KALEDEN • TWIN LAKES • HERITAGE HILLS • APEX
www.okfalls.ca
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Welcome Visitors!
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s the local government representative for Area ‘D’ of our Regional District, I have the honour to welcome you to our beautiful and diverse playground surrounding Skaha Lake. We are blessed with great mountain scenery, summer and winter recreational opportunities, numerous award-winning wineries, and interesting hiking, cycling and wine trails for you to explore. Our central community of Okanagan Falls is surrounded by several smaller communities such as Kaleden, St. Andrews and Skaha Estates. Within a radius of a few miles you will discover numerous fine accommodations, campgrounds, beaches, waterfront parks, golf courses, other recreational opportunities and interesting historical sites.
I trust you will enjoy reading this small booklet and will use it as your gateway to our many friendly businesses, our abundance of outdoor activities and experiences to last a lifetime. Perhaps you are here for only a short while, but then again you may decide to stay forever. Wherever your travels may take you, we hope you will carry with you many happy memories of your visit with us, here in the “Heart of Wine Country”. Sincerely,
Tom Siddon
RDOS Director, Area ‘D’ 2 | VISITORS GUIDE
Hidden Places By Barbara Few
All communities have hidden places and secrets, and Okanagan Falls is no exception. There are many questions you could ask our trained staff at the Okanagan Falls Visitor and Community Information Centre. For example, did you ever wonder… What lies at the bottom of a green lake? What is the Blasted Church? What sweetness comes from an old Tunnel of Love? What is an old English sport doing in Okanagan Falls? Where is there an 104 year old prefabricated home? Why is there a Chief holding a salmon on our beach? Who was William Snodgrass? Why do we have a life-size statue of a rodeo rider and, Where are the falls in OK Falls? We have many fascinating places to visit as well as marvelous beaches, hiking/biking trails, a bird sanctuary, art studios, and delicious places for coffee and snacks. Can you imagine fishing off the old trestle bridge, or visiting some of our many great wineries, or taking a picnic to eat on a scenic patio at many of the wineries? If having a picnic isn’t your scene you can opt to eat at an award winning restaurant offered by a couple of our vineyards. You will need time to take in Okanagan Falls, so why not stay at our beach side motels or in one of our beautiful bed and breakfasts, camp sites or RV parks that are dotted throughout the area. Our trained and very welcoming staff will enjoy helping you plan your visit. Afterwards, why not take the time to peruse the one-ofa-kind gifts we sell. Looking forward to seeing you. You can reach us at 250-497-6260 or okanaganfallstourism@ shaw.ca. Visit us online at www.visitokfalls.com
BC Liquor Agency 910 Main Street, Okanagan Falls • 250-497-5194 • Ice Cold Beer & Wine • Grocery Items • Confectionary Treats
Open 9 am to 9 pm • 7 days a week
Contents 2
Hidden Places
Welcome To Okanagan Falls 4
Taking Adventure To The Extreme 9 Corkscrew Drive 11
For more information contact: Okanagan Falls Economic Development Office 5350 9th Avenue, Box 251 Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0 778.515.5520 www.okfalls.ca
Map 14 Every Bead Has A Story 18
20 Considering Moving Here? Making A Connection On The KVR 22
23 Oasis On My Doorstep
The Okanagan Falls And Area Visitors Guide 2014 is published by Okanagan Sun Box 177 Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0 Photography Allen Jones - Ace Film Photography Advertising Sales & Service Jo Knight - Paddle Out Consulting No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken with this publication, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. All content subject to change without notice. Š 2014 Okanagan Sun
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Welcome to the ‘Heart of Wine Country’
Located on the southern end of Skaha Lake in the Okanagan Valley, and known locally as OK Falls, the little community of Okanagan Falls was originally known as Dogtown, from the Okanagan Indian word Skaha (meaning dog), after which the nearby Skaha Lake was named. · Seattle (499 km) · Calgary (686 km) · Kelowna (95 km) · Vancouver (388 km) · US Border - Oroville (53 km) · Spokane - (342 km) 4 | VISITORS GUIDE
ticularly watching a meteor shower at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. We encourage you to take the time to explore our region and the many communities that make up the South Okanagan. Get off the beaten track and visit the road less travelled. Walk, cycle or drive the routes of the world-renowned Granfondo and Challenge Penticton races and discover hidden attractions and businesses along the way. Many of your lasting memories and best stories will be found in those impromptu moments and spontaneous little detours!
