Summer in the North Thompson
Explore in the Summer
The warm embrace of sunshine stretches over the North Thompson Valley. Feel the sun on you face as you hike above the alpine, or through a blooming alpine meadow. Paddle the pristine waters of Adams Lake, or zip down the river on a white-water raft. Spot wildlife then go chase waterfalls, keeping count of each extraordinary one. You may choose to saddle up for a day atop your favourite steed and wind down over a campfire dinner. Make the most of summer and pack as much or as little as you want in your North Thompson Valley vacation.
Come explore the North Thompson Valley during the hot, sunny days of summer.
Soar by helicopter above Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and land near Berg Lake. Search for birds, bear, and other wildlife. Get back in the saddle or take in a time-honoured family tradition at the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. There’s no need to stop exploring, all you need is time.
Waterlogged Fun
Rivers and lakes bind the North Thompson Valley. Make a splash as you hit the rapids on the Fraser, North Thompson, Adams, and Clearwater Rivers. Marvel in the raw beauty of the rumbling waterfalls throughout Wells Gray Provincial Park, including Helmcken Falls, the fourth highest waterfall in all of Canada. Canoe or kayak Murtle Lake, North America’s largest paddle only lake where backcountry camping has you sleeping on sandy shores. Reach back in time and glide through the waters as our earliest explorers did.
Hike the Valley
Follow your wanderlust. It’s easy in the North Thompson Valley where trail after endless trail leads you to dramatic vistas.
A patchwork quilt of colours dominates the landscape when you trek the blossom-painted slopes of Sun Peaks Resort. Venture into trails in Barriere and marvel at rounded crests of mountains, fields of green meadows, and spring-fed clear blue lakes. Take a guided hiking excursion in the Trophy Mountains of Wells Gray with three, five, or seven-day journeys high above the alpine that lead from hut to hut along the spine of the mountains. Hike up or helicopter to Berg Lake with an elevation of 1,650 metres (5,413 feet). You can be dropped by helicopter for a scenic tour of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
The Cowboy Way
You’ll find plenty of ways to experience the best of the west in the North Thompson Valley. If you’d rather watch real cowboys in action, visit during the first weekend of each September when the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo rolls into Barriere.
Salmon and Birds and Bears, Oh My!
The North Thompson Valley is one of those last places where iconic animals, closely identified with untamed Canada, can be found roaming free in their natural, original habitat.
This summer, watch for wildlife around the valley. These magnificent beasts are a wondrous sight. Visit the protected wetland of Cranberry Marsh in Valemount and watch as winged creatures use this area on their migration route.
Marvel as Pacific Salmon jump out of the raging water as they make their final run up Rearguard Falls, near Valemount. It’s the end of their four-year round trip journey from the Fraser River to the Pacific Ocean. Celebrate their life with British Columbia’s longest Salmon Run on Adams River.
- Ride the rapids and race down the river on a watery roller coaster or float in relaxed style on the Fraser River near Valemount, the Clearwater River in Wells Gray or the Adams River near Barriere
- Keep an eye out for wildlife as you journey through the North Thompson Valley
- Get to know the dancing waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park, where Helmcken Falls, the fourth highest waterfall in Canada makes its home
- In the summer, relax in the unrivalled tranquillity of Murtle Lake, the largest paddle-only lake in North America, then pull up onto the shores and camp out for the night
- Learn the rugged history of the region with the NorthWest Voyageur Canoe Company, while watching for the undomesticated life that lives near the shoreline
- Book a helicopter tour or make the trek yourself to the untamed, rugged wilderness surrounding the turquoise waters of Berg Lake
- Trek the alpine oasis and along the spine of the mountains with hut to hut hiking in the Trophy Mountains in Wells Gray Park
- Become a horse whisperer at Jandana Ranch
- Find your favourite rodeo event North Thompson Rodeo and Fall Fair, every Labour day weekend in Barriere
- Wander through the Cranberry Marsh and watch for the 140 species of birds who call this area home
- The annual salmon run in August is the place to be in August to watch the salmon jump and swim Rearguard Falls near Valemount. Join the Adams River Salmon Society’s Salute to the Sockeye every October near Barriere
