 Ochre Mountainside, Laurie Carter photo
Ochre Bluffs One of the most impressive sights along the Trans Canada Trail just west of downtown Princeton is the blazing vermillion cliff face where First Nations people have mined ochre for thousands of years.
Pictographs They used the bright red pigment to make an incredibly durable paint, still visible in pictographs (rock paintings) around the area, and traded the valuable substance with other Aboriginal peoples throughout the Pacific coastal region and into the Prairies.
Gold Panning Follow in the steps of 19th Century prospectors and pan the rivers and creeks for gold and platinum that still washes down from the mountains every spring. To avoid jumping anybody's claim, it's best to stop by the Visitor Centre at 105 Hwy 3 East for directions and to borrow equipment. The town maintains its own panning reserve and all are welcome to try their hand.
Rock Hounding Check out the Tulameen River for porphyry, seam agate, jasper, opalite shales and petrified wood. Coalmont is known for finds of amber and the old Blakeburn ghost town yields honey onyx. Near Whipshaw Creek look for selenite crystals as well as leaf and insect fossils. However, fossils are protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act. Contact the Princeton Government Agent's office for information.
Provincial Parks Princeton acts as a hub for access to six provincial parks within a 66.7km/41mi radius: Allison Lake, Bromley Rock, Cathedral, EC Manning, Otter Lake and Stemwinder. These parks give visitors the opportunity to experience a stunning array of ecosystems from riparian zones, through dry grasslands and ponderosa parklands to subalpine forests and alpine meadows.
Wildlife Watching In the lakes and rivers, swim, canoe and kayak or cast a line for rainbow and brook trout. Hike countless trails and camp in well-trafficked campgrounds or venture far into the backcountry. See a host of wildlife including deer, beavers, coyotes, elk, moose, Columbia ground squirrels, marmots, shy picas and hundreds of species of birds. Discover hidden waterfalls and landscapes carpeted in colourful alpine wildflowers.
Bird Watching Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary is a 57ha/141ac reserve located just 6km/4mi from downtown Princeton. Sit quietly in one of two blinds and watch for resident and migratory birds. The wetlands, dry grasslands and tall ponderosa pines surrounding this glacial kettle lake attract a wide variety of species. Interpretive signage along the trails describes the native and invasive vegetation of the area. A map of the sanctuary is contained in the Princeton Visitors Guide.
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