The following information can be found under the Communities tab. We're in the process of creating
a page for each of the communities in the South Okanagan. We will be
updating these pages on a regular basis with information and details
specific to each area. The pages feature embedded links to websites that
offer services and/or more detailed information.
We welcome any comments and suggestions that you may have, and if you'd like your website to be added just let us know!
Okanagan Falls
Here you
will find detailed info and links for Okanagan Falls, a community that both of
us, with our respective families, call Home. This community has terrific
potential, something that has become more and more evident in the last few
years with many positive changes. We really believe big things will happen here
in the next few years.
Location
Okanagan Falls (otherwise known as OK Falls or The Falls) is
a small community located on the south shores of Skaha Lake, geographically
situated at the northern tip of the Sonorian Desert. With a population of approximately
2,500 people, Okanagan Falls is the largest community within Electoral Area D of
the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
The other communities that make up Area D are Twin Lakes, Kaleden, Marron Valley, Skaha Estates, Heritage Hills, Lakeshore Highlands, Apex, St. Andrews and Upper Carmi Road. The entire area covers over 900 square kilometers and in total is home to nearly 6,000 residents.
Okanagan Falls is only 16 kilometers south of the City of Penticton and the Penticton Regional Airport.
History
Okanagan Falls was originally known as Dogtown from the Okanagan Indian word Skaha (meaning dog), which is how the lake eventually got its name.
The obvious question that tourists and newcomers have
is “Where are the water falls?” The easy answer is: they’re gone! In the 1950s the falls were
reduced with the construction of the dam that controls the waters that flow
into the Okanagan River.
Amenities
The OK Falls area is home to 13 wineries, and in our opinion, produces some of the finest white wines in the South Okanagan. Many of these wineries have a very interesting history and are well worth exploring and to experience the amazing settings, views and most importantly taste the award-winning wines!
The
largest winery in Okanagan Falls is See Ya Later Ranch, which is on Hawthorne
Mountain (a north facing slope which is rare when it comes to vineyards).
Hawthorne Mountain is home to the largest planting of Gewürztraminer in
North America!
OK Falls is part of School District #53 and home to the Okanagan Falls Elementary Science Focus School (Kindergarten – Grade 7). It’s a great school due to its small class sizes and excellent sports program. It’s also home to the StrongStart center, OK Falls mini school and out-of-school care.
Right beside the school gymnasium is the OK Falls Parks and Recreation office and across the street is the new Zen & Fitness Center – a great place to sign up for a variety of activities for all ages.
The IGA is conveniently located on Highway 97 (and a short
walk from the beach). It has a great in-store bakery, deli and butcher.
At the other end of town, Keogan Sports Park is located at
the end of Cedar Street, just past the school. This newly developed 10-acre
park offers two ball diamonds, a skateboard park, a cricket pitch, picnic
tables and washrooms. This park is such a great addition to the community,
providing space for young teams to practice and play.
Lions Gardens is a three-acre nature park located on the
south shore of Skaha Lake. These gardens are the trailhead for the trestle bridge
and the KVR trail - travel on this by foot or bicycle all the way to Kaleden
and Pentcton beyond!
The trestle is a hot spot in the summer for people brave enough to jump off for a swim and a good spot for fishing too. Lions Gardens are a beautiful place to relax, take in the scenery and watch wildlife in the natural pond.
Nearby Kenyon Park is also located on the shores of Skaha
Lake. It’s a two-acre park that is absolutely perfect for families, with a
sandy beach, shallow shoreline(excellent for kids), shade trees, picnic tables,
washrooms, and newly upgraded playground equipment. The Kenyon House is an on-site
building that can be rented for BBQs or gatherings. The land adjacent to the park was purchased
in 2010 by the community to extend the park and a children’s waterpark will is
in the works. Christie Memorial allows dogs and there is a designated beach
area specifically for pets.
Places to Stay
In addition to the accommodations listed below, there are numerous properties in the area that owners rent on a vacation basis. If you’re looking to stay in a condo-type environment check out Okanagan Paradise Resorts.
Holiday Beach Motel – newly renovated and right across the street from the lake.
La Villa Motel – quaint, Spanish style motel just a stone’s throw from the lake.
Big Horn Ridge Guesthouse – gorgeous adobe-styled guesthouse with amazing views!
Okanagan Falls Provincial Park – riverside campground with 25 sites, walking distance to town and the beach.
Sun and Sand RV Park – located right on Skaha Lake with a private dock.
Playa Okanagan RV Park – just up the road from the beach and easy access to Highway 97.
Things to Do
Okanagan Falls Heritage House and Museum – take a walk through the Bassett House to see what life was like over 100 years ago. Located on Highway 97.
Tickleberry’s – to some, Tickleberry’s is what put OK Falls on the map. This ice cream shop offers a huge variety of ice cream, chocolate-covered dried fruits and a quaint gift shop. It’s a destination for thousands throughout the summer! It’s at the south end of town in Highway 97.
Okanagan Falls Regional Library – offering a large variety of books and internet access. Located on Highway 97
Wine Tours – OK Falls is in the heart of wine country – check out the local OK Falls wine association page while planning your next visit. It offers great information on the local wineries and a winery map for the area.
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park - travel 10 minutes north on
Eastside Road to world-renowned rock climbing! Offering the longest and
sunniest climbing season in Canada, this is a mecca for climbers and hikers. If
you’re new to climbing contact Skaha Rock Adventures for a professional guide
and instructor. To keep up to date on what’s happening at the bluffs refer to www.Skaha.org.
(If you are exploring the bluffs, look for Jaclyn on the crag, it’s one of her
favorite pastimes!)
The Future
Okanagan Falls is fortunate to have an abundance of industrial land. The former Weyerhauser Sawmill site is the largest industrial zoned land parcel in the Okanagan Valley. A portion of this site is home to Structurlam, a manufacturer of high quality cross-laminated timber.
Construction is underway on the new Okanagan Falls Wastewater Treatment Facility. This $11.5 million state-of-the-art facility is slated to be completed in November 2012. This facility is an expansion and will assist in protecting the community’s water supply as well as for future development and growth.
The
planning is in process for the extention of the KVR trail south of OK
Falls, which would include a new footbridge over the Okanagan River. The
Regional District is looking for input on the Regional Trails Master
Plan, to have your say, complete the questionnaire.
To keep up to date on what’s happening in and around Okanagan Falls, check out the local publication ‘Skaha Matters’. This free monthly newsletter is delivered to all resident’s, it contains community news for Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, Heritage Hills, Twin Lakes and St. Andrews. All issues are available online too!
Okanagan Falls now has an Economic Development Office and is currently at the crossroads of change, with the recent creation of an Economic Development Action Plan. Positive change is happening in “The Falls!”
