The Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia enjoys a growing climate of sunny days and dry heat, which yields glorious results at numerous farmers markets. Choose from freshly picked vegetables, delectable artisan foods, scrumptious free-range eggs, and tasty grass-fed meats.
Many communities host farmers markets spring through fall, usually on Saturdays (check with local visitor centres, as this varies from town to town). Some major farmers markets include Pioneer Country Market, Gatzke's Farm Market, and the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market.
Alternatively, head to local farms to check out the on-site bounty, or pick up seasonal specialties at regional fruit stands brimming with boxes of fresh peaches, tomatoes, cherries and much more. To learn all about the history of BC’s fruit-growing industry, visit the BC Orchard Industry Museum in Kelowna.
Okanagan Markets
In Kelowna, discover an extraordinary selection of premium preserves and vegetables at the fifth-generation, family-run Pioneer Country Market. Don't miss the Okanagan wine jellies and look for honey and crafts made local artisans. Follow with a stroll through the on-site museum.
North of Kelowna in Oyama, Gatzke’s Farm Market boasts more than 50 varieties of fruit trees. Buy freshly plucked produce or pick your own. Be sure to tour the orchard, following the Peach Jungle walking path, and savour homemade food and preserves at the market cafe.
Temptations abound at the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market: organic produce; homemade preserves; just-baked breads and pastries; handcrafted arts; natural body products; potted plants and colourful flowers. It’s easy to spend an afternoon at this bustling market, lunching and enjoying the live entertainment. Special events happen spring through fall, from April's Easter celebration to fall's pumpkin festival.
For more information on local markets, contact community visitor centres.
Okanagan Fruit Stands
In the mood for juicy peaches or some plums? Then stop at one of the many roadside fruit stands of the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Harvesting in "Canada's fruit bowl" begins in June with the sweetest cherries. A huge variety of fruits and vegetables are grown in area fields and orchards; for the biggest selection, head to Keremeos, known as the “Fruit Stand Capital of Canada.”
Thompson Okanagan Farms & Orchards
Harvest season in the Thompson Okanagan region runs until mid-October with the final yields of apples and squash. Visit local farms and orchards to get ripe treats straight from the source.
Davison Orchards near Vernon grows 20-plus varieties of apples, plus flowers and vegetables. Pick your own blooms or choose pre-cut posies; and buy just-pressed apple juice and homemade jams, fudge or fruit pies. Afterwards, ride on the tractor-pulled Apple Train.
A remarkable 40 varieties of apples grow in Hanna & Hanna Orchards in Salmon Arm. Take a self-guided tour; afterwards, sample the fresh fruit pies and cold-pressed apple juice available in the market. Wander through the extensive gardens and pick your own flower bouquet.
Welcome to cherry, pear, apricot, plum, peach, and apple heaven at Dickinson Family Farm in Summerland. Take a self-guided or pre-booked tour; explore the orchard and pick your own fruit; and have your picture taken beside the 10-m/35-ft high tripod ladder – the world's tallest orchard ladder, as noted in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Ginseng in Kamloops
Head to the Kamloops area to view "cooling" ginseng, used in a variety of therapeutic products. The ginseng fields are impossible to miss while driving: they're covered in black tarps to protect the leaves from the sun.
Retreat to the Sunmore Ginseng Spa in Kamloops for spa treatments that include massages with scented ginseng healing oils, and tour its ginseng factory to learn about this unique root. Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the tea house.
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