tourism Wells Gray, Tourism Valemount and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Gabion Retaining Walls • Gabion Mattresses Map 24 Design: Roger Handling terrafda.com Copywriting: Darcy Nybo alwayswrite.ca Printing, layout, advertising sales and ad design by Black Press • Gabion Cladding • Landscape Applications Clearwater/Wells Gray 28 Photography: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Glowing Earth, Dylan Kristian, BG Smith, Björn Alberts, Nat An eld, Tourism Blue River 34 Wells Gray, Dan Roberts Photography, Kelly Funk Photography, Blake Jorgenson, Reuben Krabbe, Sam Egan/Cedar Line Creative, Shawn Fadear Ri Stills, Holly Louwerse Photography, Boosted Imagery, Valemount 40 Connie Falk, Jill Hayward, Mike Wiegele, River Safari Cell: 250.319.2166 • Off: 250.672.9753 Cover photo: Mount Robson; Kelly Funk Photography Fax: 250.672.9753 Events 45 [email protected] Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo

6 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 7 our story WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY OUR STORY

Lock eyes with a black bear on Safari in Blue River Photo DylanPhoto Kristian Adventure abounds on the South peak in the . Witness Thompson, North Thompson, the spectacle of 39 named waterfalls Clearwater and Fraser Rivers. We in Wells Gray, ’s have hundreds of lakes that vary in size fourth largest provincial park. Our from small fi shing holes to ones with beauty lies in our diversity, and it’s all seemingly endless shorelines. Explore here in the North Thompson Valley. from the ranchlands to the mountains as they climb higher and higher until Learn more about the North you reach Mount Robson, the highest Thompson at norththompson.ca

Top Experiences of the North Thompson Valley 1 Catch the big one year-round at lakes along horse whisperer near Pinantan Lake Hwy 24 (BC’s Fishing Highway) or at one of 9 Hike hut-to-hut on guided excursions the many other lakes in the region through the wilds of Wells Gray Provincial 2 Get up close and personal with bears and Park Wilderness… Just A Step Away other wildlife on a Safari tour in Blue River 10 Hike through the wildfl owers at Sun Peaks Come and write your own adventure story. The North Thompson Valley’s 3 Paddle a Voyageur canoe through the and Wells Gray Provincial Park geographical and ecological wonders have enchanted visitors for hundreds of waters of McGillivray Lake in Sun Peaks 11 Take a backcountry snowmobile tour in years. Discover the world’s only inland temperate rainforest. Explore our alpine 4 Enjoy the tranquility of Murtle Lake: Valemount, Blue River and Sun Peaks paddles only, no motors allowed 12 Downhill and cross-country skiing at Sun and sub-alpine forests. Experience the tundra at the base of a glacier. This is 5 Ride the rapids, or fl oat down one of our Peaks, Canada’s second largest ski area Canada’s wild kingdom where wilderness is just a step away. Watch for grizzly and rivers at a leisurely pace 13 Hike or heli-tour Mount Robson, the black bears, wolves, moose, eagles, deer, salmon and more along the way. 6 Stand in awe of Helmcken Falls and other highest peak in the Canadian Rockies waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park 14 Experience untracked snow heli-skiing in A rainbow forms over Dawson Falls in 7 Hold your breath as you watch the eight Blue River Wells Gray Provincial Park second ride at the North Thompson Fall Fair 15 Discover the winged beauties at Cranberry Photo Björn Alberts and Rodeo in Barriere Marsh in Valemount 8 Live the ranch life and learn how to be a

8 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 9 our story our story WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Whether it is water adventure or snowmobiling Blue River has what you are looking for Sun Peaks Blue River In the south, you’ll find Sun Blue River lies on the edge of Peaks, Canada’s second largest the world’s only inland temperate ski area. Like the rest of the rainforest, at the confluence of the North Thompson, it’s a year round North Thompson and Blue Rivers. playground. In the winter, explore In winter, there’s an exceptional the Nordic and snowshoe trails or snow pack, perfect for world-class glide down the slopes. Experience heli-skiing, CAT, cross-country our backcountry via dog sled or and backcountry skiing, and snowmobile. Cut a hole in the ice snowmobiling. In the warmer months and try your hand at ice fishing. go on a safari! There are jeep and Once the snow melts, there’s more river safaris where you have a front outdoor fun with hiking, biking, row seat to lumbering moose, burly golfing, canoe tours, outdoor bears and majestic elk in their own concerts, and other great activities. back yard. Commune with nature Photo Boosted Imagery Boosted Photo Come stay in the alpine village Sun Peaks hosts a wide variety of events all year long as you paddle Murtle Lake, located and connect with the locals in this Anfield Nat Photo within Wells Gray Provincial Park, the abilities will find a trail just right for Icefields Parkway is as real as it gets. friendly community. largest non-motorized lake in North them. At Cranberry Marsh you can There’s easy access to the trail. Learn about the Simpcw rich cowboy history and aboriginal America. Take the time to hike our go birding, hiking or canoeing. Come Columbia Icefields from Valemount (people of the North Thompson culture. You can get both at the Fall Barriere/Lower North 15+ kms of maintained trails, enjoying back in the winter to skate, ski or in the North Thompson along Hwy River), and the Tk’emlúpsemc Fair and Rodeo, held every Labour Thompson scenic views along the way. snowshoe on the pond. 16 east to Jasper. Take your time and (people of the confluence), who Day Weekend. Bounded by rivers and home explore Banff and Jasper National have lived here as far back as to over 100 lakes, Barriere/Lower Valemount North Thompson and Parks. Marvel at the stunning vistas, recorded history. Experience North Thompson has some of the Clearwater/Wells Gray Valemount lays claim to majestic Columbia Icefields Loop wildlife and over 100 glaciers. the yearly Kamloopa PowWow, For wildlife and adventure, you best freshwater fishing in the world. Mount Robson, the highest peak This circle tour is much more Visit the largest natural lake in the hosted by the Tk’emlúpsemc te can’t beat Clearwater, located on Lush ranchland, forests, and the in the Canadian Rockies, and the than a drive through the mountains. Canadian Rockies. Maligne Lake Secwe’pemc (formerly known as the edge of Wells Gray Provincial rounded slopes of the Monashee Berg Lake Trail. In the winter, This picturesque wilderness loop will is also home to the world-famous the Kamloops Indian Band). Come Park. Helmcken Falls is Canada’s Mountains are a perfect backdrop enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, take your breath away. This is the Spirit Island. Make your return trip stay at our year-round ranches, fourth highest waterfall and just one for your outdoor adventures. For dogsledding, cross-country and quintessential Canadian road trip. via the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 and lodges and fishing camps. It’s time of over 41 named waterfalls you’ll something more laid back, explore backcountry skiing. Check out Your journey through the North connect to the North Thompson at to experience a land steeped in find in Wells Gray. In the winter, our golf courses and our new wine powerboarding at Crystal Ridge, Thompson Valley and Columbia Kamloops. witness the wonder of Wells Gray’s the only sled-assisted ski hill in the frozen waterfalls, break trail with Venturing into the ice age – hiking on the flanks of Mount Robson The lakes of the lower valley are a fishers’ paradise world. It’s all part of winter fun. your snowshoes, and ski tour the Our striking snow-capped backcountry from hut-to-hut in the mountain peaks create a perfect Trophy Mountains. Take a snow-taxi backdrop for your epic adventure. up to Clearwater Lake, then cozy In the warmer months, cast your up by a roaring fire. Bring your line and reel in Rainbow and Bull binoculars and view wildlife and birds Trout and Whitefish from one of year-round. Once the snow melts, our rivers or Kinbasket Lake. Marvel come and hike ancient forests, at the Chinook Salmon Run, the paddle pristine lakes, and raft on second longest inland migration in some of Canada’s fiercest rapids. the world. Take to the trails by foot, This is the Canada you’ve dreamed horseback or ATV. Ride the class about. Bring your tent or II and III rapids on the RV and camp in our provincial parks or kick back and watch the golden and private campgrounds, or treat eagles soaring above on a float trip. yourself to rest and relaxation at our Check out the Valemount Bike notable B&Bs. Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo

