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Hiker on Battle Bluff overlooking Kamloops Lake
Kamloops Lake | Taylor Burk

Thompson Valley

Vast landscapes and welcoming communities

Golden grasslands and snaking rivers shape the layered landscapes of the Thompson Valley.

This desert-like region, carved by ancient glaciers and volcanoes, is home to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc—“the people of the confluence.”

Set in the BC Interior, this part of Nature’s Heartland and a centre point within the Rainforest to Rockies journey, offers a striking mix of rugged adventure and cultural vibrancy. Hike through hoodoos and ride cowboy-style at a guest ranch. In the area’s largest city, Kamloops, colourful street murals, seasonal festivals, and local wineries add a lively contrast. Plan your visit around the Kamloopa Powwow—one of the largest celebrations of Indigenous culture in Western Canada. At nearby Sun Peaks Resort, find powder-filled ski days in the winter and a summer bike park.

Map Of British Columbia, Canada
A man is walking in the Lac du Bois grasslands on a clear day. Behind him is a view over the lake and surrounding hills.
Hiking above the Lac du Bois grasslands, Andrew Strain

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From desert grasslands to sparkling lakes and vineyards, the Thompson Okanagan offers adventure, cuisine, and diverse Indigenous cultures.

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Places to Go

  • Two girls in cowboy hates and their dog walking through the desert.
    Explore Gold Country
    Uncover natural wonders and breathtaking views.
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  • A skier at Sun Peaks Resort in BC, Canada
    Sun Peaks Resort
    Sun Peaks

    The mountain trio of Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey encircle Sun Peaks’ slope-side pedestrian-only village.

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  • Aerial view of the Painted Hills, with autumn colors and the community of Cache Creek in the valley below.
    Credit: Destination BC | Hubert Kang
    Cache Creek

    Surrounded by grasslands, working ranches, and dramatic desert scenery.

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  • A bear walking through the woods in North Thompson
    North Thompson
    A rugged community in BC’s Central Interior, defined by outdoor adventure and genuine warmth.
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  • A drone shot of a person walking on a trail on Trophy Mountain with Sheila Lake in the background.
    Tourism Wells Gray | @laylarundle
    Clearwater

    The “Gateway to Wells Grey Park” is a bustling small town with a big heart.

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Two people walking together with horses at Sundance Guest Ranch in Ashcroft.
Ashcroft | Michael Bednar
Grasslands surround the Napier Lake in the Nicola Valley
Napier Lake | Andrew Strain

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