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Explore sunny orchards, sweeping vineyards, and hiking trails that wind from historic rail beds to rugged mountain tops.
Wine and fruit-lovers can explore the village’s numerous orchards and vineyards. Take a tour and tasting.
Hikers and cyclists can journey along the famed Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), along an easy grade rail bed with spectacular views along the way.
The trails above Naramata, in rugged Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, are ideal for birdwatching and taking in unspoiled habitat on foot, horseback or bicycle. You can also enjoy the park’s secluded bays and sandy campgrounds.
Swimmers flock to the sunny beaches of nearby Manitou Park.
Soothe your mind and spirit at the beautifully restored Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa.
Local history is preserved at the Naramata Heritage Museum.
Shop for local artisan creations from clothing and pottery to jewellery and paintings.
In winter, visit the top-rated Apex Mountain Resort to experience dry Okanagan powder, short lift lines and uncrowded slopes. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) once linked the vast Kootenay region to the Okanagan region of BC. Today, people come to hike, bike or horseback ride along the KVR’s gentle grade rail bed. The spectacular route stretches through vineyards, orchards, across the McCullough Trestle and into Naramata, featuring fine views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding hillsides.
Savour the wine and succulent fruit of the numerous orchards and vineyards that line the Okanagan Lake and dot the hillsides of Naramata. Take in a local tour and tasting. Built in 2002, the McCulloch Trestle along the KVR Trail, recalls the timber bridges from the original railway construction period. From the trestle, you’ll enjoy fine views of the valley, vineyards, and venture close to several wineries.
Don’t miss Little Tunnel along the KVR Trail, a 48 metre-long (157 foot-long) tunnel carved through solid rock. From the mouth of Little Tunnel you’ll see where Okanagan Lake flows 340 metres (1115 feet) below.
The many trestles along the KVR Trail in Okanagan Park, north of Naramata, were burnt in the forest fires of 2003 and are now being rebuilt.
Summer visitors to Naramata can stop by the Naramata Heritage Museum, displaying early farm equipment and artifacts and a collection of vintage photographs and documents.
The beautifully restored Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa, originally built as a hotel in 1908 by John Moore Robinson, offers stunning examples of preserved period architecture and furnishings. Robinson founded the village in 1907 as an agricultural area.
With the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) through Naramata in 1914, the railway linked the region to the rest of Canada. Carved through rocky topography, the section through Naramata was one of the most difficult sections of the KVR to construct. Several trestles of the KVR have been rebuilt in the area. Naramata inspires a feeling of simplicity and serenity, recalling a time when life operated at a slower pace.
Enjoy a culinary retreat at Naramata’s local cooking school situated in the middle of a 50 year-old apple and pear orchard. Learn to cook culinary specialties with fresh, regionally-based ingredients.
Naramata’s tree-lined streets are perfect for strolling and feature shops, restaurants, and some historic landmarks.
Numerous vineyards and orchards border the lake and stepped plateaus of Naramata. Sample fruit wines and grape varietals during local tours and tastings. For live, weekend entertainment, stop in at the Naramata Heritage Inn or Naramata Pub.
Naramata has flourishing cottage industries and is home to several local artisans. You’ll find clothing made of natural fabrics, pottery, jewellery, metal and wood creations, antiques, sculptures and paintings as well as a lavender farm. Explore rugged Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, accessible only on foot, horseback or bicycle. For an invigorating hike, climb the Okanagan Mountain for scenic lake and mountain views. Wildlife sightings may include mountain goat, White-tailed deer, moose, elk, lynx, marten, and coyote.
For sandy beaches and family-friendly amenities on the southside of the village, visit Manitou Park.
Steamwheelers once docked at Wharf Park where, today, you can follow the waterfront pathway leading to the now rebuilt dock for views of Mill Bay and Okanagan Lake.
Beaches and walking trails can be found at Creek Park.
Hike along the KVR Trail around Little Tunnel for spectacular birdwatching opportunities. See Turkey Vultures, Osprey, and Bald Eagles fly above the village of Naramata. Songbirds and woodpeckers soar amid the skies of Manitou Park.
Check out the annual Meadowlark Festival held in May in the South Okanagan.
Looking west across Okanagan Lake towards Summerland, you’ll see Giant’s Head Mountain; the mountain’s sphinx-like pose is reminiscent of Egyptian monuments.
Soak in the colours and fragrant orchard blossoms in Naramata from approximately early April to late May. Seasonal fruit ripens from late June to early October. You can also unwind on one of Naramata’s local beaches, find a quiet picnic spot, take a waterfront stroll, or follow a pathway leading to the wharf.
The Naramata Heritage Inn features a world-class spa offering facials, body wraps, Reiki and other revitalizing treatments.
On the southside of the village, Manitou Park features grassy areas and amenities suitable for the whole family.
Capture your inner peace by walking The Labyrinth, a meditation circle built of grass and landscaping stone.
Enjoy the sandy beaches in Naramata and the marina that has docking facilities for canoes, kayaks and boats. Guided canoe and kayak tours and lessons are also available.
Six marine campgrounds, several secluded bays and sheltered sandy beaches are tucked into the undeveloped shoreline at Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Mooring buoys are also available at this wilderness park.
Fish for Kokanee at Okanagan Lake or try casting from the public wharf. Chute Lake near Naramata also offers good fishing. Just an hour’s drive from Naramata, enjoy the superb skiing at Apex Mountain Resort. Regarded as offering some of the best skiing in BC by Ski Canada Magazine, Apex has been noted as the "Best Small Destination Resort" and "Best Use of God-Given Vertical." Come to experience Okanagan powder, short lift lines and uncrowded slopes. Virtually all accommodations feature full ski-in/ski-out access. Families and other fun-lovers can enjoy challenging runs, suitable for beginner to expert, all groomed to perfection. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity along the historic KVR Trail.
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