Photo Tourism Wells Wells Gray Tourism Photo Park where riders of all ages and

10 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 11 our story WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY Scenic natural beauty on Hathaway Lake in the South Cariboo, B.C. Getting Here Getting Here Explore the 330 km (204 mi) long North Thompson Valley in TIME FOR A GETAWAY the north central region of British Columbia via Yellowhead Hwy 5. …THE LAKE IS CALLING From southern British Columbia and the United States, head north up Route 97 to Kamloops, then follow Highway 5 north to Sun Peaks and beyond. From Edmonton and Jasper, Alberta, take Highway 16 You’ll want to come back again & again! across the Alberta border and then • 6 clean charming cabins, comfy beds, hot water, gas barbecues head south down Highway 5. From • 30 spacious, fully serviced lake view RV sites, 30 & 50 amp Calgary and Banff, Alberta, drive • Heated, clean, central washroom buildings, showers, laundry west on Highway 1 to Kamloops, • Motor boat, kayak, canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals • Boat launch and fi shing licenses sold then drive north on Highway 5. • Great fi shing! Rainbow, Kokanee, Lake Trout & Burbout From Vancouver, take Highway 1 • Paved roads; 5 1/2 hr drive from Vancouver, 2 hrs from Kamloops Airport access is also available east until Hope where you’ll connect • No trains or noisy highways anywhere near us!! Just serenity! through Calgary or Edmonton, • Free wifi , cell service (telus tower). Sorry, no pets. with Highway 5 and drive north. Alberta. The closest regional airport is in MoosehavenResort.com • email: [email protected] Kamloops, British Columbia, with international airports in Kelowna, Toll Free: 1 888 744-2271 or (250) 593-2300 • Reservations recommended and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Open 7 days a week Winter Hours 7am - 9pm Summer Hours 7am - 11pm Open Daily Winter Hours 5:15am - 11:15pm Summer Hours 5am - 12am

COMMITTED TO QUALITY, COMMUNITY, AND THE BC BEER DRINKER ATM | Showers | Car & Truck Wash Gas | Diesel | Propane | Convenience Store @cariboobrewing #cariboobrewing 397 Russell Street (along side of Highway 5), Barriere, BC #morebeermoretrees WWW.PWBREWING.COM Subway 250-672-5533 | Esso 250-672-5624

12 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 13 sun peaks WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

SUN PEAKS

Gil’s, a short hike to a powder paradise

Sun Peaks’ bike trails are nothing short of legendary Photo Blake Jorgenson Photo

Sun Peaks is nestled between features such as jumps, rails, boxes three separate peaks amid the and urban hits. Choose your ability Cariboo and Monashee Mountain level and have fun! ranges. All this fun is a picturesque Feel the sun on your face as you 45-minute drive from Kamloops off explore the groomed and track Highway 5. Take your time, there’s set Nordic trails, from beginner to 4,270 acres of natural beauty to experienced. Don’t forget to hop explore. aboard the Morrisey Express chairlift for exceptional access to seemingly Winter Activities endless terrain and scenic mountain This is the place to experience the views off the Holy Cow trail. perfect dry powder. Join visitors from Explore our backcountry via dog around the world on some of the sled or snowmobile. Treat yourself to 137 trails, including 17 gladed areas. an ice fi shing adventure. If you’re an Sun Peaks’ 10-acre Rockstar Energy early bird, you’re in luck. Get up early Terrain Park is jam-packed with and get rewarded with the First Tracks

Sun Peaks is a year-round resort community and is Canada’s second largest ski area. The village is ski-in, ski-out, with shopping, over a dozen restaurants, live SUN PEAKS ICONIC EXPERIENCES music and races. Try your hand at ice fi shing, snowshoeing or tour the village by Alpine and cross-country skiing (winter) horse drawn carriage. On Sundays meet Olympic Gold Medalist, Nancy Greene Hiking the blossom covered alpine trails (summer) Raine. The fun continues in the summer with farmers’ markets, live concerts, Downhill bike park and cross-country biking (summer) hiking, mountain biking and a variety of animation throughout the village! Golf at BC’s highest elevation golf course (late spring to early fall) Gil’s area Photo Reuben Krabbe For more great ways to enjoy Sun Peaks, visit us at sunpeaksresort.com

14 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 15 Sun Peaks sun peaks WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Experience Sun Peaks at any hour Village Way – Shopping & Dining Segway tour, or explore the resort on horseback. There are so many ways to enjoy Sun Peaks in the summer. Claim bragging rights when you play at British Columbia’s highest elevation golf course. Step back in time and go on a guided canoe trip that takes you through Canada’s storied past in an authentic Voyageur canoe. End the day with an authentic meal from days gone by. Our nearby lakes are home to thousands of trout, resident osprey, loons, bald eagles, beaver, moose, bear, and even cougars. Wrap up your summer experience with a Sun Peaks summer concert when the mountain turns into a natural amphitheatre.

Accommodations There is a wide variety of accommodation at Sun Peaks. Choose from hotels, condos, townhouses and specialty lodging. Photo Sam Egan/Cedar Line Creative Sam Egan/Cedar Photo Photography Kelly Funk Photo

Breakfast. Head up the mountain, Sun Peaks Bike Park have breakfast, and then hit the freshly groomed runs before anyone Integrity Realty else. Imagine yourself snuggled under warm blankets, listening to the sleigh bells ring as your horse drawn carriage takes you on a village tour.