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HOW TO GET HERE
backdrops. These breathtaking views can often be enjoyed from terraces and tasting rooms. Enjoy a glass of award winning wine and delicious food at one of several Okanagan Falls Winery Association wineries, golf courses situated at St. Andrews and Twin Lakes and at Linden Gardens in Kaleden. Take one of the side roads into our back country and you’ll discover a totally different landscape full of natural curiosities, First Nations and pioneering history and a tranquility that makes our area an important space research hub and an ideal place to enjoy the night skies - par-
Hwy. 97 to Kelowna
Hwy. 97 to US Border
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s the Economic and Tourism Development Officer for Okanagan Falls and nearby communities of Heritage Hills, Skaha Estates, Upper Carmi, Vaseux, Kaleden, St. Andrew’s-on-the-Lake, Twin Lakes and Apex, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our stunning part of the South Okanagan; an awesome place to visit, explore and savour, regardless of the time of year. Situated in one of the most picturesque and photographed parts of the Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Falls’ lakes, mountains and vineyards provide some of the Okanagan’s most famous, photogenic and iconic
By John Powell
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"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." ~ Loran Eisley
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Taking Adventure To The Extreme By Johnny Smoke As someone with a reputation for exploring and always looking for the “next big thing,” I’m used to getting requests from riders with big expectations. But when Dean Payne contacted me looking for something a bit different for a guys weekend, I was a little taken aback. You see, Dean and his buddies run a little event known as the BC Bike Race, a world class multi-stage mountain bike race that takes in places that are rarely left off of lists of the best places to ride in the world. Luckily, I just happen to live in the South Okanagan, which just may be the greatest secret in the world of mountain biking. These guys are not just experienced, but also fit and skilled. I took the opportunity to attempt a more ambitious route that I’ve been researching. While much of BC riding consists of technical trail on well defined singletrack, the Okanagan is much wilder. Trails here tend towards fast and flowy. Often times routes are faint, and trails that are barely established can persist in that state for years. So instead of just following a line, your navigation skills can be taxed to the utmost even on shorter routes. What I had planned was a linkup of trails from Nickel Plate Lake near Apex Mountain down to the beach on Okanagan Lake 60 km away. This patchwork of old roads, tracks, and purpose built trails is the result of many years of different people putting in hours of labour. Figuring out how to link it together was the result of several rides and more than a couple of episodes of getting lost. Even having done this ride before, I had to preface the adventure with a warning; we would briefly be getting lost two or three times on this ride. The day in question dawned clear and warm, which is nice when you are starting out at 6000 feet. From where we unloaded the bikes, we were immediately on the buff singletrack of Nickel Plate Provincial Park. The trail around the lake was a perfect warm up for what was to come. Although there are portions of the route that are rough doubletrack, they don’t last long and are challenging unto themselves. It’s when the trail really starts near an old cowboy camp that things
get good. A technical climb up to the pass at Sheep Rocks passes through stunning meadows, with just enough challenge to hurt the expert rider while maintaining an overall difficulty not too intimidating for a solid intermediate. Sheep Rocks is spectacular as a destination in itself. However, we were to continue further, out to Brent Mtn. Thanks to the dedication of one trail builder, there is now an excellent connection to Brent that makes this route possible. It’s less than an hour to the high point at 7200’ from Sheep Rocks to Brent via this new trail. While we were well on our way, we still hadn’t started to descend. A fast traverse north along Isintok Ridge led to our first lost episode. Although I knew roughly where I needed to be, I didn’t have the landmarks firmly in my memory. As promised, a short interlude was all that was required before we began the descent. From 7000’ to about 4500’ is heavily wooded on an old historic route. Although certain portions of the trail below 4500’ have been logged, the trail has been preserved to maintain the line, and while the beauty may be diminished, the fun isn’t. Once into the lower elevations, you enter a maze of old roads. Here there was another short interlude while I unlocked the “keyhole” for this zone. An area of open pine forest, this is classic Okanagan shredding, rolling through sand and dust at top speed.. Eventually we came out on a well-traveled back road behind the Penticton Indian Band, but the ride wasn’t over yet. One more steep climb brought us to a final view of our destination at Okanagan Lake. Tired bodies took a well deserved break, and I was surrounded by dusty faces and big smiles. Dean turned to me as we prepared to drop into the final run to the bottom, “Remind me why we don’t ride in the Okanagan more often.” "I don’t know Dean, but I’m guessing you won’t be asking me that again." Johnny Smoke is a professional mountain bike guide in the South Okanagan. Visit www.bushpilotbiking.com to arrange your own adventure.
