Interesting stories and experiences from the Crowsnest Highway region

Osoyoos dock view

Top 10 Things to Do This Fall Along the Crowsnest Highway

Fall has arrived in BC’s southern interior, wrapping the valleys and peaks in crisp air and golden light. Along the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3), the season paints the landscape with glowing alpine larches, fiery maples, sunlit vineyards, and sparkling lakes.

Whether you’re chasing autumn colours, sipping bold harvest wines, or wandering under amber canopies, every bend in the road holds something unforgettable.

Here are our top 10 ways to experience the 395-kilometre (245-mile) journey this fall along the Crowsnest from Hope to Christina Lake, including Manning Park, Similkameen Valley, Osoyoos, and Boundary Country.

1. Hope: Fog Fest & Autumn Adventures

Misty mornings, mountain magic

Start your fall journey in Hope, where fog drifts softly through the peaks and wraps the town in a storybook kind of charm. From November 16 to 29, 2025, the annual Fog Fest turns this natural wonder into a celebration of the season.

Stroll misty trails, linger over cozy meals, and let live music carry you into the evening. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photograph, pausing to simply breathe in the quiet, or joining in the town’s fall festivities, Fog Fest makes every moment feel a little more magical.

(Pro tip: for even more inspiration, dive into Hope’s full seasonal guide before you go.)

2. Hope: Coffee, Lakes & Autumn Colours

Blue Moose Coffee House in Hope BC
Warm mugs, crisp mornings

Ease into your fall morning at Blue Moose Coffee House, where the scent of fresh espresso fills the air and the cozy, art-filled space invites you to linger. Order a latte or hot chocolate, pair it with a homemade treat, and watch the town slowly wake up outside the window.

Step back into the crisp air with a warm mug in hand, leaves glowing in every direction, and you’ll feel the season wrap around you. In Hope, even a coffee stop becomes part of the autumn magic.

3. Manning Park Resort: Larch Madness

Larch Madness in Manning Park Resort
Where Golden Trails Meet Crisp Mountain Air

Every Fall, Manning Park transforms into a golden paradise. From late September to early October, the alpine larches ignite in brilliant shades of yellow and gold, standing out against deep blue skies and rugged peaks.

The best way to see them? Hike the iconic Mount Frosty Trail for sweeping views, or take a gentler stroll along the shores of Lightning Lake, where the reflections double the glow. With every crunch of leaves underfoot and every turn in the trail, the magic of Larch Madness comes alive.

Photographers, hikers, and nature lovers flock here during late September to early October because once you’ve seen a mountainside glowing gold, it’s hard to forget. Bring your boots, your camera, and a little sense of wonder.

Don’t forget to share your shots with #LarchMadness and #ManningPark—the golden season only lasts a short time, so make every moment count.

4. Manning Park Resort:  Cozy Cabins + Rustic Charm

Manning Park Resort cabins
Where cabin life, meets golden vibes

After a day of golden trails and crisp mountain air, there’s nothing better than retreating to your own cozy cabin or lodge room at Manning Park Resort. Picture it: the glow of alpine larches still fresh in your mind, a fire crackling, a warm drink in hand.

Step outside for one last breath of mountain air or wander a quiet lakeside path at dusk. Every detail—from the rustle of leaves underfoot to the soft glow of sunset over the peaks—wraps you in the season’s magic.

Rustic charm meets modern comfort here, making it easy to rest, restore, and recharge—whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.

5. Similkameen Valley: Disc Golf & Trails at China Ridge

China Ridge disc golf course overlooking tee pad
Golden views with a playful twist

Set high above the Similkameen Valley, China Ridge Recreation Area is where forest trails meet fun. A 12-hole disc golf course winds through rolling hills and colourful fall forests, offering just the right mix of challenge and play—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. A full round takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a perfect way to spend a crisp autumn morning or afternoon immersed in nature.

As you make your way through the course, vibrant fall colours surround you, and each hole offers stunning views of the valley below. The mix of strategy, exercise, and seasonal scenery makes disc golf here more than just a game—it’s a way to connect with the outdoors and enjoy the golden beauty of the Similkameen. 

Whether you’re aiming for birdies or just soaking in the fresh mountain air, hiking, or biking China Ridge leaves every visitor refreshed, energized, and inspired to come back for more.

