Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Calgary, AB to Kamloops, BC
Are you planning a road trip from Calgary, AB to Kamloops, BC? This 540 km drive takes around 6 hours and offers diverse sights and experiences. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or culture, this trip has it all. Along the way, there are plenty of places to explore and discover. Here are five unexpected places to stop and enjoy the journey.
Halfway Point: Golden, BC
Golden, BC marks the halfway point between Calgary and Kamloops. This charming mountain town offers incredible natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural diversity. Head to the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada, for stunning panoramic views of the Kicking Horse River and the Rockies. The Golden Museum showcases the town's history and tells the stories of explorers, railway workers, and Swiss mountain guides. Take a stroll to the Spirit Square and admire the public art, relax on a bench or check out the events calendar. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided tour to explore the caves and underground waterfalls at the nearby Columbia Icefield.
Don't miss the chance to sample some of Golden's delicious food. Try the poutine, a Canadian delicacy made of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, at the Whitetooth Mountain Bistro. For a hearty lunch or dinner, indulge in the Alberta AAA beef at the Fire Pit BBQ Smokehouse.
1. Revelstoke, BC
Just over an hour west of Golden, Revelstoke is a picturesque mountain town that offers a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and zip-lining. Take a free tour of the Revelstoke Dam and marvel at its engineering feats, and then visit the Railway Museum to learn the importance of the railway in Canadian history. Take a stroll to Grizzly Plaza, a pedestrianized square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings, and enjoy the live music and street performances. If you're traveling with kids, head to the Enchanted Forest, a whimsical outdoor theme park featuring fairy tale characters and treehouses.
Revelstoke's food scene is a delight. Stop at The Modern for a delicious and inventive brunch, featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails. For dinner, head to The 112 where you'll find mouth-watering, locally-sourced Canadian bistro food.
2. Salmon Arm, BC
If you're looking for a tranquil lakeside retreat, stop in Salmon Arm, located halfway between Revelstoke and Kamloops. This small town on the shores of Shuswap Lake offers breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and a variety of water activities. Stroll along the boardwalk to explore the quaint downtown, visit the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum to learn about the history of the town, and take a scenic drive on the Salmon Arm Wharf. For a taste of local culture, visit the Roots and Blues Festival, a three-day music extravaganza held in August every year.
Be sure to try some of Salmon Arm's delicious local fare. Head to Cody's Bistro and Grill for their famous wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and creative toppings. For a more upscale dining experience, visit Table 24 for farm-to-table cuisine featuring local meats and produce.
3. Ashcroft, BC
Located just south of Kamloops, Ashcroft is a small, charming town with a big personality. Take a stroll along the riverfront paths to explore the historic buildings, murals, and sculptures, or visit the Ashcroft Museum to learn about the town's gold rush history. For an unforgettable experience, book a guided tour to the nearby Oasis of Mara, Canada's only desert, and marvel at the unique landscape and flora. Head to Heritage Park for a barbecue and picnic, and let the kids explore the playground and water park.
For a taste of Ashcroft's culinary scene, head to the Packing House Pub, located in a historic brick building and sample their juicy, stuffed burgers. For something lighter, try the homemade soups and sandwiches at The Blackwell Dairy Café, featuring dairy products from the local Blackwell Dairy Farm.
4. Cache Creek, BC
Just 10 minutes south of Ashcroft is Cache Creek, a small town on the Cariboo Highway with a fascinating local culture and history. Take a walking tour to explore the historic buildings and landmarks, or visit the Bonaparte Indian Band Heritage Museum to learn about the First Nations' heritage and culture. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, book a guided white-water rafting or kayaking tour on the nearby Thompson River. For profound peace and solitude, stroll and meditate around the village's Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, one of two Buddhist monasteries in Canada!
Cache Creek's culinary scene is not to be missed. Stop at Chum's Family Restaurant for some delicious home-style cooking, featuring tasty burgers, fries, and milkshakes. For a more elegant dining experience, head to the Hungry Bear Restaurant and indulge in steak, prime rib, and fresh seafood.
5. Merritt, BC
Merritt, BC, is a vibrant and colorful town, located an hour south of Kamloops. This is the home of the famous Country Music Hall of Fame, an institution that acknowledges the vast musical talent of BC. This area of British Columbia is famous for the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, one of Canada's largest working cattle ranches. Take a guided tour to learn about cattle ranching and the history of the region. For an adventure, visit the Nicola Valley Natural Amphitheatre, a popular destination for hiking, kayaking and rock climbing.
For an authentic taste of Merritt, visit the Grand Pub and Grill, where you'll find tasty burgers, sandwiches and steaks. For a fun dining experience, head to Brambles Bakery and Bistro for Okanagan-inspired cuisine, baked goods, coffee, and tea.
Conclusion
This drive from Calgary, AB, to Kamloops, BC, is a journey full of unexpected surprises. You'll experience the natural beauty, rich culture and delicious cuisine of Western Canada. Whether you're an adventure seeker, history enthusiast or food lover, there's something for everyone on this road trip. Follow this guide to find the five unexpected places that will make your journey unforgettable and create memories that will last a lifetime.