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You Are Here. There you go again. Picturing yourself here in stunning Okanagan Falls, indulging in a variety of activities and events all just a few steps from some great accommodation. You just can’t help it. A part of you is already here, soaking up exciting new experiences in the heart of the Okanagan. Bring the fantasy to life – start planning your unforgettable trip at youarehere.ca
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#youarehere
Heart Of Wine Country Tour Our Wineries The Okanagan Falls wine region is home to some of the premiere, award-winning wineries in Canada. Thirteen wineries make up the Corkscrew Drive wine region which begins south of Penticton and stretches to Kaleden and Okanagan Falls, ending at Hawthorne Mountain. Over 600 acres are under vines in the region which features Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris as well as other popular varietals. Local wineries are referenced on the map on page 14.
The “Original” Okanagan Falls Farm Winery
Celebrating 24 Years! Now Open, the “Smoke and Oak” Bistro Tasting Room Open Daily 10-5 Mid April - Mid October 3 Km’s south of the town centre
250-497-8919 Winery and Bistro 2145 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC
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Summer Means Fun
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kanagan Falls sits at the southern end of Skaha Lake, the fourth lake in the chain of five major lakes of the Okanagan Valley. Skaha is an ideal lake for sailing, fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and even kite surfing and scuba diving. The south end of the lake is surrounded by beautiful beaches in Kaleden and Okanagan Falls. Our warm, sheltered waters, sandy beaches and shady, grassed waterfront parks make for a fantastic family orientated get away. Enthusiasts flock to the areas for bird watching, nature study or wildlife viewing. Kids enjoy the splash park, beautiful picnic area and plenty of sandy beaches. Information about our beaches, parks, water craft rentals, activities and programs can be found on our Parks and Recreation websites www.kal-rec.ca or www.okfalls.net. Alternatively, contact the Visitor Information Centre in Okanagan Falls for information.
“Community with Every Cup”
COLD BEER • WINE •SPIRITS DELI • PIZZA • CHICKEN
Tuesdays Tuesdays
Lrg. Pizza $9.99
Lrg. Pizza $9.99
(w/6 pk or more purchase)
(w/6 pk or more purchase) THURSDAYS
THURSDAYS
2 Piece Chicken only $3.69 2 Piece Chicken only $3.69
HWY 97 OKANAGAN FALLS
250-497-8155
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✦ Gourmet coffee & espresso ✦ Hot and cold drinks ✦ Breakfast ✦ Sandwiches & wraps made to order ✦ Homemade daily soups ✦ Inviting, clean atmosphere featuring local artwork ✦ Friendly & helpful staff ✦ Now Open 7 days/week
Visit us in Okanagan Falls at 5121 9th Avenue Online at www.dogtowncoffee.ca Or call 778-515-5524
Locations West Realty
Brian Moen (250) 809-6192
Laurie Kingsfield (250) 498-1110
OKANAGAN FALLS
837 Main Street, Okanagan Falls, BC, V0H 1R0 Ph: 250-497-5541 Fax: 250-497-8449 Toll Free: 1-866-497-5541 Serving the South Okanagan with offices in Okanagan Falls, Penticton & Keremeos Visit us at www.royallepage.ca
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Photo contributed
Apex Mountain Resort remains one of the hidden gems of Canadian skiing. Located a short 40 minute drive from Okanagan Falls, BC, Apex is a full service destination resort with quality snow, great weather, incredible terrain, and friendly people. Apex being located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, features the perfect mix between large amounts of precipitation and low humidity that makes for the lightest champagne powder snow imaginable. Visit www.apexresort.com or call 1-877-777-2739 for more information.
