Keremeos

The Fruit Stand Capital of Canada — a Similkameen Valley gem surrounded by orchards and dramatic canyon scenery.

Keremeos is a small town in the Similkameen Valley, about 45 kilometres southwest of Penticton, that has earned the title of Fruit Stand Capital of Canada through the extraordinary abundance of its orchards and the roadside stands that line Highway 3 through the valley. The Similkameen Valley's unique microclimate — hot summers, mild winters, and low humidity — produces exceptional tree fruits, and the cherries, peaches, apricots, apples, and pears grown here are among the finest in BC. The valley itself is one of the most dramatic in the BC interior. The Similkameen River cuts through a canyon flanked by steep, ochre-coloured cliffs and rocky bluffs, and the scenery along Highway 3 through the valley is genuinely spectacular. The Grist Mill and Gardens at Keremeos, a restored 1877 flour mill, is one of the finest heritage sites in the Okanagan region and offers a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural history of the valley. Cathedral Provincial Park, accessible from Keremeos via a private road and lodge, is one of the most spectacular and least-visited parks in BC. The park's alpine plateau, at elevations above 2,000 metres, features extraordinary rock formations, pristine lakes, and wildflower meadows that rival anything in the Canadian Rockies. The Cathedral Lakes Lodge provides comfortable access to the park's interior. Keremeos is also a gateway to the Similkameen wine country. Several small wineries operate in the valley, taking advantage of the same exceptional growing conditions that produce the area's famous fruit.