History
Originally known as Slahaltkan, a First Nations word meaning "meeting of the winds", the farming community of Falkland was named after English Colonel Falkland G.E. Warren of the Royal Horse Artillery, an early pioneer who made his home in the valley in 1893 and established a post office. The Falkland Valley was originally settled by homesteaders who established farming and ranching in the area, with farms, ranches, markets, and roadside stalls widespread in the valley today.
Forestry is the mainstay of the Falkland economy, supported by agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, tourism and service industries. Agricultural crops include forage, grains, and vegetables, while apples, plums, and cherry trees are common in yards and gardens.
Location
Falkland is located on Highway 97 in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Although situated on the edges of the Okanagan and Shuswap regions of the Thompson Okanagan, Falkland is closer to the North Okanagan area. Access to Falkland is along Highway 97, 72 kilometres (45 miles) from Kamloops in the west and 42 kilometres (26 miles) from Vernon in the east.
The community rests at the confluence of three valleys and is guarded by two mountains: Tuktakamin (5811 ft./1771 m,) and Estekawalan (5960 ft./1817 m). It is at the junction of Bolean Creek and the Salmon River.
Places to See
- Falkland and District Heritage Park Museum
Step back in time and discover the history and lifestyles of area communities and pioneering families. The artifacts and archival documents you will see have been generously donated in trust to the Falkland Historical Society by residents and former residents of Falkland and Westwold, Falkland Community Association, and local clubs and organizations.
- Blacksmith Cabin
The blacksmith cabin now houses some of the original forging equipment used to repair and fabricate mining parts. Forging and repair were also done for local loggers', farmer's and horse equipment. The covered open air display area on the heritage park site originally housed the gypsum mine blacksmith shop.
- Gypsum Mine Ruins
The gypsum mine was claim staked in the late 1800s, and during the early part of the century the mine was the main employer and an important factor in the development of the Falkland town site. A 3500 foot aerial conveyor cable system ran on wooden cable towers from the upper quarry and terminal one half mile up the mountain to the lower three story terminal structure for loading gypsum on to the CNR hopper cars.
- Pillar Lake
No trip to Falkland is complete without stopping at Pillar Lake. Hikers, rockhounds, photographers, and nature lovers will enjoy The Pillar, a 90-foot unique geological conglomerate of dirt and rock that can be reached via a short hike. A giant bony finger, the Falkland hoodoo, points skyward, balancing a precariously perched eight-tonne boulder on its tip.
- Monte Creek Provincial Park
This tiny park protects an area of treed river riparian, with grassland highly disturbed by previous agriculture, on the South Thompson River. The area is a documented archaeological site in the history of the Shuswap First Nations. Note that no camping or day-use facilities are provided.
Things to Do
- Fishing
The Falkland area is a haven for fishermen, with excellent fishing on 10 lakes within 16 kilometres (10 miles) of Falkland. Many are full of rainbow trout.
- Hiking
If you enjoy longer walks, try the hike up Tuktakamin Mountain. Once you're at the top, the view is incredible. Estekawalan Mountain Trail on the east side is another good hike. The elevation is about the same as Tuktakamin Mountain - around 168-1800 metres.
- Mountain Biking
The backroads and forested hills surrounding Falkland provide plenty of opportunities for mountain biking and outdoor adventure in the summer, and snowmobiling in the winter.
- Golf
There are two golf courses in Salmon Arm - The Salmon Arm Golf Club and Sonseekers Ridge Golf Course - as well as nine golf courses in nearby Kamloops and Vernon.
Events
- Falkland Stampede
For three days in May every year, Falkland hosts a pro rodeo. In addition to regular rodeo events, the town has a parade and a variety of family treats. A real crowd pleaser is cowboy poker, bull style, which takes place everyday.
- Annual Show and Shine
Featuring lots of splendid antique cars and trucks.
- Canada Day Celebrations
The highlight is a lighted parade down the mountain. There's also a parade of flags, a pancake breakfast, a community market, and games.
- Annual Picnic in the Park
A community picnic as well as a giant book sale, with lots of arts and crafts.
- Falkland Country Market
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables! May to Sept, on Sundays from 8am to 1pm.
Contact Information
Falkland Chamber of Commerce
Website: http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/FCOC9885/home.htm
Columbia Shuswap Tourism
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
781 Marine Park Drive NE
Box 978
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P1
E-mail: info@csrd.bc.ca
Website: www.shuswap.bc.ca
