 Heritage Inn, Laurie Carter photo
First Nations SettlersWhen fur traders first sought a route through the Okanagan Valley to connect their posts on the Fraser and Columbia rivers, they found existing trails, long since established by the Okanagan First Nations.
European ArrivalSettlement began in the 1860s, sparked by the Cariboo Gold Rush, when cattlemen driving their herds north to the mining camps realized the potential of the valley's abundant bunchgrass and accessible water. Beef baron Tom Ellis, whose empire eventually encompassed much of the South Okanagan, sent thousands of head of cattle to graze on the land around the delta of Nine Mile Creek (now Naramata Creek).
Visionary DeveloperIn the late 1890s, a businessman and former newspaper editor from eastern Canada arrived in the Okanagan as a prospector. But John Moore Robinson quickly realized that there was more potential in land than creek beds. He purchased a ranch and founded the town of Peachland in 1899.
Acting on behalf of Canadian Pacific Railway president, Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, he set about developing the town of Summerland in 1902.
A New TownNext Robinson set his eye on the other side of Okanagan Lake, directly east of Summerland. He set up housekeeping with his family in a tent house (commonly used while people waited for new homes to be built) on the flat land of the Nine Mile Creek delta and set about promoting his new town.
Naming NaramataLegend has it that Robinson came by the name Naramata during a séance when the channelled spirit of a Sioux chief spoke of his dear wife Nar-ra-mat-tah, the "smile of Manitou." Manitou Park is now Naramata's most popular waterfront green space.
Promoting the OkanaganIn 1907 Robinson's Okanagan Trust Company, Ltd, produced a brochure extolling the virtues of the Okanagan climate – the Italy of Canada – and its potential for fruit farming. His goal was to attract gentlemen farmers from eastern Canada and Britain.
Lakeside ResortFruit growing wasn't the only potential Robinson saw for his new town. He built the California mission-style Naramata Inn on the waterfront and began promoting the village as a vacation destination. Residents organized regattas and cultural events, inviting other Okanagan residents to take the sternwheeler to Naramata for lively day trips.
Experience some of the ambiance of those early days at the fully restored Naramata Heritage Inn and Spa.
Kettle Valley RailwayThe local economy got a further boost between 1912 and 1914 during construction of the Kettle Valley Railway across the very difficult terrain above the village. When the last spike was driven in this section, Naramata gained a direct link with the world beyond the valley.
Naramata Heritage Museum Learn more about local history at the Naramata Heritage Museum, located in the former fire hall. Stop for a look at the mural on the west wall, a reminder of the lakeside resort town's popular annual regattas. Exhibits include fur brigades and orchard industry, period clothing, a farm kitchen and heritage quilt.
Browse the collection of historic photos that highlight enduring events like the Maypole Dance, performed on May Day every year since 1923 in Manitou Park.
Naramata Arts & CultureFrom the beginning, Naramata has supported a vibrant arts community. A year after its founding, the village already boasted an opera house and locals maintained a strong tradition of performing arts for decades.
Art Studios & GalleriesToday, a wide variety of artists and artisans call Naramata home. Visit their studios, galleries and retail shops to view paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewellery, glasswork and natural fabric clothing designs. Many are happy to discuss techniques and works in progress.
Look for art throughout the community, at wineries, B&Bs and, from June through September, at the Naramata Community Market.
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