1. Hope and Fraser Canyon: Paddle, Swim, and Soak in the Scenery

In Hope, summer flows just like the rivers that run through it, steady, refreshing, and impossible to resist. Surrounded by towering peaks and carved by the mighty Fraser River, this mountain town is a dream for paddlers and swimmers alike.

Start your adventure at Kawkawa Lake, where calm waters and views of Thacker Mountain set the tone for a perfect paddle. Whether in a kayak or on a paddleboard, the stillness of this lake makes it a local favourite.

Nearby, you’ll find Kawkawa Creek (also known as Sucker’s Creek) tucked inside Thacker Regional Park. This shallow, sandy spot is ideal for families and little ones who just want to splash around. With plenty of room to relax and creekside shade, it’s an easy summer stop just minutes from downtown. The creek flows directly into the Coquihalla River, offering a natural connection to one of Hope’s most iconic waterways.

If you’re in the mood for a quick and picturesque stop, Schkam Lake (also called Lake of the Woods) is just five minutes north of town along Highway 1. This small, motor-free lake is often the first to warm up in summer and makes for a peaceful roadside retreat. It features picnic tables, washrooms, and a small day-use area—perfect for a short break or scenic picnic. While there isn’t much of a beach and parking is limited, it’s still a great spot to stretch your legs, enjoy the views, and swim on a warm day. Just keep in mind that parking can fill up quickly during peak times.

From stillwater paddles to shady creek swims, Hope offers the kind of water-filled days that make summer unforgettable.

2. Hope: Patio Season Goes to the Dogs

After a day of paddling, swimming, or hiking in Hope, there’s only one place to go: a shady, pet-friendly patio where your pup is just as welcome as you are. Luckily, this mountain town has embraced patio culture with open arms (and water bowls).

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Start with a craft brew and some mountain views at Mountainview Brewing Co., a laid-back spot with picnic tables, cold beers on tap, and often a few furry patrons relaxing nearby. Or head to Silver Chalice Pub, a local favourite known for its friendly vibe, classic pub fare, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. If you’re exploring downtown, swing by Hope Mountain Cafe for a locally roasted coffee, smoothie, or lunch. Their patio is cozy and popular—great for people watching, but may not be ideal for every pup. Just down the block, Blue Moose Coffee House offers a fully covered patio, great for all-weather lounging with your four-legged sidekick while you sip on a latte and enjoy a fresh-baked treat.

With a growing list of pet-friendly spots, Hope makes it easy to stay fueled while staying connected to the outdoors.

Explore Hope’s Unique Foodie Experience.

3. Manning Park Resort: Camp Where Adventure Meets the Stars

Lakeside mornings, forest trails, and skies full of wonder.

If you’re looking to unplug this summer, look no further than Manning Park Resort, a place where unplugged adventure meets alpine serenity. Just a short detour off Highway 3, this alpine retreat offers some of BC’s most scenic camping experiences, with something for every style of camper.

Pitch your tent or park your RV beneath towering trees and endless skies. Manning Park’s diverse camping options include:

• Lakeside serenity at Lightning Lake – Wake up to still waters and reflections of the Cascade Mountains.
• Coldspring and Mule Deer Campgrounds – Enjoy a Similkameen riverside retreat nestled in peaceful forest settings.
• Group sites – Perfect for family gatherings, friend meetups, or cozy campfire hangs.
• Skyview RV Campground – Full-service comfort just steps from Lightning Lake and stargazing perfection.
• Headwaters Horse Corral – There are 9 sites, and a choice of hitching posts, corrals, or small open areas for your horses.
• Hampton Campground – Spacious, private sites with sweeping mountain views and even a pump track for kids.

Beyond the campsite, there’s no shortage of summer fun. Paddle across Lightning Lake at sunrise, explore alpine trails bursting with wildflowers, or gather around the fire as the night sky comes alive overhead. Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned pro, this is a place to truly connect with nature, with people, and with the kind of peace that sticks with you.

4. Manning Park: Make a Splash at Lightning Lake

Tucked into the heart of Manning Park, Lightning Lake is a postcard-perfect spot for summer fun, where still waters, alpine air, and forested shores create the ideal backdrop for your next adventure (or nap).

Start your day at the Lightning Lake Boathouse, open daily in summer, and choose your vessel: kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Glide across the calm, reflective waters, take in the surrounding peaks, and feel time slow down with each paddle stroke.

Not into boating? Lightning Lake has plenty of shoreline to explore:

• Swim in the cool, refreshing mountain water
  
• Sunbathe or picnic on the sandy beach
  
• Cast a line and try your luck fishing from shore or dock

However, you choose to spend your time here, Lightning Lake is one of those rare places where hours drift by and the memories last for years.

Book your Summer escape at Manning Park

5. Similkameen Valley: Float, Fish, or Just Let Go on the River

Easy summer days, one river bend at a time.

There’s something timeless about the Similkameen River; its gentle curves, warm waters, and wide gravel bars invite you to slow down and simply be. Whether you’re paddling, tubing, dangling your feet or fishing, this river is at the heart of summer life in the Similkameen Valley.

