 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association photo
The Grist Mill Beginning operation in 1877, the Grist Mill is BC's last remaining pioneer flour mill with its original machinery intact. A water wheel and flume power the Victorian-era machinery, which grinds whole-wheat flour. The Barford Perkins grinder was considered state-of-the-art technology in its time. Outside are heirloom apple orchards and, in growing season, plots of heirloom wheat. You can take part in hands-on, grain-processing activities in the exhibit building. The mill also presents a unique interpretation program from mid-May to October. The Grist Mill is located just a couple of minutes from Keremeos, off Highway 3A. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 1 hour
> Grist Mill website
S.S. Sicamous The S.S. Sicamous is the largest remaining steel-hulled sternwheeler in Canada. She was built in 1914 to accommodate passengers in luxurious style while also moving large amounts of cargo and providing a daily mail service to and from Penticton, Okanagan Landing and points in between. She has three decks: A Deck houses the crew's quarters, storage areas and engine room. On B Deck you'll find the Men's Smoking Salon, Dining Room, cabins, staterooms and Ladies Salon. C Deck has more cabins and staterooms, Stocks' Gallery and good views from the Ladies' Observation Lounge. The S.S. Sicamous is docked in Penticton, a 45-minute drive south from Kelowna via Highway 97. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 45 minutes
> S.S. Sicamous website
Midway CPR Station & Kettle Valley Museum Located at "Mile Zero" of the old Kettle Valley Railway, the Midway CPR Station has been authentically restored down to the smallest detail. Outside, you can climb aboard the 1938 caboose, hop on a working, hand-operated "speeder" and inspect pioneer farm machinery. A museum building has been erected nearby to house interpretive displays and collections of old photographs and artifacts, such as china and silverware that was used on the old steam trains. Midway CPR Station and Kettle Valley Museum are located in Midway, a 40-minute drive west from Grand Forks via Highway 3. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 1 hour
R.J. Haney Heritage Park & Museum The 16-ha (40-ac) R.J. Haney Heritage Park sits on the site of what was once a pioneer farm. While many of the period buildings now on the grounds were moved there from other parts of the region, Haney House, a fully restored 1910 farmhouse, stands in its original location. Don't miss the two-km (1.2-mi) nature walk that explores how Aboriginals and pioneers made use of the surrounding flora and fauna. An easy, 30-minute stroll, it nevertheless takes you through four climatic zones and a dazzling array of plant life. R.J. Haney Heritage Park & Museum is located in Salmon Arm, about a 90-minute drive east from Kamloops via Highway 1. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 2 hours
> Haney Park & Museum website
Historic Hat Creek Ranch At Historic Hat Creek Ranch, you can immerse yourself in gold rush-era roadhouse life or the traditional village life of the Shuswap people. Take a stagecoach ride along the Cariboo Waggon Road and imagine you're a miner on your way north to the goldfields, or spend the night in a Shuswap "kekuli" -an underground pit house- to get a feel for a way of life inextricably linked to nature. The best-known of the many restored buildings on the grounds is the enormous BX barn, once used to stable the mighty draft-horse teams that were changed at the roadhouse. Historic Hat Creek Ranch is located at the junction of Highways 97 and 99, a 10-minute drive from Cache Creek via Highway 97. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 2 hours
> Hat Creek Ranch website
O'Keefe Ranch Established in 1867, O'Keefe Ranch gradually grew to encompass 8,094 ha (20,000 ac), which included a general store/post office (the first post office in the Okanagan), blacksmith shop and church in addition to many other buildings. It was one of the largest cattle ranches in BC in its heyday and its remaining buildings are among the oldest in the Vernon area. Today, the ranch offers something for every member of the family, from picnics in a peaceful, park-like setting to a huge model railway and rare-breed farm animal collection. From June to September, buy old-fashioned candies in the general store, inspect antique farm equipment, tour the O'Keefe family mansion or enjoy a ranch-style meal in the restaurant. O'Keefe Ranch is a 15-minute drive north from Vernon, off Highway 97. A word or two on your visit: - Admission fee in effect
- Approximate time required: 1-2 hours
> O'Keefe Ranch website
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