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Lake
Country
The
District of Lake Country is located just north of Kelowna
city limits and 38 km (24 miles) south of Vernon
on Hwy 97.
Duck,
Wood and Kalamalka Lakes
Lake Country is made up of four smaller communities called Okanagan
Centre, Winfield, Oyama, and Carr's Landing. Lake Country is situated
in the centre of Okanagan Lake in the west with Duck, Wood and Kalamalka
Lake in the east.
Central
Okanagan Regional District
Lake Country falls within the boundaries of the Central Okanagan
Regional District (CORD) with a population of around 10,000 residents
(2004). Winfield contains the most population and serves as the
business hub for the district.
Country
Lifestyle
With a land base made up of approximately 80% agriculture or green
space, Lake Country can provide you with large amounts of open space
for that relaxed country lifestyle.
Most
Lakeshore of any Community
Lake Country has the distinction of having the most lakeshore of
any municipality in British Columbia. All four communities are sandwiched
between Okanagan Lake in the west with Duck, Wood, and the southern
part of Kalamalka Lake in the east.
Panoramic
Views
The communities of Okanagan Centre and Carr's Landing have incredible
views of Okanagan Lake looking to the west. Oyama has panoramic
views, including Wood Lake plus borders on the southern end of Kalamalka
Lake
'Where
You Belong'
With a mild climate in the winter and ideal summer temperatures,
the district's theme for retirees and people relocating has been
'Where You Belong.'
Clean
Environment
This country is ideal with fantastic lake views, a clean environment,
world-class golfing and these lakes are a boater's paradise. You
will be able to enjoy the qualities of a small close-knit community
yet be close to the big city atmospheres of Kelowna and Vernon.
Fantastic
Parks and Recreation
There are really fantastic parks located in Lake Country that fall
under the responsibility of the CORD. Most of these are located
right on the nearby lakes with beachfront swimming areas available
for the kids. Okanagan Safe Harbour features a place for boaters
to ride out Okanagan Lake storms. If you need it, there is a boat
launch available here.
Fruit
Growing
Throughout these four communities the main focus historically has
been on the fruit growing and agriculture industries. As you drive
along Hwy 97 you will notice this - orchards, farming equipment
and fruit stands all pointing to a proud past.
Agri-Tourism
Today smaller manufacturing industries have set up with more tourist
attractions revolving around agri-tourism. By combining a working
farm with a learning experience, the concept of agri-tourism is
taking off.
Gatzke's
Farm Market
To experience Lake Country agri-tourism make sure you visit Gatzke's
Farm Market located on Highway 97 in Oyama. Gatzke's has been around
since 1942 and has always been popular with locals and tourists
alike featuring up to 57 varieties of fruit trees.
Wineries
and Vineyards
A few vineyards and wineries operate out of Lake Country called
Arrowleaf Cellars, Gray Monk Cellars and Ex Nihilo Vineyards. They
are all conveniently located conveniently located side by side on
Camp Road. Take the Okanagan Road turnoff on Hwy 97 to Okanagan
Centre and look for Camp Road.
Lake
Country ArtWalk
Lake Country is home to a budding group of artists who showcase
their artwork in the annual Lake Country ArtWalk. Come in early
September and see a great variety of art from the local galleries.
Lake
Country Museum
History buffs, should visit the Lake Country Museum that showcases
the early transportation routes of the paddle wheelers that went
to Okanagan Centre and Carr's Landing. There are also some old photos
dating back to the late 1800's and various antique farm equipment
to look at.
Close
to Wildlife and Backcountry Adventures
Lake Country is extremely close to lots of wildlife and backcountry
adventures. One area that is really handy and gets you introduced
to the local bush is Beaver and Dee Lakes.
Great
Trout Fishing
This area is directly east of Winfield and takes you into the higher
lakes at elevations around 1,402 metres (4,600 ft.) There is some
great trout fishing available combined with some excellent resorts
along the lakes. Make sure you phone the Oceola Fish and Game Club
at 250-766-4617 for detailed up to date fishing information.
Forest
Service Recreation Sites
For Forest Service Recreation Sites try going up into Oyama Lake
just east of Oyama. The fishing is really good and you will have
good access to the backcountry. There at least 15 recreation sites
along lakes that are too numerous to list. You won't be disappointed
if you like to kick back and relax. For up-to-date fishing information,
contact the Oceola Fish and Game Club.
Ellison
Provincial Park
For snorkeling and scuba diving there is Ellison
Provincial Park situated on Okanagan Lake. This park features
sunken wrecks, schools of fish, sandy beaches and excellent swimming.
Make sure you take good walking shoes; Ellison has some excellent
hikes but can be dangerous because of the steep bluffs that surround
the bays. If you're driving, access to Ellison Provincial Park is
provided via Vernon, but if you have a speedboat, it is only about
five minutes from Carr's Landing.
Tween
Lake Resort
Lake
Country has a few favourite places to visit if your passing through.
One if you enjoy RV camping is the at Tween Lake Resort located
in Oyama.
Recreation
Transportation
Lake
Country Links
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