Living in
Princeton, BC
Where two wild rivers meet and the mountains begin. Princeton is a town that rewards the curious — with gold in the rivers, sculptures on the sidewalks, and trails that stretch as far as you want to go.
📜 Our Roots
Where Rivers Meet — 7,500 Years of Story
Long before it was a town, Princeton was a gathering place. The confluence of the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers made it a crossroads of trade and culture for thousands of years.
The Upper Similkameen Indian Band — the Similamix people, part of the broader Syilx/Okanagan Nation — have called this land home since time immemorial. Archaeological evidence confirms continuous occupation stretching back at least 7,500 years. This place was not just home but a hub: the nearby Red Ochre Bluffs produced the sacred red pigment that traders carried from as far as the prairies, Washington, and Oregon to exchange here.
European settlement began in earnest in 1859 when John Fall Allison established a ranch at the river confluence. His wife, Susan Louisa Moir Allison, became one of the first European women in the Interior and later published widely respected ethnographic studies of the Similkameen people — a remarkable achievement for her era. The settlement was variously called Vermilion Forks, Red Earth Forks, and Allisons before taking its current name.
In 1860, Governor James Douglas formally laid out a townsite and named it Princeton — in honour of the Prince of Wales’ visit to British North America (the future King Edward VII). Mining shaped the next century: the Granite Creek gold rush of 1885–90 brought up to 8,000 men to the area, copper was mined from 1878 to 1957, and coal from 1898 to 1950.
The Hope-Princeton Highway, completed in 1949, connected Princeton to the coast and gave it new life as mining declined. The town was incorporated as a village in 1951 and elevated to town status in 1978. Today, Princeton (pop. ~2,900) anchors the Similkameen Valley and is the largest community in the region — a working town with a growing reputation as an outdoor recreation destination.
BC
Similamix Peoples Settle the Confluence
Archaeological evidence confirms the Upper Similkameen people occupied this land at least 7,500 years ago, trading sacred red ochre across North America.
John Fall Allison Establishes a Ranch
The first European settler builds at the river confluence. His wife Susan goes on to document Similkameen First Nations culture in widely praised written studies.
Governor Douglas Names Princeton
A formal townsite is laid out and named in honour of the Prince of Wales’ visit to British North America.
Granite Creek Gold Rush
Up to 8,000 men flood the area in the biggest gold rush of BC’s Interior, cementing Princeton’s reputation as a mining hub.
Hope-Princeton Highway Opens
After decades of being isolated from the coast, Princeton finally gets a modern road connection, opening the door to tourism and growth.
Princeton Today
A town of ~2,900 with a diversified economy in forestry, mining, agriculture, and growing outdoor tourism. Home to Canada’s largest collection of life-sized bronze wildlife sculptures.
☀️ Four Real Seasons
The Princeton Climate
Princeton sits in a mountain valley with a true continental climate — proper snowy winters, warm dry summers, and over 2,760 hours of sunshine annually. Every season brings something worth showing up for.
Rivers run high and fast as mountain snowpack melts — gold panning season kicks off and wildflowers appear on the hillsides. Expect mild days with occasional showers through May.
Long, dry, sunny days. The Similkameen and Tulameen rivers are perfect for tubing, paddling, and swimming. Bromley Rock fills up on weekends. Evenings are warm and comfortable.
Crisp mornings, golden light, and some of the best hiking weather of the year. Hunting season draws visitors from across the province, and the trails are blissfully quiet.
A proper winter with reliable snow. China Ridge offers 50+ km of groomed cross-country trails, and Manning Park is a short drive for downhill skiing. Snowmobiling is huge in the backcountry.
🌊 The Rivers & Wild Spaces
Two Rivers, 47 Lakes, Endless Wild
Princeton sits at one of BC’s most unique geographic junctions — the only place in the world where gold and platinum are found together in the same waterway. The rivers that defined trade routes for millennia are still the beating heart of life here.
Two wild rivers converge right in town. Tube from Bromley Rock Provincial Park (21 km east) downstream, paddle canoes and kayaks, fish for rainbow and brook trout, or grab a pan and try your luck — recreational gold panning is legal and open to all. No permits needed, you keep what you find.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park is 45 minutes west on Highway 3 — a massive wilderness area with stunning alpine meadows, serious hiking, and downhill skiing at Manning Park Resort. Allison Lake (28 km north) and Otter Lake (33 km northwest near Coalmont) offer camping, fishing, and swimming in stunning settings.
🏋️ Stay Active
Gyms & Recreation
Princeton punches well above its weight for recreation. From the arena to outdoor pools to world-class trails, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active year-round.
🗿 Canada’s Bronze Capital
The Bronze Sculpture Walk
Princeton is officially recognized as the Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada — home to 25+ life-sized bronze wildlife statues scattered along the town’s main streets. It’s a free, self-guided walk that turns a stroll downtown into something you’ll actually remember.
