Guide to Exploring Mount Robson in the Fall and Winter Months
Mount Robson, stands as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountain range, in the Thompson Okanagan region's northernmost part. The Mount Robson Park area is unique and a true representation of the British Columbia wilderness. This guide is created to explain best how to navigate and enjoy the new trails and open sections of the park in fall and winter!
Credit: Destination BC/Megan McLellan
Mount Robson, stands as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountain range, in the Thompson Okanagan region's northernmost part. The Mount Robson Park area is unique and a true representation of the British Columbia wilderness. This second oldest provincial park in British Columbia, is free to enter and waiting for you to explore!
In recent years, some areas and trails within the park have experienced flooding, which has led to modifications in trail access and routes. Therefore, this guide is created to explain how best to navigate and enjoy the new trails and open sections of the park. Mount Robson Park is a large area, so sticking to these tips and tricks will ensure you experience the best parts of the park safely.
Being Prepared:
Many trails in and around Mount Robson Park are backcountry hiking routes and campsites that require some preparation before ascending upon. Here are a few recommendations to ensure a safe and memorable adventure:
Know Before You Go: Check out the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go, or BC Parks websites for updates and current advisories on weather and closures.
Drive BC: In the winter months be sure to have snow tires and take the proper precautions to ensure safe winter driving. To check road conditions in advance throughout the year, visit DriveBC.ca.
Carry a First-Aid Kit: Alongside water and snacks, as fresh water sources are limited in the park.
Dress for Changing Weather: In the Canadian Rockies, weather can shift rapidly. Pack layers—think rain jackets, hiking shoes, and warm coats.
Plan for Navigation: Cellphone service is unavailable in much of Mount Robson Park. Be sure to pre-download maps, bring printed versions, or use a GPS device.
Getting There:
Mount Robson Provincial Park is nestled in East-Central British Columbia within the North Thompson Valley. Access the park by following these routes:
565 km (351 mi) 5.5 hours from Kelowna on Highway 97, then Highway 5
357 km (221 mi) 4 hours from Kamloops on Highway 5
288 km (178 mi) 3 hours from Prince George on Highway 16
453 km (281 mi) 5 hours from Edmonton on Highway 16
912 km (567 mi)7 hours from Washington, USA
Travelling along the Yellowhead Highway, HWY 16 will bring you to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre, the entrance to the park. Open until the end of October, the visitor centre offers maps, information, camping reservations, and a restful stop before venturing further into the park. For those seeking a quick view and photo opportunity, a short 1 km interpretive trail loop behind the centre provides stunning, unobstructed views of Mount Robson—a perfect introduction to the area.
Exploring the Area:
Mount Robson Provincial Park is alive with wildlife, from deer, moose, and elk to black bears, grizzlies, caribou, mountain goats, and dozens of bird species. Depending on the month you visit, you are able to experience alpine flower meadows, frozen glacier fed lakes, and incredible waterfalls. Best of all, you are in the vast, biodiverse, and unique, Canadian Rockies.
Credit: Tourism Valemount
Backcountry exploration is one of the main ways to explore the park. The main hiking trails are Berg Lake Trail connecting with Kinney Lake, Mount Robson Summit, and Mount Robson Corridor. These trails lead in and out of campsites, up and around lakes and rivers, and are best as multi-day hiking adventures.
Frontcountry camping is a great option for those who want to see and experience Mount Robson Provincial Park with comfort and convenience. Frontcountry is vehicle-accessible campsites that have fresh water, RV hook up, cellphone service, playgrounds, and washroom facilities. These BC Park campgrounds included Robson Meadows, Robson River, and Lucerne campgrounds. All these sites can be reserved ahead of time. Frontcountry camping provides a leisurely way to enjoy the Park’s beauty with amenities. Experience "The Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rocky Mountains" and the surrounding North Thompson Valley!
Credit: Tourism Valemount, Mary Putnam & Destination BC/Robert Downie
Written by Caroline Peterson
A local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. As a student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Fall in the Southern Part of the Thompson Okanagan
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Thompson Okanagan. Plan a fall vacation or staycation in the southern part of the Thompson Okanagan.
South Okanagan
The South Okanagan is composed of communities surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes. This part of the region offers the perfect climate to create a large selection of wine varietals which is why it makes sense that this is home to the heart of B.C.’s wine industry.
