Bolton Rd. Spring, Tappen, BC, Canada

## Overview Bolton Rd. Spring is a roadside natural spring located in the rural community of Tappen, British Columbia, nestled in the Columbia-Shuswap region between Kamloops and Salmon Arm. The spring flows year-round from the hillside above, channeled through a pipe that empties at road level. A makeshift filter has been attached to the upper end of the pipe in an effort to catch debris, though visitors have reported that small particles of soil or bits of wood may still pass through, particularly during wetter seasons. This free-flowing public spring has long been used by locals as a water collection point. The water has been described by visitors as tasting great, though its clarity and quality can vary with the seasons — spring snowmelt and heavy rains may introduce more sediment. **The water has not been officially tested or certified as potable.** Locals who regularly collect from the spring advise filtering or treating the water at home before use, and independent testing is recommended if you plan to drink it. The spring is openly accessible 24 hours a day with no restrictions on the quantity of water you can collect, making it a convenient stop for anyone passing through the Shuswap area. ## Directions **From Carlin / Tappen (heading south on the Trans-Canada Highway):** 1. Head south on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). 2. Continue straight until you see the Esso gas station on your left. 3. Take the next right turn onto **Bolton Road**. 4. Drive straight for approximately 0.2 miles (about 300 metres). 5. At the intersection at the end of the road, look to your right — the spring pipe will be visible on the roadside. 6. Park safely on the shoulder and collect your water. **From Salmon Arm (heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway):** 1. Head west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) for approximately 8.1 miles (about 13 km). 2. Just before the Esso gas station (on your right), take the left-hand turn onto **Bolton Road**. 3. Continue along Bolton Road and watch for the spring pipe on your right. **GPS Coordinates:** 50.773247, -119.343727 ## What to Expect Bolton Rd. Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside water source. You'll find a pipe protruding from the hillside with water flowing continuously onto the ground below. There are no formal facilities — no taps, signage, or designated parking area — so pull over carefully on the road shoulder. Bring your own containers. Jugs with wide mouths work well for catching the pipe's flow. Because the spring sits right at the roadside, access is quick and easy — no hiking required. The area around the spring is rural and quiet, with the forested hills of the Shuswap providing a pleasant backdrop. Keep in mind that water quality may fluctuate seasonally. During spring runoff or after heavy rainfall, sediment levels tend to increase. Even with the makeshift filter in place, a secondary filtration or treatment step at home is a wise precaution. There are no posted water quality reports, so if you intend to use the water for drinking, having it independently tested is strongly recommended.