• 24 hour video surveillance • Security gate with key code entry • Individual door alarms
• Unit access between 6 am and 11 pm • Boxes and packing supplies • Onsite caretaker
(250) 497-3279
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 & Sat 9:30-4:00 1964 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls info@easylockselfstorage.com www.easylockselfstorage.com 16 | VISITORS GUIDE
Host: Phyllis Jmaeff phyllis@mountainspringscenter.com
250-497-8209
www.mountainspringscenter.com
The Skaha Bluffs are a very popular rock climbing destination in British Columbia. This world-renowned climbing destination has been well documented in maps, guide books and websites. For people learning to climb or for those who would prefer to have a guide, there are options available. Further details can be found in the 'visitor' section at www.okfalls.ca
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Every Bead Has A Story By Denise Howie
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rails. The very word conjures up images of following a beaten path through the wilderness, of tracking marks and signs, perhaps the signs of a wild animal, an ancient civilization or clues leading to hidden treasure. Since 2010 thousands of locals and visitors have explored the innovative Bead Trails and etched fresh pathways from Summerland to Osoyoos with Okanagan Falls at the epicentre. Adventurers are supplied with a beautifully illustrated map and can pick up the trail in any one of the six participating communities, purchasing signature beads and a bracelet if needed, from map points along the way. Having lived in the Okanagan for eight years I thought I was fairly familiar with the Valley but taking our visitors on the Bead Trails exposed us to new places, businesses and artists and had the knock-on effect of pointing us to further unexplored territory. If following the trail south from Penticton use the five or six minutes to
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take in the rugged terrain of the bluffs across Skaha Lake and you will see why the Thompson Okanagan region was named one of Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic. As BC’s premier wine-growing region, with over 81 per cent of the total vineyard acreage in the province it is no surprise that there are a number of award-winning wineries on the Bead Trails! Pull in to historic Kaleden to discover the distinctive tastes, and beads of at least two of them. Continue south, skirting the low hills and cross the Okanagan River at the tip of the pristine lake. Park up on 9th Avenue, starting at the Visitors Centre located in the OK Corral Mall. Then take a stroll, grab a coffee and a bite to eat and check out the stores, with a choice of three beads along the way. Hop back in to your vehicle and tour the charming agricultural town, which is renowned for its fruit, vegetables, delicious dried fruit and high quality wines. You will find art studios, antiques, a heritage house-museum and a friendly community dotted with parks, public gardens and play areas for children. Tourists may decide to take advantage of the wide range of accommodations and stay a night or two to check out the other attractions in and around OK Falls. The delightful Kettle Valley Railway/Skaha Trail for example or the Provincial Park which is renowned for its rich variety of animal and bird life including one of the highest concentrations of bat species in Canada – eighteen if you really want to know! If you are fortunate and live in the Okanagan you can still spend the day or come back and visit. Bead Trailers can
continue south along the scenic Green Lake Road to the highest elevation winery in B.C, which at nearly twothousand-feet above sea level provides spectacular views. Then continue touring through the fragrant ponderosa pines and sagebrush to the final map point, the studio and gallery of another gifted Okanagan artist. There’s much more to see and do in Okanagan Falls and the surrounding area – I haven’t even mentioned a certain ice-cream destination – but following this particular trail adds another layer of interest; seeing places and establishments that you may not have visited otherwise and having a common cause with fellow Bead Trailers – I’ve had some fascinating conversations with visitors from Australia, China and Vancouver Island! And the final charm – having inexpensive and elegant reminders of your Okanagan Falls adventure!
For further Bead Trails information go to www.thebeadtrails.com or visit one of the following Bead Trails locations:
Bighorn Ridge G U E S T
Carol Munro Studio
158 Harkin Creek Rd, OK Falls
H O U S E
abovethebeach.com
bighornridge.com
elmtreefarmbandb.com
crzretiredok@shaw.ca 2357 Rolling Hills Road Okanagan Falls, B.C. 1.866.339.8139
info@elmtreefarmbandb.com 9507 378 Ave Oliver B.C. 1.866.498.3094. www.carolmunro.ca
rest@abovethebeach.com 102 Spruce Place Penticton, B.C. 1.888.493.7829 (STAY)
Private, adobe-styled adult only guest house on 10 native acres overlooking the most photographed view in the Okanagan Valley. Pet friendly, with five wineries within walking distance! Bighorn Ridge is a four season destination.
Join us in our peaceful farm setting, in a private building. Enjoy the hot tub, barbeques, full kitchens, and a hot cooked breakfast every day. Sleep in the heart of wine country, located two miles north of Oliver, BC, ‘Wine Capital of Canada’.