Begin your fall adventure by admiring the fall colours from a different perspective on Okanagan Lake and take a Kayaking tour with Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton. Hoodoo Adventures offers outdoor experiences of all kinds that are accommodating to anyone looking to be outdoors. Once back on land, visit the farmer’s market on the 100 block of Penticton’s Main Street every Saturday from 6am - 2pm until October 30th.
End your day at Poplar Grove, a winery in Naramata nestled on the side of Munson Mountain, overlooking the Okanagan Lake. There, enjoy a delicious meal and incredible wine. If you are looking to spend most of your time in wine country, stay at the Naramata Inn. This over 100 year old building is the perfect home base to tour the wineries, cideries, and breweries of Naramata and Penticton.
Carry on to Okanagan Falls, a small community that is known for being right on the shoreline of Skaha Lake, the Okanagan falls, and their delicious ice cream shop, Tickle Berries.
The brand new District Wine Village located in Oliver is a must-see destination. This stunning facility houses multiple wineries and breweries all in one location for your convenience and pleasure.
The South Okanagan has multiple festivals in the fall including Pig Out Trails and the Festival of the Grape. Both celebrate harvest season and include delicious wine and food.
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hike the trails through sẀiẀs Provincial Park in Osoyoos. This park is located within the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and is proudly managed by them. The name means a place where it is shallow or narrow in the middle of the lake. It explains how the area was once used to cross Osoyoos Lake by foot or by horse. This park has trails and lakeside campsites.
A more challenging, but picturesque hike in Osoyoos is called nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff). This is a 10-km (6-mi) loop that offers stunning views of the South Okanagan Valley. While in the South, spend a few nights at Spirit Ridge Resort where Indigenous culture comes together with a unique lodging experience that includes golf, wine, and contemporary spa services.
Similkameen Valley
Fall temperatures in the Similkameen Valley offer the perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and fishing. China Ridge is located just outside of Princeton and offers 45km of pristine trails.
Witnessing the vibrant fall colours of Cathedral Provincial Park is something you don’t want to miss. Composed of Old Growth Forest, this park is covered with well-marked trails that take you to breathtaking views of meadows, waterfalls, and mountains. You have an option to hike into the park, which is 16 km (10 mi) with a 1300 m (4265 ft) incline, or take a Unimog, an off-roading vehicle that can drive you to the heart of the park (Need to reserve your seats). Once arrived at Quiniscoe Lake at 2072 m (6800 ft), you have the option to camp or stay at the Cathedral Lakes Lodge. With the lake as your base camp, explore the many trails around the area, and don’t forget to bring your fishing gear.
Manning Park is located in the North Cascade Mountains and has 70,000 hectares of four-season fun. With little to no cell reception, this is the perfect place to unplug and unwind from a busy daily life. Whether you’re exploring the park by foot, canoe, or horseback, you will be amazed by the extensive trails and beauty.
The Similkameen has many rivers that are ideal for fly fishing. The region is well known for Rocky Mountain White Fish. If you are looking for a family-friendly fishery, Tulameen’s Otter Lake is a great place to catch Pennask, Rainbow trout, and Kokanee.
While driving between adventures be sure to stop at one of the many produce stands in Keremeos and Cawston. If you would prefer to see the region by air, take a helicopter tour and touch down in a vineyard of one of the many wineries in the region or next to a river with Valhalla Helicopters.
Boundary
If you are truly looking for a picturesque fall getaway Boundary Country is the perfect place to go. This region is composed of friendly communities filled with rich history, surrounded by ranch land and rolling hills covered in beautiful foliage. Museums and art galleries can be found throughout Boundary and depict how this beautiful area came to be. Stop at Gallery 2 in Grand Forks, Arts on 3 Gallery in Christina Lake, and Deadwood Junction in Greenwood to find art from local artisans.
If you want to know more about the history of Boundary, stop in the smallest city of Canada, Greenwood. Here, you will find the Greenwood Museum that depicts the mining, forestry, architecture, and Japanese internment history of the region.
At one time, Boundary had many active railways running straight through it. Now, those paths, where the tracks used to lay, have been converted into rail trails for bikers and walkers. Spend the day, or a few, exploring the 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of trails along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Trans Canada Trail, and Columbia Western Trails.
