Discover the rugged charm of the Similkameen Valley, nestled in British Columbia’s sun-drenched southern interior. This oasis of natural beauty is a treasure trove of scenic landscapes, with its 49 lakes and rivers offering endless adventures and outdoor exploration.
While the expansive mountain views are breathtaking, the valley’s communities are warm and close-knit. In Keremeos, you’ll find yourself amidst a bounty of fresh fruit, earning it the title of ‘Fruit Stand Capital of Canada.’ Just a short distance away, Cawston stands out for its dedication to organic farming. Whether you’re camping under the stars, hiking through majestic trails, or savoring exquisite wines, the region’s commitment to sustainability ensures an unforgettable and transformative experience.
The best part of travel is the education gained through exploration. The Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos should be one of your first stops. Established in 1877, this historic water-powered mill was originally built to grind locally-grown wheat into flour for settlers, First Nations, and miners. Visiting the mill offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past and the craftsmanship that shaped its early days.
“This place is the oldest settler building in the Similkameen Valley. We’re a heritage site, an event space, and a restaurant—we’re a lot of things,” says Chris Matheson, general manager of the Grist Mill and Gardens.
Today, it’s a must-visit destination to catch a glimpse of the mill and to take in some of the programming including workshops, live concerts, a gift shop, and creek-side RV camping.
“The structure was built from whole logs, dragged down from the local hillsides. It took about a year to build with hand tools. It produces flour every day of the year even 150 years later,” says Matheson
Time-travel to the past by taking a stroll inside the Grist Mill Museum where you can read, learn, and see some artifacts of a time long past. A stroll through their gorgeous floral gardens will fill you with a sense of serenity and calm. Also, make sure to try their homemade scones using flour milled at the Grist Mill!
“We want this to be a really hands-on experience so they get a chance to try things and bake with our flour. They get a chance to explore our gardens which are full of heritage varieties, and take in the many events and activities that we have here,” says Matheson.
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In Keremeos, there’s a feeling of romance in the air. With Equines and Wine, wine lovers will embark on an adventure that is unique to the Similkameen Valley. Hopping on a horse, you can leisurely experience up to five vineyards with Steve Roche and Kim Thomas.
“It started by accident. We had nothing to do on a Sunday so we decided to do a horseback wine tour and put pictures up on social media. Next thing you know, people were loving it. So, we figured that we’d use that to save some horses and use rescues to start a little business,” says Roche, who is originally from South Africa.
The dynamic duo and real-life couple combine their 25-plus years of wine industry expertise and over four decades of equestrian knowledge to the tour.
Fret not, if you have no experience riding a horse! Steve and Kim will patiently guide you through the experience with the help of their gentle horses.
On a sunny late summer day, I was paired up with Wally and made my way 150 metres down the road from The Grist Mill. That’s where I got to visit the Hugging Tree Winery before taking a brief stop at the Farm Store for a light snack.
“There is so much that the Similkameen Valley has to offer. Just stop off and figure it out,” says Roche. “We have a community feeling here. Everybody cares about everybody else. It’s got an old kind of farm-y community and neighbours help each other out.”
And that tight-knit community includes many vineyards including Orofino Winery in Cawston, which is one of the stops on the tour.
It’s Canada’s first strawbale winery with a focus on sustainability. The eco-friendly building keeps the barrel room cool and the solar-powered facility ensures that you have peace of mind with every sip.
Founded by John and Virginia Weber, they have dedicated over 19 years to producing delicious wines by working with Similkameen’s micro terroirs. A tasting will take you through a variety of unforgettable red, white, and rosé wines
“We focus on single vineyard wines made from grapes grown entirely in our valley. We own our own vineyards about 20 acres and we source from other local farmers,” says co-owner Virginia Weber.
And if you want to spend the night, Orofino Winery has on-site accommodations with a variety of suites and a guest house.
“The Valley and the people here are very hardworking farming people who really care about the earth and our valley and looking after it,” says Weber. “And farming and making a product that is thoughtful, conscientious and of great quality,” Weber continues.
Simply put, the Similkameen Valley is a beauty. It’s just a beautiful half-hour drive from the South Okanagan, making a perfect local escape.
But don’t take just my word for it, The Grist Mill’s Chris Matheson put it best:
“This valley is rugged, rustic and it’s just so real. It has this magic that I haven’t found anywhere else.”