Kamloops to Sun Peaks, BC: Old Road, New Name

Kamloops, BC ~ Heffley~Louis Creek Road ~ Whitecroft Village

Many years have passed since my first visit to the valley near the settlement of McGillivray Creek on the road that leads to Tod Mountain.  The ranches scattered throughout the valley were homes to family names that went back many years.  It was fun for a city girl to spend the time at a friends’ ranch and experience the difference, some of which I have never forgotten.

Lush green valley ~ Whitecroft Village, BC

The names have changed and Tod Mountain Rd is now called Heffley-Louis Creek Rd which runs to Whitecroft Village then turns up the valley and takes you all the way to Louis Creek, BC.  At Whitecroft Village, at the crossroads of Heffley-Louis Creek and Upper Louis Creek Rd is where it becomes Sun Peaks Road that will take you right up to Sun Peaks Resort.  Have I confused you yet?  It is the same location on the map, (shown at bottom of page) although the road name may vary and it just doesn’t look the same.  We pass by this way whenever we visit Sun Peaks but we’ve not taken the drive to see the complete Upper Louis Creek Rd so that is definitely on the list ‘to do’ next summer.

Scenic views of the valleyThe Whitecroft Ranch once covered a larger part of this valley but over the years the ranching and farming industry have gone through a lot of changes and there are now several smaller ranches.  Whitecroft Village has since developed in the valley, increasing the opportunity for many to enjoy country living.

Early rising chipmunk

We didn’t see lot of wildlife but the chipmunks were scampering everywhere and looking for the leftovers from the birdfeeders hanging overhead. Some were up early and out there to pose for the camera but quickly left when they realized I had no treats, I am sure they were expecting some rewards.

 

Sunrising in the valley

The sun was coming up over the hill and slowly brought the day to life.  The steam rose from the lake while the fish silently swam just below the surface and the birds began their songs of the day.  I wandered about seeking every treasure of nature I could find, enjoying every moment on this beautiful morning.

Hill and valley reflections

The early morning was heavy with dew but made for a perfect picture to later revisit that day when we feel the cold of winter and want to remember how beautiful and peaceful that special place was.

 

Birds line up for buffet dinner

There are several B and B’s in the area due to the close proximity of Sun Peaks and fishing, also guest ranches for trail rides and hiking for other adventures.  This valley leads to many treasures and is a perfect place to spend some time exploring this beautiful area.

Calm waters in the valley

We couldn’t have had a better day to visit with the grass so green and the sky so blue. It was absolutely beautiful and the quiet could be heard for hours. I knew that we’d seen a little piece of paradise and felt so fortunate to be invited to share that with our friends. Who would have believed that fifty years later I would be back in the same valley to be able to enjoy a very different yet another unforgettable experience. How lucky am I ! 

Just sharing another reason why we love Kamloops, there is no place like home.

Follow Hwy 5 from Kamloops, BC north to Heffley Creek and turn east and follow the Heffley-Louis Creek Rd.  Clik on map to move and enlarge to read road names closer to Sun Peaks.

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Winter ~ Kamloops, BC ~ Skiing ~ Snowmobiling ~ Hockey

Winter is not officially here until Dec. 21 but there are no rules or regulations that Mother Nature must follow if she takes a notion to be different.  Whatever we might think about the weather, it is often the topic of discussion.  This  year we got an early start to winter in Kamloops with a very cold snap and snow much earlier than we like to think is the norm, but this can be a wonderful thing !

 

Kamloops, BC, Canada

Winter for many means there will be fun things to do!  Kamloops offers so many winter sports and activities that it thrills those that have been patiently waiting for this early arrival.  Many of these activities are great for families and there are also some that would be too challenging for the young ones.  Whatever your interests might be, I am sure Kamloops will have something to offer.

New snow and Kamloops Lake reflections

Cross country skiing is a great draw for all ages, too.  There are cross country trails at Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks, as well as at Stake Lake off Lac Le Jeune Road.  It has 60 km (36 mi) of groomed classic trails for beginners to veterans of the sport.  Check the Stake Lake Nordic Centre webpage to learn more.

 

     

Hockey for all ages in Kamloops, BC, Canada

Skating can be a family outing as we have five indoor arenas as well as a couple of outdoor ones that you will find all age groups at to enjoy the fun it can be.   Get those skates sharpened and check out the schedules for public skating when you click here for all the arena’s schedules and much more.  Figure skating lessons, hockey schools and organized hockey for all ages are also available at these rinks. Check information for minor hockey here.

 

Winter scene of Kamloops Lake, BC

Snowmobiling is a great way to spend these winter days.  Those that enjoy this recreation say there is some of the best snowmobiling in the province right outside our door.  There are several locations to choose from.  A short fifteen minutes from town at Lac Le Jeune or Greenstone Mountain or less than an hour to Tod Mountain and Adams Plateau.  A drive up Lac du Bois to Tranquille Lake/Porcupine Meadows trail systems will give you a spectacular view from one of the shelters maintained by the Kamloops Snowmobiling Association.  Click on their name and the webpage will give you lots of information and the opportunity to learn more about their activities. 

Tubing down the hill at Harper Mountain, Kamloops, BC

Tubing and tobogganing can be done in a nearby park or hill.  It only takes a bit of snow and a small hillside for the kids to grab their toboggans and go have fun.  There are several locations around town that we see that happen all winter.  You will find the biggest tubing hill up at Harper Mountain.

 

Sunpeaks first snowfall of the year

And we cannot forget that downhill skiing and snowboarding is a big part of winter fun for many.  We are fortunate to have Harper Mountain, which has the family run ski hill and a great tubing hill that includes a fire to warm up by only a short drive from the city.  Only 45 min from Kamloops is the Sunpeaks Resort with world class ski runs and wonderful amenities for everyone.  Wouldn’t that be a great place to enjoy a family weekend.  Check their webpage for more information.

 

Winter sunset on Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

Whatever winter activity you may be interested in, Kamloops has it right out our own back yard and we welcome visitors with open arms.  We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy any or all of these fun things without having to leave our hometown, and that might include enjoying a sunset with hot chocolate to warm you. 

These are all just more reasons why we love Kamloops.