Canine Pleasant Highway Journey British Columbia: Lillooet, Kamloops & Clearwater

From the rugged coast to the majestic Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is a province to behold! For a really genuine expertise, get off the overwhelmed path and discover a number of the smaller cities and fewer recognized points of interest together with your pet!

 

British Columbia is a province filled with spectacular locations. Whistler, Vancouver, Kamloops and the Okanagan may instantly pop to thoughts. They usually’re completely fantastic pillars for any journey. However if you wish to uncover a few of BC’s hidden gems, seize the leash and hop within the automobile for a canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia!

We’ve ready your itinerary, full of adventures and reminiscences, visiting a few of these lesser traveled locations. Starting in Vancouver, the highlights of this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia are: Lillooet, Kamloops, Clearwater and 100 Mile Home.

On the best way you will note waterfalls, an azure lake, mountains, desert panorama, hoodoos, and extra. That’s fairly wonderful for just some days! And to high it off, we’ll share some free lakeside campsites the place you’ll be able to keep.

Canine Pleasant British Columbia Highway Journey Itinerary

We started this circle tour in Vancouver, touring to Lillooet, Kamloops, Clear Water, 100 Mile Home, and again to Vancouver. However you possibly can hop on the route anyplace and journey it in both route.

First Cease: Lillooet, British Columbia

I used to be completely in awe in Lillooet. All over the place I parked the automobile there was a towering mountain backdrop.

Lillooet is a city of breathtaking surroundings. Whichever route you enter from, you can be struck by it instantly. Driving up from Vancouver I pulled over many instances simply to absorb the panorama. Coming in on from the west on Freeway 99, you can be greeted earlier than you get to city by Seton Lake. And right here you’ll discover your first choice totally free tenting!

 

Canine Pleasant Actions In Lillooet, British Columbia

Seton Lake

Lower than 10 minutes from downtown Lillooet (and throughout from a free campground) is the splendidly blue Seton Lake. Picnic, paddle board, swim, or launch a ship for a fantastic day on the lake together with your canine.

To entry the canine pleasant a part of the lakeshore comply with Seton Lake Reserve Highway to a lakeside parking zone. The primary seashore isn’t open to pets.

Seton Viewpoint Path

After admiring Seton Lake up shut, you’ll be able to hike to an epic lookout above it. Overlooking the lake and one of many hair pin turns you’ll drive on to achieve it, it makes for a really cool photograph opp!

To succeed in the parking space, enter “Seton Lake Viewpoint Path” in your mapping app. It’s troublesome to identify the trailhead whereas driving, so park within the massive pullout right here.

The trailhead is a jaunt throughout the freeway from this pullout. Although it’s an uphill stroll that should be taken slowly because of the cliff edges close to the path, you need to be to achieve the point of view in 10-Quarter-hour.

If you’re a dawn or sundown chaser, then circle this cease in your map for positive! It’s phenomenal any time of day, however first gentle and the golden hour can be actually particular. We visited in mid-afternoon and cherished the view.

 

Osprey Park

After taking part in and adventuring across the lake, head by means of Lillooet to Osprey Park. This scenic riverside space provides you the chance to see marmots and osprey up shut!

The osprey have constructed a big nest on high of the bridge so it’s simple to identify them. There’s exploring to do on, over, and below the foot bridge.

After that there’s a quick, stunning riverside path to stroll. Right here you received’t be capable to miss the calls of marmots. There actually are quite a lot of them, so in case your pup is tempted to chase wildlife, you’ll want to maintain tight to the leash!

Marmots dwell underground and are members of the squirrel household, however are a lot, a lot bigger. They’re skittish — not the kind of wildlife you must fear about approaching you or your canine.

 

The place To Keep In Lillooet

• Reynolds Resort – A boutique lodge in downtown Lillooet. Charges from $129-$179/night time, plus $15/night time for pets.
• BC Hydro Campground – Throughout from Seton Lake. Approximate open dates from mid-Might by means of mid-September. First come, first serve. Free for a most 14 days.