Kathy Campbell Summer Activities Owner/Broker Sun Peaks downhill runs and 2-4353 Conner Rd. Barriere, B.C. | Phone 250-672-1070 Cell 250-851-1029 cross country tracks turn into a Toll Free 1-877-672-6611 hikers’ and mountain bikers’ heaven www.barriereproperties.com | [email protected] in the warmer months. Come and experience the mountain from a different perspective. Open your eyes wide and breathe deep as you BARRIERE AND AREA INFORMATION CENTRE take in the alpine meadows awash with fragrance and colour. Listen 250.573.3534 carefully, as wildlife abounds here. Come and see what T250.573.3534oll250.573.3534 Free: 1.866.882.8826 www.pinantanlake.bc.ca • [email protected] Hiking starts in late June and takes we have to offer TollToll Fr Free:ee: 1.866.882.8826 1.866.882.8826 you to wildflower meadows and w2w4ww8w8. pHiinnaaarnpnteatarn nlRalkaekn.ebc.chb. cRa.co •a [email protected] d• • [email protected] P inantan Lake, BC V0E 3E1 2 0 Minutes North of Kamloops panoramic views. 2488 Harper Ranch Road • P inantan Lake, BC V0E 3E1 Enjoy the 40 distinct trails at 2488 Harper2 0R Manincuht eRs oNaodrt h• oP fi nKanmtlaono pLsake, BC V0E 3E1 the bike park, take an off-road 4629 BARRIERE TOWN ROAD • 250-672-9221 • [email protected] 2 0 Minutes North of Kamloops Photo RiffStills Photo 250.573.3534 www.barrierechamberofcommerce.com 16 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 17 Toll Free: 1.866.882.8826 www.pinantanlake.bc.ca • [email protected]

2488 Harper Ranch Road • P inantan Lake, BC V0E 3E1 2 0 Minutes North of Kamloops Aboriginal Arts & Crafts Unique Gifts & Souvenirs Salmon Products Aboriginal Arts & Crafts

Box 1050-5085 Barriere Town Rd. Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 Unique Gifts & Souvenirs P. 250.672.1091 | F. 250.672.1051 Find Us In Barriere AlongsideSalmon Productsof Highway 5 & CAMPGROUND Reel in What You Need

Aboriginal Arts & Crafts Unique Gifts & Souvenirs We have everything for BoxSalmon 1050-5085 Products Barriere Town Rd. • KITCHEN UNITS the whole family! BRING THIS CARD IN TO RECEIVE • A/C • DIRECT DIAL PHONES from rods, reels, waders and tackle to clothing, accessories, Box 1050-5085 Barriere Town Rd. • CABLE TV - MOVIE CHANNELS Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 jewelry, beauty products, medication and owers 10% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE P. 250.672.1091 | F. 250.672.1051 • SPACIOUS CAMPGROUND Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 • TENT & RV HOOKUPS • SANI DUMP Come see us before you hit the lake! • Spacious Mountain View Rooms 1 Per Customer Per Visit • Double, Queen & Suites Available • Non-Smoking & Smoking Rooms Aboriginal Arts & Crafts • Free In-Room Coffee P. 250.672.1091BRINGUnique THIS CARDGifts | F.IN &250.672.1051TO RECEIVESouvenirs • Senior Discount 10% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE • Walking distance to Restaurants & Pub Salmon1 Per Customer Products Per Visit Clothing’ & Accessories’ss 5085 Barriere Town Road Yellowhead Hwy. • Barriere, BC Phone (250) 672-9739 Munro Box 1050-5085 Barriere Town Rd. Munro PO Box 1050 | Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 Fax (250) 672-9738 P. 250.672.1091Barriere, BC | F. V0E 250.672.1051 1E0 4480 Barriere Town Road, P. 250.672.1091 | F. 250.672.1051 Toll Free (Reservations Only) www.gi ngab.ca 1-877-883-2000 Barriere, BC Phone: 250-672-9791

18 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 19

BRING THIS CARD IN TO RECEIVE 10% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE 1 Per Customer Per Visit

BRING THIS CARD IN TO RECEIVE 10% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE 1 Per Customer Per Visit barriere WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY BARRIERE / Tee off in the Lower North Thompson at Chinook Cove Golf and RV LOWER NORTH THOMPSON Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo Year-Round Recreation moderate to extreme trails that are Wintertime means it’s time to get great for mountain biking and hiking. out into the wild. Soak up the quiet as Drive west on Hwy 24 (BC’s you ice fi sh on one of our hundreds Fishing Highway) off Highway 5 of lakes. Explore the Lower North and you’ll find some of the best Thompson Valley on cross-country year-round fishing spots. There are skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. also fly-in fishing camps where you As temperatures rise, these same can spend your days on the water trails turn into hiking, biking and and your nights by the fire. While horseback riding trails. You may you are here, visit the Dunn Lake Wild, Rustic, Irresistible fi nd yourself beside a river or lake, Hatchery, managed and operated enjoying wildfl ower meadows or up by the Simpcw First Nation. Salmon on windswept craggy trails. Go east are raised here to support the local at km 15 on Dunn Lake Road for waterways. Adventure awaits you along the roads less travelled. Come experience the Lower North Thompson, where badlands transform into ranchland, forests, and mountains. Hundreds of lakes cover the Lower North Thompson Valley and are BARRIERE ICONIC EXPERIENCES renowned for fi shing. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, deer, moose, coyotes, Fall Fair and Rodeo bears, game birds and birds of prey. Barriere lies at the junction of the North Ranch Stays Thompson and Barriere Rivers. Come and explore Adams Lake, Bonaparte, Chu Fishing/Fish Hatchery Chua Cottonwood Provincial Park and the Dunn Peak Protected Area. Fuel up at one of the several restaurants, from fast food to cafés to steak houses. Stand up paddle boarding always Kamloopa PowWow a popular go to sport in the many lakes near Barriere Drop into the local Barriere Visitor Centre or visit us online Photo Kelly Funk Photography at visitbarriere.com for more information.

20 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 21 barriere WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

The large number of lakes in the area make a paradise for anglers Get your cowboy on in back country Our Future

Simpcw First Nation is committed to creating a strong future for our people. We strive to uphold our culture, as well as work towards economic sustainability and professional development for our community. Photo Connie Falk Connie Photo Amid all the wild, get in a game or two of golf. Lush fairways with well-groomed greens offer a variety of challenges. Courses include: Chinook Cove Golf and RV, a 9-hole, championship golf course; Sun Rivers, a desert golf course; and Rivershore Golf, a fun and challenging course for all levels.

