This journey from Vernon to Kamloops along British Columbia's Route 97 offers a mix of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and local flavours.
Along Route 97: Scenic Stops
Continuing along Route 97 from Vernon to Kamloops, travellers encounter a blend of cultural heritage, local flavours, and scenic landscapes.
Falkland: A Community with Rodeo Roots
Falkland, a small community along Route 97, is renowned for its annual Falkland Stampede, one of Canada's oldest rodeos, celebrating its 105th event in 2025. Held over the long weekend of May, the Stampede features traditional rodeo events like bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and a heavy horse pull. The event also includes a parade, pancake breakfasts, beer gardens, and dances, drawing visitors from across the region.
Monte Creek Ranch Winery: Wine with a View
Just a short drive east of Kamloops, Monte Creek Ranch Winery offers wine tastings with panoramic South Thompson River Valley views. Situated on a 1,200-acre property, the winery cultivates 75 vines and emphasizes sustainable and regenerative farming practices. The tasting room, open year-round, provides samples of award-winning wines, and the seasonal Terrace Restaurant offers al fresco dining options.
Route 97: A Scenic Drive
The drive along Route 97 showcases a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills and grasslands to river valleys and forests. Travellers can enjoy numerous lookouts and rest stops, ideal for photography and short breaks. The route passes through communities like Falkland and Monte Creek, offering opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine.
This stretch of Route 97 provides diverse experiences, blending outdoor recreation, cultural events, and local gastronomy, making it a noteworthy segment of the Thompson Okanagan region.
Kamloops Outdoor Recreation
Kamloops is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various yearly recreational activities.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Kamloops boasts an extensive network of trails suitable for hikers of all levels. Kenna Cartwright Park, one of British Columbia's largest municipal parks, offers over 40 kilometres of multi-use trails traversing grasslands, hills, and forests, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Peterson Creek Nature Park, located near downtown, features trails that follow a natural creek corridor, offering a serene environment for walking and wildlife observation.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, Kamloops is an excellent location to explore the various trails and mountain parks. For more information about the different trail heads you can start your adventure from, please check out Kamloops.com.
Mountain Biking
The city's varied terrain and semi-arid climate make it ideal for mountain biking. Kamloops Bike Ranch, Canada's largest municipal bike park, features professionally designed jump lines, pump tracks, and trails catering to riders of all skill levels. Sun Peaks Resort offers 83 kilometres of lift-accessed trails, ranging from beginner to expert levels, set amidst alpine scenery. Harper Mountain and Pineview Valley provide additional options, with trails that include technical descents and cross-country routes.
Kamloops is best known for having over 270 biking trails throughout the region, with trails supporting all skill levels. If you are interested in learning more about what trail might be best for you, Kamloops.com has a curated page dedicated to biking for all your biking inquires.
Water-Based Activities
With over 100 lakes and numerous rivers, Kamloops offers ample opportunities for water recreation. The Thompson River is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, providing a unique city perspective. Lakes such as Paul Lake and Heffley Lake are favoured spots for swimming, fishing, and paddling, with facilities for rentals and easy access to the water.
Cultural Engagement
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park
The Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park provides insights into the traditions and history of the Secwépemc people. The museum features four galleries with artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that showcase the community's way of life. Visitors can learn about the Secwépemc language, art, and spirituality through these exhibits.
Adjacent to the museum, the 5-hectare Heritage Park offers trails leading to the archaeological remains of a 2,000-year-old winter village. Reconstructed pit houses and summer lodges demonstrate traditional architectural techniques. An ethnobotanical garden highlights plants used for food, medicine, and cultural practices, emphasizing the Secwépemc's connection to the land.
Kamloops Art Gallery
Kamloops offers diverse cultural experiences that reflect its rich heritage and vibrant arts scene. The Kamloops Art Gallery, the most extensive public art gallery in the Interior of British Columbia, showcases a dynamic mix of contemporary and historical exhibitions featuring works by local, national, and international artists. With 12 curated exhibitions annually across three galleries, visitors can engage with various visual arts experiences.
Kamloops Museum and Archives
For those interested in the region's history, the Kamloops Museum & Archives, established in 1937, houses extensive collections that delve into the city's past. The museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits, providing insights into the development of Kamloops and its communities.
Kamloops Wine Trail: A Taste of the Thompson Valley
The Kamloops Wine Trail features three notable wineries, each offering a unique perspective on winemaking in the Thompson Valley.
Privato Vineyard & Winery
Privato is a boutique, family-owned winery known for its small-batch Burgundy-style wines. Situated on a property serving as a Christmas tree farm, Privato offers a tranquil environment for wine tastings. The winery's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in its carefully curated selection of wines.
Sagewood Winery
As a family-run establishment, Sagewood Winery focuses on producing terroir-rich wines from its vineyard. The winery offers an intimate tasting experience, allowing visitors to engage directly with the winemakers and learn about their approach to viticulture.
Craft Breweries: Exploring Kamloops' Beer Scene
Kamloops' craft beer scene is characterized by a collection of microbreweries, each bringing its flair to brewing.
Iron Road Brewing
Founded by two geologists, Iron Road Brewing combines scientific precision with a passion for beer. The brewery offers a range of well-balanced beers, and a casual menu complements its beverage offerings.
Red Collar Brewing Co.
Red Collar Brewing Co. is known for its creative approach to brewing, often experimenting with unique ingredients. The brewery's taproom provides a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy its diverse beer selection.
Bright Eye Brewing
Bright Eye Brewing has quickly gained popularity for its experimental beers, such as the Juice Springsteen IPA and Tropic Topic Sour. The brewery's modern taproom and spacious patio make it a social hub for locals and visitors alike.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse
As Kamloops' first microbrewery, The Noble Pig Brewhouse combines craft beer with a menu incorporating beer elements into its dishes. The establishment offers a unique dining experience highlighting the synergy between food and beer.
Kamloops' wineries and breweries provide diverse experiences for those interested in exploring the region's beverage offerings. Whether sampling wines along the Kamloops Wine Trail or enjoying a pint at a local brewery, the city's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every glass.
Conclusion
The route from Vernon to Kamloops encompasses natural sites, historical locations, and local food and drink experiences. Travellers can enjoy outdoor activities, learn about regional history, and sample local products.
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