Lumby

Located in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia the winds and semi-arid climate have made the Lumby Valley and area famous for Hang Gliding and Paragliding. For those who prefer activities on terra ferma however, there are lots of trails for cycling and hiking as well as mountain biking. Or take in a round of golf at the Lumby Golf Course.  The O’Keefe Ranch, an 1897 fully restored ranch and a BC Heritage Site is close by and a must visit. Winter activities are popular in the area, especially for snowmobiling and backcountry skiing.

Location

Lumby is located 35 km (22 mi) east of Vernon on Hwy 6 and 27 km (17 mi) west of Cherryville, in the northeast corner of the Okanagan Valley.

O’Keefe Ranch Sweet Shop, near Vernon

A Step Back in Time

Although the village of Lumby was incorporated in 1956, its history dates back to 1893, when the forty-acre town site was surveyed. Prior to that, the small settlement of pioneer farmers and gold miners lived in White Valley, whose beginning commenced with the Cherry Creek gold strike in 1862.

The gold fever in British Columbia in the early 1860s brought men seeking an instant fortune. Some made their fortune however others made and quickly squandered their riches. Some were disappointed and disappeared. Some realized the real potential was in the lush valleys of the Okanagan Valley. They became the first settlers.

For years, farming and logging were the main source of revenue for the region, and so it is today, but on a much grander scale.