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Okanagan
Falls
Okanagan
Falls is approximately 20 km (12 miles) south of Penticton
and about 21 km (12.5 miles) north of Oliver
on Hwy 97.
Located
on Beautiful Skaha Lake
The town is located at the very south end of beautiful Skaha Lake
where the Okanagan River begins to flow further south into the Okanagan
Valley. Okanagan Falls was named after a set of falls that used
to be located here, but disappeared when a weir was installed to
control the flow of the Okanagan River.
On
Hwy 97
Okanagan Falls is a small community comprised of a small downtown
situated on Hwy 97 as you pass through. Located here are a hotel,
legion, gas station, condominiums, various antique stores, a liquor
outlet and a large new IGA grocery store.
Okanagan
Falls Provincial Park
There is also a provincial park located just past the weir called
Okanagan Falls Provincial Park. Campground facilities are available
at the park but this is a non-reserve site so be prepared to wait
in line - it can be popular.
Beautiful
Beach at Christie Memorial Park
Close by you will find a three-hectare provincial park called Christie
Memorial Park. If you need a place to relax, the park offers 150
metres (492 feet) of white sandy beach, a day-use/picnic area and
public washrooms.
Local
Pier
There is even a boat launch available located close by at the end
of Main Street. If you want to try your luck at fishing, there is
a local pier available to the public. This is a very popular park
and you will really enjoy the swimming and recreation possibilities
available.
Kettle
Valley Railway Trail
While at the park if you look to the west you'll notice an impressive
trestle that crosses the lake. This is the Okanagan Falls Trestle
that is used for recreational use along the Kettle Valley Railway
Trail.
KVR
to Penticton
If you wish you can take the KVR north all the way to Kaleden
and beyond to Penticton. The trail follows
the shore of Skaha Lake and offers incredible views of the vineyards
and lake around Okanagan Falls.
South
to Vaseux Lake
Please note the KVR does continue south from here along the Okanagan
River for one km (.6 mile) or so. Eventually though, the trail fades
out and you will not be able to cross at the Okanagan River. The
KVR route does pick up on the south side of Vaseux
Lake at McAlpine Bridge and Hwy 97, but you will either have
to take Hwy 97 or Oliver Ranch Road south
to Vaseux Lake.
Golden
Mile in Oliver
If you're on your way to the Golden Mile in Oliver
or Osoyoos, make a point of stopping in
at Okanagan Falls. With five conveniently located wineries your
tour becomes even more complete.
Take
Corkscrew Drive for Your Wine Tour
Nicknamed the Corkscrew Drive, the tour will guide you from Blasted
Church Winery located on Eastside Road overlooking Skaha Lake to
the wineries overlooking Vaseux Lake.
Panoramic
Views of the Okanagan Valley
Please remember your camera, the vineyards and the panoramic views
of the Okanagan Valley are awe-inspiring. If you happen to be doing
the KVR or a bike route this makes a better route than Hwy 97.
Oliver
Ranch Road
Going north from Oliver, once you're at
Vaseux Lake, look for Oliver Ranch
Road near the Provincial Park, turn here, the adventure begins.
Coming from Penticton, Eastside Road
meanders down Skaha Lake eventually to Okanagan Falls. Once here
the road makes a large curve and turns into 7th Avenue, look for
Maple Street. Continue on Maple, this will eventually turn into
Oliver Ranch Road.
Tickleberry's
has 265 Different Kinds of Ice Cream
If you're passing through Okanagan Falls on Hwy 97, one store that
has passed the test of time has to be Tickleberry's. Well known
throughout the Okanagan Valley, Tickleberry's can offer you perhaps
the best selection of ice cream in the Okanagan Valley with, at
last count, 265 different kinds.
Antiques
and Curios
Okanagan Falls throughout the years has always been a place to find
collectibles. If you're collecting or would like to browse check
out the antique and curio stores located on Main Street as you go
through town.
Okanagan
Falls Flea and Farmers' Market
There is also the Okanagan Falls Flea and Farmers' Market located
on Hwy 97 near the MarketPlace IGA. This is the largest flea market
in the Okanagan that begins once the snow has cleared off the ground
and operating every Friday, Saturday, Sunday plus the holidays until
the late fall. For more info, contact (250) 497-5762.
Accommodation
If you need a place to stay, there are RV parks and motels located
just off the highway towards Skaha Lake.
Information
on Okanagan Falls
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