Life’s Peachy in Peachland!

• Author: ClaireB
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Nestled between the mountains and the shores of the Okanagan Lake, the small town of Peachland has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that goes to make this one of the Okanagan’s popular summertime destinations.

Peachland is about half an hour’s drive from the city of Kelowna, and it’s in the heart of the Okanagan Valley; an area renowned for its wonderful summer weather that’s perfect for growing plenty of fruit and vines. Talking of fruit, yes, it was peaches that inspired the name of the town when one of the first settlers tasted the wonderfully tasty peaches and decided to call his real estate development Peachland!

With a population of around 5,000 permanent residents, it’s only a small town, but there are many outdoor attractions to enjoy during the summer months, when thousands of visitors come from all over Canada and the world to visit Peachland and the rest of the Okanagan. Lake Okanagan is always a big draw and Peachland has a number of beaches from which you can swim. There are plenty of boating opportunities too, and of course fishing, and if you’re out on the lake keep an eye out for the legendary Ogopogo. He’s a lake monster that is said to live on Rattlesnake Island just opposite Peachland!

On dry land the mountains provide a scenic backdrop and a great place for hiking, and there are several access points onto trails that take you high above the town and reward you with fabulous views. Another popular scenic spot is Hardy Falls, at the southern end of the town. The regional park is home to a creek and the falls which can be reached via an easy walk, and if you visit in the fall you may be treated to seeing spawning Kokanee Salmon!

Parrot Island Sanctuary is also a popular attraction in Peachland. It’s the home for many abused or neglected parrots and other exotic birds, who are nursed back to health, and the sanctuary is open to visitors for tours.

Finally, in the centre of Peachland you can visit the Peachland Museum to learn more about the history of this lovely little town. The museum is housed within one of the town’s more unusual buildings: an eight sided former Baptist church, and there are many historical artefacts and interesting stories to read.

Once you’ve seen the attractions, you can spend time walking along the lakefront, or stop by for a coffee and a bite to eat in the infamous Bliss Bakery!

Photo and article copyright Claire Bolgil. Claire is a freelance travel writer based in Beautiful BC. Find out more about her at www.clairebolgil.com