Similkameen Valley

A visit to the Similkameen Valley is a bit of a time shift. It’s a place where you can actually feel like the past lives on in its present and most likely will shape its future. In fact, Tourism Similkameen sums up the valley in three modest words: Rugged, Rustic, Real.

As you drive along the Crowsnest Highway south of Penticton, the winding Similkameen River breathes life into the steep terrain of mountains and rolling grasslands that harken back to a simpler era, where life didn’t seem so pressed. 

The prospect of getting rich drew hopefuls during the gold rush era to pan for the precious metal along the river’s shores. And the waterway still attracts people to sift along its edges for a nugget or two. What most people find doesn’t amount to much more than a souvenir. 

But the water is the area’s life blood and settlers were able to harness its gifts to establish ranches and farms, then orchards and eventually vineyards, as the climate and soil proved ideal to feed the fertile lands.

  What remains true today is the fact that the area is a boon for agricultural growth. 

The Similkameen Valley is considered the Organic Capital of Canada, as well as the Fruit Stand Capital. Indeed, you needn’t go very far to find an abundance of fresh produce grown without the need for pesticides. 

The area enjoys a dry, breezy climate that helps keeps farmland free of insects, rot and mildew, which makes it highly suitable for organic growing.

In addition, it is increasingly being recognized as an emerging wine region and is one of the province’s Geographical Indications, with 15-plus wineries making both grape and fruit products in the bottle. Most are concentrated in the Keremeos-Cawston area. They’ll make you think twice about what is possible with the region’s bounty.

The Similkameen boasts scores of accessible fishing lakes along with the remote backcountry terrain of Cathedral Provincial Park, a major attraction to adventure seekers looking for unparalleled experiences and breathtaking views. History buffs will be drawn to the old frontier-like atmosphere and landscape.