The Journey
Getting away from it all is easy with these directions and maps. The North Thompson Valley may feel like you’re at the edge of civilization; however, our destinations are easily accessed from major hubs.
The North Thompson Valley is located in the north central region of British Columbia known as the Thompson Okanagan region. The valley corridor stretches 330 kilometres (205 miles) from its southern to northern reaches before coming to Mount Robson and Jasper, Alberta.
Interactive Map 
Feature Attractions Map
By Air
in Kamloops, BC, there is a regional airport that serves the North Thompson Valley. International airports can be found in Kelowna, and Vancouver, BC, as well as in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
Driving Highway 5 Yellowhead Highway
Explore the local communities by driving along the picturesque Yellowhead Highway. Staging areas for many backcountry adventures are found just beyond the highway.
When arriving by land from the United States, steer yourself along scenic Route 97, which connects north central Washington to British Columbia’s Central Interior, and the North Thompson Valley.
Jasper and Columbia Icefields Parkway — A Canadian Icon
The scenic wilderness loop through the North Thompson Valley and Columbia Icefields Parkway is as Canadian as it gets. Veteran explorers and weekend warriors alike rejoice when planning road trip to Jasper. Stunning vistas, ever-changing landscapes and activities that range from the mild to the wild roll along the North Thompson route. Spend days uncovering the diverse ecology and glacier laden area of the Columbia Icefields. Venture off from Kamloops to Jasper (443 km, 275 mi) and on to Banff and Lake Louise, enjoying an experience that is quintessentially Canadian.
Driving Times
| Driving times from airports | ||
| International Airports | Driving Distance | Driving Time |
| Kelowna to Kamloops | 210 km (130 mi) | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
| Vancouver to Kamloops | 355 km (220 mi) | 4 hours |
| Calgary to Kamloops | 675 km (421 mi) | 8 hours |
Driving times from Kamloops to Communities in the North Thompson Valley (check the avalanche bulletins before venturing out in the backcountry) | ||
| Driving Distance | Driving Time | |
| Kamloops to Sun Peaks | 50 km (31 mi) | 45 minutes |
| Kamloops to Barriere | 66 km (41 mi) | 45 minutes |
| Kamloops to Clearwater/Wells Gray | 126 km (78 mi) | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
| Kamloops to Blue River | 232 km (144 mi) | 2.5 hours |
| Kamloops to Valemount | 322 km (200 mi) | 3.5 hours |
Driving times from Jasper to Communities in the North Thompson Valley | ||
| Driving Distance | Driving Time | |
| Edmonton to Jasper | 365 km (226 mi) | 4 hours |
| Jasper to Valemount | 122 km (75 mi) | 1 hour, 45 minutes |
| Jasper to Blue River | 212 km (131 mi) | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
| Jasper to Clearwater/Wells Gray | 317 km (196 mi) | 4 hours |
| Jasper to Barriere | 378 km (234 mi) | 4 hours, 45 minutes |
| Jasper to Sun Peaks | 448 km (278 mi) | 5 hours, 45 minutes |
Driving times south to north to each North Thompson Valley Community | ||
| Driving Distance | Driving Time | |
| Kamloops to Sun Peaks | 50 km (31 mi) | 40 minutes |
| Sun Peaks to Barriere | 72 km (44 mi) | 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Barriere to Clearwater/Wells Gray | 63 km (39 mi) | 50 minutes |
| Clearwater/Wells Gray to Blue River | 106 km (65 mi) | 1 hour, 20 minutes |
| Blue River to Valemount | 92 km (57 mi) | 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Valemount to Jasper | 122 km (75 mi) | 1 hour, 45 minutes |
Info To Know Before You Go
Where to Stay
The North Thompson Valley offers plenty of diverse lodging options: affordable motels, roadside RV resorts, rugged camping spots, resort stays, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches and log cabins. Book ahead to secure your place, especially during the peak summer and winter months.
Visitor Information
Each community provides their own visitor information services, centrally located and easy to find. Contact any of the communities for more information and get assistance with travel planning or to find maps, directions and details for local tour operators, guided tours, restaurants and accommodations. For travel information for British Columbia visit Hello BC.
Boating Safety and License
Boaters need to know about boating restrictions in some lakes. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card boating license (PCOC) is required to operate a motorized boat in Canada. A PCOC proves that you have acquired the knowledge to operate a motorized boat on Canada’s waterways safely.
Boaters can obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) by successfully passing a Transport Canada Accredited, multiple choice exam.
Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line, at Service BC at various retail outlets throughout the region. Visit Fishing BC for more information.
Rules of the Road
Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada. The Distracted Driving Law is in effect in British Columbia, which prohibits drivers from talking, texting or emailing with hand-held communication devices, or using other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
The Climate and What to Pack
From mild to wild, the North Thompson Valley holds a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors, so make sure you pack wisely. Packing layers is the best option to be prepared for the various weather systems and landscapes in our region. The sun can shine year round here, so be sure to bring sun protection during any season.
