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Lake Country Art Walk
Lake Country Art Walk
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Oyama Zip Line
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Lake Country Art Walk
Lake Country Art Walk
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Lake Country Art Walk
Lake Country Art Walk
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Oyama Zip Line
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Wood Lake
Paddleboarding, canoeing and wakeboarding are popular watersports on Wood Lake
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Oyama Zip Line
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Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka Lake
By Jennifer Madsen
Long before it hit its current prestige as ‘Lake Country’, Oyama B.C. was known as a family vacation destination. Only four hours drive from Vancouver this community is lakeside with Kalamalka Lake as well as Wood Lake shorelines. Originally known as the land of ‘peaches and beaches’, this area has developed a reputation for its world-class outdoor adventure. Oyama has activities that are sure to please, whether you've left the kids with your folks (or they’re along for the ride).
Here are seven compelling reasons to head to Oyama pronto:
#7. A full-on zipline course with seven wicked rides, one after the other through pristine forest. Oyama Zipline boasts the only side-by-side racing zip lines in the Okanagan. The forest adventure welcomes adventurers of every age (49-275 lbs). The lake views are 180º and 100 percent breathtaking.
#6. Full service RV camping in family-run orchards with lots of hiking and biking opportunities. You'll find many bed & breakfasts and RV sites on "The Bench", a spectacular hillside across the valley from Hwy 97. This is beautiful, rural camping "off the beaten track" – but not too far off.
#5 Expansive lakeshore. Paddle board, canoe, fish or float on the azure water. Peaceful acreages are sandwiched between lakes, plus a coveted canal allows access to Kalamalka Lake from Wood Lake. Many small lakes dot the hills above the community so make your way up to Oyama Lake chain (record-book Kokanee trout is another claim to fame).
#4. Less crowded waterfront parks. At Kaloya Regional Park in Oyama one can spread out on the grass at the quiet end of famous Kalamalka Lake. At Beasley Regional Park on Wood Lake there are quiet places to read in the shade, yoga classes and great play spaces for kids.
#3. To best experience Oyama agri-tourism visit Gatzke’s Farm Market, a working farm with over 50 varieties of fruit trees. The climate is cool enough for apples and the winters are mild enough for peaches. Orchard tours, camping and cabins are available.
#2. Musicians and artist flock here. Lake Country Art Walk is home to the largest annual public art exhibition in the BC interior in early September. After a day in the hills or on the lake, head to the popular Lake Country Coffee House and the adjacent art gallery.
#1. Free and easy parking right where you need it. Amenities are convenient and close. Smiling bank tellers are usually poised to serve, and you can whiz through the grocery stores without line-ups!