Okanagan Falls
human settlement in British Columbia, Canada
Okanagan Falls is a community of about 2200 people (2016) in the Okanagan region of British Columbia on the shore of Skaha Lake, which provides many recreational opportunities. It is also close to Okanagan Falls Provincial Park.
Understand
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The namesake Okanagan Falls have long been submerged by the waters of Skaha Lake, which rose as a result of the construction of this small dam. The dam is just south of the bridge along Highway 97.
Get in
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Map of Okanagan Falls
The only way to get in (by land) is by car (or perhaps bike). There is no rail service, and the nearest airport is in Penticton about 15 minutes north. If you have your own boat, or want to rent one you can ride the length of Skaha Lake from Penticton.
Highway 97 runs through the town, from Penticton to the north and Oliver to the south. A nice alternative route is to take Eastside Road on the east side of Skaha Lake of Penticton.
Get around
editOkanagan Falls is a very small town. Riding a bike or walking around is sufficient.
By public transit
edit- BC Transit (South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System), toll-free: +1-844-442-2212. Offers local bus service in Penticton and to surrounding communities.
- Operates bus route 20 from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Okanagan Falls.
- Operates bus route 40 route from Monday to Friday between Penticton and Osoyoos with stops in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Travel time from Osoyoos is 45 minutes, from Oliver is 22 minutes, and from downtown Penticton is 43 minutes
See
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- 1 Peach Cliff. Is a dominant landmark to the east of Okanagan Falls. It consists of trachyte of Eocene age. Peach Cliff is home to herds of mule deer and a sizeable herd of California bighorn sheep. Perched high on a spur of Peach Cliff is Balancing Rock, a large glacial erratic supported by a couple of granitic cobbles.
- 2 McIntyre Bluff (Indian Head or nʕaylintn) (southwest of Okanagan Falls). The ragged cliffs of Indian Head, one of the most unusual rock formations in the Okanagan. Consisting of dark volcanic rocks overlying a lighter conglomerate. This formation contains spectacular megabreccia, volcanic and plutonic rocks up to 70 m (230 ft) across and metamorphic rocks of up to 500 m (1,600 ft) across.
- 3 Mahoney Lake Ecological Reserve (south of Okanagan Falls). Is home to spectacular blooms of purple sulphur bacteria. This purple is contrasted by nearby Green Lake, which is coloured by the precipitation of calcium carbonates in the water column.
- 4 Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, 717 White Lake Rd. Open seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays for guided tours. Is a research facility founded in 1960 southwest of Okanagan Falls and Penticton. The site houses three instruments – an interferometric radio telescope, a 26 m (85 ft) single-dish antenna, and a solar flux monitor – and supports engineering laboratories. The DRAO is operated by the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics of the National Research Council of the Canadian government. The observatory was named an IEEE Milestone for first radio astronomical observations using VLBI.
Do
edit- Christie Memorial Park (on 7th Avenue on the south shore of Skaha Lake). Beach park with over an acre of soft sand. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches throughout the park. On the west side of the beach there are two full size beach volleyball courts. Lush grassy areas and large shade trees offer visitors a place to relax and enjoy the views. The Heritage Walkway runs along the entire waterfront. Public washrooms and change rooms are available. There is a dog beach, and pets on leash are allowed inside the park.
- 1 sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park (formerly named Okanagan Falls Provincial Park). It is within the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose ancestors have inhabited the lands and waters in their traditional territory. The park protects the area around the Okanagan Falls, which lie below the outlet of Skaha Lake in the course of the Okanagan River. The park occupies an area of two hectares. The park has deciduous trees and is an important site for the conservation of riparian vegetation. In the 1950s, non-native tree species like Chinese elm, Norway maple, red ash and Lombardy poplar were planted in the park. There is superb bird watching in the park. Rare species such as western wood pewees, American yellow warblers, northern orioles and least flycatchers are often spotted in the park. The park offers numerous nature-related activities such as wildlife viewing, nature study, and photography. The park also supports an astounding 18 species of bats, one of the highest concentrations in Canada. The park offers several activities, such as cycling and fishing, though for the latter permits are required. There are many trails in the park for hiking. There are also camping sites within the park.
Buy
editEat
edit- 1 Tickleberry's, 1279 Main Street (just off Hwy 97 near the end of OK Falls), ☏ +1 250-497-8862. Summer: daily 10AM-5PM. This place has great ice cream. It has over 60 flavours. They have a gift shop, sell fudge and candy, and there is also a mini-restaurant inside. Also, lots of picnic tables outside.
- 2 Liquidity Bistro, 4720 Allendale Rd, ☏ +1 778-515-5500, contact@liquiditybistro.com. Summer: M-F noon-8PM; Sa Su 11AM-8PM. Seasonal, sustainable food at the Liquidity Winery
- 3 Falls Restaurant, 1030 Main St, ☏ +1 778-515-5678. Chinese and Canadian food.
Drink
edit- 1 See Ya Later Ranch, 2575 Green Lake Rd, ☏ +1 250-497-8267. A local winery with award winning wines.
Sleep
edit- 1 Peachcliff B&B, 945 Peachcliff Dr, ☏ +1 250-497-7973, peachcliff.bb@gmail.com. Cliffside home featuring direct access to nature trails. Non-smoking, no pets. $115 per night.
There are hotels 15 km away in Penticton.