Simpcw First Nation Designer People of the Rivers Liquidation Trendy boutique little Weyt-kp xwexweytep with BIG personality (hello everyone) Updated The Simpcwúl’ecw are part of the Secwepemc, or Shuswap, Nation-one of 12 Bands who Inventory 4353 Conner Road, Barriere EVERY located alongside of Hwy 5 • 250-672-0030 ADMINISTRATION OFFICE historically (and currently) lived in the Valley. Simpcw First Nation has WEEK! Open Monday to Saturday 10 - 6pm nearly 700 members, many of whom live in Chu Chua, the location of the main village of Simpcw First Nation: Simpcw First Nation. Traditionally, the Simpcw people are known for their hunting abilities 7555 Dunn Lake Road, of sh and other wildlife, as well as plant collection for food, medicines and technology. Premium Artisan Seasonal Fresh Barriere, B.C. Meat Breads & Fruit Vegetables & Seafood Baked Goods Of ce Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday Stock up & Reach Us: Phone: 250.672.9995 enjoy your Toll-Free: 1.800.678.1129 facebook.com/ vacation Summer | 9am - 7pm Daily Fax: 250.672.5858 Winter | 9am - 6pm Daily Email: [email protected] Web: www.simpcw.com 4307 Yellowhead Hwy. Barriere, BC AG Foods - Barriere Phone: 250-672-5363 4510 Barriere Town Road | Barriere, BC | Tel: 250-672-9929

22 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 23 Lake Louise PURCELL PROVINCIAL PARK WILDERNESS CONSERVANCY YOHO YOHO NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL BUGABOO PROVINCIAL PARK Golden GOAT RANGE GOAT PROVINCIAL PARK PARK GLACIER KOKANEE PROVINCIAL 6 GLACIER GLACIER 1 NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL 23 93 Bike Park Bike Bike Park Bike PARK Rodeo BIKING BIKING Peaks HAMBER Iceeld Fall Fair & Pro & Pro Fair Fall FOREST FOREST hut-to-hut North Thompson North Thompson Skiing at Sun at Skiing Downhill & XC Downhill & XC Downhill & XC Downhill & XC To Calgary To Canoe & Camp Canoe Wells Gray Park Park Gray Wells Wells Gray Park Park Gray Wells Ferry Jasper Ferry 16 Upper Arrow Lake Voyageur Voyageur Voyageur Voyageur Canoe Tour Canoe

Ranch Stays Ranch Stays To Ban/Calgary To 483 km (300 mi) VALLEY VALLEY Alpine Alpine Alpine Alpine Snow- mobiling

Mt Robson Mt Robson Iceeld ➔ Rafting NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL White-water White-water White-water White-water 685 km 682 km 425 mi 318 km 423 mi 123 km 197 mi 76 mi 589 km 712 km 365 mi 478 km 442 mi 297 mi MOUNT REVELSTOKE MOUNT REVELSTOKE N Heli-Skiing Heli-Skiing SNOW SNOW MONASHEE Marsh Birding Blossoms Cranberry Hike Alpine Alpine Hike Hike Alpine Alpine Hike JASPER PROVINCIAL PARK Camping Canoeing & Canoeing Canoeing & Canoeing NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL 6 Revelstoke PARK Bear Falls GRANBY Fishing Fishing Berg L. Berg Viewing Viewing & Habitat Heli-Tour Helmcken Helmcken Helmcken Helmcken ALPINE ALPINE PROVINCIAL Mt. Robson Mt. Mt. Robson Mt. WILDLIFE WATER WATER WATER WATER ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES LEGEND EXPERIENCES ESSENTIAL Hugh Allan Ck Hugh Mabel Lake Kinbasket Lake MOUNT ROBSON PROVINCIAL PARK Iceeld PARK ANSTEY HUNKAKWA Seymour R 1 Sicamous PARK Driving Distances from Clearwater to: Clearwater from Driving Distances AB Calgary, Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB Jasper, Kamloops, BC BC (via HwyKelowna, 3 & 33) WA Seattle, WA Spokane, 287 km BC Vancouver, 178 mi 97A Seymour Arm GRAYSTOKES Iceeld PARK RIVER UPPER SEYMOUR Iceeld Enderby

Armstrong Valemount Valemount Cayenne Ck Cayenne Spallumcheen Shuswap 97B PARK RIVER UPPER ADAMS Kalamalka Lake Kalamalka International Airport Wood Lake Wood PARK LAKES Lake Country Lake Sorrento MOMICH

KELOWNA

MYRA CANYON MYRA

Adams R Adams Avola R Thompson North Vernon Blue River Swan Lake Swan PARK Squilax Adams Lake Adams North Thompson R Murtle Lake

RODERICK HAIG BROWN Lake Okanagan Chase Salmon Arm MTN PARK MTN OKANAGAN OKANAGAN PARK Falkland FINTRY Vavenby 276 km (170 mi) To Prince George Prince To

PROVINCIAL

PARK South Thompson R R Thompson Thompson South South VALLEY R Thompson South Westbank BEAR CREEK PROVINCIAL Monte Creek WELLS GRAY Adams Lake Adams West Kelowna West PROVINCIAL PARK DUNN PEAK Birch Island Birch PROTECTED AREA Salmon R Peachland RESORT RESORT NORTH THOMPSON THOMPSON NORTH

Clearwater Lake Nicola R SUN PEAKS Barriere Barriere Chu Chua (Simpcw) Chua Chu River Little Fort Azure Lake Azure Lake

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Connector Coquihalla Douglas Lake Clearwater

Lac Le Jeune Le Lac

Clearwater N Thompson R Thompson N Hobson Lake Hobson Douglas Lake Pennask Pennask Lake 97C

Calgary

KAMLOOPS Ski Hill Heritage Site Ski Hill Heritage Site Road Gravel 5A Spokane Alberta Edmonton Jasper PROVINCIAL PARK Helmcken Falls Helmcken NORTH THOMPSON 24 PARK BONAPARTE He ey Creek He ey Quilchena PROVINCIAL PARK LAC DU BOIS LAC GRASSLANDS Aspen Grove Brookmere Seattle 1 5A Border UNESCO Border UNESCO Nicola Lake Nicola Washington

Kamloops Lake Merritt North Thompson Valley British Logan Lake Columbia 97C Savona Visitor Info Centre Info Visitor Hwy Trans-Canada Hwy Crowsnest Hwy Yellowhead Hwy 16 Yellowhead 97 Route I-90 Interstate Airport site UNESCO Heli-skiing Ski Resort Crossing Border Main Rail Line Ferry North Thompson Region Valley Lower Nicola Vancouver 97C 1 1 LEGEND ort of Entry (24 Hours) ort of Entry (24 Hours) © 2017 North Thompson Valley Tourism • Map design: Rogerort of Entry (Limited Hours) Handlingort of Entry (Limited Hours) US P US P US P US P

24 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca Ashcroft NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 25 Cache Creek 97 1 99 Spences Bridge Lytton FRASER RIVER North Alaska to Clinton PARK RANGE MARBLE PROVINCIAL

