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 Home > Travel BC > BC Cities and Towns > Thompson Okanagan > Princeton

Princeton
Princeton is located 133 km (83 miles) east of Hope on Hwy 3 and 112 km (70 miles) west of Penticton.

Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers
Princeton is situated along the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers and has a dry climate similar to the Okanagan Valley. Very rich in mining history, Princeton provided a link to the Okanagan from Vancouver via the Kettle Valley Railway during the 1900's.

Mining and Gem Displays
When you stop in Princeton have a look at the town museum located on Vermilion Avenue. The museum depicts Princeton's proud past with a remarkable collection of local fossils and gem stones.

Historical Walk Tour Map
Within walking distance of the museum there are also some interesting things to look at including some historic buildings and memorial cenotaph. You might want to pick up the historical walk tour map from the Town of Princeton.

Swimming Hole at Bromley Rock
Bromley Rock is a large outcrop along the Similkameen River just east of Princeton on Hwy 3 just before Hedley. This large rock provides the best swimming hole in the area. Make sure you get a chance and stop here for a dip, the place is great. Lots of people make Bromley Rock the starting point for inner tubing down the Similkameen River.

Bromley Rock Provincial Park
If you would like to stay here for a few days there is the Bromley Rock Provincial Park campground located right next door. If this park is full try looking at the numerous forestry sites on the other side of the river on Old Hedley Rd.

China Ridge Ski Trails
Princeton has some excellent cross-country skiing located at the China Ridge Ski Trails. To get here travel towards Tulameen for about 8 km (5 miles) to the Bear Mountain Recreation Area turnoff then follow the signs to China Ridge. Located at Bear Mountain is a small ski hill that features a T-Bar and some excellent dry powder snow.

Tulameen
For outdoor adventures make a trip into Tulameen. Located here is Otter Lake Provincial Park and access to some of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in British Columbia.

Kettle Valley Railway
The drive into Tulameen follows the old rail line of the Kettle Valley Railway along the Tulameen River through Coalmount. The KVR is now part of the Trans-Canada Trail and can take you past Otter Lake eventually all the way to Hope.

Osprey Lake
The Trans-Canada Trail also heads east from Princeton all the way to Summerland. The route follows the old Kettle Valley Railway right-of-way along Hayes Creek past Osprey Lake. Osprey Lake is noted for its great Rainbow Trout fishing.

Summerland Back Road
To get here by road take the route to Tulameen cross the bridge then follow the signs for the Chain Lakes and Osprey Lake Road. The backcountry drive to Summerland is very beautiful and has various names from Highway 40, the Five Mile, Osprey Lake Road, to the Summerland Back Road.

"The Whipsaw"
For other backcountry driving and remote fishing lakes there is "The Whipsaw" route that starts at Coalmont. Take the Granite Creek Road out of Coalmont over the Tulameen River. This Forest Service Road goes through some higher country into some very nice remote fishing lakes and mountains.

Mile-High Lakes
There are some rustic campgrounds available at Lodestone Lake and Wells Lake situated at 1590 metres (5,217 feet). These mile-high lakes contain some lovely rainbows. The FSR road continues with a route back to Hwy 3 near Princeton.

Recreation Map
A good recreation map of the area can be found through the Princeton Chamber of Commerce web site and the Forests Service Recreation Interactive web site for the Merritt Forest District.

First Nations Art
The soil found throughout the Princeton region contains high levels of red ochre. Called yak-tulameen the soil allowed the First Nations in the region to develop high concentrations of native rock art or pictographs. There are quite a few first nation pictographs drawn on the very large rock formations found throughout the region. Some areas to look include parts of the Cascade Recreation Area and Manning Park.

Traveling Hwy 3 Hope-Princeton
The section of highway on Hwy 3 west of Princeton has had a reputation for being a little harder on vehicles. There are quite a few steep hills and sharp corners between Princeton and Hope. Make sure you are aware of this and make sure your cooling system and brakes are functioning properly.

Chevron Gas Station
If you are driving from the east, the Chevron gas station located in Princeton on Hwy 3 is convenient for vehicle checks. There is lots of room for RV parking plus a good spot for a rest with plenty of fast food outlets handy.

Princeton Links

Princeton
click map for larger image

 

Photo of Cenotaph
Cenotaph

 

Photo of Bromley Rock
Bromley Rock

 

Tubing at Bromley Rock
Tubing at Bromley Rock

 

Photo of Tulameen River
Tulameen River

 

Princeton
Princeton

 

Cheveron Gas Station
Chevron Gas Station

 
 
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