Driving from Osoyoos to Kamloops along Highway 97 is a 3-hour journey through some of British Columbia's most diverse landscapes. Starting in Canada's only desert, the road winds through vineyards, lake towns, and into the rolling hills of the Thompson Valley. Each stop offers experiences culminating in Kamloops, a city that blends outdoor adventure with cultural depth.
The Drive: From Desert to Valley
Osoyoos, located at the southern tip of the Okanagan Valley, is known for its arid climate and abundant vineyards. As you head north on Highway 97, the scenery transitions from desert landscapes to fertile valleys.
Oliver
Stopping in Oliver on your journey from Osoyoos to Kamloops offers a rich blend of wine, nature, and culture. As Canada's Wine Capital, Oliver boasts over 40 wineries, including renowned estates like Burrowing Owl, Hester Creek, and Tinhorn Creek, where visitors can sample award-winning wines crafted from some of the oldest vineyards in the country. The town is also home to the District Wine Village, Canada's first wine village, featuring 13 wineries, a brewery, a distillery, and a restaurant, all producing their offerings on-site. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail provides scenic routes for hiking and biking, while McIntyre Bluff offers panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley. Oliver's combination of exceptional wines, outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a worthwhile stop on your road trip.
Penticton
Stopping in Penticton on your journey from Osoyoos to Kamloops offers diverse activities and attractions. Situated between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton is one of only two cities in the world located between two lakes, providing ample opportunities for water-based recreation such as swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. Outdoor adventurers can explore the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a historic railway line converted into a multi-use trail ideal for cycling and hiking. Penticton's spirited downtown features local shops, restaurants, and the popular Penticton Farmers' Market, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Kelowna
Stopping in Kelowna on your journey from Osoyoos to Kamloops offers diverse experiences that cater to various interests. The city is renowned for its vibrant wine scene, boasting over 40 wineries, including notable establishments like Mission Hill Family Estate and Quails' Gate Winery, where visitors can indulge in wine tastings and enjoy panoramic views of Okanagan Lake. For outdoor enthusiasts, Kelowna provides ample opportunities for recreation, such as hiking in Knox Mountain Park, which offers trails with varying difficulty levels and scenic vistas, and exploring the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, featuring restored trestle bridges and tunnels. The city's downtown area is a hub of activity, with a bustling waterfront, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions like the Kelowna Art Gallery.
Outdoor Activities in Kamloops
Kamloops offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for various interests and skill levels.
Hiking
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park is the largest municipal park in British Columbia, encompassing nearly 800 hectares. It features over 40 hiking and mountain biking trails, with panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Biking
Kamloops Bike Ranch, established in 2005, is Canada's largest municipal bike park. It offers professionally crafted jump lines and progressive trails suitable for various skill levels, appealing primarily to downhill riders.
Exploring Nature
Lac du Bois Grasslands provides trails through grassland ecosystems, offering wildlife observation opportunities.
Kamloops Lake is suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, making it a spot for water-based activities.
Cultural Experiences
Kamloops' cultural scene includes museums, wineries, and dining options that reflect the region's heritage and flavours.
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park offers insights into the traditions and history of the Secwépemc Nation. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, while the adjacent Heritage Park includes trails leading to the archaeological remains of a 2,000-year-old winter village.
Kamloops Museum and Archives
Visitors can explore local history through diverse artifacts and exhibitions at the Kamloops Museum and Archives.
Kamloops Art Gallery
The Kamloops Art Gallery showcases contemporary and Indigenous art, while the Western Canada Theatre presents a range of performances, from classic plays to new works.
Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra offers yearly concerts, contributing to the city's vibrant arts scene.
Culinary Experiences
Kamloops Wine Trail
The Kamloops Wine Trail offers a distinct and unhurried wine experience. This trail features three family-owned wineries—Monte Creek Winery, Privato Vineyard & Winery, and Sagewood Winery—each showcasing the region's unique terroir. Monte Creek, the largest of the trio, combines sustainable practices with panoramic views and a diverse wine portfolio. Privato offers handcrafted Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in a tranquil garden setting, while Sagewood, home to the area's oldest commercial vineyard, provides intimate tastings of estate-grown varietals. The region's semi-arid climate and mineral-rich soils produce bright acidity and depth wines. Visitors can explore all three wineries in a single day, enjoying personalized tastings and the scenic beauty of the Thompson Valley.
Craft Breweries
Kamloops hosts a tight-knit craft beer scene with five distinct microbreweries. Bright Eye Brewing and Iron Road Brewing offer creative, ever-changing tap lists—ranging from juicy IPAs to wild ales—alongside casual food. The Noble Pig, the city's first microbrewery, fuses house-made beer with pub-style dishes. Red Collar Brewing leans into Belgian-style ales in a relaxed setting, while. They make Kamloops a low-key but rewarding destination for craft beer lovers.
Dining
Kamloops' dining scene is a blend of refined establishments and casual favourites. Brownstone Restaurant, set in a historic 1904 bank building, offers elevated Canadian cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Mittz Kitchen delivers inventive comfort food with global influences, such as panko-crusted sablefish and braised short ribs. Hello Toast is a downtown staple known for its hearty brunches and friendly atmosphere. For Indian cuisine, Maurya's Restaurant, Bar, and Banquet is praised for its authentic flavours and creative cocktails. Peter's Pasta, a family-run spot since 1986, serves handmade Italian dishes in a cozy setting. Blue Fish Sushi stands out for its fresh rolls and attentive service. These diverse options reflect Kamloops' rich culinary landscape.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Kamloops offers attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park houses over 60 species of animals native to British Columbia. It provides educational programs, animal encounters, and seasonal events.
Kamloops Heritage Railway
Kamloops Heritage Railway operates a restored steam locomotive, offering themed rides throughout the year that provide a historical perspective on train travel in the region.
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park
Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park also serves as an educational destination for families, with exhibits and outdoor spaces that explore the history and culture of the Secwépemc people.
Conclusion
The journey from Osoyoos to Kamloops along Highway 97 offers travellers a chance to experience the varied landscapes and communities of British Columbia's interior. From wine tasting in Oliver to outdoor activities in Kamloops, the route provides a mix of experiences that reflect the region's diversity.
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