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History
In the early 1800s, Princeton was called Vermillion Forks by the fur traders travelling the Hudson Bay's Brigade Trail from the west coast to the interior of BC. In 1860 the name was changed to Princetown by Governor James Douglas, in honour of the Prince of Wales who was visiting that year.
Long before the arrival of the first white settler to the area, the land at the confluence of the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers was inhabited by the Indian nations of the area. Several miles up the Tulameen are the Vermillion Bluffs, the source of the highly prized red ochre used for trading and face painting by many different Indian nations.
The first white settler to the area was John Fall Allison, who came seeking information for Governor Douglas. Not long after arriving, Allison built a cattle ranch where the town is now located. The years 1909 and 1916 brought the Great Northern Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway to Princeton - another link to the Coast and Interior. Princeton was incorporated as a village in 1951, and as a town in 1978.
Location
Princeton is beautifully nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, in the heart of the Similkameen Valley and at the junction of the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers. The mountains, valleys, and hundreds of kilometers of backcountry roads are a beautiful natural setting for all outdoor activities. The two rivers and 49 lakes in the area make Princeton a prime destination in all four seasons.
The town is 133 kilometres northeast of Hope and 112 kilometres west of Penticton.
Places to See
- Princeton Museum
The Princeton Museum offers an impressive art, mineral, clothing, and local pioneer furniture collection, as well as fossils, a butterfly collection, dinosaur bones, First Nation's artifacts, and much more.
- Princeton Castle Resort
Situated just 5 minutes outside of Princeton BC in the Cascade Mountains, this little-known pristine area surprises visitors with its amazing natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. Princeton's little gem is nestled in its own 110-acre valley, with Allison Creek gently flowing alongside the traditional log cabins.
The beautiful castle ruins are the result of the abandonment of a cement plant built in 1910. The lodge, chalets, cabins and gazebo circle these amazing ruins. Located near the large enclosed gazebo (which holds up to 100 people) is the outdoor games area.
- Granite Creek
In 1883, John Chance discovered gold nuggets in Granite Creek. This led to the 1885 gold rush and the community of Granite Creek was born. Granite Creek was destroyed by fire in 1911, but the remains of several log buildings are left. A campsite is now located where the town centre used to be.
- Blakeburn
Near Granite Creek is Blakeburn. This community began as the site of an underground coal mine in 1914. A mine explosion in 1930 killed 45 men and by 1940 the mine was closed. Blakeburn contains the largest collection of buildings and structures on Lodestone Mountain, all awaiting the curious history buff.
- Allenby
Constructed in 1916, Allenby was the site of the 2,000 ton concentrator and mill plant used to process ore from Copper Mountain. Many concrete foundations remain in Allenby today, along with ruins of what once was a busy company town that had 68 homes and all the comforts required by a community.
- Princeton Golf Club
Visit this spectacular 18-hole, par 72 public golf course right on the cusp of the Okanagan - just 3 minutes east of Princeton and less than 1 kilometre off Highway 3.
Small-town friendliness and big-city amenities make this a must-play destination for golfers of all levels. Enjoy the well-stocked pro shop, driving range, power & pull carts, licensed restaurant & patio, and fully-serviced RV park.
- Manning Provincial Park
Manning Park is a focus of outdoor recreation that is unique in British Columbia. Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, it is within a three hour drive from either Vancouver or the Okanagan. The climate and geography have combined to make this park an all season recreation area. Bisected by Hwy. 3, Manning Park is one of the most popular destination areas in the province. The landscape diversity of this park combined with four seasons' development and easy access are the prime factors which stimulate visitor interest. The park contains a large number of scenic, historic, floral and fauna attractions and provides a wide range of both summer and winter recreational opportunities.
For your convenience, during the summer season this park has a concession managed by the Park Facility Operator.
Things to Do
- See the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Visitors say the Princeton portion is one of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail's most picturesque sections. The trail runs from Brookmere south-east to Princeton and then north-east from Princeton to Bankeir and the Three Lakes, a distance of 113 kilometres (70 miles). Princeton is at the centre and lowest point of elevation on the trail, making it your perfect base camp for a bike ride or a hiking trip.