Relax and unwind. Enjoy luxurious amenities, gaaaaaaaaourmet breakfasts and breathtaking views. You will find the only thing we overlook is Skaha Lake and the city lights of, B.C. Rated 4.5 Stars by Canada Select!
info@willowbeach.ca 683 Westside Road South West Kelowna, B.C. 1.877.769.3936
bookings@serenataguesthouse.com 1056 Corbishley Avenue Penticton, B.C. 1.877.276.3338
serenataguesthouse.com
trepanierbeachhouse.com
Imagine living on Okanagan Lake, relaxing on the dock with a glass of wine after a day of wine touring. Stay and enjoy gourmet breakfasts served every morning by your staff.
• Luxurious Bed & Breakfast Accommodations • Spectacular Views of Okanagan Lake and the Naramata Bench Wine Region
Luxury lakeside accommodation in scenic Peachland. Two beautifully appointed guest suites and elegant living room with stylish bar. Fabulous outdoor rooms with stunning lake and mountain views - relax in style at Trepanier Beach House.
willowbeach.ca
Experience Willow Beach Bed and Breakfast.
ogopogobedandbreakfast.ca
ogopogobandb@gmail.com 845 Manhattan Drive, Kelowna, B.C. 250.762.7624
• Wine & Food Pairing Dinners, Special Events bookings welcomed • Wedding & Group Event Facilities
“Ogopogo Bed & Breakfast satisfies your desire for comfort, space and privacy.”
trepanierbeachhouse@shaw.ca 3858 Beach Ave Peachland, B.C. 250.215.8085
Okanagan Falls altovista.ca
info@altovista.ca 1257 Menu Road West Kelowna, B.C. 250.769.7316
Our goal is to provide pure comfort in First you’ll notice the view, then you’ll turn your attention to the tasteful interior meticulous air conditioned bedrooms surroundings. Combining functionality with style, Ogopogo Bed & Breakfast satisfies with private ensuites, panoramic views of your desire for comfort, space and privacy. Located in downtown Kelowna across the lake, vineyards and award winning from the beach. Complete privacy in adult oriented surroundings; The Manhattan wineries. Wake up to a hot delicious Suite with luxury king bed has its own ensuite bathroom, high thread count sheets, Columbia Centre gourmet breakfast Visitor with all the trimmings. attractive decor, fireplace, TV, and private deck with lakeview. The Sunset Suite has British twin beds or king with private bath. @ Osoyoos 9912 Hwy 3 (Junction Hwy 3 & 97) 74 - Wineries Refined Magazine :: Fall / Winter 2011
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Considering Moving Here Permanently?
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kanagan Falls has been identified as a ‘Primary Growth Area’ in the South Okanagan due to its close proximity to Penticton and its airport, its affordable industrial land ready to be developed, and its accessibility to a well-maintained highway network. In recognition of this, the community has a dedicated Economic Development Office which is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding relocating to the Okanagan Falls area. Almost 6,000 people call the Okanagan Falls area home – many are entrepreneurial people who have been drawn to the area by the famous Okanagan lifestyle and climate and have established successful businesses here. These people often cite the major draws of Okanagan Falls and Kaleden as being the friendly small-town community spirit, affordable homes and the provision of services and organized recreational opportunities that exceed what most people would expect for a community of this size. Not many communities the size of Okanagan Falls can boast the presence of major companies with such expansive national and international
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reach as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Unit Electrical Engineering, Structurlam, Avante and Karoleena Homes. These companies and others like them have already recognized the strong business case for locating here. Okanagan Falls and Kaleden are family-friendly communities that recognize the intrinsic value families and children bring to the community. It is no accident that Okanagan Falls’ elementary school is one of the fastest growing schools in the region or that we have an incredible range of organized recreational and sporting programmes and activities for children of all ages (and adults). Furthermore, our communities accommodate a doctor’s office and other health care facilities, local services such as a supermarket, convenience stores, a credit union and libraries. In addition, all the services and cultural opportunities that you would typically expect in a larger city can be found just up the road in Penticton. Opportunities in Okanagan Falls still abound for entrepreneurial people looking to start their own businesses in many economic sectors. From a tourism perspective, sport, adventure and agritourism, niche restaurants,
