to purchase as much fresh produce as you like. The growing season here is much the same as Osoyoos with fresh fruit being available from June to early October.
Whether you pre-plan your trip or just play it by ear, there is something for everyone in Oliver. How about some windsurfing, fishing, or canoeing on nearby Lake Tuc El Nuit. You can play a few rounds of golf on one of the two championship golf courses or hike and/ or bike the several trails in and around the area.
For the more relaxed among you, there’s always bird watching. The Oliver area has a wide variety of accessible terrain, from dry desert sagebrush to sub alpine tundra. There are wetlands, grasslands, forests and mountain meadows to provide ideal nesting and resting habitat for birds that make this their home. Oliver’s Golden Mile Trail, full of wineries, is also part of the National Bluebird Trail.
If you get tired of wine and birds and fresh produce and beautiful scenery, you can visit some of the artisans and craftspeople that thrive in this area. Visit local galleries and studios to check out some of their fantastic handworks. A great festival showcasing local artisans is the Summer Studio at the Quail’s Nest Art Centre.
History buffs can visit the Oliver and District Museum to find out more about the origins of this arid town-site or pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of Oliver’s historic buildings. Go from the old town site of Fairview, Oliver’s predecessor, to the Old Haynes Ranch site south of town for a glimpse into British Columbia’s historic past. If your interests turn to theatre and music, take in the various music genres on Thursday evenings throughout the summer at the Lions Park or enjoy the outdoor concert series from May to September at Tinhorn Creek Winery. Set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre, the series offers an amazing way for the
HIDDEN CHAPEL WINERY Visit our cheery tasting room, unique under-
ground cellar & fi nally, the Hidden Chapel nestled in the pines surrounded by lush gardens. You will enjoy your winetasting experience at Hidden Chapel Winery! Tasting is Believing!
9756 Pinehill Rd (382nd Ave), Oliver. ph. 250.490.6000 Open Daily, 11am-5pm, Apr-Oct. Extended hrs in summer
www.hiddenchapelwinery.com @HCWinery Hidden Chapel Winery
SUMMER 2012 | 19
entire family to spend and evening and enjoy music in a serene setting among the slopes of the valley.
Once you’ve spent some time in Oliver, its time to head to the town of Okanagan Falls, about 20 km up the road. There are no falls here, but there are some great wineries and some special places to visit. Just before you get to the town is Vaseux Lake Provincial Park. There is a surprisingly large number of rare wildlife species in this small park. Keep watch for California bighorn sheep, badgers and the Pallid bat. The park is a birder’s paradise and there are six types of reptiles in the park including the night snake, which is the rarest snake in Canada. Waterfowl include Canada geese, trumpeter swans, blue-winged teal, widgeons and wood ducks. The birds share the area with toads, turtles, beavers, muskrats, rabbits and deer.
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, drive straight to Tick- leberry’s. Tickleberry’s is a must-go-to destination in
THINGS TO DO IN OLIVER
From the Festival of the Grape to the Half Iron Man triathlon, there are plenty of things going on in Oliver and lots to do.
destinations.
September - every Saturday morning.
Meyer Family Vineyards Okanagan Falls
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