The place To Eat In Lillooet

• Fort Berens Vineyard – Gorgeous out of doors patio setting and grass space. Award successful wines from British Columbia’s latest and most enjoyable rising wine area. Name forward for reservations!
• Lillooet Brewing Firm – A model new brewery set to open in late 2022. Craft beers produced from native and natural components.
• Abundance Artisan Bakery – “Healthful Handmade Meals.” Bakery objects, pizzas and pasta served on a cute wood patio.

Touring From Lillooet To Kamloops

As you permit Lillooet, discover the desert panorama on the opposite aspect of the highway. It’s fairly uncommon to see this terrain in British Columbia!

 

Marble Canyon Provincial Park

Between Lillooet and Kamloops plan to have a riverside campfire picnic at Marble Canyon. There’s a day use space with many picnic tables and hearth rings proper on the river.

Throughout the river there’s a waterfall cascading down the cliff to finish the scene. Paid tenting is accessible right here too, for those who want to keep.

 

Juniper Seashore Provincial Park

One other option to stretch your legs as your canine pleasant highway journey by means of British Columbia takes you to Kamloops is Juniper Seashore Provincial Park. Right here you’ll be able to discover the desert panorama and stroll alongside the Thompson River. Or select this as a spot to setup camp in your approach to Kamloops!

Kamloops Hoodoos

Simply earlier than you attain Kamloops from Lillooet, plan a cease to see the balancing rock and hoodoos. This can be a favourite of mine, and hope it is going to be for you too!

This can be a enjoyable little journey with nice lake views and a path to distinctive geographical formations. To seek out it, sort in “Kamloops Balancing Rock and Hoodoos” to your mapping app.

The parking space could be very small and unsigned. Coming from Lillooet, it is going to be in your reverse aspect, and it’s best to drive previous it, discover a protected place to show round, after which entry it from the identical aspect of the highway.

When you’re parked, head by means of the fence and all the way down to the proper to start discovering all of the distinctive formations. (And be careful for little cacti!)

 

Second Cease: Kamloops, British Columbia

Kamloops is the biggest metropolis on our itinerary. Due to this fact, it’s a fantastic place to fill up on any necessities. (Though most necessities can be found in all the cities, if obligatory).

Round Kamloops you and your canine can sit up for fantastic, heat sundown desert walks and discovering hoodoos!

READ MORE ⇒ 7 Necessities For Desert Mountaineering With Your Canine

Canine Pleasant Actions In Kamloops, British Columbia

Buse Hill

For a comparatively quick hike (slightly below 2km a method), Buse Hill delivers with an unexpetedly rewarding payoff. You may spend extra time right here than you’d anticipate!

Discovering the head rock was enjoyable, and taking within the valley views beneath made for a fantastic hike with Riley. The mushy colourful tones over the desert created an additional peaceable night to take pleasure in.

Two notes of warning for this stroll are attainable cow encounters and the cliff edges when you attain the highest.

Buse Hill is situated right here. There isn’t a signal for the path, so look ahead to the signal asking automobiles to remain on the highway. That is the place the path begins and the place you’ll wish to park.

Search for the observe heading up the grassy hill to the forest to start your stroll. The path was worn effectively and was simple to comply with.

 

Deep Lake Hike

Deep Lake is a 3.4km loop path by means of desert grassland that involves a small, open lake within the hills. It’s thought-about reasonably difficult and encounters with cows and different wildlife are attainable.

Riley suggests making noise on any path to let wildlife and animals know of your presence so they don’t seem to be startled.

There are such a lot of canine pleasant parks and trails to take a look at round Kamloops. Right here’s an inventory of those we’re hoping to go to on our subsequent journey:

• Kenna Cartwright Park – An off-leash park with over 40km of trails and plenty of overlooks of Kamloops.
• Peterson Creek Park – Much like Kenna Cartwright Park with 10km of trails.
• Dallas Barnhartvale Nature Park – Strive the Pussy Willow or Hoodoo trails for finest views of the silt bluffs created by a previous glacial lake.
• Mara Loop Path – 4.3km loop path by means of Kamloops’ desert panorama. Not really useful for warm days, as it’s absolutely uncovered.

 

Canine Seashores In Kamloops

In the event you’re in Kamloops on a scorching day, there are two native canine seashores to take a look at. The most important is at Overlander Park. This enormous, off-leash expanse of white sand alongside the river and by no means feels too crowded.

