This summer, forgo the crowded local tourist spots and venture towards somewhere new to you by heading to a wild place in the heart of our province — B.C.’s Land of Hidden Waters.
Encompassing Wells Gray to Lower North Thompson, and the South Cariboo and Kamloops, this region is swimming with hundreds of crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, supplying some of B.C.’s best freshwater spots for fishing, watersports, and outdoor exploration.
The Land of Hidden Waters is a unique destination where you can go from wineries to unnamed waterfalls in the course of one day. Here, you can connect with nature one-on-one. It’s entirely possible to fish or paddle a new lake each day, and it’s not uncommon to have an entire lake all to yourself.
From wild water adventures to grounding guided experiences, there are so many things to do and see during your road trip. Read on for some travel inspiration, as well as your chance to win a getaway to the Land of Hidden Waters!
TRAIL SYSTEMS AND WATER SYSTEMS
There are endless opportunities for outdoor discovery in the Land of Hidden Waters, whether you’re hiking the trails or paddling out on the lakes and rivers.
While in the Cariboo, head to the Fishing Highway 24, where you can relax on the water by boat, try your hand at B.C.'s best freshwater fly-fishing, or enjoy land activities like hiking and horseback riding. Hike up to the viewing towers along the short but steep Begbie Lookout and Green Mountain Lookout for picturesque, panoramic views of the entire valley's lakes, mountains, and trees.
For something unique, embark on the Bridge Lake Ice Caves Trail, which consists of a 10 minute hike through the forest to an escarpment where there are several small caves and a boardwalk overtop of them.
FROM WINERIES TO WATERFALLS
The Land of Hidden Waters is home to one of B.C.’s emerging wine regions, the Thompson Valley.
Discover 4 unique, family-run wineries where tasting with the owner is the norm. Be sure to visit Monte Creek Winery, Kamloops’ largest winery, which features al fresco patio dining overlooking the South Thompson River. For a taste of all of the wineries Kamloops has to offer, consider taking a wine tour with Terri from DiVine Tours, included in the prize pack of this giveaway!
For the ultimate wineries to waterfall itinerary, check out this road trip guide!
GUIDED OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AND ADVENTURES
While in the Land of Hidden Waters, let the locals take you on a tour of the region’s must-see spots and hidden gems.
Take off on a heli-tour with Yellowhead Helicopters, where you can go heli-hiking and flightseeing in and around Trophy Mountain and Wells Gray Provincial Park.
For a daring adventure along the river, go white water rafting on the Clearwater River with Interior Whitewater Expeditions, who is also part of this prize package! For more details on companies, visit the Land of Hidden Waters’ rafting and paddling page.
If you’re looking for a calmer experience on the lake, try out a guided fishing experience, where you can cast for Rainbow trout, Kokanee, Lake Trout, Burbot, and more.
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS
For places to stay in the Land of Hidden Waters, there are a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, from lounging around in a cabin by the lake to experiencing cowboy culture first-hand at the many guest ranches.
In the Cariboo, opt to stay in a private cabin at Wolf Valley Guest Ranch or Free Rein Guest Ranch, where lakefront accommodation and wide-open spaces come naturally. Or, unwind at Loon Bay Resort, located in a tranquil bay right on the Sheridan Lake waterfront.
Near the gateway to the North Thompson Knouff Wilderness Resort offers cozy lakeside cabins and campsites.
When in Wells Gray, enjoy a “glamping” experience at Cedar Haven Cabins & Resort, with private luxury tents nestled beneath the forest canopy and handcrafted cabins built with sustainably harvested western red cedar.
For a brand new hotel located in the town of Clearwater and at the gates of Wells Gray, try the Best Western Gateway to the Falls.
When either starting or finishing your Land of Hidden Waters adventure in Kamloops, check out the South Thompson Inn, located on the banks of the Thompson River and close to all the wineries.
Both The South Thompson Inn and Best Western Clearwater will be your places of accommodation should you be the lucky winner of this contest!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The Land of Hidden Waters is committed to responsible travel, inviting visitors to always make conscious and sustainable choices to ensure that B.C.’s hidden gem can be shared and enjoyed by all for many years to come.
From "leaving no trace" through proper waste disposal and giving cultural respect to Indigenous locals and their relationship to the land, make sure you explore B.C.’s Land of Hidden Waters with respect and responsibility this summer!
To learn more, visit landofhiddenwaters.com.
We’ve partnered with B.C.’s Land of Hidden Waters to give one lucky winner an unforgettable getaway to the province's best-kept freshwater secret!
The Land of Hidden Waters Grand Prize includes:
- 2-nights accommodation at the South Thompson Inn in Kamloops (Valued at $379)
- A guided half-day wine tour with DiVine Tours in Kamloops (Valued at $200)
- 2-nights accommodation at the new Best Western Gateway to the Falls in Clearwater (Valued at $400)
- A half-day white water rafting trip for 2 with Interior Whitewater Rafting in Clearwater (Valued at $242)
Total Grand Prize Value: $1221 CAD
You can enter via the contest entry form below. For additional chances to win, visit Land of Hidden Waters at their website for 10 bonus entries, and visit their Facebook and Instagram for another 25 bonus entries each.
This contest is open to British Columbia residents and closes on July 30, 2021. The contest winner will be contacted via email on this date.
