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 Located at the confluence of the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers, with surrounding grasslands, forested highlands, lakes and nearby Cascade Mountains, Princeton is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. People are drawn by its natural sights, parks and wildlife. They come to swim, paddle and fish in its waterways and to hike, mountain bike and cross-country ski the region's multitude of trails.
Others discover a different face of the town. Culture buffs visit Princeton to explore historic and heritage sites that tell of its fascinating First Nations traditions and colourful mining history.
Water ActivitiesSwim from secluded beaches, float a lazy tube down the river or paddle pristine shorelines in search of First Nations pictographs (rock paintings). Anglers hardly know where to start with 49 trout lakes listed in the Princeton Visitors Guide, all within 91km/45mi of the town centre.
Trails Untold Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders share a wealth of scenery accessible on Princeton area trails. Follow the Trans Canada Trail through tunnels, over trestles, into deep canyons, across grasslands and into the forested highlands. See curiously eroded hoodoos and the brilliant red cliff where First Nations people mined for ochre.
Move on to explore historic trails and climb to panoramic lookouts with views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains.
Historic & Heritage Sites Walk around Princeton's heritage-themed downtown to see murals and buildings of note. Spend a rewarding half-day at the Princeton Museum discovering First Nations artifacts, mining heritage, tales of train robber Billy Miner, a comprehensive butterfly collection, lifelike fossils and the prized Joe Pollard rock collection.
Ghost TownsDrive into the surrounding countryside in search of the ghosts of long-gone mining towns. Head east to Hedley and visit the Upper Similkameen Indian Band's Snaza'ist Discovery Centre and the Mascot Gold Mine.
Gold PanningBecome a 21st Century prospector and pan the rivers for gold and platinum. The Tulameen is one of only two rivers in the world where gold and platinum are found together in the same waterway. But avoid becoming a claim jumper. Stop at the Visitor Centre, 105 Hwy 3 East, and get directions.
The centre also loans out panning equipment. The town maintains its own panning reserve and visitors are welcome to try their luck.
Rock Hounding Rock hounds look for porphyry, seam agate, jasper, opalite shales and petrified wood in the Tulameen River. Coalmont is known for amber and the old Blakeburn ghost town yields honey onyx. Prospect for selenite crystals as well as leaf and insect fossils near Whipshaw Creek. But don't collect fossils before checking with the Princeton Government Agent's office for information.
Fossils are protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act.
Winter ActivitiesDeep, dry powder snow in the high country lures winter sports fans. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers head to the groomed trails at China Ridge, an avalanche-free zone just 8.5km/5mi from downtown Princeton. The ungroomed Trans Canada Trail is a great choice for making fresh tracks.
Manning Park ResortDownhiller skiers and snowboarders hit the runs at Manning Park Resort, 67km/41mi west of Princeton. With 24 runs, four lifts 437m/1417ft of vertical on 57ha/140ac of terrain, there's plenty of action for every skill level. Manning also offers 35km/21.7mi of groomed trails and 190km/118mi of backcountry trails for Nordic skiers and snowshoers.
Festivals and EventsPrinceton hosts a number of festivals and events each year. Standouts include The Princeton Pro Rodeo, a traditional cowboy culture get-together held in May. Princeton Racing Days is a horse racing meet that's been running for over four decades. On a different note, traditional music fans will want to check out the Princeton Traditional Music Festival in August, complete with fiddlers, Celtic balladeers and Morris dancers.
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