The Similkameen Valley – Our Ultimate Wine Country Itinerary

July 29, 2025

By: Kelly & Ryan from Boarding with Backpacks

When people think of BC wine country they automatically think of the rolling vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, but just an hour away lies a stunning alternative that somehow still manages to fly under the radar: The Similkameen Valley

This place has everything; award-winning organic wineries, farm-to-table dining, breathtaking scenery, and less crowds than it’s Okanagan neighbour. If you’re craving a more authentic BC experience, our 2-day Similkameen itinerary is the perfect place to start.

A view of mountains in the Similkameen Valley with rows of grape vines in the foreground

“Being born and raised in the Okanagan, I was surprised by how much bigger the mountains are just an hour away!”

This region completely surprised us. It’s unpretentious, stunningly beautiful, and full of people who care deeply about the land and what they produce.

It is easy to access as a day trip or weekend getaway from the Okanagan Valley or Lower Mainland.

Drive Times

From	Drive Time
Kelowna	1.5 hours
Penticton	30 mins
Osoyoos	28 mins
Vancouver	4 hours

About the Area

The Similkameen Valley is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Similamix and Simelqmix First Nations People. It is a semi-arid climate located just northwest of Canada’s only true desert, the Nk’Mip Desert in Osoyoos. Part of this same ecozone extends into the Similkameen which means golden hills, sagebrush and sun filled skies nearly year round.

You’ll find desert adapted species like prickly pear cactus, rattlesnakes and even scorpions in the right season, things most people never expect to find in Canada.

A view of the desert-like landscape of the Similkameen Valley. Fewer trees and more sagebrush

Rich volcanic soil lines the valley creating ideal winemaking conditions. The valley’s organic and small batch wineries take full advantage of the intense sun and rocky soils to produce world class wines. While the Okanagan gets most of the BC wine spotlight, the Similkameen Valley is quietly becoming a powerhouse of its own.

“The best part is…..fewer tour buses and more conversations with actual winemakers!”

The Similkameen Valley is home to the town of Cawston, also known as the organic farming capital of Canada. Also nestled within this remarkable region is the charming town of Keremeos, famously known as the fruit stand capital of Canada!

Visiting one of the many fruit stands is an absolute must for anyone exploring the area! They are overflowing with local produce from spring to fall! You’ll find cherries, peaches, tomatoes, and plums piled high beside handmade jams, honey, and pies.

A fruit stand in Keremeos, British Columbia - the sign reads Gerry's Fruit and Veg and has colourful lettering and a mouse dressed in a green jacket and hat

Many growers are multigenerational, using traditional farming methods and organic practices. It’s like stepping into a scene from 1950’s small-town BC, in the best way. From delicious fresh produce and hand crafted ice cream to artisanal creations and locally made small batch preserves, the markets offer something for everyone.

A colourful fruit stand sign that reads Mom and Pop's Farm Market

The Similkameen Valley is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Float down the Similkameen River, bike the scenic Similkameen Rail Trail, or hike one of the many quiet paths that wind through the landscape. You won’t find crowded trails here, just back-to-nature solitude and jaw-dropping views.

View from Fairview lookout - overlooking vineyards and orchards in a valley

Tips for Visiting

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and harvest vibes
What to pack: Sunscreen, water bottle, swimsuit (for floating the river), a towel, a picnic blanket and cooler (for fruit and cider)
Consider renting an e-bike: Similkameen Sip and Cycle
Check hours of operation: Some restaurants or wineries may be closed mid-week

The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Sip, Cycle & Savour

We kicked things off with one of the best decisions of the trip: a self-guided e-bike wine tour with Similkameen Sip and Cycle. We picked up our bikes from Joe and he gave us some tips for the best route to take and some lunch suggestions. He is a wealth of knowledge for the area!

Man on an e-bike stopped in the middle of the road.

These bikes are fantastic and even have a crate on the back so you can buy wine and take it with you!

Pair of bright blue e-bikes with crates on the back to carry wine

Woman riding blue e-bike on a road surrounded by mountains and vinyards

Book your Similkameen Sip and Cycle bikes here

First Stop: Robin Ridge Winery

Our first tasting set the tone. Robin Ridge Winery is a family-run winery with a deep commitment to organic farming. The wine is exceptional, and the welcoming vibe and stunning vineyards made us want to stay all afternoon.

Front door of Robin Ridge Winery. SIgn has a robin bird above the name and a large wooden door

Lunch: Tree to Me Organics

Just a short ride away, we stopped for a fresh, hearty lunch at Tree to Me Organics. They have a lovely little patio and offer farm-to-table sandwiches, small plates and delicious pizza!

Woman with blonde hair eating a sandwich. a small bowl of salad is on her plate alongside a glass of wine

Photo of the menu at Tree to Me Organics

Note: If you are biking to Tree To Me Organics, it does require you to ride a short distance on the side of the highway to get there so keep this in mind if you are not an experienced rider.

Stop #2: Corcelettes Estate Winery

Corcelettes Estate Winery stopped us in our tracks. Not only are the wines beautifully crafted, but the panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains are absolutely unreal. Our wines were served as a flight and each one was explained in detail as we savoured every sip!

View through an open arched door looking out at a patio surrounded by mountains

A white sign with multiple arrows pointing to various other wineries in the area

Final Stop: Orofino Vineyards

We ended our ride on the sunny, Mediterranean-style patio at Orofino VIneyards sipping their beautifully crafted wines. The setting made us feel like we were back in Sardinia with long tables set beneath shade trees overlooking the vineyards. Pure bliss!

Blonde woman smiling while sitting at a table with vineyards in the background

Man smiling while sitting at a long wooden table. Wine glasses are on the table

Evening Wind Down

Check-In at Klippers Guest Suites

After the ride, we checked into Klippers Guest Suites, a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of the organic orchards. Our suite had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen. Great for groups or families and the perfect home base for exploring the area.