boutique hotels and eclectic shops all present commercial opportunities in the Okanagan Falls area. You will be well supported in your venture by the Economic Development Office and you will be following in the footsteps of many other successful local family businesses and enterprises in every corner of our area, in communities such as Twin Lakes, Apex Mountain Ski Resort, Kaleden, Heritage Hills and Okanagan Falls. In Okanagan Falls specifically, we are working strategically to build our community from the Skaha Lake waterfront that you can enjoy today, to the town centre and into the industrial areas to the southeast of the town centre. This year, our focus is firmly set on revitalizing our town centre to help support and build our existing businesses and to better accommodate future investors. There are still incredible opportunities to be had in Okanagan Falls that cannot be found anywhere else in the Okanagan and we hope that you will see an opportunity to realize your goals and dreams in our community. Come talk to us at the Economic Development Office in Okanagan Falls: 778.515.5520 / jpowell@rdos.bc.ca
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Making A Connection On The KVR Trail
I
have a love for trails. For many, a trail is an open space, a cut in the trees, a line that stretches off into the distance. But take a closer look and you’ll find a trail is a whole lot more. Trails provide an amazing natural backdrop for outdoor recreation, a place to walk, to run, to cycle. Trails are good for your health — both physical and mental. The first thing off the truck when Tracey and I moved to the South Okanagan 30 months ago was our bikes. Yes, they were the last things on when we left Fort McMurray for new opportunities, but they certainly didn't get the use we immediately put them to even as we were settling into our new home. One of our first family outings was a lazy 15-km cycle between Penticton and Okanagan Falls on the South Spur. This part of the KVR is a unique blend of sand, packed dirt and aggregate mix of crushed gravel and recycled asphalt. The trail’s relatively flat profile, unique mix of fauna and location adjacent to Skaha Lake make it a good pick for the day: our 11-year-old daughter, Keara, is in tow and we want to make sure she has a good time on an inaugural ride. Adding an 11-year-old daughter changes the mix: a dip in the lake is a certain requirement. Stops are
more frequent, and the water disappears faster. A visit to a camp store along the route for ice cream extends the journey. For the first part of the ride, we enjoy a leisurely pedal along a singletrack that is often covered in sandy patches. The brush is right at our ankles and we ride slowly to make sure we stay on the path and don’t end up tangled in the underbrush. Skaha Lake is a constant companion to our left. Today a cool breeze is coming off the lake, pushing waves on to the rock not 15 feet from where we ride and providing a natural source of cooling on this hot summer day. To the right, sandstone cliffs rise to Hwy. 97 above. After a brief respite at the Banbury Green RV Park —where the aforementioned ice cream was purchased at a small general store - we’re on the trail again. Soon the imposing shell of a concrete building — the old Kaleden Hotel — is visible and we’re quickly into the community of Kaleden itself. We pause again at Pioneer Park, which features washrooms and a beautiful swim area, before heading south again for our lunch destination in Okanagan Falls. This part of the trail was resurfaced over the last year. It is now three
metres wide and surfaced with an aggregate mix of crushed gravel and recycled asphalt. The riding is easy and enjoyable. Trees overhead provide shelter from the sun and the landscape is constantly in motion. Soon a trestle bridge announces our arrival in the community of Okanagan Falls. We settle into the cool grass under the shade of a waterfront park tree and enjoy lunch. This is a chance to rest for a few minutes, lighten the backpack load and recharge for the ride back to Penticton. We enjoy the leisurely feeding, then lay back to enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection and conversation. Keara encourages us to join her for another quick wade in Skaha Lake. The ride back includes another stop in Kaleden for another quick swim and even a bit of bird watching as we near Sickle Point just outside of Penticton. Back in the truck and headed home, I have some time to think as both Tracey and Keara doze. I recognize the KVR Trail for what it is: a connector. The KVR provides a means for us to travel from one part of our region to another, from one community to another. We talk as we ride. We communicate. We meet friends. We meet strangers — and we make them friends. But it is a connector in other ways as well. As we walk or cycle the trail, we find time to think. We breathe in fresh air. We visit with small birds and other critters that make their homes in the grasslands and antelope brush and stands of pine through which the trail winds. We bask in the warmth of a sunny day or relax under the cool caress of an evening breeze. And, as I’ve discovered today, we find time to be a family. Andrew Stuckey is an avid cyclist and hiker. He lives in the South Okanagan with his wife Tracey and three of their seven children.