Lillooet EDGE HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK STEIN VALLEY NLAKA’PAMUX HERITAGE PARK HERITAGE MEHATL CREEK MEHATL PROVINCIAL PARK barriere WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Conveniently Located on Highway 5 in Giddy-Up This is ranch country. Come live the ranch life at Jandana LITTLE FORT and CLEARWATER Ranch. Do your chores and brush down the horses. You’ll ICE CREAM learn how to communicate with the horses on their level. As a reward, you get to head out and explore the valley on the back We all scream for of your trusty steed. Be one of the 10,000 plus visitors that get their cowboy on Murray’s at the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo every Labour Day weekend. You can see, smell and taste the community pride in ICE CREAM Liquor Agency the locals’ handicrafts. For some excitement, make sure you NOW & CONCESSION STAND Highway 5 Highway 5 take in the bull riding, steer wrestling and chuck wagons. Relax Little Fort, BC Clearwater, BC at night with family dances, cabarets and cowboy poetry. SERVING 250-677-4224 250-674-3223 Come celebrate the Secwepemc people at the Kamloopa PowWow, put on by the Tk’emlúpsemc First Nation. Enjoy MILKSHAKES the dancing, drumming and art by traditional artists. & SOFT ICE BOTH LOCATIONS FEATURING Accommodation Sleep soundly under the stars, or cuddle under the CREAM Instore Groceries blanket beside a cozy fi replace. You’ll fi nd lodges, resorts, Bakery MURRAY’S ICE CREAM • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM - 8PM Gas guest ranches, hotels, motels and inns in the Lower North Hunting Thompson. Pick your level of wild and snuggle in for a good Diesel 36 FLAVOURS TO CHOOSE FROM • SOFT SERVE • MILK SHAKES • REFRESHMENTS & MORE & Fishing night’s sleep. Several of the resorts here have camping and Across from Barriere Petro-Canada along side Yellowhead Hwy (4353 Conner Road) BARRIERE, BC Supplies Propane RV sites and there are dozens of private and provincial campgrounds here.

E Quick Golf Getaway A T The North Thompson’s Premier 9 Hole I Championship Length Golf Course! N Take Out 4 KM North of Barriere on Hwy 5 • Box 1400 • Barriere B.C. Email: [email protected] Tel: 250-672-0119 Diner Open Daily • Winter 8am - 9pm • Summer 8am - 10pm Toll Free: 1-888-607-4653 (BC & Alberta) www.chinookcovegolf.com 9916 Bean Rd, Little Fort, BC • Phone: (250) 677-4400

26 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 27 clearwater WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Endless Forests, Great view Helmcken and the other 39 plus Mountains, and Mighty Rivers waterfalls at their full and breath- In the Spring, bears come out of taking force. CLEARWATER/ hibernation, giving great opportunities Spring, summer and fall are the for bear viewing. The rivers reach best time to explore the 200 kms their crescendo with spring run-off (125 mi) of hiking trails. Amble over and begin to slow in early summer 200,000-year-old lava beds past WELLS GRAY for excellent white-water kayaking ancient volcanoes. Listen to the wild and rafting. It’s also the best time to as you walk along the river. For a

A mother and her two cubs investigate the lake shore

Waterfalls, Wildlife, Wilderness

Lose yourself in 1.3 million acres of alpine playground. Clearwater/Wells Gray is a land of ancient forests, pristine glacial lakes, epic white-water rafting, and over 39 waterfalls (including Canada’s fourth highest). Some call this the land of fi re and ice. Long ago volcanoes erupted beneath the glaciers, leaving the breathtaking landscapes you see today. Today, bears, wolves, moose, deer, beaver and over 250 bird species call this land home. Once you’ve had your fi ll of adventure, feed your cravings at Clearwater’s local restaurants, cafes Photo Tourism Wells Wells Gray Tourism Photo and farmers’ markets. Roughly halfway between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, Clearwater/Wells Gray is the perfect mid-way stop. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time and extra days to explore this area. CLEARWATER / WELLS GRAY ICONIC EXPERIENCES Visit Helmcken Falls, Canada’s fourth highest waterfall Go white-water rafting on the Clearwater River Go hiking hut-to-hut in Wells Gray Park’s backcountry Explore Clearwater/Wells Gray by horseback

The Wells Gray Park Visitor Centre is located on Highway 5, Clearwater Valley Road, and is open May thru October. We’d be happy to give you a detailed park map and some friendly Sylvia and Goodwin Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park suggestions for your Clearwater/Wells Gray experience. For Photo Holly Louwerse Photography more information, visit us online at wellsgray.ca

28 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 29 clearwater WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

remarkably beautiful experience, try hut-to-hut hiking in Canada’s largest alpine fl ower meadow on Trophy Mountain. Paddle the pristine glacial waters of Clearwater/ Azure Lakes dotted with beaches and campgrounds. Or take the water taxi to Rainbow Falls, a backcountry and fi shing paradise – and a guaranteed way to get far from all the crowds. In the late summer, watch the salmon return to our great rivers at the Raft River viewing platform or at Bailey’s Chute on the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Horseback riding and mountain biking are always excellent ways to explore, and in the fall, they off er a Unexpected. On the Wild Side. perfect view of the stunning fall colours in our endless forests. Choose from a short ride to multi-day and fully White-water rafting on the Clearwater River Photo Tourism Wells Wells Gray Tourism Photo outfi tted horseback riding excursions, as well as guided mountain biking excursions. You can also experience which you’ve never seen. For postcard worthy photos, visit Clearwater/Wells Gray from the air on a fi xed wing fl ight Helmcken Falls, Canada’s fourth tallest waterfall, where tour or even on a tandem paragliding experience. Old Man Winter creates a majestic ice cone beneath the rushing water. Frozen Waterfalls and Snowy Trails The mountains and meadows of Trophy, Battle and Fight Autumn colours give way to breathtakingly winter Mountains off er a huge variety of spectacular terrain for scenes in Clearwater/Wells Gray. Many of the rushing hut-to-hut skiing and snowshoeing. This area is covered in waterfalls freeze into picturesque ice sculptures the likes of the most reliable powder snow in the province – Cariboo

It's Worth Getting Here... Only 25 minutes east of Clearwater, BC, the scenic and winding road leads you to our hidden gem in the middle of nature's paradise. Alpine Meadows Resort is surrounded by six provincial parks and is perfectly situated in the beautiful North Thompson region of British Columbia. YOUR GAME YOUR WAY

ENJOY ALL OUR AMENITIES

Bar and Concession 9 Holes Meticulously Groomed Pro Shop Pull and Power Carts STAY & PLAY Club Rental Stay and Play Packages Phone: 1(250) 587-6368 | Toll Free: 1-866-587-6368 1480 Old N. Thompson Hwy. Clearwater, BC | 250-587-6100 | 1-866-522-2792 | www.lacaryagolf.com ALPINE MEADOWS RESORT www.alpinemeadowsresort.com 340030 Dunn | North Lake Thompson Road, Clearwater, Valley | NorthThompson.ca BC V0E 1N0, Canada [email protected] NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 31 clearwater WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Mountain Powder! One of the most affordable backcountry Relaxing Big or Small, We Rent Them All. ski experiences, you can choose access by Snowcat or helicopter. The Snow Taxi to Clearwater Lake offers access Are You Building? Are You Renovating? We have the Rentals you require! Peaceful Our rental department has a wide selection of rental tools for you! to the upper end of the Wells Gray Park upper corridor. In Call us for your needs. We will deliver anywhere 250.674.3386 the winter, it’s the only way to experience Clearwater Lake, where you can snowshoe through ancient cedar forests, Getaway winter canoe and enjoy the comfort of a warm cabin and campfires under the stars. www.salmonberrylanebnb.com Let your cross-country skis glide over the 100 kms (62 mi) of groomed ski trails. Or join us in February for the Birchleg – a Viking themed Nordic fun cross-country ski race. There may be fewer people here in the winter, but moose, pine martens, foxes and deer are quite abundant.

