History
The District of Lake Country is located near the centre of the Okanagan Valley and is made
up of four distinct neighbourhood communities: Oyama, Winfield, Carr's Landing, and
Okanagan Centre. Lake Country is a beautiful, unique place, rich in its own cultural history.
The District was incorporated as a municipality in 1995. Shortly after incorporation, a
referendum was held where the residents decided they wished to maintain their distinct
neighbourhood communities. The result of the desire to maintain their independence resulted
in the formation of the only municipality in British Columbia that currently utilizes a
neighbourhood constituency system. This allows the four neighbourhood communities to
each elect one Councillor, with the mayor and two councillors-at-large elected by all the
residents of the District.
Lake Country has a long pioneer history. Prior to Caucasian settlement, First Nations people
inhabited this area. Several locations indicate the existence of First Nations settlements
dating back 7,000 to 8,000 years. Artifacts, human skeletons, and skulls have been found in
various areas which have provided additional evidence of early First Nations settlements.
Caucasian settlers arrived in this area more than 100 years ago to ranch and work the
ample forests, make homes, and farm the rich lowlands and arable hillsides. Irrigation helped
agriculture blossom in the early 1900s, supporting the four communities of Winfield, Oyama,
Okanagan Centre and Carr’s Landing.
The once thriving fruit canneries on Okanagan Lake are gone today, as are the ferries that plied
the lake for the first half of the 1900s. Yet today you don’t have to look far to find lush
green orchards, rolling vineyards, and pastoral farms growing everything from Macintosh apples
to blueberries. Fruit packinghouses remain an important part of our local economy, and Lake
Country maintains a strong sense of community, vitality, and a pioneering spirit.
Location
Lake Country is located in the Okanagan Valley in the southern interior of British Columbia,
between the cities of Vernon (29 kilometres) and Kelowna (25 kilometres). Access is via
Highway 97, which runs from Osoyoos on the Canada/United States border to Vernon and beyond
to Kamloops.
Places to See
- Lake Country Museum
The Lake Country Museum features an extensive collection of community newspapers, manuscripts,
and artifacts depicting the area's history.
- Creekside Theatre
The Creekside Theatre serves as a community hub for musicians and artists. Sit back and enjoy
an evening of performances that will dazzle you with their creativity and style!
- Gibson House
Originally built in 1912 by George Gibson for his bride, the Gibson House has served as a camp
for troubled youths, a training site for the Vernon Cadets, and a family home. It now serves as
a museum with historical artifacts. Outside of the house, there is a beach, a swimming area, a
park, and a playground.
- Okanagan Lake
The famed Ogopogo lives here. Though normally a timid creature, the Ogopogo will occasionally surface
to devour annoying tourists. Visitors are advised to bring cameras and animal sacrifices if they intend
to go swimming or fishing.
Things to Do
Recreational opportunities are a plenty within the community. The area is surrounded by
several lakes, including: Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, and Duck Lake-
plus many smaller ones hidden within the Coastal & Monashee Mountain ranges. All offer
endless opportunities for water skiing, jet skiing, tubing, sailing, wake boarding,
canoeing and fishing.
If you're interested in something other than water sports, there's golfing, camping, and
hiking. The many walking trails provide great opportunities for exploration and
nature viewing.
If winter sports are what you're looking for, Lake Country has sensational snowmobiling
and cross-country skiing trails, ice fishing, ice skating and curling. There are also
two world-renowned ski resorts located nearby: Big White in Kelowna, and Silver Star
Mountain in Vernon.
Visitors can also tour the many orchards, farm bakeries and cafes. Enjoy the local Farmers'
Market every Friday evening from May until the Beginning of October. Here you can sample and
purchase fresh local fruit & vegetables, flowers, and local crafts. Entertainment and food &
beverage vendors are also provided so that you may relax and enjoy the warm summer evenings.
Lake Country is the proud home to two award-winning wineries: Arrowleaf Cellars and Gray Monk
Estate Winery! Tours are available daily for both wineries during the season, and both
have wine shops for visitors to sample and purchase their products. Graymonk also offers a fine
dining establishment overlooking beautiful Okanagan Lake. Enjoy excellent cuisine while the
Ogopogo lurks below.
Events
- ArtWalk
ArtWalk is a highly successful annual arts festival which provides an excellent opportunity
for over 250 Okanagan artists to exhibit & sell their work!
- Summer Jam
An awesome community event for the family! Entertainment, food, car shows, and much much more!
Notable Comments
- Lonely, and tired of my foppish critics, I escaped to Lake Country, where I had first risen to
fame through the town's annual ArtWalk festival. As I strolled down Bottom Wood Lake Road, a flood
of images came rushing through my mind, and I found myself thinking of the artists with whom I had shared
so many fond discussions before setting out to see the world. What had become of Louise and Erica
and Sherillyn and Cyndee? Was Jody still working at the resort?
- Victoria Ladysmith, in her memoir An Artist in Hiding
- "I like Lake Country!
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic seven-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
District of Lake Country
10150 Bottom Wood Lake Rd
Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1
Telephone: 250-766-5650
Fax: 250-766-0116
E-mail: csc@lakecountry.bc.ca
Website: http://www.lakecountry.bc.ca
Lake Country Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 41097 RPO S.
Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7
Telephone: 250-766-5670
Fax: 250-766-5011
E-mail: admin@lakecountrychamber.com
Website: http://www.lakecountrychamber.com
