Southern Interior
Winter Ale Trail
Winter doesn’t slow anyone down in this wonderland of outdoor and urban activities.
Between skiing, snowboarding, fat-tire biking and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone to enjoy along with a delicious, local craft beer for après.
From Merritt up to Kamloops, across to Salmon Arm, and then down to Vernon, the craft breweries here reflect the geographic diversity of the region with their own individual approaches.
“All roads lead to Merritt.” Indeed, this small city in the heart of the beautiful Nicola Valley is easily accessible off the Coquihalla Highway. A little farther north, Kamloops’ urban experience offers shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as Canada’s second-largest ski area, Sun Peaks Resort, which is nearby.
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway east along the shores of sparkling Shuswap Lake to Salmon Arm and then continue on to Vernon, a small city that packs a big punch when it comes to things to see and do. Don’t forget that SilverStar Mountain Resort is just a half hour away, and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is only 25 minutes from downtown.
Harper Mountain, Kamloops
Empty Keg Brew House in Merritt, BC
Harper Mountain, Kamloops
Iron Road Brewing, Kamloops
Harper Mountain, Kamloops
BNA Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Iron Road Brewing, Kamloops
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Kane Valley, Merritt
Harper Mountain, Kamloops
Barley Station Brewpub, Salmon Arm
Ricochet Taphouse in Salmon Arm, BC (photo provided)
Fat Biking at Silver Star Mountain
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Kamloops
The Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops, BC
Kamloops
Red Collar Brewing Co., Kamloops
BNA Brewing in Vernon, BC
Quaaout Lodge, Chase
Empty Keg Brew House in Merritt, BC
Larch Hills, Salmon Arm
Quaaot Lodge, Chase
Quaaout Lodge, Chase
The Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops, BC
Crannòg Ales, Sorrento
Vernon
Silverstar Mountain, Vernon
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Ricochet Taphouse in Salmon Arm, BC (photo provided)
Silverstar Mountain, Vernon
Snowmobiling, Nicola Valley, Merritt
Okanagan Rail Trail, Vernon
Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops BC
Kal Beach, Vernon
Vernon
The Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops, BC
BNA Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, Vernon
Empty Keg Brew House in Merritt, BC
Ricochet Taphouse in Salmon Arm, BC (photo provided)
Day 1
Kamloops
Travel Info
Morning to night, Red Beard is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee in the morning, or a craft beer in the evening. Meals and snacks are made from a scratch kitchen that features fresh, seasonal ingredients on a small but quality-focused menu.
Only 20 mins from Kamloops, Harper Mountain offers a snow tube park, snowshoeing, night skiiing, and more. After a great day in the power, warm up beside their large wood fireplace and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain.
All Aboard for creative craft beer and delicious food.
Stroll or shop around and discover back alley art murals, or take a walking tour of historic buildings or public art.
The marriage between beautiful food and unique beer.
This bright, welcoming tasting room will lure you in; the beers and food will keep you coming back.
Sister restaurant of The Noble Pig, offering a casual, authentic vibe with a creative and artistic décor.
Kamloops’ downtown brewery is a gathering place for beer lovers.
Explore More
Be sure to browse Kamloops’ event calendar when you’re in town for live music, markets, fairs, walking tours and more!
Day 2
Chase, Sorrento + Salmon Arm
Grab breakfast from The Art We Are Café. They are home to a variety of gluten free and vegan options.
Drive to Chase, approximately 45 minutes
Multi Award Winning Chef Chris Whittaker and his team are bringing their years of experience and dedication together to ensure an exemplary and truly Shuswap dining experience. Our community is everything to us and so is our passion to support the amazing ranchers, farmers, artisans, wineries and breweries that the Shuswap has to offer. We will represent this region through our truly farm to table cuisine and incredible service.
Canada’s first certified organic on-farm brewery.
Drive to Salmon Arm, approximately 45 min
Ricochet Brewing’s Taphouse in Salmon Arm boasts 36 rotating taps featuring their own beer line-up, along with other breweries and cideries from around BC, plus a selection of BC wines and cocktails, and a light food menu. For a more substantial meal, guests are welcome to bring their own food or order delivery from one of the local restaurants nearby.
This cross-country ski area is 20 km from Salmon Arm, and has over 170 km of ski trails, 57 km of which are regularly groomed, 17km of snowshoe trails and an 800m canine trail. There is no shortage of variety for the outdoor enthusiast.