Accommodation Local crafted gifts • www.redshedfarm.ca After a full day in the great outdoors, rest your head at one of our friendly accommodations. B&Bs, hotels, resorts, cabins, and ranches all have places for you to rest and rejuvenate. With over 700 RV and campsites in the area, Red Shed WINTER HOURS: pick your favourite and spend the night. There are several NORTH VALLEY SUPPLY LTD. 06410 Mon. to Sat. 8:30 - 5:00pm 213 West Old North Thompson Hwy, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2 SUMMER HOURS: local and provincial campgrounds too, including the North Farm Studio 250.674.3386 Mon. to Sat. 7:30 - 5:30pm Thompson Provincial Park, at the confluence of the North Thompson and Clearwater rivers. 1030 Bohill Place, Clearwater BC • 250-674-3068

The Adventure Starts Here

Clearwater is the Gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. Whether you plan to locate your business here, invest in the area, relocate your family or enjoy the abundant recreational opportunities our community is open for business all seasons. Clearwater has it all! Clearwater features residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial properties available for development and more importantly, we are a community prepared to attract new business enterprise. The community is self-sustaining and offers a successful retail/service industry that is capable of providing for the entire region.

Everything you need from your grocery store and more... ING E SAV Quality Meats, Dairy and Produce Fresh Baked goods daily BL EATA Bulk foods and Full Deli • Newspapers and Magazines • Snacks and Ice • Lottery UNB Contact Us: PO Box 157, 209 Dutch Lake Road, CLEARWATER, 365 Murtle Crescent SW, facebook.com/ Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0 Phone 250-674-2213 Telephone: 250 674-2257 Store Hours: Open 7 days a week www.districtofclearwater.ca Summer: 8am - 9pm | Winter: 9am - 7pm

32 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 33 blue river WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Winter Wonderland explore the fresh powder snow here. Blue River is known the world over Go hut-to-hut skiing with Snowy for its abundant dry powder snow. Mountain Alpine Tours or explore It’s fantastic for outdoor adventure, our groomed cross-country ski trails. including much sought after heli- Snowmobile enthusiasts will love skiing. Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing the 60 km (37 mi) of groomed and is renowned for unlimited vertical, ungroomed backcountry trails for pristine powder and exceptional snowmobiling. This winter wonderland terrain. makes playing in the snow even more There are plenty of other ways to fun! BLUE RIVER

Jewel of the Yellowhead

Blue River has long been known as the Jewel of the Yellowhead. Valley bottoms merge with forested mountains that lead up to the rugged Canoe Murtle Lake slopes of the Cariboo mountain range. Join the many hikers on our Wells Gray Tourism Photo trails and experience blissful silence while trekking through the forest. Our serene glacier fed lakes and soaring mountain peaks are home to BLUE RIVER ICONIC EXPERIENCES elk, moose, deer, lynx, bears, wolves, coyotes, eagles and several other species of birds. And it’s all just a step away. You’ll fi nd Blue River at Go on a bear viewing river safari the junction of the North Thompson and Blue Rivers. Eateries here Explore the wilds on snowmobile come with a great view. Experience heli-skiing in the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains Ski pristine powder in the Monashe and Cariboo Mountains Paddle Murtle Lake, North America’s largest non-motorized lake Photo Mike Wiegele For more great things to do and places to stay visit us online at blueriverbc.ca

34 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 35 blue river WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

360 Eden Road, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N1 Phone 250-674-3080 Toll-Free 1-888-383-2388 Hiking in the North Thompson Email [email protected]

The Natural Place to Stay www.clearwaterlodge.ca

Welcome 欢迎 Bienvenue WILLKOMMEN Bienvenido ようこそ WELKOM

At the Clearwater Lodge, you can get in touch with nature while still enjoying all the modern conveniences you'd expect from luxury resorts and hotels. Photo Allen Jones Allen Photo Lakes and Rivers Imagine waking up to the sound of water lapping outside your tent. Murtle Lake, located in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BLUE RIVER CLEARWATER VALLEY RESORT is North America’s largest, non-motorized lake. You can rent canoes, carts and fishing gear at the Blue River Campground. Campground & RV Park Cast your line and catch a rainbow trout weighing up to 3 kg & KOA KAMPGROUND (7 lb). Camping is located on the sandy beaches in approved locations, where you can share a campfire and make new friends. In the warmer months, cool off with a refreshing swim before bed, then spend the night counting stars. MOTEL Rainbow trout and salmon are usually the catch of the day

• Outdoor Pool Full Service RV Sites • Tenting Cabins • Tipis • Pull Thrus • Fire-Pits • Restaurant WIFI • Canoe/Cart Rentals • Camping Gear Outfi tters Town & Country Bike Rentals • Mini Golf 201-365 Murtle Crescent Clearwater • 250-674-0058 Phone 1-250-673-8203 • Laundromat Toll Free 1-866-675-8203 • RV Storage GREAT PEOPLE, Highway 5 halfway between Kamloops & Jasper GREAT CAMPING. TM Blue River, BC V0E 1J0 Fun is always [email protected] www.bluerivercampground.ca www.clearwatervalley.com • 250 674 3918 For all in your season! Pharmacy needs and so much more! Entrance to Murtle Lake, Wells Gray Park

36 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 37 blue river WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

MikeMike WiegeleWiegele ResoResortrt && from our many lakes and rivers. The beautifully jade coloured foods and habitat of the bears in this unique rainforest or hike Mud Lake is right in the heart of bear country, while Eleanor along the 15 plus km maintained hiking trails. Come and explore Saddle Mountain Restaurant Lake is the perfect place for a relaxing picnic and a swim. up to 12 km (7.5 mi) of Grizzly Bear Valley in the world’s only Blue River inland temperate rainforest. Go on Safari Go on Safari in the pristine wilderness of the North Accommodation All Crews, Sledders & Thompson back country. River Safari has designed boats that Get comfortable at motels, inns, and B&Bs in the Blue River Bikers Welcome preserve the environment and allow you to observe wildlife in area. There are several places to park an RV or pitch a tent. You ALL YEAR LONG! their natural habitat. Marvel at the black bears, bald eagles, can even rent a tipi at the Blue River Campground. There’s also Blue River, BC waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. On land, take a Jeep a luxurious mountain resort, open year-round, where you can 250-673-HOLY (4659) www.holysmokeinn.ca Safari interpretive tour where you’ll see, touch and tastePROOF SHEETthe FOR: choose from chalets or a private Bavarian House or Cabana. Lane’s Auto Towing

