Southern Interior
Ale Trail

These interior communities share a common love for outdoor ale-venture.

No matter what your favourite activity is, you’ll be able to pair it with delicious craft beer in the communities of Kamloops, Shuswap, Vernon and Merritt.

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, the rolling hills and fragrant sagebrush of Kamloops invite a sense of improvised adventure for families and urban and outdoor adventurers. 

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.

Thinking about visiting this region in the winter? Check out the Southern Interior Winter Ale Trail.

Day 1

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Merritt

cafe
Mandolin's Bagel and Coffeehouse
114 - 1700 Garcia Street, 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
Inspire Trails Horseback Riding
8050 Surrey-Sussex Lake Road , Thomson-Nicola, BC

Enjoy breathtaking scenery on a guided horseback ride through the beautiful trails of the Lower Nicola Valley. Ride times vary based on the season, so call ahead to book your tour.

restaurant
Coco's Chicken and Sushi
1700 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC

A relatively new addition to Merritt, you will find sushi and Korean fried chicken at Cocos. Try the sushi bakes!

poi
Nicola Valley Arts Centre
2051 Voigt 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.

activity
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
2025 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

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

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 Avenue, Merritt, BC

The brand new 83 room Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel is Merritt's 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.

Visit Left Field Cider Company. Open May to September. Enjoy a tasting and tour of this family own cidery specializing in small batch traditional English-style apple ciders.

Enjoy a complimentary tea, coffee, or juice as the helpful staff at the Merritt Visitor Information Booth help you plan your visit. Located in the historic Baillie House.

No matter the season, we got you covered with things to see and do in Merritt!

There are plenty of delicious dinner options to choose from – head to the Tourism Merritt website for your guide to Merritt’s food scene.

The Nicola Valley is packed with camping and outdoor recreation activities – find inspiration on their Instagram page.

Day 2

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Kamloops

cafe
Kekuli Café
2051 Voght Street, Merritt, BC

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

Travel

Drive to Kamloops, approximately 1 hour

activity
Kamloops Bike Ranch
1105 Highland Road, Kamloops, BC

Grab a bike and ride one of BC's largest municipal bike parks. If you don’t have your own bike, rent from one of our local bike shops.

brewery
980 Camosun Cres, Kamloops, BC

All Aboard for creative craft beer and delicious food. The tacos are amazing - there are meat, seafood and vegetation options, making it a great stop for lunch.

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 perfect spot to settle in for a memorable dinner paired with their unique craft beer.

accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops!

Day 3

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Kamloops

Travel Info

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

restaurant
The Art We Are Café
246 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC

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

activity
Tobiano Golf Course
38 Holloway Drive, Kamloops, BC

Tee up and swing your clubs on this remarkable golf course, rated #1 Public Course in BC by Canadian Golf Magazine. Open spring and summer.

brewery
292 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC

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

poi
Art Gallery Tour

Kamloops’ diverse arts and culture scene will surprise you—but in the best possible way. With three diverse art galleries, there is something for everyone.

brewery
355 Lansdowne St, Kamloops, BC

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

tap-house
120 5 Avenue, Kamloops, BC

Underbelly is a locally owned and operated modern casual restaurant in the heart of downtown Kamloops. We feature seasonally influenced cuisine that pairs with our craft cocktails, local wines, and inspired brews.

accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops

Day 4

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Sorrento, Shuswap + Salmon Arm

tap-house
449 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC

18 taps of rotating craft beer and cider alongside breakfast, lunch, appies, dinner and late night options!

Travel

Drive to Sorrento, approximately 1 hour

brewery
706 Elson Rd, Sorrento, BC

Canada’s first certified organic on-farm brewery. Stop by to grab your beer to go, or book a tour and tasting. Tours and tastings are available Fridays and Saturdays, May - October and in winter as weather allows.

activity
Shuswap Marina
2127 Ingram Lane Road, Blind Bay, BC

Shuswap Marina rents high-performance triple pontoons and ski boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. You will also find a full-service department, parts for your boat, accessories, a summer store, water toys, used boat sales, gas dock and much more.

restaurant
Sprokkets Café
3096 Trans-Canada Highway, Sorrento, BC

Enjoy made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, mile-high pies and more.

Travel

Drive to Salmon Arm, approximately 20 min

poi
Salmon Arm Wharf

Take a stroll on the longest curved inland wharf in North America in Salmon Arm.

3181 11 Ave NE, Salmon Arm, BC

Northyards Cider Co. is a craft cidery, orchard, and tasting room that has recently moved to Salmon Arm, B.C. Our ciders are produced using traditional cider-making methods and made from 100% B.C. apples and other local fruit.

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

Ricochet Brewing's brewery site is located on the sunny shores of the Shuswap Lake at the base of Bastion Mountain. Locally sourced, locally brewed, and community-focused, they are committed to crafting quality small batch, handcrafted beers. Their taphouse location in downtown Salmon Arm boasts 36 rotating taps featuring their beer along with other breweries and cideries from around BC along with BC wines and cocktails and a light food menu.

brewery
20 Shuswap St S, Salmon Arm, BC

This popular brewpub is much more than just another roadside attraction. Anyone who stops in for a bite and a beer will be more than pleasantly surprised by what they find. The kitchen is top-notch and the beer is excellent.

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.

On your way to Salmon Arm, stop extend your lunch stop with a tour of the Dreamcycle Motorcycle Museum next door to Sprokkets Cafe in Sorrento.