For an on-leash canine seashore, head to Pioneer Park in downtown Kamloops. Right here your pup can have a splash within the river, then benefit from the paved strolling trails.

A 3rd choice is at Paul Lake Provincial Park, slightly below half-hour from Kamloops. It’s not terribly widespread for provincial parks to have a chosen canine seashore., so this place is a gem! And you’ll camp right here, too.

The place To Eat In Kamloops

• Eat Clear Specific – Wholesome, guilt free indulgences. Nice choices for a takeaway lunch, just some seats for street-side eating. Vegan pleasant.
• The Artwork We Are Cafe – Wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads with a robust deal with native sourcing and a road aspect patio. Vegan pleasant.
• Brilliant Eye Brewing – “Imaginative and at all times evolving kitchen menu.” Dine on the canine pleasant patio, or order drafts and meals for pickup.

The place To Keep In Kamloops

• Edith Lake – Picturesque desert lake campground with websites proper on the water. $15.00 per night time from April 2 – October 10.
• Paul Lake Provincial Park – Massive campground set on a scenic lake with alternatives for mountain climbing, swimming and boating. Beginning at $28 per night time.
• The Plaza Resort – Beautiful fashionable decor with funds pricing. As little as $90 per night time. Pet charge $25/night time max 2 pets, welcome present for pets on arrival.

 

Driving From Kamloops To Clearwater

To interrupt up your drive between Kamloops and Clearwater, make a cease at Excessive 5 Diner. This very eclectic and funky eatery makes a speciality of consolation.

Excessive 5 Diner

You’ll be able to have a meal on their pet patio, or choose up some take away for a picnic. Thompson River Provincial Park is only a 15-minute drive for a riverside lunch and stroll. Or for those who’re heading east on Freeway 24, the free Latremouille Lake Campground can be simply Quarter-hour away.

Thompson River Provincial Park

Thompson River Provincial Park is a superb place to stretch your legs (and stroll off lunch) between Kamloops and Clearwater. We loved a peaceable stroll alongside and above the river right here earlier than persevering with on our approach.

This place additionally makes an excellent base camp for exploring Clearwater. Campsites for every type of campers can be found for $23/night time.

 

Third Cease: Clearwater, British Columbia

Clearwater is the third cease on our canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. This wonderful wilderness playground is true within the coronary heart of BC.

A gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park, Clearwater provides you quick access to the park’s many waterfalls. There are such a lot of trails to discover on this park, you can be mountain climbing to your coronary heart’s content material for positive! Begin on the customer’s heart for path recommendation and a park map to assist plan your go to.

Canine Pleasant Actions In Clearwater, British Columbia

Spahats Falls

Spahats Falls is the primary waterfall you’ll come to as you drive into the park. Right here you and your canine can stroll to the waterfall in a couple of minutes, or benefit from the 3km path for an extended pet pleasant hike.

Standing on the rim of this huge gorge watching the falls take their plunge is a powerful view.

 

Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls is one other sight to behold, and a preferred cause to go to Wells Grey. Being the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, it positive has a presence.

At Helmcken Falls you can too select to view the falls after strolling a couple of minutes or make a hike out of it. The Rim Path is about 8km spherical journey on comparatively flat floor and provides totally different views on the falls.

 

Dawson Falls

Dawson Falls is sort of a mini Niagara. It’s large and multi-tiered because it plunges down, making it fairly totally different from the opposite tall, skinny waterfalls within the park. Strolling to the falls takes about 20 to half-hour on a primarily flat, well-worn path.

Trophy Meadows

Trophy Meadows gives the chance for each again nation mountain climbing and tenting. It’s a fantastic place to remain in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia.

In the event you wish to take footage of your canine with flowers, then this path is unquestionably for you! From round mid-Might by means of mid-August the meadows are lined in a colourful vary of wildflowers and engaging alpine blueberries.

It takes about 45 minutes on a mild ascent by means of previous development and alpine forest to achieve the open meadow the place the largest flower fields are situated. Flowers and blueberries may be seen alongside the best way although! We have been a bit late in August for the alpine subject to be in full bloom, however there was loads of proof of how magnificent it was.

