BeadTrails is an award-winning experience that promotes local businesses, landmarks, and destinations in the Okanagan, Shuswap & Similkameen regions in a fun-filled adventure that connects people through tourism.
We offer both self-guided tours and in-person, experiential tours. At each destination, you collect a unique bead, and at the end of the tour, you're left with a charming memory bracelet! Plan your own trip on our interactive map for our self-guided tours, or register for an Experiential Tour and let us show you where to go!
Winner of the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism’s “2010 and 2017 Tourism and Hospitality Excellence Awards”, and the “2013 Retail Excellence Award”, the BeadTrails Experience is mapping the road to responsible tourism across the Nation.
Drop by the BeadTrails headquarters inside our sister company ArtVine Creative Spaces to pick up our signature quail bead and take a selfie with Sid the BeadTrails Experience mascot!
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Karen Griggs is the creator and owner of The BeadTrails Experience.
Sometimes referred to as “the Bead Lady,” Karen is passionate about art, design, people, and community. With a diploma in Art & Design and Certificate in Person-Centered Art Therapy, she began her career creating arts and crafts workshops to empower adults with learning disabilities.
Hailing from England, Karen settled in Summerland in 2008 establishing her studio as the Artist in Residence at the Summerland Art Gallery. Having worked with diverse art forms, including painting and design work, her gift and passion is beading.
Karen came up with the idea of creating a trail system that connects people, communities, and experiences. She thought planning trips that are fun-filled and affordable can help people discover and explore new places while collecting whimsical beads for their memory bracelets.
Her award-winning business is always on the move connecting the arts, tourism, and memories we make.
Karen acknowledges and gives thanks to the Community Futures / the Summerland Community Arts Council and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association for their ongoing support of her journey.
Interested in joining the BeadTrails as a participating business?
When businesses become a member of The BeadTrails Experience, we work with each of them to develop a signature bead that best represents their brand and story. The bead is available only at the business’s location and can be seen on our online interactive map system along with links to their Website.
Businesses on the trails benefit from advertising, exposure, increased foot traffic, and a sense of contributing to the community. Each new business on the trail helps grow the concept and benefits other BeadTrails members.
Where in Canada.