 Fruit Orchard, Don Weixl photo
Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, stands in the Thompson Okanagan, as does Helmcken Falls, which is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls. Some trails trace waterways, others follow old railway tracks. All offer superb scenery and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. You're guaranteed to find a trail to suit your skill level in the Thompson Okanagan.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
A word or two on safety:
- Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the most exhilarating hiking and walking destinations in BC. It contains many lakes, rivers and streams as well as a number of waterfalls, including the spectacular Helmcken Falls, which is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls. Breathtaking views of river valleys, highland plateaus and mountain ranges can be had from a number of elevated viewpoints on the Corridor Trails, which also feature a volcanic cave, natural swimming hole, abandoned pioneer homesteads, lake and excellent vantage points for viewing moose and mule deer.
Wells Gray is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater via the Clearwater Valley Road.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: late May - late September
> Wells Gray Park website
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Walk through any portion of Mount Robson Park and you'll soon understand why the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated it a World Heritage Site. Its namesake and central feature, Mount Robson, rises a dramatic 3,954 m (12,972 ft) over the western entrance to the park. An exciting variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, mountain goats and sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, as well as 182 bird species, inhabit the area for at least some part of the year.
Mount Robson is a 20-minute drive northeast from Valemount via Highways 5 and 16.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: late April - early October
- User fees in effect
> Mount Robson Park website
Cathedral Provincial Park
Cathedral is a mountainous wilderness park between the dense, wet forests of the Cascade Mountains and the desert-like landscapes of the Okanagan Valley. Azure lakes, fascinating rock formations and a stunning variety of vegetation are some of its defining features. Although most of the park's trails are quite strenuous, there is one leisurely, 30-minute amble around Lake Quiniscoe that is within easy walking distance of the lodge.
Cathedral is a 30-minute drive southwest from Keremeos off Highway 3.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: June to September
- User fees in effect from June to September
> Cathedral Park website
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