From the meadow, you’ll be able to proceed mountain climbing 1.5 hours to Sheila Lake the place again nation tenting is permitted. Sheila Lake is 6km round-trip from the parking zone, so it’s additionally a good selection for a day journey.

Silvertip Falls

Silvertip Falls isn’t removed from Trophy Meadows. It’s a 2.1km out-and-back on a reasonably difficult path. Dropping from 550 toes, it splits into many stunning tails because it comes down. And it’s the tallest waterfall within the park! Because it’s an extended stroll from the principle highway, it’s additionally extra more likely to be a quieter waterfall hike than the others.

 

The place To Keep In Clearwater

• Raft Cliffs Rec Website – $14 donation. A community of biking/mountain climbing trails start on the campground. Superior views inside strolling distance.
• Thompson River Provincial Park – $23/night time
• Birch Island Campground – Non-serviced websites beginning at $20. First canine free, after that +$2/night time.
• Jasper Method Inn – Resort, cabin, tent, and RV websites all accessible on Dutch Lake. Resort beginning at $107 + $20/night time per pet.

The place To Eat In Clearwater

• Wild Flour Bakery – Wonderful breakfast cease! Every thing crafted from scratch in-house. A couple of sidewalk tables accessible.
• Strawberry Moose – Snackery consisting of bakery objects and sandwiches with cute out of doors setting.
• Gateway Grill – Brunch and dinner menu. Bubble tea bar. Canine pleasant patio.
• Clearwater Farmer’s Market – Each Saturday from Might – October. 9am-12pm.

 

Driving From Clearwater To 100 Mile Home

Latremouille Lake Recreation Website

The free, first-com, first-serve lakeside campground at Latremouille Lake Recreation Website is simply minutes out of your route on this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. There are 9 websites, and plenty of have direct entry to the lake.

 

Goose Lake Recreation Website

One other free tenting choice close to Latremouille is Goose Lake. This campground can be on a lakeshore, and there’s a small carry-in boat launch ramp accessible.

Goose Lake might be higher for paddling than swimming, because it’s fairly chilly. However most canine don’t thoughts the water temperature and will take pleasure in a swim right here.

Bridge Lake Provincial Park Campground

Bridge Lake has a small forested campground for campers and tents. There are even a couple of walk-in websites with easy accessibility to Bridge Lake. Full with a canine pleasant strolling path and lake entry, we stopped at this park simply to take a break from driving.

However, it’s additionally an excellent place to spend an evening or two. The campsites are $18 per night time.

Bridge Lake Ice Caves

With a couple of kilometers of canine pleasant trails to discover, Bridge Lake Ice Caves is an attention-grabbing cease in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. Trails lead alongside a lake and round some intriguing rock formations. The ice stays into June, however was gone for our go to through the peak of summer time.

Loon Bay Resort

If staying in a cabin sounds interesting, then Loon Bay Resort seems like an incredible choice! They’ve lake entrance cabins with hearth pits beginning at $105/night time.

And for the campers, websites are $33 for no hook ups, and $46 for full hook ups.

In addition they have all types of watercraft leases accessible for you and your pup to get out on the water!

 

Fourth Cease: 100 Mile Home, British Columbia

The ultimate cease on this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia is 100 Mile Home. In and round this city, you and your canine could have a full vary of actions to select from! There are extra waterfalls, a fireplace lookout, a historic out of doors museum, and lakes to camp, swim, and paddle.

Canine Pleasant Actions In 100 Mile Home, British Columbia

Centennial Park/Bridge Creek Falls

Bridge Creek Falls is a lush riverside stroll and solely 5-10 minutes from downtown 100 Mile Home. It felt like a bit metropolis oasis with all of the plants.

The dashing water drowns out artifical sounds making for a peaceable stroll. And there are further trails across the park and previous the waterfall to increase your stroll for those who select!

Sepa Lake/108 Mile Heritage Website

Canines are welcome to affix you for a stroll again in time on the out of doors museum at 108 Mile Heritage Website. They only can’t go inside any of the buildings.

There are buildings right here courting again to the 1860s, through the time of the Cariboo gold rush.

After touring the grounds, take a stroll round 108 Mile and Sepa Lake. The mixed lake trails make a 10km loop and are recognized for wonderful chook sighting alternatives — together with pelicans!

