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History
In the 1800s, fur traders, prospectors, and white settlers began moving through this sun-drenched valley. Until then, it had been a traditional hunting ground and place for gathering the medicinal rock rose roots.
The U.S. claimed this area and all of B.C. north to 54 degrees until the treaty of 1846 set the 49th parallel as the border. But traffic and trade followed the river valleys north and south. When gold was discovered at Rock Creek in 1859, and U.S. miners came swarming into the region, Governor Douglas saw that an east-west route through the interior was vital for maintaining British control. He dispatched an energetic young engineer named Edgar Dewdney who hacked out a four-foot-wide road from Hope to Rock Creek in 1860; then with the discovery of gold at Wild Horse Creek in the Kootenays, Dewdney again tackled the task and pushed the Dewdney Trail on through the Midway valley in the spring of 1865.
By 1884, Midway had its first resident, a Mr. Henry Nicholson, and by 1889 Louis Eholt owned a thriving ranch on what is now the townsite of Midway, known then as the Eholts. A Montreal-based company bought this site for a smelter in 1892, but that plan fell through, and a year later the townsite was plotted. The new town's original name, Boundary City, was changed in 1894 to Midway.
In 1895, the first provincial policeman was posted here and in 1897 Canada Customs arrived. In 1900, Midway became the western terminus of the Columbia and Western Railway, (a subsidiary of the CPR). A copy of the Midway Advance Newspaper of June 17, 1901 carries advertising for five hotels, a meat market, drygoods store, pharmacy, bakery, wagon and carriage builder, stationery shop, sawmill, and a stagecoach company in the burgeoning little town.
The following decade saw feuding railroad companies, litigation, a series of railroad plans, short lived railroad ventures, and violence all centered in Midway. In November 1905, a pitched battle with shots fired was waged between CPR workers and a crew of the Vancouver, Victoria, and Eastern Railway (known as the Washington and Great Northern Railway in the U.S.) which was determined to run a line north from Spokane into Midway. Expropriation was granted the V.V. & E., and in 1905 Midway had its second railroad. Then on July 5, 1910, the sod was turned on yet another railroad venture - the Kettle Valley Line - to link Midwa to the west coast, with Andrew McCulloch as chief engineer. The first eastbound passenger train left Midway on May 31, 1915; the last passenger train on the Kettle Valley Line passed through Midway on January 17, 1964.
Today, although the tracks have been removed, you can still catch a glimpse of a bygone era. Stand on the original platform and imagine the hustle and bustle of the old train station, now converted into the Kettle Valley Museum.
Gold and the railroads shaped Midway's past; service industries, the lumber industry, and tourism shape Midway today.
Location
The Village of Midway is in a tranquil valley surrounded by protective mountains between the Okanagan and Kootenay regions of beautiful British Columbia. It is located in the breathtaking Kettle Valley on the scenic Crowsnest Highway (Highway #3) where the Kettle River meanders through the Canada - US border. Midway is BC's best-kept secret, with a semi-arid climate, close proximity to larger shopping areas, a border crossing, affordable housing, a safe and caring community, and the amenities of a larger city.
Midway is Mile 0 on the Kettle Valley Railway. The Canadian Pacific Railway was officially turned into the Trans-Canada Trail in 2000 and Midway is proudly a Gateway Community to the Trans-Canada Trail/Spirit of 2010 Trails.
Places to See
- Kettle River Museum
Located at "Mile O" of the Kettle Valley Railway, one of the Museum's main attractions is the original Station House. It was built in 1900 and currently houses exhibits commemorating the steam railway era of southern British Columbia and the British Columbia Provincial Police force. Set in a shaded picnic area adjacent to Highway 3, visitors can also climb aboard a restored Canadian Pacific Railway caboose and many other outdoor artifacts. The main museum houses interpretive exhibits on the Kettle River Valley's rich cultural heritage, along with a gift shop that showcases regional history and contemporary arts and crafts. Open daily, May to September.
- Entwined Trees
The trees were joined together by the Indians who camped in Midway, from America and the Okanagan, as a symbol. "Yet they are separated, be as one"; and they tied the trees together.
- Kettle River Inn
The Kettle River Inn was built in 1900 and was known as the (first) Midway Hotel.
- United Church
Built in 1905 by the Great Northern Railway Crew, an engineer donated the bell. John R. Jackson donated the land, and the Sunday School room was added in 1959.
- Mt. Baldy Ski Hill
If you're feeling adventurous, take a drive north to Mt. Baldy Ski Hill. A great place to picnic or hike in the summer, and great downhill or cross-country skiing in the winter makes this an exciting year-round destination.