228 EAST YELLOWHEAD HWY, CLEARWATER, BC V0E 1N0

RESERVATIONS: 1.800.567.4088 YOUR NEXT DATE: September 28, 2017

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: awaits 48x96 Adventure Avola4mm choro sign Private Campground Campground 24 Hour Service Full Service Pull Through Sites &RV Park ICBC Towing & Recovery • Deck Truck • Lockouts • Fuel Explore the Gem of the Yellowhead Private Tenting Sites Jump Starts • Tire Changes • Local and Long Distance Halfway Between Jasper & Kamloops RV and 5th Wheel Towing Used Auto Parts LUXURY CHALETS • LAKE ACCESS For Reservations call 250-678-2345 or email your host • This original drawing is the property SENSATIONAL DINING [email protected] of Funk Signs Inc. and is protected by 250.674.2214 • WWW.WELLSGRAYINN.CA • 250.674.2214 250.674.2214 • WWW.WELLSGRAYINN.CA • 250.674.2214 Copyright. Reproduction in whole or Ph: (250) 673-8381 or 1 (800) 661-9170 in part without written permission is BOOK THE WELLS GRAY INN SUITE FOR YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY! www.wiegele.com 3748 Avola East Frontage Road, Avola BC prohibited. Toll Free: 1-877-674-4TOW (4869) 250-678-2345 • www.campbc.net ©Funk Signs Inc., 2011 Avola Office: 250-678-2300

Camping Life is too short come & Cabins your very funksigns.comown Tel. 250.372.3636 Fax 250.374.3636 on the Lake in 1506 Lorne Street East Clearwater saddle up THRILL RIDEKamloops, BC V2C 1X5 Surrounded by incredible Mountain and Wildlife 250-674-3351 | 1-888-884-4424 GUIDED A ride for every skill level RIDES ON A BRPPS Season Passes WORKING Why not simplify your trip and purchase an annual seasons pass that RANCH will allow you unlimited riding all season for all BRPPS areas. $ THE SHOOK Individual Season Passes: 255 Includes Club Membership RANCH VAVENBY, BC 1.2 km past the Vavenby Bridge Daily Trail Fees Fishing, Swimming, Daily trail fees are applicable in all of our managed snowmobiling areas. Hiking Trails, Beautiful trails These fees are per snowmobile/snowbike, per day and can be purchased Guided rides with cash or credit card at any one of the BRPPS trail head booths. Canoe & Kayak Rentals the Small groups There is staff operating the booths seven days a week. All ages & levels restaurant VAVENBY of experience Daily Trail Fee: $25 Fabulous Food | Fantastic View Lots of options Blue River 361 Ridge Drive RESERVATIONS: Box 73, Blue River V0E 1J0 | [email protected] TRAIL RIDES 250-676-9598 Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2 250-674-3560 Powder Packers www.sledblueriver.com 1-866-674-3566 www.dutchlake.com Email: [email protected] • www.vavenbytrailrides.ca

38 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 39 valemount WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

VALEMOUNT Let the Mountains Move You

Snowmobiling at Allan Creek A hiker views the beautiful scenery Imagery Boosted Photo Valemount has to off er Photo Kelly Funk Photography Snow Fun totally diff erent with a heli-snowshoe Join us at the doorstep of the experience with Robson Helimagic. Canadian Rocky Mountains for For something unique, try views that will take your breath powerboarding at Crystal Ridge. It’s away. Our pristine powder was made the only place in the world that has a for strapping on your fat skies or sled-assisted ski hill. Head down on snowboard and carving your way long, steep tree runs and wide bowls through waves of champagne powder. fi lled with powder and classic glades. Why not try CAT skiing with Cariboo Let your team of Alaskan Huskies Snowcat. lead you through a snowy winter Our backcountry is a haven wonderland past frozen waterfalls, for cross-country skiers and snow laden timbers and breathtaking Wake in the morning to a backdrop of blue skies and breathtaking snowmobilers. You’ll fi nd dozens of panoramic views with Coldfi re Creek snow-capped mountains. The Village of Valemount is where explorers snowmobile trails here, with varying Dogsledding. For more laid back levels of diffi culty from family outdoor fun, lace up your skates like you gather together before heading out on tour adventures. Take adventurer to hard core sledder. and breathe in the fresh air as you your time and marvel at the Cariboo, Monashee and Rocky Mountain Take a heli-tour or do something experience ice skating on Cranberry ranges. Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, is part of your adventure here. Hike the Berg Lake Trail where you’ll cross three biogeoclimatic zones, and gain just under 800 metres in VALEMOUNT ICONIC EXPERIENCES elevation over 23 km (14 mi). Mountain Biking at the Valemount Bike Park Wildlife viewing at the Cranberry Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Hike or helicopter up Mount Robson

For more things to do and places to stay, drop by the Valemount Visitor Centre on Cranberry Lake Road or visit us online at visitvalemount.ca

40 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 41 valemount WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Marsh (weather dependent). Grab your friends and start a game of pick up hockey.

Sensational Summer Sensational is the word used to describe summer in Valemount. Kick off summer in June at the vALEmount Craft Beer Experience, a block party-style beer fest with food and music. Explore the trails and boardwalk at Cranberry Marsh. Hawks, eagles, geese, ducks, woodpeckers, owls, swifts, and warblers all make their home here. Look closely and you may spot muskrats, mule deer, moose Big Rapids and and even bears. Scenic Floats The Fraser River starts in Mount Robson Provincial Park and it’s where you’ll also find a large inland salmon 1-866-569-0188 migration. Hike or heli-hike Mount WWW.STELLARDESCENTS.COM Robson and experience the sights and Get your turns in at the Valemount Bike Park sounds of the Valley of a Thousand Falls, 11957 L’Heureux11957 Rd.L’Heureux Tete Jaune, Rd. Tete BC Jaune, BC Photography Kelly Funk Photo

Heli-hiking the Berg Lake Trail Willow Burl Cabins Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo

Willow Burl Cabins 8 kms South of Valemount

www.willowburlcabins.ca Family Size Cabins • Secure Parking Phone 1.250.566.4898 Beautiful Natural Setting E-Mail [email protected] Mountain biking at Valemount Bike Park Get your adrenalin pumping rafting on the Fraser River Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo

42 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 43 valemount events WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY WILDERNESS… JUST A STEP AWAY

Steps from Valemount a boaters paradise is found at Kinbasket Lake

EVENTS Photo Kelly Funk Photography Kelly Funk Photo For more events, dates and times, Emperor Falls, Berg Lake and . Craft Beer Experience, the Canoe Mountain Rodeo, Mud please visit our site at norththompson.ca

