Thompson Okanagan Things To Do

Mount Robson Provincial Park

Hike through any portion of Mount Robson Provincial 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. A 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.

The well-marked and hard-surfaced Yellowhead Mountain Trail offers wonderful lake and mountain views for day hikers. Experienced backcountry hikers will enjoy the Moose River wilderness route, a demanding, multi-day journey along creeks and rivers that crosses the Continental Divide. The park's most famous route, Berg Lake Trail, traverses three geoclimatic zones and features Berg Glacier, one of only a handful of advancing glaciers in the Canadian Rockies.

Mount Robson Provincial Park is a 20-minute drive northeast from Valemount via Highways 5 and 16.

A word or two on your excursion:

• User fees in effect

> Mount Robson Park website

Wells Gray Provincial Park

540,000-ha (1,334,363-ac) Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of Canada's largest and most magnificent parks. 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. Murtle Lake, in the southeastern portion of the park, is North America's largest paddle-only lake. Hiking opportunities in Wells Gray run the gamut, from ambling, level walks to challenging, sub-alpine treks.

Breathtaking views of river valleys, highland plateaus and mountain ranges can be had from a number of elevated viewpoints along the Corridor Trails, which also feature a volcanic cave, natural swimming hole, abandoned pioneer homesteads, a lake buzzing with 50 species of dragonfly as well as excellent vantage points for viewing moose and mule deer. You can visit the park at any time of year but the best weather conditions occur from late May to late September.

Wells Gray Provincial Park is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater via the Clearwater Valley Road.

> Wells Gray Park website

Cathedral Provincial Park

Cathedral is a mountainous wilderness park set 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. Fishing, camping, wilderness camping, hiking and mountaineering are popular pursuits here. Most of the park's hiking trails are quite challenging. While you can visit the park at any time of year, the best weather conditions occur from June through September.

Cathedral Provincial Park is a 30-minute drive southwest from Keremeos, off Highway 3. There is no vehicle access into the park. Visitors must either hike in approximately 16 km (10 mi) or use a private jeep service supplied by a local resort.

A word or two on your excursion:

• User fees in effect

> Cathedral Park website

Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park

1,076-ha (2,659-ac) Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park is famous for the Adams River Sockeye run in early October - one of the largest in North America. Fish numbers swell significantly every four years. These "dominant runs" create superb viewing opportunities in the channel next to the park parking lot (2010 will be a dominant run).

Eagles can often be seen soaring overhead during these runs. Other wildlife in the park includes white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, beavers, river otters and mink.

In addition to wildlife viewing, other popular pursuits in the park include fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. The trail system leads to many cultural heritage sites: ancient Shuswap kekulis (pit houses), artifacts and pictographs can all be found here.

Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park straddles the Adams River between Adams Lake and Shuswap Lake. It is a one-hour drive east from Kamloops via Highway 1.

> Roderick Haig-Brown Park website