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History
The townsite of Naramata was founded by John Moore Robinson, who started the fruit industry in this part of the Okanagan Valley and also founded the townships of nearby Peachland and Summerland. Robinson named the town Naramata, meaning the Smile of the Manitou, after Naramattah, the wife of the great Sioux Indian Chief Big Moose.
In the early days, Naramata could only be reached by paddlewheeler, until a horse and carriage road was driven through in 1910, connecting the community to the village of Penticton to the south. In 1915, Naramata became a stop on the new Kettle Valley Railway, bringing prosperity to the previously remote community.
With no road access from the north, Naramata is only visited by those who want to be there. The town offers peace and serenity in all seasons, with spectacular gold Okanagan sunsets and the splendour of the moonlight glistening on Okanagan Lake.
Location
Naramata Village is 15 kilometres (10 miles) north of Penticton on the eastern side of Okanagan Lake. It is a 5 hour drive from Vancouver (400 kilometres/250 miles), and approximately 8 hours from Calgary (700 kilometres/420 miles).
Direct daily scheduled flights are available to Penticton from Vancouver and Calgary, and to Kelowna from Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Check with Air Canada, Horizon Air, Coastal Pacific or WestJet for details.
Places to See
- The Naramata Heritage Museum
The exhibits display the early days in Naramata: fruit growing, early farm equipment and artifacts, cultural history - including Naramata's Canadian Players theatre company of the 1930s, the still-active Naramata Community Choir, and a fine collection of vintage photographs and documents.
Open from May to October, Fridays to Sundays, 2:00 – 4:00 pm or by appointment.
- Manitou Park & Beach
On the southside of the village, Manitou Park is a wonderful spot to relax or play. The park includes grassy areas, a playground, ball fields, picnic tables, changerooms, washrooms, horseshoe pitch, volleyball court, and a family beach. Dogs are welcome on an adjoining beach - just south of Manitou Park Beach.
- Vineyards
With the rolling hills, meandering country roads, and shimmering lake there is little doubt that Naramata has the prettiest vineyard landscape in North America.
- Giant's Head
This is your focal point looking west across Okanagan Lake towards Summerland, and its sphinx-like pose is reminiscent of Egyptian monuments. Whether you see a giant's head or a majestic sphinx, it is one of the most wonderful views around.
- Wharf Park
This is also the original site of the Old Dock at Mill Bay. Browse through photos at the Museum or the Heritage Inn. You will see pictures of the wharf that serviced the fruit industry and community for decades. This old dock has been replaced and the park beautified with pathways. Great views of serene Mill Bay and Okanagan Lake looking north.
- The McCulloch Trestle
Built in 2002, the trestle along the KVR Trail is reminiscent of the railway's famous timber bridges. The trestle is a wonderful vantage point to view the valley and its vineyards. The trestle is about a 40 minute walk from downtown Penticton and is located near several wineries. From the trestle, the trail heads north to Little Tunnel (13 kilometres) and beyond.
- The Little Tunnel
It's actually not that small and from this spot, Naramata spreads below you. One of the only tunnels on the historic Kettle Valley Railway that can be reached by car, the expansive southern view will thrill you as you enter the tunnel and will reward you with a fabulous view to the north when you emerge from the other end.
- Kettle Valley Railway
The trail starts in Penticton, on Vancouver Hill, and crosses over Naramata Road just before Hillside Estate Winery. The incredibly scenic trail meanders through vineyards, orchards, across the McCullough Trestle and takes you north to Naramata. The trail follows along above Naramata Road all the way past Naramata Village to the Little Tunnel, on to the larger tunnels, all the way to Kelowna- across the sidehills, through forests-high above the valley floor. Hike, bike, or cross-country ski this trail seasonally. Vehicles, horses, and ATVs are permitted, but please respect those traveling on foot. Allow yourself a few hours to reach the first tunnel, visible from the village. Magnificent rockery and scenery will awe you on this pleasant grade, which all ages can easily access.
- The Labyrinth
A conference and retreat facility affiliated with the United Church of Canada, the outdoor labyrinth is a large walking meditation circle built of grass and landscaping stone pathways. It is located beside the post and beam Chalmers Chapel, which is a quiet place for worship or meditation.
Things to Do
- Skiing / Snowshoeing
Winter provides kilometres of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Downhill and snowboard skiing is available an hour away at the ski resorts at Apex Mountain Resort, Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort.
- Swimming / Kayaking
The beautiful sandy beaches of Okanagan lake and Kalamalka Lake provide great freshwater swimming and boating in summer - great family vacations in quiet lakefront cabins or quaint lakeside cottages. Manitou Beach is a popular local beach.
Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities on Okanagan Lake.
- Hiking
The hiking trails above Naramata are popular with naturalists and photographers for the good bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and unspoiled habitat. Local stables also allow you to explore the countryside around Naramata on horseback.
Events
- The Green Village Carnival
Come party at the Green Village Carnival! See "Houdini" the live owl and learn about local species at risk. Live, laugh, and learn. There are excellent and educational games for the kids, prizes galore, an interactive Centre Stage Show, and a Silent Auction for global goodies. All proceeds go to the school PAC for equipment, supplies, and school programs. Admission is $4 per person or $15 per family.
- Spring Festival
This festival is for seniors and young people and includes over 50 spiritual, holistic, and environmental workshops. Cost is $155 for the weekend and takes place at the Naramata Centre.
- Naramata Community Market
Come to the Community Market at Wharf Park each Wednesday from June 4th through to September 10th. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious prepared foods, and unique crafts at Naramata's weekly community market.
- Annual Naramata Centre Rolling Dinner Party
A celebration of gratitude rolling across Alberta, BC, and beyond. An evening of community, thanksgiving, and fundraising for the Naramata Centre. Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by the Centre's renowned chef team. For more information or tickets, call the Naramata Centre office.
Contact Information
Discover Naramata
Box 164
Naramata, BC V0H 1N0
E-mail: info@discovernaramata.com
Website: www.discovernaramata.com/
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