 Hoodoos in Kamloops
JF Bergeron photo
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, so it should come as no surprise that the views of its upper reaches are some of the finest in the region. Mount Robson Provincial Park's Visitor Centre has an extraordinary view of the south face of its always snow-capped namesake, as well as fantastic vistas of Mount Resplendent, Cinnamon Peak, Mount Klapperhorn and Overlander Mountain. As well, lovely views of mountains, creeks, wetlands and valleys can be had during a drive along Highway 16 (Yellowhead), which traverses Mount Robson Provincial Park in an east/west direction.
Mount Robson Provincial Park is a 20-minute drive northeast from Valemount via Highways 5 and 16.
> Mount Robson Park website
Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls plunges 137 m (449 ft) into Helmcken Canyon. It's one of Canada's highest waterfalls and Wells Gray Provincial Park's most famous natural attraction. The best time to view the falls is at sunset, when the whole canyon is bathed in soft, orange light. The paramount viewpoints are the vehicle-accessible viewing platform and the hiking trail that follows the Murtle River to the top of the falls. In winter, an astonishing cone of ice forms at its base. By winter's end the cone stands more than 50 m (164 ft) high - a sight so unique it's worth braving chilly weather to see.
Wells Gray Provincial Park is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater via the Clearwater Valley Road.
> Wells Gray Park website
Vineyard & Orchard Views
While many of the Thompson Okanagan's vineyards and orchards have lovely views of the surrounding countryside, a few have truly outstanding outlooks. From the Mission Hill Family Estate's courtyard you get a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake with vineyards in the foreground and a mountain range in the background. Kelowna Land & Orchard offers a spectacular city view of Kelowna. Views of the Kalamalka Lakes and Woods Lake make shopping at Gatzke's Farm Market in Oyama a singular treat.
Vineyards and orchards are concentrated along the shores and hillsides of the Okanagan Valley, a four-hour drive east from Vancouver.
Kalamalka Lake
Good views of Kalamalka Lake can be had from the viewing platform at Rattlesnake Point and various points along Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park's Crest Trail. Locals call Kalamalka the "Lake of Many Colours" due to the distinctive blue-green of the lake itself, the bright swaths of wildflowers in the spring, the subtle palette of the grasslands in summer and the rich hues of autumn leaves.
Kalamalka Lake Lookout is a 10-15-minute drive south from Vernon, off Highway 97.
> Kalamalka Lake Park website
South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area
The South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area (SOGPA) is one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. The summit of Mount Kobau, inside SOGPA, is one of Canada's premier star-gazing locations. The view of the surrounding landscape in daylight is simply breathtaking. In one grand sweep you can take in dry grasslands and open forests as well as the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, Osoyoos Lake and the Cascade Mountain Range. From Richter Pass, also inside SOGPA, you can see the Okanagan Valley and Spotted Lake, a mineral lake whose surface ripples with the percolations of mineral deposits on its bottom.
South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area is a 15-minute drive west from Osoyoos via Highway 3.
> South Okanagan Grasslands website
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