The South Thompson features volcanic land masses that form the plateau country northwest of Kamloops, while forests and lakes fill the lowlands. This geological history is preserved in the McAbee Fossil Beds. Ancient rivers carved the landscape, forming the modern valleys of the Thompson River and ice age glaciers scoured the valleys and rounded the plateaus and mountains. Kamloops anchors the region with its urban amenities and First Nations culture, while top rated golf courses and mountain resort activities are minutes away. The South Thompson includes the communities and hamlets of Falkland, Heffley Creek, Kamloops, Knutsford, Lac Le Jeune, McLure, Monte Lake, Pinantan Lake, Pritchard, Tranquille and Westwold.