PRINCETON B.C.






Welcome to Princeton

Princeton is located on the scenic highway corridor that links Hope, B.C. through Manning Park and to the southern gateway of the South Okanagan. You will find many farms and ranches running along both the east and west ends of town. Bromley Rock, located about 20kms east, is a popular rest stop and just one of many surrounding provincial campgrounds. The town's central location is easily accessible for family and friends to visit, is a short drive to Manning Park or Apex Mountain ski resorts, and allows you to easily shop and visit the surrounding cities.

Originally settled by John Fall Allison in 1859, Princeton has become the center of the Similkameen Valley. Rich in mining, forestry, agriculture and ranching, it provides the foundation for the town's economy. Tourism has gained popularity because of the area's close proximity to the Okanagan and Lower Mainland cities-- attracting weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The recreational communities of Tulameen/Coalmont, Missezula Lake, Allison Lake, Bankeir and East Gate are favored because of their diverse 4 season climate. The fresh lakes and clean air are drawing in tourists looking for an active outdoor lifestyle. Some popular activities include: X-country skiing or mountain biking the China Ridge Trails, boating on Missezula, Otter or Allison Lakes, and ATVing or snowmobiling the seemingly endless logging roads, trails and alpine mountains.




Camping & RVing at Manning Park
Riverside ATVing overlooking the Trans Canada Trail (KVR)
Relaxing at the Similkameen River
Beautiful landscapes while hiking the Cascades at Manning Park

TOP 10 REASONS TO MOVE HERE

  1. Quiet & Relaxed Atmosphere
  2. Low Crime Rate
  3. Healthy Outdoor Lifestyle
  4. Affordable Housing
  5. Friendly People
  6. Nature Right Out Your Backdoor
  7. Shortest Commute Time Ever
  8. Rain? What Rain?
  9. Fresh Water
  10. Clean Air

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

  1. Get some mud on your tires biking the China Ridge Trails, the Trans Canada Trail or at nearby Manning Park
  2. Watch birds and roaming wildlife meandering the trails at Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary
  3. Discover Princeton's storied past at the Princeton Museum
  4. Perfect your golf game at Princeton's excellent 18 hole golf course
  5. Absorb the rich arts and cultural community at celebrated events including the Traditional Music Festival and the Pro Rodeo
  6. Shop local at boutiques and shops that offer one-of-a-kind creations and small town hospitality
  7. Hike in the footsteps of history on 160 kms of BC heritage trails in the mountains surrounding Princeton
  8. Fish the numerous lakes and rivers for trout
  9. Float the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers by canoe, kayak or tube
  10. Enjoy Princeton's snowy backcountry for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling

PARKS & RECREATION


Princeton BC Town Square

Princeton offers a variety of park space within town limits. Veterans Square, Memorial Park (ball diamonds), bike parks, a skateboard park, a splash park, playgrounds and green spaces can all be enjoyed throughout the town. The Town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services encourages everyone to lead an active and healthy lifestyle in Princeton and surrounding areas. Families and residents of all ages are welcome to enjoy the variety of programs, clubs, events, and facilities that our department or local organizations have to offer in our community. A free leisure guide is available to help you find your perfect activity. Parks are available for special occasions, tournaments, and league play.

Because of the Valley's deep history, there are numerous gold trails and ghost towns to read about and explore. They can be experienced by climbing the stairs along steep cliffs and deep tunnels of Hedley's gold mines, quading the old coal tram lines in Coalmont's mountains, or exploring the rivers and rail tunnels of the popular Trans-Canada Trail.

Princeton Baseball Field

Pines Memorial Park: is the perfect spot for active families to enjoy a number of sports and activities. The park includes three baseball diamonds with grandstand seating, a concession facility and bathrooms with showers. Other facilities in the park include tennis courts, a public outdoor pool, beach volleyball courts, and a playground.




Veteran's Square: Located right in the center of downtown, Veteran's Park features a large gazebo, benches, picnic tables and a fountain that is centered around Veteran's Cenotaph. This beautiful green space is surrounded by the library, post office, legion hall, town hall and multiple boutique shops. For families, the Rotary Splash Park is a great spot to gather and play, located downtown on Lime Street next to the Tulameen River. It features a playground, picnic tables and washroom facilities.


SHOPPING


Princeton Grocery Store

Princeton offers a variety of familiar stores, shops and financial institutions including:
  • Save On Foods
  • Fields
  • Work & Play Clothing
  • Home Hardware
  • Fletcher's (ACE) Building Supplies
  • Lordco
  • Mac's Auto Parts
  • Shoppers Drugmart
  • CIBC
  • Valley First CU
Princeton also features numerous boutique sidewalk shops for a unique shopping experience. 