Day 5

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Salmon Arm + Vernon

cafe
Ecotreats Café
190 Trans-Canada Highway, Salmon Arm, BC

Everything we serve is made with care and detailed attention, from our beautiful lattes to our amazing cookies and scones; from our healthy smoothies to our savoury paninis, you will find delicious flavour in every bite!

activity
Spend the morning on Shuswap Lake
01 Finlayson St., Sicamous, BC

A dozen ways to get on the water—choose from canoes, kayaks, sea-doos, fishing boats, stand up paddle boards, or even a double decker pontoon boat! Shuswap Lake is not to be missed.

poi
DeMille's Farm Market
3710 Trans Canada Highway, SW, Salmon Arm, BC

DeMille’s Farm Market is a third-generation family farm. Grab a featured lunch special and explore the farm. You will find everything from fresh fruit and produce, to a corn maze, ice cream, deli, bakery, gourmet specialties and seasonal garden centre. You might come across the resident animals, and can view their collection of antique farming equipment as well.

#100 2090 10th Avenue SW, Salmon Arm, BC

Shuswap Cider Co is a craft cider producer in Salmon Arm and is located along the east side of Westgate Public Market.

Travel

Drive to Vernon, approximately 50 min

poi
Historic O'Keefe Ranch
9380 Hwy 97 North, Vernon, BC

Historic O’Keefe Ranch tells the story of early BC Ranching and endeavours to preserve the history and culture of the early ranching era for future generations. There is plenty to explore with cowboy dinner shows, trail rides, a corn maze, pony rides, blacksmith classes, ghost tours, and there's even a dog park.

cafe
Ratio Coffee
3101 29 St., Vernon, BC

Grab an iced coffee or nitro-brew at Ratio Coffee and Pastry to refuel before your next stop.

pub
The Longhorn Pub
4513 25 Avenue, Vernon, BC

Where friends love to meet for delicious food, refreshments and extraordinary entertainment from karaoke to line dancing and two-step lessons.

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.

Day 6

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Vernon

restaurant
EATology
3100 30 Street, Vernon, BC

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

activity
Hiking or biking to Vernon view points

Grab your bike rental from Sun Country Cycle, or just your hiking shoes, and hit the trails. We recommend Kalamalka Lake Provincial Parks.

pub
Alexander's Beach Pub
12408 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC

Enjoy lunch on the lake side patio at Alexander Pub’s.

activity
Kal Beach at Kalamalka Lake

Beach yourself, or get in and swim in the colourful water. At different times of the year the colour of the lake will range from teal and cyan to indigo. Look for the Kalavida Surf Shop for SUP rentals and more.

poi
Vernon Heritage Mural Tour

The 28 murals of Vernon are known around the world for their depiction of the history, culture, scenery, and folklore that made Vernon what it is today. Take a guided tour, or walk at your own pace.

brewery
2933 30th Ave, Vernon, BC

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

liquor-store
2901 30 Street, Vernon, BC

Over 10,000 square feet of retail space with a huge selection of craft beers and ciders!

accommodation
The Vernon Lodge
3914 32 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!

cafe
Mandolin's Bagel and Coffeehouse (Day 1)
114 - 1700 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC
activity
Inspire Trails Horseback Riding (Day 1)
8050 Surrey-Sussex Lake Road , Thomson-Nicola, BC
restaurant
Coco's Chicken and Sushi (Day 1)
1700 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC
poi
Nicola Valley Arts Centre (Day 1)
2051 Voigt Street, Merritt, BC
activity
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (Day 1)
2025 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC
accommodation
Best Western Plus (Day 1)
3969 Crawford Avenue, Merritt, BC
cafe
Kekuli Café (Day 2)
2051 Voght Street, Merritt, BC
activity
Kamloops Bike Ranch (Day 2)
1105 Highland Road, Kamloops, BC
brewery
poi
Explore Downtown Kamloops (Day 2)
brewery
accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops! (Day 2)
restaurant
The Art We Are Café (Day 3)
246 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
activity
Tobiano Golf Course (Day 3)
38 Holloway Drive, Kamloops, BC
brewery
poi
Art Gallery Tour (Day 3)
brewery
accommodation
Find a place to stay in Kamloops (Day 3)
tap-house
449 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC
brewery
activity
Shuswap Marina (Day 4)
2127 Ingram Lane Road, Blind Bay, BC
restaurant
Sprokkets Café (Day 4)
3096 Trans-Canada Highway, Sorrento, BC
poi
Salmon Arm Wharf (Day 4)
tap-house
accommodation
Find a place to stay in Salmon Arm (Day 4)
cafe
Ecotreats Café (Day 5)
190 Trans-Canada Highway, Salmon Arm, BC
activity
Spend the morning on Shuswap Lake (Day 5)
01 Finlayson St., Sicamous, BC
poi
DeMille's Farm Market (Day 5)
3710 Trans Canada Highway, SW, Salmon Arm, BC
#100 2090 10th Avenue SW, Salmon Arm, BC
poi
Historic O'Keefe Ranch (Day 5)
9380 Hwy 97 North, Vernon, BC
cafe
Ratio Coffee (Day 5)
3101 29 St., Vernon, BC
pub
The Longhorn Pub (Day 5)
4513 25 Avenue, Vernon, BC
accommodation
The Vernon Lodge (Day 5)
3914 - 32nd Street, Vernon, BC
restaurant
EATology (Day 6)
3100 30 Street, Vernon, BC
activity
Hiking or biking to Vernon view points (Day 6)
pub
Alexander's Beach Pub (Day 6)
12408 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC
activity
Kal Beach at Kalamalka Lake (Day 6)
poi
Vernon Heritage Mural Tour (Day 6)
accommodation
The Vernon Lodge (Day 6)
3914 32 Street, Vernon, 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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