⛏️ Did you know? Princeton sits on the only location in the world where gold and platinum have historically been found together in the same river gravels. Recreational gold panning on the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers is open to anyone — no permit required, and you keep whatever you find.
🍽️ Eat & Drink Local
Food, Pubs & Local Gems
Princeton’s food scene is small but genuinely good. Between a beloved café in a 1920s silent film theatre, a popular local pub, and a family diner with serious local loyalty, you’ll eat well here.
🎓 Education
Schools & Learning
Princeton is part of School District 58 Nicola-Similkameen, which serves over 550 local students. The district is notable for offering First Nations language instruction and French immersion alongside its core programming.
🐾 For Dog Lovers
Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas
Princeton is an incredibly dog-friendly town. Between the river trails, 14 parks, and wide open outdoor spaces surrounding the community, dogs here live their best life. Skyla approves.
✈️ Getting Here
How to Get to Princeton
Princeton sits at the junction of Highways 3 and 5A — a crossroads that’s been connecting travellers for centuries. It’s 3 hours from Vancouver, 90 minutes from Penticton, and about 2.5 hours from Kelowna.
Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) is about 115 km east — roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily service from Vancouver YVR South Terminal. Kelowna International (YLW) is a larger option about 2.5 hours away with more flight connections.
Drive — Hwy 3 (Crowsnest) & Hwy 5AFrom Vancouver: ~3 hours via Hwy 1 to Hope, then Hwy 3 east through the Cascades. From Penticton: ~1hr 20min via Hwy 3 through Keremeos. From Kelowna: ~2.5 hours via Hwy 97 and 5A. Check DriveBC for mountain pass conditions in winter.
BC Transit — Regional ServiceBC Transit runs a scheduled regional bus between Princeton and Penticton (via Keremeos) three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Local door-to-door service within Princeton runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Call Princeton & District Community Services at 250-295-6666.
Flying from Abroad?Connect through Vancouver YVR or Calgary YYC, then fly or drive into the region. From YVR, the drive to Princeton via Hwy 1 and Hwy 3 is about 3 hours — a scenic mountain route that’s one of BC’s great highway drives.
❓ Common Questions
Your Princeton Questions, Answered
Whether you’re considering a move, planning a visit, or just curious about life in the Similkameen, here are the questions people ask most.
Lifestyle
Is Princeton BC a good place to live?
Princeton is a great fit for people who want small-town life with access to serious outdoor recreation. The community is tight-knit, affordable compared to larger BC cities, and surrounded by rivers, trails, and mountains. It suits families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape urban pace without giving up essential services.
What It’s Known For
What is Princeton BC known for?
Princeton is best known as the Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada, home to 25+ life-sized bronze wildlife statues along its main streets. It’s also known for gold panning on the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, China Ridge cross-country ski trails, and its rich mining and fur-trade history.
Location
How far is Princeton BC from Penticton?
Princeton is about 115 km west of Penticton — roughly a 1 hour 20 minute drive via Highway 3 through Keremeos. BC Transit also runs a regional bus between Princeton and Penticton three days a week, making it accessible without a car for basic errands and appointments.
Location
How far is Princeton BC from Vancouver?
Princeton is approximately 3 hours from Vancouver via the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) through Hope. The drive is scenic, passing through the Cascade Mountains and the Hope-Princeton corridor. It’s a popular route for Lower Mainland residents heading to the Okanagan in summer.
Weather
What is the weather like in Princeton BC?
Princeton has a continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer highs reach 25–30°C, while winters dip to -10°C or colder. The area gets roughly 2,760 sunshine hours per year. Expect real seasons — proper snow in winter and long sunny summer days perfect for outdoor activities.
Cost of Living
Is Princeton BC affordable to live in?
Yes — Princeton is one of the more affordable communities in southern BC. Home prices are well below Penticton and the broader Okanagan, and the cost of living is lower overall. The median household income is around $64,500. It’s increasingly attracting buyers priced out of larger centres looking for value and outdoor lifestyle.
Families & Schools
What schools are in Princeton BC?
Princeton is served by School District 58 Nicola-Similkameen. There are two elementary schools and Princeton Secondary School (home of the Rapids), serving Grades 8–12. The district also offers French immersion and First Nations language instruction. Post-secondary options include Okanagan College in Penticton and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
Outdoors
What outdoor activities are there in Princeton BC?
Princeton is a four-season outdoor destination. Summer activities include hiking and biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, gold panning, fishing in 47+ nearby lakes, tubing the Similkameen River, and visiting Bromley Rock Provincial Park. Winter brings cross-country skiing at China Ridge and downhill skiing at nearby Manning Park.
🏡 Find Your Place
Ready to Call Princeton Home?
I’m Riccardo Manazza — a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a proud South Okanagan local. Princeton and the Similkameen Valley are part of my service area, and I know what makes this region different from anywhere else in BC. Whether you’re looking for your first home, a getaway property, or making the full move from the city — I’ll help you find exactly where you belong.