6. Similkameen Valley: Harvest & Wine Adventure

A toast to autumn evenings

The Similkameen Valley comes alive in autumn with fresh harvests, bold red wines, and cozy vineyard stays. Explore family-run wineries, cideries, and a distillery, where every sip tells the story of the land. Wander through orchards, sample seasonal produce, and soak in the dramatic valley scenery that makes this region so captivating.

Time your visit to coincide with the Similkameen Sizzle in Keremeos, Canada’s only hot pepper festival. Held on September 20 at Keremeos Memorial Park, this free, lively event celebrates the valley’s spicy harvest with live music, food tastings, and the legendary hot pepper eating contest. From sipping bold local wines to discovering artisan sauces and fresh produce, the Sizzle perfectly blends harvest fun with the region’s vibrant flavours and community spirit.

When the day winds down, stay a little longer. Plan your day or weekend getaway with the Similkameen Wine Itinerary, highlighting must-see stops and seasonal discoveries while leaving plenty of time to enjoy signature events like the Sizzle. Autumn in the Similkameen is all about savouring local flavours, taking in sweeping valley views, and creating lasting memories in one of British Columbia’s most scenic wine regions.

7. Osoyoos: Fall Trails & Scenic Adventures

Golden Mile Trail through Tinhorn Creek vineyards,
Harvest on every plate

In autumn, Osoyoos’ trails glow with colour, inviting you to explore at your own pace. Wander the Golden Mile Trail through Tinhorn Creek vineyards, where rows of vines fade into fiery hillsides, or follow the International Hike and Bike Trail for sweeping views of the river, lake, and valley stretching below.

For something wilder, climb Mount Kobau or McIntyre Bluff and take in the South Okanagan from above, or slow it right down with a lakeside stroll along sẁiẁs Provincial Park. Wherever your boots or bike take you, the mix of desert, wetlands, and rolling vineyards makes Osoyoos an outdoor playground painted in autumn’s brightest shades.

8. Osoyoos: Fall Flavours Await

Golden hills, endless views.

After a day on the trails, the flavours of Osoyoos are the perfect reward. Cozy cafés serve up comfort in a cup, while vineyard restaurants pair panoramic views with farm-fresh menus that celebrate the season.

In autumn, the valley also comes alive with long table dinners set among vineyards and orchards—where harvest ingredients shine and every seat feels like part of the family. It’s the kind of experience that lingers long after the last glass is poured.

From hearty, soul-warming meals to light bites that let local ingredients shine, every table here tells a story of the South Okanagan’s harvest. In Osoyoos, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s part of the adventure.

9. Boundary Country: Fall Foliage Drive

Golden leaves, quiet encounters

When autumn arrives, Boundary Country becomes a living canvas of gold, crimson, and amber. A slow drive or an unhurried walk along forested lakeshores is enough to surround yourself in colour.

This is also the season of wildlife—deer slipping through the trees, elk grazing in open meadows, and migrating birds filling the skies. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially magical, when the light softens and the valley feels hushed, as if holding its breath.

Keep your camera close, but don’t rush. The most unforgettable moments here come when you simply pause, look a little closer, and let nature reveal itself.

10. Boundary Country: Markets & Fall Fairs

Harvest flavours, hometown charm

In fall, Boundary Country brims with colour and community. Wander farmers’ markets piled high with apples, pumpkins, and homemade preserves, or browse artisan stalls where every display tells a story of the season.

Local fairs in towns like Grand Forks and Rock Creek bring out the rides, the music, and the laughter of neighbours catching up over warm drinks and baked treats. For something slower, visit family farms like Jerseyland Organics or PV Ranch, where orchards, animals, and hands-on traditions give you a taste of the valley’s heritage.

Here, autumn is about more than the harvest—it’s about connection, flavour, and the small-town spirit that makes Boundary Country shine.

Wrap Up Your Fall Journey

Deer Roaming Manning Park

The Crowsnest Highway isn’t just a road—it’s autumn unfolding around you. Misty mornings in Hope. Golden larches at Manning Park. Fiery vineyard hills in the Similkameen. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the quiet of a lakeside walk, the warmth of cider or wine as the sun slips behind the mountains. Every turn brings a new story.

This fall, trade routine for adventure. Let colours shift around you, let harvest festivals surprise you, and let the stillness between stops become part of the magic. From Hope to Christina Lake, nature dazzles, communities welcome, and the highway itself invites you to slow down and look closer.

You don’t need the perfect plan, just curiosity, a camera, and a little room in your heart for the season. Because along the Crowsnest Highway, every mile is more than scenery. It’s a memory in the making.

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