Experience Fall in the Valleys and Vineyards of BC

Your journey begins in Kelowna, where Okanagan Lake holds onto the last of the warmth of summer. Cycle or stroll the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, which crosses 18 wooden trestle bridges and winds through two tunnels. Views along the route include vibrant fall foliage and sprawling vineyards. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours, conveniently located at the start of the trail, can get you set up with bike rentals. 

Next, you’ll want to indulge in the area’s signature experience, wine touring. During the fall harvest is an ideal time to visit, and a guided wine tour can offer the perfect customized experience. Think organic pours at Summerhill Pyramid Winery, refined farm-to-table dining at Quails’ Gate, and exceptional icewines at Grizzli Winery. Kelowna is Canada’s first designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, which means unforgettable food and wine experiences are practically guaranteed.

Vernon offers a quieter, more pastoral feel, with orchards and farms dotting the landscape. Explore the downtown area on a self-guided mural tour, and the surrounding terrain on some of the more than 500 kilometres of nearby trails. Vernon, known as the “Trails Capital of BC,” boasts easy access to stunning turquoise lakes, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping valley views.

Visit Davison Orchards Country Village and treat yourself to a slice of apple pie made from freshly-picked apples, and pick up some of their celebrated apple juice for the road. You’ll also want to check out neighbouring Planet Bee Honey Farm to sample a selection of local honeys and meads.

Located in a region known as the Shuswap, Salmon Arm offers an experience centred around local waterways. Walk to the end of the scenic Salmon Arm Wharf, rent a kayak or paddleboard to get out on the water, or consider one of the area’s best-known pastimes, houseboating.

Don’t miss a visit to the Adams River in Tsútswecw Provincial Park. Time your visit for early October to witness one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America. Every four years (2026, 2030, 2034), there is a dominant run that brings thousands of sockeye home to spawn and complete their life cycle. This remarkable event inspires the weeks-long Solute to the Sockeye Festival.

As you drive east toward Kamloops, the landscape shifts to a more arid, desert-like environment with rich, earthy colours and sagebrush-covered hills. Learn about the area’s culture and history at the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park, and about more recent history on a self-guided Heritage Walking Tour.

Kamloops sits at the confluence of two major rivers with more than 100 lakes nearby, so fishing is a major draw here along with all manner of outdoor adventure. After working up an appetite, visit farmers’ markets to see what the fall harvest has brought, celebrate BC Craft Beer Month in October at one of the city’s excellent craft breweries, and sip and savour at local wineries.

Take a short detour to enjoy crisp mountain air and fall colours at Sun Peaks, a year-round resort northeast of Kamloops. The inviting alpine village is home to a variety of shops and dining options, and outdoor opportunities include lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, and a round at the highest-elevation golf course in BC.

As you follow Highway 5 north toward Wells Gray Provincial Park, known for its old-growth forests and the more than 40 waterfalls found within the park, allow time for some interesting detours like the unique river crossing in McLure. The McLure Reaction Ferry is a small, on-demand vessel powered only by the current of the North Thompson River.

Farther north, the tiny community of Little Fort is the gateway to Highway 24, known as the “Fishing Highway” for its high density of angling resorts and lodges, and its productive fishing lakes. Continuing north, keep your camera handy for the beautiful golden hue of fall foliage.

When you reach Wells Gray, stop at the Visitor Information Centre near the park entrance for maps and other info. Popular activities here include hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and photographing the park’s famous waterfalls. Hike to the base of Moul Falls, feel the raw power of the water at iconic Helmcken Falls, see how Spahats Creek Falls has eroded a volcanic rock face, and more.