Welcome to Oliver, our "place in the sun", named after John Oliver, premier of British Columbia in the early 1900s. This bustling community, once a gold mining town, is today the hub of activity in the South Okanagan. A town of contrast, Oliver boasts mountains, beautiful lakes, orchards, vineyards and some of the friendliest people around.
It's no surprise that the locals have such a bright disposition, considering the Okanagan's warm and sunny climate. It's hard to decide whether the days or nights are more preferable. Long, hot, summer days usually average 30 C and are a daily treat. In the evening, the temperatures cool off a bit, blossom scents fill the air and stars magically paint the sky.
If you're wondering how Oliver became the dream town it is today, you will want to step back in time at the Oliver Heritage Museum. This historical building was home to the local British Columbia Police in 1924, and today it houses the secrets of Oliver's intriguing past.
Learn about the former gold mining towns of Camp McKinney and Fairview. And walk through the old Fairview jail house, which dates back to 1886. Through the variety of displays at the museum, you will learn about natural history and wildlife. And you can see how the town developed around the irrigation ditch, thanks to our pioneers.
Thanks to the ditch, we live in one of Canada's most lush valleys - home to an abundance of tree fruit. Cherries ripen from late June to the beginning of July, followed by apricots and peaches. Prunes, plums and pears hit fruitstands in mid-August. And the fall is made a little sweeter with apples, not to mention grapes - the foundation of our flourishing wine industry.
Be sure to visit local vineyards and wineries this summer and learn, first-hand, why the South Okanagan is quickly becoming world-renowned for its award-winning wines.
After imbibing, you may wish to take to the great outdoors - that's where Oliver's Hike and Bike Trail comes in. The scenic trail is the perfect way to get to know this beautiful area, whether you're on foot or two wheels.
If peace and quiet are what you crave, Oliver is a haven of green space, parks and water.
There is nothing like a cool dip to refresh your spirits on a sunny Okanagan day. Try the Oliver swimming pool, located in the Community Park. Incidentally, the park is a great place to fly a kite or toss a ball around. And keep your eyes open for games of horseshoes and lawn bowling - a local favourite. After a hard day at play, relax in the pool's hot tub.
For more adventurous swimmers, local lakes and beaches provide a scenic and natural setting to take a dip.
Rotary Beach on Tuc-el-Nuit is a fabulous picnic spot and a popular spot among residents. Away from our busy town (but not too far away) you can relax on the beach or enjoy water sports on the lake.
Heading north you will first hit Gallagher Lake which is worth a look, or if you are camping, an extended visit.
Continuing north on Highway 97, you'll find Vaseaux Lake. This picture-perfect lake is known for its bass fishing (large mouth and small mouth). The lake is also home to rainbow trout, whitefish and kokanee.
The area also harbours a bird sanctuary, bighorn sheep and other wildlife. A provincial park with nine campsites is just one of the four provincial parks in the area.
Heading back to town, you can't miss McIntyre Bluff. This imposing and historical bluff is the setting of many Indian legends. No trip to Oliver would be complete without a photo of the bluff.
Once you get back to town, think green - golf greens, that is. Why not take in a few rounds of golf while you're here. Beginner or professional, spectacular courses in Oliver and Osoyoos will keep you on your toes and provide you with scenic vistas of the area. There are two Oliver courses - Fairview Mountain and Cherry Grove, in addition to St. Andrews by the Lake and Twin Lakes, just north as you head to Penticton. Because of the mild climate, golfers enjoy an extended season which lasts well into the fall.
If you are looking for year-round activity, drop in to Oliver's Senior Citizens' Activity Centre, there is always something on the go at the centre. Locals enjoy a variety of activities including pool, shuffleboard, carpet bowling, cards, weekly dances and numerous special events.
There is truly something for everyone in Oliver. To find out more about the town, surrounding area or the rest of British Columbia, pay a visit to Oliver's Tourist InfoCentre, located in the old Canadian Pacific Railway station. The centre is located one block east of Main Street (turn at the Oliver Theatre) and is the "starting point" for trips on the Hike and Bike Trail.
For further information contact the Oliver & District Chamber of Commerce, Box 460, Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T0
or Phone (250)498-6321 or Fax (250)498-3156.
