Oliver is known as the "Wine Capital of Canada." Surrounded by vineyards and dozens of wineries this is a good description.
But there's more to this town in the semi-arid South Okanagan Valley. Oliver was established as an agricultural town and the area's lush orchards produce a host of tree fruits including peaches, cherries and apples.
With its river, small lake, mountains and dry antelope brush and sage grasslands, Oliver provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as bird watching and wildlife viewing. Oliver also offers a selection of historic and cultural attractions and it makes an excellent base for country driving excursions.
Wineries
Oliver is located in the heart of Thompson Okanagan wine country and collectively, its wineries and vineyards are renowned. Drive south to visit the wineries of the Golden Mile, the Black Sage Bench and Osoyoos. To the north, check out the tasting rooms of the Corkscrew Drive around Okanagan Falls. West of Oliver, wineries are now appearing in the Similkameen Valley region.
Natural Sights, Parks & Wildlife
Get close to nature in Oliver. Bird watchers try spotting a grebe in the wetlands of Vaseux Lake Provincial Park's waterfowl sanctuary; a black-throated sparrow in the antelope brush and sage grasslands of the Golden Mile Trail; or a white-tailed ptarmigan in the high elevation forest of Mount Baldy. Look for California bighorn sheep on the cliffs facing Vaseux Lake or try spotting sockeye salmon on a quiet walk beside the Okanagan River.
Water Activities
Tuc-el-Nuit Lake in Oliver and Vaseux Lake, 14km/8.7mi north, prohibit the use of powered watercraft making them ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Drop a line in Vaseux Lake to fish for bass, trout and whitefish or try angling Sawmill, Madden and Taylor Lakes in the high country. In Oliver, soak up the sun on the beach at Tuc-el-Nuit Lake or cool off beneath the overhanging trees while floating down the Okanagan River channel.
Land Activities
Hiking and mountain biking trails abound around Oliver. Walk the level, paved pathway of the International Hike & Bike Trail along the Okanagan River or hike through the antelope brush and sage grasslands and ponderosa pine parkland of the Golden Mile Trail.
Cyclists ride the country lanes among orchards and vineyards or go for the rush on near vertical downhills like TKO. Go camping in a provincial park or head for the wilderness and a high country forestry recreation site. Golfers get some exercise at the award-winning Fairview Mountain Golf Course or challenge the tricky terrain at Nk'Mip Desert Canyon Golf Course.
Winter Activities
Deep, dry snow beckons in the highlands. Powder hounds head for the slopes at Mt Baldy Ski Area, 37km/23mi east of the town centre. With 34 runs, including lots of glade skiing, on 202ha/500ac of terrain, and a maximum vertical of 394m/1,293ft, there's plenty of variety for downhillers and snowboarders, who can also challenge the jumps and rails in the terrain park. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers share 20km/12mi of marked, ungroomed trails.
Freeheelers and snowshoers also share the extensive trail system at McKinney Nordic Ski Club, 27km/16.8mi east of Oliver. The club maintains 14km/8.7mi of trails for traditional and skate skiers from novice to advanced.
Arts, Culture & Historical
Oliver supports a vibrant cultural community. Take in live theatrical performances at the Frank Venables Auditorium and outdoor concerts and Shakespearean productions at the Tinhorn Creek Winery amphitheatre. See the works of artists and potters, weavers, quilters and carvers at private studios and Handworks Gallery. Learn about Oliver's multicultural history at the Oliver Museum and pick up a brochure and take the self-guided walking tour of Oliver's historic buildings. This small town has preserved wonderful examples of the Streamline Moderne, Prairie and Craftsman styles of architecture. Look for First Nations pictographs around Vaseux Lake and learn more about the heritage of the Okanagan people at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos.
Festivals & Events
Oliver hosts several festivals and events annually. Highlights include the Meadowlark Festival, held in May, which focuses on the endangered ecosystems as well as the plants and animals of the South Okanagan through workshops and interpretive hikes. Oliver's Parks and Recreation Society presents the popular Half Ironman Triathlon in June, the family fun Sunshine Festival and Parade in July and the Festival of the Grape in October, another family-oriented day with a wide range of activities culminating in a team grape stomp.
For more information on things to do in and around Oliver, contact the Visitor Centre at 6431 Station Street.
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