This popular brewpub is much more than just another roadside attraction.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Salmon Arm Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Consider picking up a bag lunch at DeMille’s Farm Market in Salmon Arm before heading out to the snowy hills.
At the base of Larch Hills, John’s Ski Shack offers snowshoe rentals and expert advice. Horse-drawn open sleigh rides can also be booked with Walter’s Sleigh Rides.
Day 3
Vernon
Travel Info
Grab a coffee before heading south to Vernon — or head a 20 minutes north east for a scenic stopover in Sicamous.
Fuel up at EATology. Their fresh, homemade hearty breakfasts are cherished by locals.
Explore over 3,000 acres with 131 runs and 12 gladed areas. Winter-venturers of all levels will love the groomed runs and wide open spaces. Warm up with a coffee or snack at the Bulldog Grand Cafe before heading back to town.
Craft beer and barbecue are on the menu at this beautifully converted venue in downtown Vernon.
This is an easy bike and hike trail that is great for families, and pets are allowed to tag along on leash. Strap on your cross-country skis or snow shoes and explore this beautiful area.
BNA Brewing Co. is a hub for craft beer production with over 10 beers on tap. Enjoy a diverse menu, bowling lanes, arcade games, and event hosting for up to 500 guests. Whether it’s a casual night out or a big function, BNA Brewing Co. provides a vibrant atmosphere for all beer enthusiasts.
A wonderful blend of East and West. Bamboo Beach's traditional Japanese chef prepares fusion lunch and dinners from scratch.
The hotel incorporates the nearby creek in its design, offering a constant flow of natural water streaming in from outside. The creek and garden atrium are a favourite of locals and out-of-towners.
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Be sure to browse Vernon’s event calendar when you’re in town for live music, markets, walking tours and more!
Day 4
Merritt
Travel Info
Mandolin’s is a great way to start your day with specialty coffees and smoothies, breakfast bagels, muffins, cinnamon buns, and more! Also a great stop for lunch with daily specials, soups, and salads as well as keto and gluten-free options
18 kms South of Merritt, the timbered Kane Valley is a haven for Cross Country skiers. Connect with the Nicola Nordic Ski Club to help plan your excursion
Head into downtown Merritt for an Indigenous fresh food experience. This quaint gathering place specializes in bannock and all things Saskatoon berry.
Explore the latest exhibit in the Arts Gallery and browse local artisan creations in the gift shop. Exhibits change monthly showcasing a variety of visual art mediums that are sure to provoke thought and discussion.
Celebrate Canadian country music artists, songwriters, influencers, builders and broadcasters at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.
Empty Keg prides itself on fresh beer, friends, family, and community. This brewery has snack options, and also allows you to order in from neighbouring restaurants - a great dinner choice!
The brand new 83 room Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel is Merritt's newest, largest and most modern facility. Offering complimentary full breakfast.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Merritt Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
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Kamloops is more than a city, it’s a state of mind. It’s a small-town kind of friendly with metropolitan flavours on the side. Far from the hustle and bustle, it’s a place where you skip the crowds, stretch your legs and expand your horizons. Resting on the shores of two picturesque rivers, the landscapes invite a sense of improvised adventure.
Be amazed by twisty single-track bike trails and winding walkways. Tee off on award-winning golf courses. Cast a line on trophy stillwater. Poke around local shops and boutiques. Engage with the vibrant arts and culture scene. Sample an assortment of food that promises to satisfy and satiate even the most discerning of palates. Indulge in a burgeoning bevy of wineries, craft breweries, restaurants and cafés that are overflowing with culinary enthusiasm and intensity.
A four-season playground where adventure awaits around every corner. In the Spring, hike, bike and adventure through fields and valleys bursting with blooms. Summer is all about our warm-water lakes – swimming, boating, SUP and more have visitors returning again and again. In Fall, experience a harvest season second to none, with all the beauty and bounty you can expect of the season. And in Winter, take home tales of champagne powder snow and horse-drawn sleighs.
Vernon is magical in any season; you’re invited in every season.
Salmon Arm is a city that looks beyond its lake and mountains towards the future. Designed as a walkable community, residents and visitors have easy access to biking and hiking trails and neighbourhood parks.
Located in British Columbia’s interior, directly on the Trans Canada Highway, midway between Calgary and Vancouver. Our growing city of close to 20,000 residents is situated along 1,000 kilometres of breathtaking Shuswap Lake shoreline.