RESTAURANTS / BARS / COFFEE HOUSES

Princeton offers diverse options for eating. Whether it's fine dining for the evening or a quick bite at the drive through, choices range from Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Greek cuisines or one of many fine Canadian-style family restaurants, smokehouses, pubs or coffee houses. National chain fast food restaurants are easily visible along Highway 3 and include A&W, Dairy Queen, Subway and Booster Juice.

Vermillion Avenue Princeton

ARTS & CULTURE


Riverside Community Center

Riverside Community Centre: is a repurposed retired school that has developed into a unique art, culture, wellness and recreational space for the community to enjoy. In 2008 Riverside Centre opened its doors to its new community performing arts theatre. On weekends, the centre also hosts movies, with big sound on a large screen,  showing a variety of pre-released movies for families, youth and adults. The Princeton Rotary Club hosts fundraising events throughout the year. One recipient of this fundraising went towards the renovation of  a classroom into a kitchen and concession space that benefits the entire community. This space is used for Dinner Theatre Productions, cooking programs for children and adults, weddings, seminars and more.

Click here for Theatre/Centre information and bookings or contact the community recreation & cultural coordinator at 250-295-6067

SCHOOLS


John Allison Elementary

John Allison Elementary School







Located in Allison Flats at the end of Corina Avenue. The school also offers a "Strong Start" program for ages 0-5.

499 Corina Avenue
Grades: K - 3
Enrollment: 123 Students
Phone: 250-295-6727




Vermillion Forks Elementary

Vermillion Forks Elementary School







Located in the 3rd Bench residential neighbourhood. The school yard has a "ParticipACTION" outdoor fitness and gym equipment to help promote a safe, active and healthy lifestyle.

99 Ridgewood avenue
Grades: 4 - 7
Enrollment: 98 Students
Phone: 250-295-6642




Princeton Secondary School

Princeton Secondary School







There are 16 sports teams that include basketball, volleyball, soccer and golf. The school's mission statement: "PSS strives for personal excellence in a safe, caring environment which actively motivates intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development for life-long learning.

201 Old Merritt Hwy
Grades: 8 - 12
Enrollment: 227 Students
Phone: 250-295-3218




Regional Library

Princeton Library


The Okanagan Regional Library Princeton branch moved to its current and expanded location in 2010. Established in 1936, the ORL serves over 360,000 people across an area covering 59,600 square kilometres through 29 branches. The ORL offers various services online through their website
ATVing around Princeton BC
Horseback riding in Princeton BC
Camping along the Similkameen River
Skiing and Snowboarding in Manning Park

PRINCETON REGIONAL AIRPORT (CYDC)

Princeton Regional Airport

The Princeton Regional Airport (CYDC) consists of a 3,932 foot x 75 foot runway, apron, automated fuel dispensing (100 Avgas and Jet A), modern terminal building, aircraft parking (with tie downs), private hangar space and commercial buildings. The airport is only 2 minutes from downtown Princeton via an onsite courtesy car.

153 Airport Rd Princeton, BC V0X 1W0
(250) 295-3105

Airport ICAO Code: CYDC
Longitude/Latitude: W 120° 30' 41.00"/N 49° 28' 05.00" -120.511389/49.468056
Elevation: 2298 ft / 700.43 m
Location: Princeton, British Columbia, Canada(www.PrincetonAirPort.ca)
Magnetic Variation: E 17°27.5' (2008-04)

More information: www.Airport-Data.com

Aerial view of Princeton BC

HISTORY

Historic Downtown Princeton BC

In the early 1800s the town 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.

Historical sites in the area include Granite Creek town site, founded by Johnny Chance when he stopped here for a drink of water and discovered gold nuggets lying at the bottom of the creek, Blakeburn, the home of an underground coal mine in the early 1900s, Coalmont, named after the coal deposits mined after the gold at Granite Creek ran out, Tulameen, originally known as Otter Flats, Allenby, a mining town that received it's economic riches by mining ore from Copper Mountain, and Hedley, site of famous Nickel Plate Mountain. You can also meander along the Historic Walk around downtown Princeton, a centre for mining in the old days, and discover a bit about the town’s history and heritage, with a short story about each site.

TRANS CANADA TRAIL

Trans Canada Train Trestle

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, part of the Trans Canada trail system, follows the Tulameen River through a colourful rock canyon, then across high range and forest. Princeton sits at the mid-point of the KVR Subdivision of the trail and is also the lowest point both ways. The Vermilion Trails Society maintains over 100 kilometres of urban and rural trail system on the KVR including the 5 kilometre paved and lit section that goes right through Princeton.

