The Deserts of the Thompson-Nicola Region

The desert terrain of the Thompson-Nicola region is unique because our desert areas are within a 1-hour drive of distinctly different terrains such as grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lush valleys.

The arid, dry climate of the Thompson-Nicola desert areas contribute to short, dry winters with the snow mainly accumulating in the high mountains nearby.

The desert areas of the Thompson-Nicola region are situated in two distinct areas.

The deserts of the Thompson-Nicola region grow sagebrush, bunch grasses and small cactus such as prickly pears. Our deserts are also home to coyotes, yellow-bellied marmots, big-horn mountain sheep herds, white-tail deer and the odd rattlesnake.

A condensed ftp site dedicated to desert locations in the Thompson-Nicola region can be found at http://www.tnrd.bcfilmcommission.com/deserts1. The BC Film Commission also has an abbreviated version of the Thompson-Nicola locations library for your perusal.

Desert Around Kamloops

Desert on open rangelands, rolling hills and within sagebrush box canyons are situated in and around Kamloops to Cache Creek to Ashcroft to Spences Bridge and towards Merritt. All desert areas are accessed by major highways and have towns with services and amenities that have supported productions in the past. Many vast desert areas lay fallow with either small, narrow roads or no sign of mankind.

Ashcroft

Ashcroft Desert - 1

Ashcroft Slough

Ashcroft Slough - 2

Tk'emlúmps Box Canyons and Hoodoos, Kamloops

Kamloops

Deserts West of Clinton

Desert hills and mountains with cliffs and narrow roads are situated in the Thompson-Nicola region's Fraser River edges known as Big Bar, Crow's Bar, High Bar, and Empire Valley via Farwell Canyon, all due west of Clinton. This area is particularly interesting due to its dramatic contrasts between valley and river, and mountains and plateaus. This area has been the backdrops of many 2nd unit plates and TV car and truck commercials.

Big Bar Desert - 1

High Bar Area - 1

The Thompson-Nicola region's desert terrain has doubled for: