You'll find Princeton BC nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in northern Similkameen Valley, at the junction of the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers. With the surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and miles of backcountry roads, Princeton BC is a recreational paradise. Princeton is also located on the Trans Canada Trail which offers walking and biking in the summer months, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Things to do in Princeton
Allison Lake Provincial Park
You will find this Park off the beaten track along the tree-bordered Allison Lake. This is a great spot for swimmers and those who love to fish. The Park is known for its spectacular stands of aspen that burst into golden colours in the fall. This is a great overnight spot when travelling between Merritt and Princeton. Call 604-795-6169 for more information.
Bromley Rock Provincial Park
This striking rock bluff along the Similkameen River provides a focus for this tiny park. Swimmers can enjoy a refreshing dip in a quiet pool. Campsites are located in a pleasantly-forested site along the Similkameen River. Hiking in the area affords good views of the Similkameen Valley; tubing is popular here giving a downstream route to Stemwinder Provincial Park. The Park is located 21 km east of Princeton Call 604-795-6169 for more information.
Historic Walk
Princeton has 8 historic buildings which are part of the Historic Walk. They are all within walking distance of each other, and have a very interesting history. This is described in the eight plaques along the way.
Otter Lake Provincial Park
Otter Lake is ideal for old-fashioned camping. The park has two locations, a main picnic/day-use area in Tulameen and a lovely lakeside campground about 5 km further north along the road. The Cascade Mountain Range surrounds the park and includes canyons and clear flowing streams. Do not be surprised if you see large numbers of otter, beaver and red squirrel inhabit the area, as well as, mountain goats, cougars and grizzly bears. Fishermen will find time spent on Otter Lake rewarding, with large lake trout being the catch of the day. Call 604-795-6169 for more information.
Princeton Golf Club
This scenic 18 holes course is located in the beautiful Similkameen Valley. Call 250-295-6123 for more information.
Princton Museum
A volunteer group called the Princeton & District Museum and Archives Society runs the Museum. Come and see the new Pollard wing, filled with fossils, butterfly collection, dinosaur bones, first nation artifacts and much more. In the museum portion we have mannequins wearing clothing from the past, a pioneer kitchen and a beautiful native basket collection. Displays are changed annually and this year we are featuring a pioneer bar scene, antique dolls, Canadian textiles, hand painted china, the “Burr” family and much more. Open May & June: Saturday & Sunday 11am - 3pm; summer hours Tuesday - Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 11am – 3pm; Monday 11am – 3pm. Call 250-295-7588 for more information.
Trans Canada Trail
In September 2000, the Trans Canada Trail officially opened across the country. This national trail goes from coast to coast to coast, from Victoria, B.C. on the Pacific Ocean, to St Johns, Newfoundland on the Atlantic Ocean to Tutoyaktuk, Nunavut on the Arctic Ocean. It is the longest recreational trail in the world, measuring just over 16, 000 kilometres in length. The trail will be enjoyed across the country via five core activities: walking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (where appropriate.) Princeton is a key location along the. The Princeton-based Vermilion Trails Society maintains 112 km of trail that passes through Princeton, following the historic Kettle Valley Railway from Brookmere to Osprey Lake.