Being hungry in Boundary is an easy problem to solve with so many local food vendors that offer farm-fresh foods to enjoy while dining in or taking out. A few to check out are The Wooden Spoon which offers daily lunch and breakfast specials, homemade soups, and pastries. Or the Borscht Bowl which offers traditional Doukhobor cuisine consisting of delicious homemade Borscht and other Russian menu items.
Your adventures in Boundary can be perfectly complemented by a stay at a peaceful campground or a quirky accommodation. Blue Mountain Lodge offers both cabin accommodations and campsites right on the shorelines of Christina Lake.
About Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.
Fall in the Central Part of the Thompson Okanagan
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Thompson Okanagan. Plan a fall vacation or staycation in the central part of the Thompson Okanagan.
Shuswap
Begin your fall adventures in the Shuswap by admiring the beautiful birds that call this region home. Here, you will find a diverse climate composed of lakeshores, riversides, marshlands, forests, and alpine meadows that create the perfect habitat for a multitude of birds. Discover the perfect bird watching route, including shops and restaurants to visit along the way, on BCBirdTrail.ca.
If the feeling of flying has always been your desire, then you must check out the Sicamous Lookout. The old platform at the lookout was once used as a hang-gliding ramp. The slight slant of the platform offers the allusion of flying and an unobstructed view of the town of Sicamous, Mara Lake, and the Shuswap Lake. It is located off of Sicamous Solsqua Road on #1800 Forest Service Road.
De’Milles Farm Market is the perfect place to spend a fall afternoon. Located in Salmon Arm, this farm has a corn maze, animals, great food, and fresh vegetables. Along with De’Milles Farm Market, the city of Salmon Arm has many fall activities throughout the season.
If you are looking for an artistic experience and to satisfy your hunger, head over to the Night Cafe at Meikle Studios. Here, you will enjoy fresh Crepes and Flatbreads while admiring the art on display, or joining an art class.
North Okanagan
The North Okanagan is recognized for its welcoming communities and beautiful surroundings. To get a birds eye view of the surroundings, hike the Enderby Cliffs trail. This is a moderate level 12.6 km trail that is surrounded by wildflowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. Enjoy bird watching along the way and end with an incredible view from the edge of the cliffs.
Visit one of the area’s most historic sites, O’Keefe Ranch. This ranch was founded in 1867, and in its earliest days was the home to the beginning of the British Columbia cattle industry. Today, the ranch is open to visitors who want to learn more about its story and the history of the Okanagan Valley. During the fall the ranch is open on weekends and offers a corn maze, wagon rides, bonfires, a heritage candy store, and many other activities.
Davison Orchard Country Village located in Vernon is a great place to take your family or explore on your own. It has a market and cafe with delicious homemade baking and fresh produce straight from the farm. You can enjoy tractor rides, photo stops, farm animals, kids play area, and the opportunity to pick your own apples and pumpkins from the orchard and garden.
If you love being out on the trails, you must go to the KVR Rail Trail. This flat gravel trail is a great place to spend your day biking, walking, or running alongside the emerald-coloured Kalamalka Lake. While in Vernon stay at the Prestige Vernon Hotel. Along with a convenient location, you can enjoy their fitness facilities, restaurant, and pool area. If a relaxing getaway is more so what you are looking for, Sparkling Hill Resort is the perfect place for a spa retreat.
Central Okanagan
Fall in the Okanagan presents sunny days surrounded by the beautiful colours of the mountains and orchards. Harvest brings the picking of apples, grapes, and pumpkins. McMillan Farms, located in Kelowna, is a wonderful place to pick your pumpkin and enjoy activities like their corn maze, tractor rides, and farm animals. Once you have chosen your pumpkin, stop at Summerhill Pyramid Winery Bistro for a delicious lunch or dinner made of fresh and organic ingredients right from their garden. Their patio and indoor seating offers incredible views of the Okanagan Lake and mountains.
Discover the most iconic views the KVR Rail Trail has to offer on the Myra Canyon trail. This portion was completely restored after the 2003 Kelowna fire and is more immaculate than ever. With over 18 man-made trestles, 2 steel bridges, and 2 tunnels built into the mountain in just under an hour-long bike ride, the Myra Canyon trail is the perfect way to spend a fall day. To access this trail from Kelowna, follow McCulloch Road past the golf course to the Myra Forest Service Road.
