Hiking trips in the Thompson Okanagan are particularly rewarding. It's common to traverse several geoclimatic zones on even short hiking trails. Trails suit all skill levels and both short, easy nature walks, as well as strenuous backcountry hikes. There are also opportunities for heli-hiking in the Cariboo Mountains near Valemount.
Two of BC's biggest and most celebrated wilderness parks are found in the Thompson Okanagan: Wells Gray Provincial Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park (home to the popular Berg Lake Trail). Many other parks, such as Cathedral Provincial Park and Monahsee Provincial Park, also have hiking trails to explore.
The variety of plants and landscapes here supports a corresponding variety of wildlife. Moose, deer, bears, mountain goats, caribou and more call the region home, and wildflower-filled meadows blanket the slopes of many alpine areas in summer.
Learn more about Hiking Trails in the Thompson Okanagan region:
Heli-Hiking and Resort trails
Heli-hiking in the Cariboo Mountains near Valemount combines high alpine adventure with luxury mountain lodge accommodation. Guests are flown by helicopter to spectacular, otherwise inaccessible mountain settings, and provided guided hikes. Packages include transport to the lodge, accommodation, guided heli-hiking, meals and equipment.
Getting to the Trails, Practical Points and Safety
While having a vehicle of your own will provide you with great flexibility, many of the region's resorts and popular provincial parks are well served by Greyhound buses and a variety of tour companies.
The Thompson Okanagan's landscapes are diverse. Proper planning, preparation, clothing and footwear appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate water and food supply are essential. Remember the following:
- The Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson river valleys experience BC's hottest summers, with temperatures often in the 30s °C (86-102° F), occasionally rising above 40°C (104°F). Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Temperatures are cooler further north in the Cariboo and Rocky mountain ranges, with average daily highs in the low 20s °C.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Dress in layers. Bring long and short-sleeved t-shirts, micro-fleece sweaters, shorts, trousers, light down vests, wind jackets and rain gear.
- Keep a layer between you and the pesky mosquitoes which can be a nuisance through much of the summer.
- Wear hiking boots with good ankle and arch support and be prepared to get muddy.
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage.
- Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals.
Choose a Trail
Easy
- Monashee Park: Beginners will enjoy the forested trail that runs from the parking lot to the Spectrum Lake area.
- Mount Robson Provincial Park: There is a hike to suit every level of ability in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Wells Gray Provincial Park: A variety of ambling, level trails lead hikers through old-growth forests, past lakes and waterfalls and even to a pioneer homestead.
Intermediate
- Cathedral Provincial Park: Azure lakes, fascinating rock formations and a stunning variety of vegetation are some of this park's defining features.
- Wells Gray Provincial Park: One of the most exhilarating hiking destinations in BC, this park offers a choice of trails suitable for hikers of all levels.
Advanced
- Cathedral Provincial Park: Experienced hikers with map reading and orienteering skills can opt for one of several challenging cross-country routes
- Monashee Provincial Park: Little Peters Trail is narrow and gains elevation rapidly but the reward is a nice view of Spectrum Lake
- Mount Robson Provincial Park: Berg Lake Trail is the park's most famous route which features one of the only advancing glaciers in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Hike 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. Located a 20-minute drive northeast from Valemount via Highways 5 and 16, the park's namesake and central feature, Mount Robson, rises a dramatic 3,954m/12,972ft over the western entrance to the park. An exciting variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, mountain goats, 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 Mount Fitzwilliam Trail offers wonderful mountain views for day and overnight hikers. Experienced backcountry hikers will enjoy the Moose River wilderness route, a demanding, multi-day journey along creeks and rivers and across 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.
- Rated: easy to advanced
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: mid May to late October
- User fees in effect
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the most exhilarating hiking 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.
Hiking opportunities in the park 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 on the Corridor Trails, which also feature a volcanic cave, a natural swimming hole, abandoned pioneer homesteads, a lake, and excellent vantage points for viewing moose and mule deer.
Wells Gray is a one-hour drive north from Clearwater via Clearwater Valley Road.
- Rated: easy to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: late May to late September
Cathedral Provincial Park
Cathedral, a 30-minute drive southwest from Keremeos off Highway 3, is a mountainous wilderness park between the dense, wet forests of the Cascade Mountains and the desert-like landscapes of the Okanagan Valley. Lakes, rock formations and a stunning variety of vegetation are some of its defining features. There are three well-marked hiking routes into the park's main area. Or take a shuttle from the park entrance to Cathedral Lakes Lodge, located in the main area, from where there are a great many trails to choose from. If (and only if) you're an experienced hiker with map reading and orienteering skills, opt for one of several challenging cross-country routes. 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.
- Rated: intermediate to advanced with one easy route
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: June to September
- User fees in effect from June to September
Monashee Provincial Park
Monashee Provincial Park offers endless opportunities for experienced hikers and a few options for beginners, too. It is a one-hour drive northeast from Lumby, off Highway 6. The best weather for hiking here occurs from May through October. Hike through old-growth forest, alpine meadows and some of the oldest rock formations in western Canada. Native wildlife species include pika, mule deer, ground squirrel, moose, grizzly bear, owl, eagle, hawk, osprey and gray jay. There's a detour for Rainbow Falls shortly before you reach the parking lot. An easy, five-minute walk leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Beginners will enjoy the forested trail that runs from the parking lot to the Spectrum Lake area. Little Peters Trail (advanced) is narrow and gains elevation rapidly over steep switchbacks and rocky terrain. It offers nice views of Spectrum Lake. Big Peters Trail (advanced) passes through a sub-alpine evergreen forest on its way to Big Peters Lake. From the lake, extend your hike further by taking one of the Alpine Routes (advanced; maps recommended): Margie Lake, Fawn Lake, South Caribou Pass or Mount Fosthall, a 1,000m/3,000ft climb that sometimes requires additional equipment.
Attributes:
- Rated: advanced with a few easy to moderate trails
- Time required: Three to 10 hours
- Trail maps are available from the Lumby Visitor Centre
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