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Oasis on my Doorstep By Lyndie Hill - Hoodoo Adventure Company Paddling along the quiet shores of Vaseux Lake I thank my lucky stars for the life I have landed myself in. It's a warm Spring Saturday morning and we have a birthday to celebrate in our Kayak Club, what a perfect day for it. As the groups heads north on the lake a beautiful doe and her fawn step down to the shoreline to take a drink and watch us as we cruise by; Denise gets extra close to the duo and I'm surprised that they don't run away, they must know it's her birthday. Spring is my favorite time to paddle this lake, the bird sanctuary is bustling, the turtles are out in the lagoons and it's a common occurrence to have a Bald Eagle snatch a fish right off the bow of your kayak; none of which are experiences we can have on lakes that allow motorized boats, but this lake is special to us all. As our Eco Guide finishes filling us in on the habitat of the endangered White-headed Woodpecker I
prepare the birthday cake and coffee I picked up from the cute little purple bakery in OK Falls. We all sing happy birthday and enjoy the warmth of the sun from our large "floatilla" we have rafted up by hanging onto each other's kayaks. The fishermen have a laugh at the site of us as they row past on their way to their not so secret "secret fishing hole". When everyone has had their fill of sugar and caffeine we are amped to finish our circumnavigation of the lake and head towards the south end where the salmon spawn under McIntyre Bluff. The return journey is much faster as the slight current from the Okanagan River pulls us towards the damn and past the lagoons. None of us can resist checking on the families of turtles sunning themselves on the logs as we pass by and we all comment on the warm air suddenly cooling as we meander under the bluff that exposes a high wall of granitic gneiss, shot through with thin
layers of quartz and other mineral veins that make this cliff the steepest and most dramatic in the Okanagan Valley. Our Guide shares with us that geologists suspect large ice sheets once completely overtopped the mountains in the region and likely were in excess of 3 kms thick. These same bluffs were also the site of a battle between the Shuswap and the Okanagan Indians. I close my eyes and imagine both scenes. When I open them, I am again thankful for this life. As we pack up the kayaks and shake hands with all of our friends, confirming the location of our next paddle date, I look back at the lake to make sure that we haven't left anything on the shore. The raw beauty of the area puts another smile on my face and I start my short drive home from the little oasis that has allowed me to escape to a whole other world nestled right on my doorstep.
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The Heart of Wine Country
OFWA.ca
From the shores of Skaha Lake to the tip of Vaseux Lake, our 12 award-winning wineries offer visitors spectacular scenery, unsurpassed winery experiences, and, of course, exceptional wines. We invite you to visit us this season to explore our region and discover why we truly are the heart of wine country.
Blue Mountain is distinctive in that all its wines are produced exclusively from estate-grown grapes, utilizing sustainable farming methods and winemaking practices.
Enjoy our 100% estate grown, small lot fermented, award winning wines, served in a 1920’s themed “Speakeasy” tasting room, with panoramic views of Skaha Lake and valley vineyards. 10 am - 6 pm Daily.
P. 250.497.8244 bluemountainwinery.com
P. 250.497.6957
krazelegz.com
Wine Experienced! Stunning views. Modern design. Art. Sculpture. New bistro serving lunch and dinner daily, indoors or on the patio.
P. 778.515.5550
liquiditywines.com
“Come, Sip, Stay – unleash your palate while experiencing unsurpassed views and seriously playful wines”
In traditional French burgundy style we focus on small case lots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir expressive of their unique place of origin.
Experience Noble Ridge award-winning wines - in our Tasting Room, picnic area, in the vineyard, delivered directly to your door (Wine Club).
Painted Rock’s new tasting room offers spectacular vineyard and lake views matched only by our line-up of award-winning wines.
P. 250.497.8553 info@mfvwines.com
P. 250.497.7945 nobleridge.com
P. 250.493.6809 paintedrock.ca
BC Winery of the Year winner producing some of British Columbia’s most unique, innovative and distinctive wines in the Okanagan.
Visit Synchromesh Wines for terroir driven, naturally produced Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Award winning and deliciously focussed!
Topshelf evolved from a sports oriented family. Len/Myra’s passion is”Vine to Wine”They believe everyone can enjoy a “Fine Wine”
Open daily, April - October 10 am - 5 pm for tastings and sales. Come and enjoy our lovely patio and newly opened Bistro!
P. 250.497.6162 stagshollowwinery.com
P. 250.535.1558 synchromeshwines.ca
P. 778.515.0099 topshelfwine.ca
P. 250.497.8919 wildgoosewinery.com
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2575 Green Lake Road, Okanagan Falls P. 250.497.8267 sylranch.com