If you are looking for history, culture, and nature be sure to take a tour with Moccasin Trails. Their West Kelowna tour will take you along ancestral paths, to the Sncewips Heritage Museum, lunch at Kekuli Cafe, and end the day at Indigenous World Winery.
Continuing along Highway 97 toward Penticton, you will come accross the quaint communities of Peachland and Summerland. If you have a designated driver, be sure to stop at a few of the many beautiful wineries in the area like Hainle Vineyards Winery Estates, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, and Dirty Laundry Vineyard. Stay at one of the many B&Bs in the area or the Summerland Lakefront Resort.
About Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.
Fall in the Northern Part of the Thompson Okanagan
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Thompson Okanagan. Plan a fall vacation or staycation in the Northern part of the Thompson Okanagan.
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Thompson Okanagan, with the scenery changing from luscious greens to golden reds and yellows, rivers filling with bright red spawning salmon, and harvesting beginning in the vineyards and orchards throughout the region.
North Thompson
As temperatures begin to drop in the North Thompson, pull out your cozy sweaters and get out to explore Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater. There, you will be surrounded by the colour changing forest that encloses 41 waterfalls. One being the 4th largest in Canada, Helmcken Falls.
Stay at the cozy Helmcken Falls Lodge nestled at the entrance of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This accommodation is a rustic family-run Wilderness Lodge that is sure to offer you an intimate, friendly & warm stay.
If you are visiting further north in Valemount, be sure to go check out the spawning Salmon at the viewing platform at George Hicks Regional Park or Rearguard Falls. These two locations offer a bird’s eye view to the red salmon fighting to swim up the river.
After a long day of Salmon watching, stop at a log cabin, Caribou Grill, for dinner and enjoy a delicious meal made of local ingredients.
South Thompson
Drive through the quaint towns of Logan Lake and 100 Mile where rolling hills covered in fall colours will be your surroundings. Celebrate the bountiful goodness of the fall season by exploring the Sun Peaks market that runs until October 10th. There, you will find live music and products from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans.
The water temperature in the rivers and lakes may be beginning to cool down, but that doesn’t mean the fish will have stopped biting. Fly fishing in one of the many lakes and rivers surrounding Kamloops is very popular in the fall. 6 Mile, Jacko, and Edith are all known for their Rainbow Trout and are located just 30 minutes outside of Kamloops. Edith has an overnight campsite on the lake and the other two are for day use only.
If you prefer the city, spend your day exploring the shops in downtown Kamloops. While there, gain a new appreciation for the town’s history and culture by taking one of the many walking tours. End the day with a warm meal at the Noble Pig where delicious beer is paired with fresh flavourful food sourced from local ingredients.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night or the weekend, be sure to stay at the South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre. At one time this land housed a Thoroughbred Racing Stable, now this 55 scenic acre property offers a peaceful riverfront stay to its guests at the inn.
Gold Country
Begin your day at the Kekuli Cafe in Merritt where you can enjoy fresh Bannock and Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Once your appetite has been satisfied, take a drive to the Harmon Lake Forest Interpretive Trail Area. This 2.7 km forest interpretive trail is located on the southeast side of Harmon Lake. The trail is surrounded by a beautiful forest with detailed signs throughout that explain how all components of the forest interact.
If birds are your passion, Beaver Ranch is located approximately 35km north of Hwy. 5A and offers a great place to bird-watch. There are close to 200 different species of birds in the area including Williamson's Sapsuckers, Common Snipes, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and more!
The town of Merritt has lots to see and do in the fall including the Nicolas Valley Museum & Archives and the Country Legends Murals located throughout town featuring country music stars, most of whom have performed in Merritt.
Stay Douglas Lake Ranch for an authentic country experience. It is the oldest working cattle ranch in Canada, where you can take a pre-arranged tour and/or stay at the many options of accommodations throughout the property for a vacation of fly fishing or a family holiday away from the city. This ranch is known for its still-water fly fishing with a property that is composed of 12 lakes stocked with Rainbow Trout.
About Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.