Bring your inner tube or kayak and drift through the sun-drenched canyons near Princeton, or wade in from one of the many accessible beaches between Hedley and Keremeos. With its mix of calm sections and light current, the river is perfect for families, first-time floaters, and anyone looking to unwind.

Anglers will also find plenty to love here. Cast a line in the early morning or late evening for rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and even the occasional salmon run, depending on the season. 

For a peaceful riverside moment, there are endless hidden spots to set up a chair and let the current (and your worries) drift by.

6. Similkameen Valley: Sip, Savour, and Stay Awhile

Where wine, cider, and slow living pair perfectly.

In the Similkameen Valley, the best meals begin with the land itself. Framed by sun-drenched cliffs and fed by glacier waters, this region has quietly become one of BC’s most exciting destinations for wine, cider, and small-batch flavours.

Spend the afternoon exploring the valley’s boutique wineries, cideries, and farm stands, where family-run tasting rooms welcome you with stories and pours as memorable as the views. Many of the producers here are organic or biodynamic, and it shows in every glass, vibrant, expressive, and deeply connected to place.

Don’t miss a visit to Cawston, often called the Organic Farming Capital of Canada, or Keremeos, known for its roadside fruit stands and summer-fresh produce. With picnic areas, vineyard patios, and farm-to-table snacks just about everywhere, it’s easy to linger, and you should.

This is a place to sip slowly, laugh freely, and taste the kind of care that only comes from growing with the seasons.

7. Osoyoos: Trails for Every Pace, View, and Adventure

From desert ridgelines to lakeside strolls—find your perfect path.

Osoyoos might be famous for its sun and lake life, but its trail network is just as impressive, offering everything from easy scenic walks to rugged desert hikes with unforgettable views.

For a gentle introduction, explore the Lakeshore Walkway, a flat, paved path perfect for morning strolls or sunset bike rides along Osoyoos Lake. Want something with a little more elevation? Try the Irrigation Canal Walkway or venture onto the Mount Kobau trails for sweeping views of vineyards, valleys, and sparkling water below.

Hikers will love the Desert Centre Trail, an interpretive loop that winds through sagebrush and endangered grasslands, giving you a front-row seat to the unique ecology of Canada’s only true desert. And if you’re looking for something wild and wide open, nearby Haynes Point and Spotted Lake offer short but spectacular routes rich with cultural and natural significance.

With trails ranging from accessible to adventurous, Osoyoos is a place where every step reveals something new.

8. Osoyoos: Dine Where the Desert Meets the Table

Bold flavours, sunlit patios, and meals worth slowing down for.

In Osoyoos, summer tastes just as good as it looks. From breezy lakefront patios to tucked-away bistros and winery restaurants, this vibrant desert town offers a culinary scene that’s as diverse as its landscapes.

Start your day with locally roasted coffee and a farm-fresh breakfast, then follow your appetite to lunch with vineyard views or wood-fired pizza paired with a chilled glass of wine. Craving global flavours? You’ll find everything from elevated Indigenous cuisine to Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, and Mexican, often made with ingredients grown right here in the South Okanagan.

Got a craving for the perfect slice? Follow the Osoyoos Pizza Trail to find your new favourite pie, whether you love thin crust, loaded toppings, or a lakeside view with your marinara.

Whether you’re dining by candlelight at a winery estate or grabbing takeout to enjoy on the beach, Osoyoos makes it easy to eat well and eat local.

9. Boundary Country: Trail Time for the Whole Family

Scenic, simple, and full of summer magic.

Looking for an easy outdoor adventure with big payoffs? The Trans Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Cascade Falls is one of Boundary Country’s best-kept secrets—and it’s tailor-made for family fun.

This wide, well-maintained rail trail offers gentle grades, plenty of shade, and room to walk, bike, or even tow the littles in a trailer. Along the way, you’ll pass fragrant pine forests, open farmland, and the peaceful banks of the Kettle River. Bring a picnic and take your time—there are lots of places to pull over, dip your toes, and just enjoy the quiet beauty of the region.

The highlight? Cascade Falls near Christina Lake is a picturesque, misty reward at the end of your ride or walk. It’s the kind of trail that’s just as perfect for seasoned cyclists as it is for toddlers on balance bikes.

10. Boundary Country: Flavours Worth the Detour

From small-town gems to farm-fresh plates, this is where taste meets heart.

Boundary Country may be tucked between valleys and mountain passes, but its culinary scene is anything but hidden. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to experience the area’s local charm.

From handcrafted burgers in Greenwood to riverside brunches in Grand Forks, you’ll find a mix of cozy cafés, historic diners, and locally-loved restaurants serving food that’s fresh, honest, and full of flavour. Many spots highlight seasonal produce from nearby farms, and you’ll often see housemade jams, local meats, or fresh-baked bread on the menu.

Thirsty? Pop into a craft brewery or enjoy a latte made with beans roasted right down the road. This is small-town hospitality served up one plate (or pint) at a time.

Hit the Scenic Crowsnest Hwy 3, Make It Unforgettable