Self Guided Tours
1. South Thompson Inn – 3hrs
Distance is approximately 150 kms return trip on paved roads. Driving time is approximately 1.75 hours long.
Specific directions:
- From Sun Peaks head west to Hwy 5
- South on Hwy 5 towards Kamloops
- From Kamloops head east on Hwy 1
- Approximately 15 minutes east of Kamloops, just past the Dolphin WaterSlides and the BC WildLife Park, take exit 390 (known as LaFarge). Follow over the bridge to the North side of the highway and and river. Follow signs indicating Rivershore Golf/ S.Thompson Inn for approximately 6 km.
Description:
Afternoon social.
A casual tour to the South Thompson Inn situated on 55 peaceful acres overlooking the South Thompson River. This “Kentucky Style” Inn is the perfect destination for a relaxing casual pub lunch in the Bourbon Lounge which has a large patio for full enjoyment of the scenic vista.
Links: South Thompson Inn
2. Adams River Tour
This is a 200 km tour to the Adams River - one of the largest Sockeye salmon runs in North America.
3. 100 Mile House Tour – 8hrs
This is a 420 km tour through historic routes of the early gold explorers. More great roads and scenery.
4. Paul Lake – 3hrs
Distance is approximately 100 kms return on paved roads.
General directions:
- From Sun Peaks head west to Hwy 5
- South on Hwy 5 towards Kamloops
- East on Paul Lake Road
- Return to Sun Peaks by the same roads
Description:
Exploration tour on a lovely twisting road.
Paul Lake Provincial Park is known for its beautiful scenery and wide variety of recreational activities. The park's campground is popular with RV'ers as the extensive picnic grounds are with day trippers. The park features an easy, 13 km round-trip hiking trail, which leads to a great view of the lake and nearby Harper Mountain. When hiking to Gibralter Rock, remember that there are dangerously steep cliffs at the top of the bluff. Keep well back and watch your children.
Surrounding forests consist of interior Douglas fir, aspen and some stands of old-growth. The park also provides habitat for falcons, white-throated swifts, bald eagles, coyotes and mule deer.
Paul Lake, stocked with two species of rainbow trout, is easily accessed with a car-top boat. For easygoing paddling, Paul Lake is perfect. The day-use area has a superb sandy beach, plus a safe swimming area that is buoyed off from boat traffic. Biking is permitted on the roadways and canoe, kayak and paddle-boat rentals are available; contact the Park Facility Operator or the Campground Host for information.
This tour ends at the South Thompson Inn overlooking the South Thompson River. This Kentucky style Inn is the perfect destination for a relaxing casual pub lunch in the Bourbon Lounge which has a large patio for full enjoyment of the scenic vista. Alternately follow easy directions back to Sun Peaks (provided upon request).
Please note - the area is somewhat remote. If planning to picnic in the area you may want to bring picnic supplies. Local Sun Peaks merchants can assist with your personal needs.
5. Helmcken Falls – Wells Gray Park Tour – 6hrs
Distance is approximately 335 kms return trip on paved roads.
General directions:
- From Sun Peaks head west to Hwy 5
- North on Hwy 5 to Clearwater
- Left on Clearwater Valley Rd
- Left to arrive at Helmcken Falls
Description:
Exploration and Destination tour.
Crystal clear streams and majestic Helmcken Falls. Three times higher than Niagara, Helmcken Falls is the crowning jewel of Wells Grey Provincial Park, which is home to 40 Grizzly bears and about 400 black bears; fortunately the falls can be viewed at the drive up viewpoint.
At over 2000 square miles, Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest and most spectacular parks. On the southern border of the park within a day trip’s reach of Sun Peaks is Helmcken Falls, Canada’s 4th highest waterfall. You will have a short hike from the parking area (about a mile each way) so be sure to bring a warm jacket! The fast flowing Murtle River shoots over a volcanic cliff at Helmcken and falls 142 meters directly into a gorge in a roaring, misty display.
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the falls.
Links: Wells Gray Provincial Park
Updated: February 20, 2010