You will be able to learn more about the Okanagan’s aboriginal culture with a visit to the Westbank First Nation’s Whispering Plants Garden, a collaborative endeavor between WFN community members and a University of British Columbia graduate student. The three year project included research and repatriation of plants and
miles of orchards and vineyards with spectacular views of Okanagan Lake. The Great Train Robbery staged by the Garnett Valley Gang also plays out a number of times over the summer as masked bandits rob passengers for local charities.
For a more relaxing excursion, head to the Penticton River Channel. This 7 km. (4 mile) long channel was created in the 1950’s to control fl ooding and water fl ow from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. People can bring their dingies, tubes and fl oaties here each summer for the 3 to 4 hour fl oat. Best of all its free, but if you do want to catch a ride back to the start at Riverside Drive it will cost you to board the Coyote Cruises bus.
Family cycling the Kettle Valley Trestles.
Stan Patty
medicines to a holding garden on reserve. A green house and several garden plots where WFN Elders and youth can work and learn together were also recently completed at Pine Acres Care facility. A traditional winter pit house is also a part of the complex to engage people in learning about authentic Okanagan/Syilx culture.
Who would think you would fi nd upwards of 80 exotic and in some cases endangered parrots in Peachland? You will by visiting Parrot Island, a unique rescue centre for abandoned and seized parrots. Visitors can get close to the birds, hear them sing and talk and generally interact with them. There is one hint, you might want to bring some ear plugs though!
More Okanagan history is on display in Summerland, home to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. A restored 1912 steam locomotive will carry you through ten
By now you have realized it gets hot and dry in the Okanagan in the summer, but did you know the far south end near Osoyoos is truly considered a desert. The antelope-brush ecosystem is home to 100 rare plants and some 300 invertebrates found only there. The Desert Centre is your window to understanding this unique phenomenon.
And for something way out there, visit the Princeton Air Show set for July 17th celebrating the town’s 150th birthday this summer. Warbirds like the B25 Mitchell bomber, P51 Mustang, Corsair and Harvard are all featured as are aerobatics and high performance planes. Entry is by donation.
Whether you are going north, south, east or west in the Thompson Okanagan, there is no shortage of interesting, entertaining and enjoyable activities or “gems” to experience and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
The more athletic may want to test their metal and abilities rock climbing or hiking the Skaha Bluffs just south of Penticton on the east side of Skaha Lake. Climbing routes like “The Belfry”, “Blackwater Fever” and “I’m Utterly Useless” will intrigue any climber and hikers can take a moderate hour-long trail to the peak through desert lands and sage brush.
West Kelowna's Newest Winery!
May to Oct 10-6 Nov to Apr 11-5
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2845 Boucherie Rd
West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2G6
P: 778-755-5550 F: 778-755-5595
E:
info@volcanichillswinery.com
Making the most of summer on the lake!
Don Weixl
For information call: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association 1-800-567-2275 or visit
HelloBC.com/tota
SUMMER 2010 | 23
TOTA FEATURE
OPEN
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