- Biking
Cycle over forty kilometres of signed trails leading through old growth forest and young forest with many a breath-taking view. But that's not all: the China Ridge trails connect to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. They also connect to endless old logging roads and one can cycle all the way from Merritt.
You can really get away on these trails. Make sure you have a trail map and the proper safety equipment. For more information on China Ridge Trails phone the China Ridge Cross-country Society (250 295-7154) or contact the Princeton and District Chamber of Commerce.
- Hiking
The Princeton area was opened by explorers, fur traders, miners and later by the Kettle Valley Railway. Many of these trails were built along routes first used by Native Canadians. Many of the Heritage Trails can still be hiked or ridden on horseback.
- Gold Panning
Princeton is gold rush country. The rivers and creeks still yield gold. Every spring it washes down from the mother lodes up in the mountains. If you don't carry your own gold pan in the trunk, the Visitor Information Centre will loan you one and show you a map of the town reserve. Pan only in the Princeton reserve, otherwise, you might be claim-jumping. Maps of the reserve are also available at the Government Agent's office.
- Kayaking / Swimming / Fishing
Princeton is located at the junction of the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers. Tubing or kayaking from Bromley Rock Provincial Park is a great way to enjoy a summer afternoon. Both rivers are excellent for swimming or trout fishing. See over 50 lakes with sport fish in them within a 100 kilometre (60 mile) radius.
- Skiing
Forty-two kilometres of groomed trails loop through mature Douglas Fir forest, crossing rolling hills with many fine views of the surrounding valleys. Trails are maintained by the China Ridge Cross-Country Skiing Society and donations for trail maintenance are requested (deposit in box at trailhead).
Manning Park Resort and Nickel Plate Nordic Centre offer skate and track skiing; both have ski shops and rental equipment. Seasons passes may be purchased online. Day passes are sold on site.
Events
- Princeton Rodeo
Are you ready for fun and excitement? Then plan on attending the
Princeton Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 2009 in Princeton. The Rodeo will start at 1:00pm both days and will feature Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, and many more exciting events to keep you on the edge of your seats. There is a refreshment garden and a concession stand, plus vendors selling souvenirs, and plenty of parking. The clown "JJ Harrison" will keep you entertained and the announcer Al Parsons will let you know who is riding, how they did and what is coming up next. Get on your best western dudes and come
on down to Princeton to enjoy one of the best rodeo performances in BC!
Contact:
Ken Crompton
Telephone: 250-295-6000
E-mail: kcrompton@bchardwood.com
Location:
Princeton Fair Grounds
315 Laurie Currie Way
Princeton, BC
- Annual Running of Princeton Racing Days
The annual Running of Princeton Racing Days is held at the end of June, with a post time of 3:00pm. It features horse racing at its best, with pari-mutual betting. A Refreshment Garden and Concession Stand are all on site.
Come to Sunflower Downs in Princeton, BC, make a few bets, meet old friends, and make some new ones! Enjoy the beautiful surrounding area, have a great day and when you are leaving think of what a great time you will have next year.
Address:
Sunflower Downs, Princeton Fair Grounds
315 Laurie Currie Way
Princeton, BC
FREE ADMISSION!
Contact:
John Bey: 250-295-3970
E-mail: jrbey@nethop.net
Carol Ruoss: 250-295-7891
E-mail: gemma@persona.ca
- Annual Princeton Pro Rodeo & Bull O'Rama
On a weekend in May come out to see the excitement of Professional Cowboys going against the best Stock in BC. There is also Muttin' Bustin' for the kids, a Refreshment Garden, Concession Stand and lots of Venders. The location is Princeton Fair Grounds
315 Laurie Currie Way
E-mail: mbtheal@nethop.net
Contact Information
Princeton Visitor Information Centre
105 Highway 3 East
Princeton, BC V0X 1W0
Telephone: (250) 295-3103
Fax: (250) 295-3255
Email: chamber@nethop.net
Website: http://town.princeton.bc.ca
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