Aerial view of a blue guest house surrounded by orchards

In the morning, enjoy coffee on the balcony overlooking the stunning orchard views. It’s just a short walk to Klippers Marketplace and Cafe and the acclaimed Row Fourteen restaurant.

Photo of orchards in the foreground and mountains in the background

Click here to book your stay at Klipper’s Guest Suites

Dinner: Crowsnest Vineyards

Dinner at Crowsnest Vineyards was a highlight. The wine was served as a flight and each one had its own unique characteristics. We sipped wine and savoured a delicious charcuterie plate and salad followed by dinner on the vineyard-adjacent patio.

2 flights of wine (3 each) sitting on top of a table. Vineyards are blurred in the background

A charcuterie platter with cured meats, cheeses, pickles and crackers

Afterward we enjoyed a stroll through the vineyards as the sun dipped behind the mountains.

Man and woman walking through vineyards holding hands

Look out for the resident cat “Fred” that might come and steal your heart like he did mine!

Woman kneeling down to pet a white cat in a vineyard

Day 2: Scenery, Cider, and a Paddle

Breakfast: Klippers Marketplace and Cafe

We started the day with coffee and smoothie bowls from Klippers Marketplace and Cafe which were absolutely incredible! Fresh local ingredients, delicious coffee and a chance to shop the artisan creations, from homemade honey and jams to soaps and jewelry. I love shopping local, especially when travelling!

Woman having coffee and eating a smoothie bowl topped with granola, apples and blueberries

Photo of the inside of a market, showing the checkout area

Photo Op: Red Bridge

Next, we made a quick stop at Red Bridge, an iconic wooden structure straddling the Similkameen River and a favourite local photo spot. This is a heritage site built in 1909 and the only remaining covered bridge in Western Canada. *Note that this is not a pedestrian bridge so cars have the right of way.

A straight red partially covered bridge. The covered portion is criss crossed beams that extend the entire length of the bridge.

Aerial view of Red Bridge spanning the Similkameen River. The sides of the bridge are wooden and painted a bright red colour

Fruit Stand Hopping

A summer trip to the BC interior wouldn’t be complete without sampling the incredible fruits and vegetables it produces. The Similkameen Valley is not only home to the “Fruit Stand Capital of Canada” (Keremeos) but it is also the “Organic Farming Capital of Canada” (Cawston)! So we couldn’t leave without visiting a few of the incredible roadside stands that dot the valley for juicy peaches and just picked cherries. Don’t skip this—you’ll taste the difference!

Woman walking past fruit at a fruit stand in the Similkameen Valley

The inside of a fruit stand showing a coffee bar

Midday Cider Break: Lass Chance Beverage Co.

Tucked into a beautiful property, Lass Chance Beverage Co. (named after the Lasser family) totally charmed us. The cider is crisp and creative, and the space is absolutely stunning. We each had a flight of craft ciders – peach, apple, pear and haskap berry (if you aren’t familiar with this delightful berry you need to try it!).

A modern farmhouse shaped building with wood panelling surrounded by mountains and orchards

A dining area and bar inside the cider house. 2 flights of cider are sitting on the bar

The best part of this cider house is that they take slightly blemished fruit that might otherwise go to waste and make it into delicious cider! A sustainable vision that turns out an incredible product! Its a win-win for everyone!

Close up of green cider taps with the word "cider" on the side

Close up of a flight of 4 ciders on a bar. 3 are light yellow coloured and one is maroon

Close up of yellow cider taps with the words "Lass Chance" on the side

Scenic Views: Fairview Lookout

This lookout requires no hiking! We drove up to Fairview Lookout to catch some views of the valley from above and we were not disappointed!

Aerial view over the Similkameen Valley - individual farm plots are visible surrounded by mountains — Fairview Lookout

This lookout is only a 10 min drive from Klippers Guest Suites up a dirt road, but does not require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. You can see the whole valley from a different perspective at this view point!

2 people sitting in the back of an SUV looking out the back at the view of mountains (only legs are visible)

Blonde woman looking out over mountains and sagebrush covered hills

Lunch: Row Fourteen

If you go anywhere to eat in the Similkameen Valley, make it Row Fourteen. This is a true farm to table experience you will not regret!

Bungalow style building with a wrap around covered patio surrounded by orchards — Row Fourteen Restaurant

The setting is gorgeous, the ingredients are local, and the food is exceptional. We paired our 5 course lunch with an Untangled Craft Cider flight and savoured every bite.

Table with 2 flights of cider (4 each) and mixed greens salad

The menu is seasonal making it ever changing but if you get the chance to try the roasted purple carrots on ricotta cheese, it is to die for!

Roasted purple carrots on top of ricotta cheese — Roasted Purple Carrots on Ricotta Cheese

Final Stop: Paddle on Yellow Lake

On our way home, we headed to Yellow Lake which is just outside Keremeos, for a scenic paddle right off the highway. Calm water, birds singing, and mountain views made it the perfect wind-down before heading home.

Aerial view of Yellow Lake. Tree covered mountains on either side with a highway running right next to the lake on the left hand side — Yellow Lake

Another option to consider is to paddle or float down the Similkameen River. Paddleboards are available to rent from Similkameen Sip and Cycle – contact Joe for inquiries.

A few spots we missed but you shouldn’t:

If you’re planning a trip to BC and want to experience wine country without the crowds, the Similkameen Valley might just become your new favourite escape. A destination that is often overlooked but never forgotten by those who visit. Whether you come for the wine, the scenery or the incredible food, one thing’s for sure; you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for British Columbia’s quieter side.