Surrounding Area
Just around the corner: Wells Gray Park
Wells Gray Country is a spectacular, pure wilderness area. Known as a world-class destination, it is a must stop on any tour of British Columbia. Within Wells Gray Park, experience stunning vistas of high mountains, deep canyons, volcanic cones, brooding old-growth forests & raging white-water rivers.
Take in the landscapes, forests, wildlife and human heritage of Wells Gray, often known as ‘The Waterfall Park’. Enjoy the sounds, sights and serenity of countless impressive cascades, torrents and rapids - including world-famous Helmcken Falls, a waterfall three times the height of Niagara and North America's largest canoe only lake, Murtle Lake! If you're looking for a summer trip of deep blue skies over deep blue water, where you can wander lush alpine meadows and cool, ancient forests, or paddle and fish big lakes and majestic rivers, then a summer visit to Wells Gray Park has a lot to offer!
In winter, Wells Gray Country is transformed into a very different world: many locals look forward to the arrival of snow and ice, and getting out on their skis, snowshoes, dog-sleds and snowmobiles. In the valleys the snow-cover ranges between a few centimetres and half a metre or sometimes more: up in the mountains it’s more like 3m to 4m of fine powder in the average year. This gives you the perfect setting for all manner of winter fun.Kamloops' First Nations History
In the language of the First Nations, T'kemlups means "Meeting Place" where the North and South Thompson Rivers converge. Two hundred years ago, it was a centre for fur trading activities and is linked to the start of the gold rush.Unravel the area’s history at the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park and at the Kamloops Kamloops Museum & Archives. The Kamloopa Pow Wow is one of the largest showcasings of Native culture in Western Canada and incorporates a vibrant display of storytelling, song, and dance each August at the Kamloops Pow Wow Grounds.
Western Heritage Adventures in Kamloops
Get on the cowboy boots, don a cowboy hat, saddle up and get into western spirit. Take a ride behind the Kamloops Heritage Railway's fully restored 2141 steam locomotive.Be aware, as there’s been rumour that the infamous train robber, Bill Miner and his gang, may overtake the train once again. Join the Heritage Railway in October for a spooky ghost train and in December for the Spirit of Christmas train. Each spring, Kamloops is home to one of the best cowboy festivals in North America, the Kamloops Cowboy Festival. Enthusiasts enjoy unique poetry, art and music performed by local and international cowboy headliners.
Williams Lake
The City of Williams Lake is the hub of the Central Cariboo and an ideal place from which to embark on all kinds of your adventures or shopping options in the region. Once a year, during the July long-weekend, the city showcases its particular brand of western hospitality during the world famous Williams Lake Stampede, a thrilling display of rodeo competitions amidst a setting of family fun-filled days at the midway, parade, street parties and many other exciting exhibitions and activities.While in Williams Lake, enjoy dining at one of a number of fine establishments or peruse one of the many shops, the weekly summer farmer’s market or the Station House Gallery for a unique locally crafted treasure and a tour of diverse artwork. The City of Williams Lake is a haven of culture and modern convenience in the Central Cariboo and the possibilities for adventure or a leisurely holiday are plentiful and guaranteed.