Lake Country

The District Municipality of Lake Country is situated in the middle of the Okanagan Valley. This small B.C. town has an approximated population of about 10,000 individuals. The city of Vernon is located 29 km or 18 miles to the north, whereas Kelowna sits 25 km or 16 miles south of Lake Country. As the name implies, there are numerous lakes in the vicinity of Lake Country and likewise within the hills to the east outside of the municipal boundaries. The municipality's western boundary is Okanagan Lake whereas the southern-most portion of Kalamalka Lake and the whole of Wood Lake are encompassed by it.

Lake Country can be accessed via Highway 97 which is a major thoroughfare running from Kamloops to the US border in Osoyoos. The town is just over 15 years old after it was incorporated during the year 1995. There are separate unincorporated communities which remain as separate wards in Lake Country, including, Winfield, Oyama, Carr's Landing and Okanagan Center. In the terms of the municipal government, one councilor is elected from each of these wards and the inhabitants vote for the mayor and two further councilors.

There is a lot to do in this area of the Province, with friendly residents, plenty of sun and mountains, an abundance of water; some of the inhabitants consider Lake Country to be the heart of the Okanagan. Lake Country has a big agricultural community and there are many fruit orchards within the region, some dating back to the early 1900s. Lake Country produces more than 35 percent of all apples grown within the country and considers itself the Apple Capital of the nation. Growing grapes for the vineyards is another important and popular agricultural activity.

because of the Okanagan Valley's warm and dry weather conditions, there are numerous recreational opportunities, which include: boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, sailing, paddling, diving and whichever water sports.

The town is home to the Gray Monk Winery, which produces various world-class wines for every palate. The Okanagan Valley also has an abundant amount of orchards that produce cherries, apricots, apples, peaches, plums and pears. There is always a supply of fresh veggies and fruits within the Lake Country region because of the ideal climate.

The region has a rich history and culture as the First Nations people who settled the area have referred to the area as K'lakokum, which translates to "the land between." The early settlers in the region established logging, orchards, irrigation, ranching and lake travel. The pioneers in the area constructed their houses and made a way of life for themselves as well as their families. Even nowadays, orchards, ranching and agriculture are still a huge part of life as one could see if they take a scenic drive all through Lake Country.

Kalamalka Lake, Duck Lake, Wood Lake and Okanagan Lake are just some of the many lakes within the area which are utilized for recreation. Located between Oyama and Winfield, Wood Lake has constructed a good reputation for both Kokanee fishing and rainbow trout. The lake was named after Tom Wood. During the year 1860 he settled on the lake's south end. Kalamalka Lake, on the north of Oyama is named after the Indian Chief Kalamalka, who lived on the lake. There is great hiking and bird watching at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park situated on the northeast shore.