Southern Interior
Winter Ale Trail

Winter is a time for fun on this Interior 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.

Day 1

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Kamloops

449 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC

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.

activity
Harper Mountain
2580 Harper Mountain Rd, Kamloops, BC

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.

brewery
980 Camosun Cres, Kamloops, BC

All Aboard for creative craft beer and delicious food.

poi
Explore Downtown Kamloops

Stroll or shop around and discover back alley art murals, or take a walking tour of historic buildings or public art.

brewery
650 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC

The marriage between beautiful food and unique beer.

brewery
292 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC

This bright, welcoming tasting room will lure you in; the beers and food will keep you coming back.

restaurant
Underbelly by the Pig
120 5 Ave, Kamloops, BC

Sister restaurant of The Noble Pig, offering a casual, authentic vibe with a creative and artistic décor.

brewery
355 Lansdowne St, Kamloops, BC

Kamloops’ downtown brewery is a gathering place for beer lovers.

accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops!

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

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Chase, Sorrento + Salmon Arm

cafe
The Art We Are Cafe
246 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC

Grab breakfast from The Art We Are Café. They are home to a variety of gluten free and vegan options.

Travel

Drive to Chase, approximately 45 minutes

restaurant
Timber Shuswap
2425 Golf Course Drive, Blind Bay, BC

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.

brewery
706 Elson Rd, Sorrento, BC

Canada’s first certified organic on-farm brewery.

Travel

Drive to Salmon Arm, approximately 45 min

brewery
310 Hudson Ave, NE (Taproom only), Salmon Arm, BC

The brewing facility for Ricochet's beer line-up is not open to the public. Please see Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse to enjoy their brews.

tap-house
310 Hudson Ave, NE, Salmon Arm, BC

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.

poi
Larch Hills Nordic Society
300-398 Larch Hills Rd, Salmon Arm, BC

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.

brewery
20 Shuswap St S, Salmon Arm, BC

This popular brewpub is much more than just another roadside attraction.

accommodation
Find a place to stay in Salmon Arm

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

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Vernon

Travel Info

Grab a coffee before heading south to Vernon — or head a 20 minutes north east for a scenic stopover in Sicamous.

Drive to Vernon, approximately 50 min.

restaurant
EATology
3100 30 St, Vernon, BC

Fuel up at EATology. Their fresh, homemade hearty breakfasts are cherished by locals.

activity
Silver Star Mountain - Snowboarding, Skiing or Fat Biking
123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain, BC

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.

brewery
2933 30th Ave, Vernon, BC

Craft beer and barbecue are on the menu at this beautifully converted venue in downtown Vernon.

activity
Kal Crystal Waters Trail

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.

restaurant
Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille
3313 30th Ave, Vernon, BC

A wonderful blend of East and West. Bamboo Beach's traditional Japanese chef prepares fusion lunch and dinners from scratch.

accommodation
The Vernon Lodge
3914 - 32nd Street, Vernon, BC

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.

Explore More

Be sure to browse Vernon’s event calendar when you’re in town for live music, markets, walking tours and more!

Day 4

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Merritt

cafe
Mandolin's Bagel & Coffeehouse
1700 Garcia St, Merritt, BC

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

activity
Cross Country Skiing at Kane Valley

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

cafe
Kekuli Café
2051 Voght St, Merritt, BC

Head into downtown Merritt for an Indigenous fresh food experience. This quaint gathering place specializes in bannock and all things Saskatoon berry.

poi
Nicola Valley Arts Centre
2051 Voght Street, Merritt, BC

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.

poi
Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour
2025 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

Celebrate Canadian country music artists, songwriters, influencers, builders and broadcasters at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.

brewery
2190 Voght Street, Merritt, BC

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!

accommodation
Best Western Plus
3969 CRAWFORD AVE, Merritt, BC

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.

Experience Merritt in the winter and enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling,ice fishing and snowshoeing. Trails in the Helmer Lake area north of Merritt are designated for snowmobiling while cross country skiers like the Kane Valley XC ski trails south of town. The Nicola Valley is a winter wonderland, whether it is the Merritt Country Christmas Celebration during the last week of November or the outdoor sports.

There are also plenty of indoor family-friendly winter activities like curling, skating, and bowling to enjoy. Visit the 5 Indoor Activities to Enjoy in Merritt blog for trip inspiration.

449 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC
activity
Harper Mountain (Day 1)
2580 Harper Mountain Rd, Kamloops, BC
brewery
poi
Explore Downtown Kamloops (Day 1)
brewery
brewery
restaurant
Underbelly by the Pig (Day 1)
120 5 Ave, Kamloops, BC
brewery
accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops! (Day 1)
cafe
The Art We Are Cafe (Day 2)
246 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
restaurant
Timber Shuswap (Day 2)
2425 Golf Course Drive, Blind Bay, BC
brewery
brewery
310 Hudson Ave, NE (Taproom only), Salmon Arm, BC
poi
Larch Hills Nordic Society (Day 2)
300-398 Larch Hills Rd, Salmon Arm, BC
accommodation
Find a place to stay in Salmon Arm (Day 2)
restaurant
EATology (Day 3)
3100 30 St, Vernon, BC
activity
Silver Star Mountain - Snowboarding, Skiing or Fat Biking (Day 3)
123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain, BC
activity
Kal Crystal Waters Trail (Day 3)
restaurant
Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille (Day 3)
3313 30th Ave, Vernon, BC
accommodation
The Vernon Lodge (Day 3)
3914 - 32nd Street, Vernon, BC
cafe
Mandolin's Bagel & Coffeehouse (Day 4)
1700 Garcia St, Merritt, BC
activity
Cross Country Skiing at Kane Valley (Day 4)
cafe
Kekuli Café (Day 4)
2051 Voght St, Merritt, BC
poi
Nicola Valley Arts Centre (Day 4)
2051 Voght Street, Merritt, BC
poi
Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour (Day 4)
2025 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC
accommodation
Best Western Plus (Day 4)
3969 CRAWFORD AVE, Merritt, BC
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Shuswap Tourism

The Shuswap boasts a small town feel and big country activities; and this may be the finest place to get back to getting down-to-earth.

The Shuswap is a region comprised of communities centered around Shuswap Lake, just north of the Thompson-Okanagan region, near the centre of BC’s interior.

Our region is the home of the world-renowned Shuswap Lake and is one of Canada’s premier warm water destinations. Our mild weather, varied geography (alpine meadows, warm lakes, desert-like rolling, arid hills, enchanting forests) and four-seasons ensure that there are a variety of new adventures and experiences to be found.

Tourism Kamloops

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.

Tourism Vernon

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.

Tourism Merritt

As a hub in British Columbia’s Thompson Nicola Region, it is often said: “All Roads Lead to Merritt”.  Situated right off the Coquihalla Highway, Merritt is nestled in the heart of the Nicola Valley. There is never a lack of places to stay, food to enjoy and events to attend. From large music festivals to viewing great local art while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee, we have you covered. Flourishing under the sun, Merritt is home to numerous murals in historical downtown Merritt and proudly has “A Lake a Day as Long as you Stay!” We hope you have an enjoyable visit to Merritt and be sure to tag us online at #ExploreMerritt!

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