SOUTHWESTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 348

kilometers (1.2 miles) west of the resort; Hampton Campground, on Highway 3 four kilo-
meters (2.5 miles) east of the resort; and Mule Deer Campground, four kilometers (2.5
miles) farther east. These three charge $21 per night. Around half the campsites are re-
servable May to September through Discover Camping (519/826-6850 or 800/689-9025,
www.discovercamping.ca ) and a few are open (with no services) year-round.
CONTINUING TOWARD THE OKANAGAN VALLEY
From the eastern boundary of E. C. Manning Provincial Park, Highway 3 follows the
Similkameen River north to Princeton, then turns sharply southeast to Osoyoos, at the
southern end of the Okanagan Valley, a total distance of 158 kilometers (98 miles).
Princeton
At the confluence of the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers, surrounded by low tree-
covered hills, lies the small, friendly ranching town of Princeton (pop. 3,000). Princeton
and District Pioneer Museum (167 Vermilion Ave., 250/295-7588, 1pm-5pm Mon.-Fri.,
donation) features pioneer artifacts from Granite City, Chinese and Interior Salish artifacts,
and an extensive fossil display.
On the northeast side of Princeton, the stone and concrete ruins of a 1910 cement plant
have been incorporated in a unique resort complex, M Princeton Castle Resort (375 Rain-
bow Lake Rd., 250/295-7988 or 888/228-8881, www.castleresort.com ) . The cement works
was built at a cost of $1 million, yet operated for only one year. In the ensuing decades, the
buildings have been reclaimed by nature. Around, through, and over the crumbling ruins
grow trees, wild roses, lilacs, and lupines. (Take a look at the concrete paths and steps lead-
ing down from the back of the administrative building to the ruins—the concrete is loaded
with fossilized shells.) Surrounding the ruins are cabins and chalets of varying configur-
ations, with the larger chalets taking pride of place along a ridge overlooking a sparkling
creek. Rooms in the main lodge are $99-149 s or d, and chalets complete with bathrooms,
kitchens, and TV cost from $155. Beyond the ruins, a road leads up to the resort camp-
ground (May-Oct.), where sites are $30 and cabins with shared bathrooms (no linen) are
rented for $85 per night. Aside from admiring the ruins, children will love the large play-
ground, while all ages can enjoy horseback riding or canoeing on the small lake. To get
there from Princeton, cross the bridge at the north end of Bridge Street, turn right on Old
Hedley Road, cross Highway 5, turn left on Five Mile Road, then continue until the sign to
the park leads you right.