Things to Do
- Bird Watching
Throughout the year bird-watchers visit the South Okanagan with the hopes of seeing some of the rare species that make the area their home. One ideal spot for naturalists is at Vaseaux Lake, located about 15 kilometres north of Oliver. Over 25 species of birds have their homes on the lake and the surrounding marshlands, which are a federal bird sanctuary. A wildlife interpretation center offers walking trails and a viewing blind.
The Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve and Osoyoos Oxbows Wildlife Management Area off Road 22 north of Osoyoos is another great spot for bird watching. You might be able to see Canada's smallest hummingbird or the rare Burrowing Owl, as well as bats, canyon wrens, sage thrashers, and the chukar partridge.
The area around Okanagan Falls Provincial Park is also a prime viewing ground for different birds, including a number of species of bats. Closer to town is Haynes Point Provincial Park, where trails take people into the marshlands to get closer to nature. The park naturalist at Haynes Point discusses the natural history of the area during the programs held each week at the park's amphitheatre.
- Golf
Golf is a popular past time for many residents and visitors to the South Okanagan. Several courses are in the area that can challenge golfers of all levels.
The Osoyoos Golf and Country Club features 36-holes and one excellent scenery, with a view of Osoyoos Lake and the valley.
- Hiking
Through the efforts of community organizations, agencies and government funding, a number of hiking trails have been developed in the South Okanagan in recent years. The volunteer efforts of many groups and dedicated individuals has resulted in the creation of the Pioneer Walkway along Highway 3 in East Osoyoos. It provides a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
For the more ambitious, there is a 3.5 kilometre interpretive trail along the abandoned irrigation ditch on Osoyoos' west bench. Access is gained near the Osoyoos Secondary School. The trail goes north along the West Bench to Highway 3. Future plans are to connect it with trails being developed by the Osoyoos Desert Centre.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts from around the world are able to enjoy the scenery of the Okanagan along the hiking and biking trail which runs from the north end of Osoyoos Lake to McAlpine Bridge north of Oliver. The 18.4 kilometre trail caters to both hikers and cyclists. It provides a unique access to many South Okanagan wineries as well as the ecological reserve and Osoyoos Oxbows wildlife management area. Access is off Road #22 north of Osoyoos Lake.
There are two marked trails on the top of Mount Kobau which take hikers along alpine meadows. The 5 kilometre-long Testalinden Trail has views of the Similkameen Valley and pauses near Testalinden Lake. The longer Kobau Look Out Trail takes hikers to the forestry lookout, which has a commanding view of the Okanagan Valley. The summit is about 20 kilometre from Highway 3. The access road to the summit begins at the top of Richter Pass.
There is a two kilometer trail through a marsh at Haynes Point Provincial Park. It provides the perfect venue for bird watching. Birders can also make use of a new boardwalk over the marsh on the north end of Vaseaux Lake. The boardwalk goes from the parking lot to a bird blind, allowing people to view various birds without being seen. Another trail provides a venue for viewing some of the vineyards of the South Okanagan, where world-renowned wines are produced. Developed by Tinhorn Creek Winery, the Golden Mile Trail offers a 10 kilometre and a 2 kilometre trail which takes hikers past the Tinhorn Creek gold mine ruins. The newest attraction in the highlands, called Boundary Country, is the Trapping Creek Discovery Tour. Explore three trails that demonstrate the efforts to restore a rainbow trout habitat in Trapping Creek.
- Experience the Kettle Valley Railway Trail Network
Stretching along 500 kilometres of scenic gravel track, the gentle 2.2% grade into Penticton travels through vineyards, orchards, and wineries, and offers unparalleled views of Okanagan Lake. This historic former railway is shared by the Trans-Canada Trail and is ideal for walking or cycling. Guided day/overnight excursions are also available.
Events
- Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is a perfect marriage of wine and culinary tourism. For the first four days in May each year, it offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. And what better way to announce the grape growing season than to hold a festival during bud break!
Guests can choose an incredible 100+ events throughout Okanagan Wine Country at a time of year when it is absolutely delightful to savour Spring in the warm sunshine. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival has been described as "one of Canada's best small festivals" and it is no wonder that its success continues to grow.
- Mt. Kobau Star Party
Local and visiting astronomers gather on Mount Kobau to explore the night sky all week long.
- Rock Creek Fall Fair
Located in south central British Columbia's Boundary Country, amongst the sun drenched mountains of the beautiful Kettle River Valley, The Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair is one of the last "true" country fairs. It is commonly referred to as "The biggest little country fair around". Bring the whole family to the exhibition for a fun-filled two day experience. Events include: cattle penning, lawnmower races, logger sports, horse events, and livestock competitions. The fall fair is held every September, on the second weekend after Labour Day.
Contact Information
Village of Miday Office
661 Eighth Avenue
PO Box 160
Midway, BC
V0H 1M0
Phone: (250) 449-2222
Fax: (250) 449-2258
E-mail: midwaybc@sunshinecable.com
Website: www.midwaybc.ca
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