For a shorter stroll, the Sepa Lake loop is 3km or the 108 Mile loop is 7km.

 

Begbie Lookout Recreation Website

Fifteen minutes south of 100 Mile Home, you’ll be able to hike to a decommissioned hearth lookout tower. From the parking zone any path you select will take you there. There are a few single-track trails that wind up and across the small mountain to the lookout. Or take the large gravel service highway.

As you’d anticipate, it’s a little bit of a climb. However the high is reachable in 10-Quarter-hour. From there you’ll be able to discover the highest of the mountain after which climb the tower for one of the best views!

On a transparent day, there’s a 9-million hectares view to admire! A picnic desk is accessible up on the high, making this a pleasant place to take a break from the automobile.

In the event you’re a van lifer or boon-docker, you’re additionally welcome to spend the night time within the parking space. We spent an uninterrupted night time right here with one different van life camper. There are two picnic tables and two pit bogs accessible from the parking zone.

READ MORE ⇒ Automobile Tenting With Pets: Prep The Automobile, What to Pack, and Extra

Howard Lake Recreation Website

Howard Lake provides free lakeside tenting, the place you’ll be able to swim, boat and fish. Nevertheless, becoming an enormous rig on this small campground might be tough.

 

Canim and Mahood Falls & Mahood Lake In Wells Grey Provincial Park

At simply over 2km round-trip, the stroll to Canim Falls is certain to depart you with a smile. Enterprise a bit additional alongside and also you’ll be proper on high of the falls for an unbelievable feeling and sight!

After your hike, Mahood Lake Campground is simply down the highway. There you’ll be able to arrange camp, benefit from the canine pleasant seashore, or take one other waterfall hike to Deception Falls (2km round-trip).

The place To Eat In 100 Mile Home

• Rise and Grind Espresso Home – Cute! Canine pleasant patio.
• Cask and Cleaver – Brewery and restaurant with canine pleasant patio.

The place To Keep 100 Mile Home

• Inexperienced Lake Provincial Park – Campgrounds embrace Arrowhead, Sundown View and Emerald Bay. Websites beginning at $28.
• 99 Mile Resort – Close to downtown 100 Mile Home. Household-run lodge, very pet pleasant. Contains space for canine to run. Charges begin at $80.
• Spruce Hill Resort Spa – Cabins beginning at $129 + $15 per canine/per night time. Tent and RV tenting accessible as effectively. Cabins and campers each have entry to a pool and a gymnasium.
• Cariboo Bonanza Resort – Cabins and campground on stunning Horse Lake. Open Might by means of September. Cabins beginning at $82 +$5 per night time for pets, most cost $50. Campground beginning at $30.

 

Driving From 100 Mile Home To Vancouver

The final leg of the journey takes you again to Vancouver and closes the loop in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia.

Chasm Ecological Reserve

Just some minutes from the freeway and the finale of the journey is an unlimited lava layered canyon. That is the outline from BC Parks had us heading there in a flash.

“A spectacular show of color illustrates the park’s wealthy geology within the Chasm Creek Valley and a part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows kind layers in various tones of purple, brown, yellow and purple. These have been revealed within the steep lava-layered canyon partitions by means of erosion over the previous 10 million years.”

From BC Parks web site.

On the finish of the final ice age, water from the melting glaciers carved this 8 km lengthy, 600-metre large, 300-metre deep canyon.

The views have been spectacular from the parking zone and solely received higher as we hiked the chasm edge. Imagining the forces that sculpted this panorama made it much more outstanding.

The path past the fence skirts the sting a lot of the best way, so positively plan for an on-leash stroll. You additionally may wish to suppose twice about this hike for those who’re uncomfortable with heights. Even for those who don’t hike previous the fence, it’s nonetheless a worthy view!

 

Vancouver to Kamloops Highway Journey Full

That completes our canine pleasant, smalls cities circle tour highway journey in British Columbia. We hope we’ve impressed you to see extra of what British Columbia has to supply!

Tell us your favourite stops within the feedback beneath. And you’ll want to depart a notice for those who’ve found one thing alongside the best way that you just and your canine cherished!

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