ROCK RIDGE CANYON

Rock Ridge Canyon

Rock Ridge Canyon is a year-round Conference and Retreat Centre, set in a breathtaking mountain valley near Princeton. Rock Ridge Canyon is also available for groups wishing to host retreats, meetings, conferences and camps. This exceptionally well-serviced facility provides a venue that will surely provide endless fun, as well as a retreat from the busyness and stress of daily routines.

TULAMEEN/SIMILKAMEEN RIVERS

Convergence of the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers

Both rivers originate in Manning Provincial Park. The Similkameen flows from the east through East Gate and Tulameen from the north, passing Tulameen BC. It is the only place in the world where both gold and platinum can be found alongside each other, however all significant deposits have been mined. The rivers join at Princeton, then cross into Washington state near Oroville WA.

QUICK FACTS

Road signs for Princeton BC and Granite Creek

Population:  2,724 (2011 Census)
Area:  10.24 km²
Average Snowfall:
(Nov - March): 28.4 cm per month
Average Precipitation:  29.8mm / month
Website:  www.Princeton.ca

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Princeton BC Airport and Fun Event
Princeton is home to an eclectic mix of community events presented by dedicated community organizations. Here's a snapshot of the many events and the organizations that organize them.

SOCIAL GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS

Fall Fair Event at Princeton Exhibition Grounds
Princeton has plenty of social groups and cultural organizations to join, volunteer and make friends.

JANUARY

Omelette Ski & Snowshoe (China Ridge)

FEBRUARY

Men's Curling Bonspiel
Family Day Festivities
Rotary Wine Festival
Women's Bonspiel
Bear Trap Telemark Challenge (Manning Park)

MARCH

Cascade Cup Classic (Manning Park)
Spring Fest (Manning Park)
Adult Charity Hockey Tournament

APRIL

Diamond Dinner

MAY

Princeton Rodeo
Copper Mountain Mining Day
Crimson Tine Theatre Play

JUNE

Rotary Charity Golf Tournament
Baptist Church Kids Carnival

JULY

Canada Day Celebrations
Auto Show & Shine
Ball Busters Slo-Pitch Tournament
Legion Annual Golf Tounament

AUGUST

Tulameen Family Daze (Long Weekend)
Legion Annual Fishing Derby 
Traditional Music Festival 

SEPTEMBER

Motorsports Weekend (Labour Day)
Agricultural Fall Fair
Regional Art Show 

OCTOBER

Halloween Fun Festival 

NOVEMBER

Rememberance Day Ceromony (Nov 11)
Small Business Trade Fair
Christmas Light Up

DECEMBER

Crimson Tine X-Mas Theatre Play
Legion X-Mas Eve Dance
CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Exhibition Grounds
Bunchgrass Quilters
China Ridge Trails
Princeton Community Arts Council
Princeton Concert Society
Princeton and District Fall Fair Association
Princeton Exhibition Association
Princeton Fish And Game Association
Princeton Garden Club
Princeton and District Museum and Archives
Princeton Fly Tying Guild
Princeton Lion's Club
Princeton Rodeo Club
Princeton Traditional Music Society
Rotary Club of Princeton
Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists
FAMILY & KIDS
Princeton Splash Park
Strong Start
Camp Tulahead
Family Fun Carnival
Soccer Camp
Basketball Camp (Badlands)
Figure Skating
Crimson Tine Players
Community Band
Little Britches Rodeo
Movie Nights
Princeton Mining Days

Local Attractions

Brown Bridge Swim Hole, Family water park, Phifer's Fountain, Boutique Shopping, Veteran's Square Park, Two Rivers Park, China Ridge Trails, Bromley Rock, Similkameen & Tulameen Rivers, Area Lakes, Trans Canada Trail, Princeton Golf Course, Princeton Museum, Traditional Music Festival, Manning Park Ski Resort, Apex Ski Resort, Rock Ridge Canyon Resort, Ochre Bluffs,etc.

Major Employers

Weyerhaeuser Lumber Mill, Copper Mountain Mine, Eagle Valley Pellet Mill, Princeton Post & Rail Ltd., Princeton Wood Preservers, CJM Concrete Ready Mix, Firemaster Firewood Products, Princeton General Hospital, Save On Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, Home Hardware, CIBC, Valley First Credit Union, Fields, Fletcher Building Supplies

HOMES FOR SALE IN PRINCETON

Get In Touch

Lee Mowry

Century 21 Horizon West Realty

224 Bridge St. PO Box 880  Princeton,  BC  V0X 1W0 

Phone: 250-295-1990

Fax: 1-888-493-6163

lee.mowry@horizonwestrealty.ca