Up for a challenge? Then take your mountain bike up Races, or the Robson Valley Music Festival. Close out the Photography Kelly Funk Photo to the Valemount Bike Park! There are 25 trails of varying summer at the Mount Robson Marathon with a 50 km (31 degrees for all ages and abilities. There are also hundreds mi) ultra-marathon, a 25 km (15.5 mi) half-marathon or a JANUARY MAY of miles of service roads for exploring by ATV. For the 12 km (7.5 mi) or 5 km (3 mi) event. > Ice Man Fishing Derby (Clearwater/Wells Gray) 5 Investors Group Walk for Alzheimers, Barriere Seniors Hall (Barriere) adventurous, head up Canoe Mountain for stunning 15-4 Clearwater Winter Festival (Clearwater/Wells Gray) 18-19 Junior High School Rodeo, NT Fall Fairgrounds (Barriere) 360-degree views. It’s the highest place in North America Accommodation FEBRUARY 19 May Day Parade (Clearwater/Wells Gray) you can go with a motorized vehicle. For those who prefer Sleep steps away from nature at area hotels, motels, 25-26 High School Rodeo (Valemount) 2 Birch Leg Cross-Country Ski Race (Clearwater/Wells Gray) a slower ride, sign up for a guided horseback tour of our inns, B&Bs, vacation rentals, cabins and cottages. Camping 26 Welcome to Summer, Community BBQ (Blue River) 16 Cabin Fever mid-season Mash Up Dance, Blue River Comm. Hall valley. is popular here from May to October, so reservations > Saturday Farmers’ Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) White-water rafting, fi shing, boating and swimming are are recommended. There are over 700 campsites in MARCH JUNE great ways to spend your day on our waters. Take in one the area with front and backcountry camping and seven 2 LA Community Spaghetti Dinner (Blue River) 7-9 Valemountain Days (Valemount 3 days) of our signature events. We have the annual vALEmount full-serviced RV Parks. There are also three provincial 9-10 8th Annual Bluebird Banked Slalom (Sun Peaks) 14-15 vALEmount Craft Beer Experience (Valemount) campgrounds in Mount Robson Provincial Park. 16-17 Sun Peaks Nordic Festival 16 North Thompson Fish & Game Father’s Day Get entertained at vALEmount Craft Beer Experience 15 St. Patrick’s Day Dance, Legion Upper Hall (Blue River) Fishing Derby (Barriere) 21-24 North Thompson Agriplex – BC Team Cattle Penning 29 Ice Cream Social (Dunster near Valemount) Competitions (Barriere) > Sun Peaks Market Day opens for the summer 22-23 HUB International Nancy Greene Festival (Sun Peaks) > 5K Foam Fest (Sun Peaks) APRIL > Fourth Annual Big Barriere Block Party (Barriere) Wilderness... just a step away 5-7 Snowbombing Canada (Sun Peaks) > Summer Solstice Disc Golf Tournament (Clearwater) 13 Spring Fling, End of Winter Dance (Blue River) > Thursday Farmers’ Market (Valemount) 13 True Grit Big Four Rodeo and Dance (Barriere) > Friday Night Bandshell Music in the Park (Barriere) 18-21 North Thompson Agriplex – BC Team Cattle Penning @NorthThompsonBC | #NorthThompson > Saturday Farmers’ Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) Competitions (Barriere) > Honouring Young Women PowWow (Chu Chua) NorthThompson.ca Continued on next page

Photo Dan RobertsPhoto Photography > Tod Mountain Days Spring Festival (Sun Peaks)

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JULY Elvis Festival, Barriere Simply Breath Taking 1 Canada Day Celebrations throughout the North Thompson 12-14 Canadian Blue Moon Elvis Festival (Barriere) 13-14 Canoe Mountain Rodeo (Valemount) 17-21 North Thompson Agriplex, Showdown 2019, Canadian National Junior Angus Show (Barriere) 20 Canada Parks Day (Mount Robson) > Sun Peaks Summer Concert (Sun Peaks) Summit River Lodge Resort > Alpine Blossom Festival (Sun Peaks) & Campground is truly > Clearwater Kayak Festival (Clearwater/Wells Gray) Valemount’s Best Kept Secret > Thursday Night Concert Series (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > Thursday Farmers’ Market (Valemount) Located 20 Kms south of Valemount River Front Lodging > Friday night Bandshell Music in the Park (Barriere) www.bbcanada.com/summitriver River Front Camping with Glacier View > Saturday Farmers’ Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) Contact Us at: Powered Sites, Water Fill Up and Sani Dump AUGUST 250-566-9933 Heated Washrooms with Hot Showers 3-5 Blue River Blues Slo-Pitch Tournament (Blue River) email: [email protected] Quad Friendly 3-4 North West Mud Racing (Valemount) www.summitriverlodge.com Family Reunions 16-18 Robson Valley Music Festival (Valemount) Rates: 23-2 10th Annual Retro Concert Weekend (Sun Peaks)

Photo Jill Hayward Photo Lodge/Cabins ~ Starting at $129 24 Candle Creek Half Marathon (Clearwater) night incl. breakfast 31 70th Annual North Thompson Fall Fair & the BCRA Polaris Rodeo SEPTEMBER Camping ~ $20-$30 per night Finals (Barriere) 1-2 70th Annual North Thompson Fall Fair & the BCRA Polaris Rodeo 31 Valemount Marina Fishing Derby (Valemount) Finals (Barriere) > Kamloopa PowWow (Lower North Thompson) 1 Valemount Marina Fishing Derby (Valemount) > Clearwater Children’s Arts Festival (Clearwater/Wells Gray) 7-9 Serenity Harvest Music Festival (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > First Fish Ceremony (Simpcw First Nation – north of Clearwater) 7 Mount Robson Marathon Run (Mount Robson) > The Blueberry Tea (Valemount) TBA 26-30 4-H BC Agricultural Expo and Sale, NT Fall Fairgrounds (Barriere) > Star Gazing Festival (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > Peaks Pedal Fest (Sun Peaks) > Thursday Night Concert Series (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > Chu Chua Men’s Softball Tournament (Barriere) > Thursday Farmers’ Market (Valemount) > North Face Dirty Feet Mountain Run and 50 km Relay (Sun Peaks) > Friday night Bandshell Music in the Park (Barriere) > Thursday Farmers’ Market (Valemount) > Saturday Farmers’ Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > Saturday Farmers’ Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. Barriere OCTOBER 19 Annual Harvest Dinner, Community Hall (Blue River) 31 Kid’s Halloween Party (Blue River) > Coho Day at Dunn Creek Hatchery (north of Barriere) NOVEMBER 11 Remembrance Day (North Thompson Valley) DECEMBER 8 Christmas Craft Fair (Blue River) 14 Welcome to Winter Dance (Blue River) 31 New Year’s Eve Professional Bull Riding and Dance, NT Agriplex (Barriere) 31 New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Sun Peaks) > Christmas Light Up and Market (Clearwater/Wells Gray) > Holiday Kick O Weekend (Sun Peaks) Photo MikaelPhoto Kjellstrom

46 | North Thompson Valley | NorthThompson.ca NorthThompson.ca | North Thompson Valley | 47 Labour Day BCRA Polaris WEEKEND Championship Rodeo Finals Exhibits & Competitions Admission Weekend Kid’s Fun Zone Pass Only $15 Concerts • Vendors Entertainment Stage $40 Lumberjack Competition & Show Heavy Horse Pull Seniors & Great Food • Beer Garden Students Livestock Shows $10 Rodeo Cabaret Dance Ages 10 & Lawn Tractor Races under free Dry Camping $40/Weekend

Labour Day Weekend • 1st Monday in September Barriere, BC • www.fallfair-rodeo.com