Cawston: A Hidden Gem in British Columbia

Nestled in the heart of the Similkameen Valley, Cawston is a small community in British Columbia that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its stunning landscapes, charming attractions, and friendly locals, Cawston is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of British Columbia.

Attractions

Cawston is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions in the area include:

Cawston Market: This popular farmers' market is held every Sunday from May to October and features a wide range of local produce, crafts, and other goods.
Cawston Cold Storage: This historic building was once used to store fruit and is now a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
Cawston Community Park: This beautiful park offers a playground, picnic area, and walking trails, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
Similkameen River: This scenic river is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.
Cawston Creek Trail: This easy hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great way to explore the area's natural beauty.

Natural Wonders

Cawston is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in British Columbia. Some of the top natural attractions in the area include:

Chopaka Lake: This stunning lake is located just a short drive from Cawston and offers crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing.
Cathedral Provincial Park: This beautiful park is home to a variety of hiking trails, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain vistas.
Keremeos Columns Provincial Park: This unique park features a series of towering rock formations that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Similkameen Falls: This picturesque waterfall is located just a short hike from Cawston and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Festivals

Cawston is known for its vibrant festivals and events, which celebrate the area's rich culture and history. Some of the top festivals in the area include:

Cawston Fall Fair: This annual fair features a variety of agricultural exhibits, live music, and other family-friendly activities.
Similkameen BBQ King: This popular event brings together some of the best chefs in the area to compete for the title of BBQ King.
Cawston Christmas Craft Fair: This festive event features a wide range of handmade crafts, gifts, and other holiday treats.

History

Cawston was founded in the late 1800s by a group of settlers who were drawn to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The community was officially incorporated in 1956 and has since grown into a thriving hub of agriculture, tourism, and culture.

The person who started the community was a man named George Cawston, who arrived in the area in 1883 and quickly recognized the potential for agriculture. He established a successful fruit orchard and encouraged others to do the same, laying the foundation for the area's thriving agricultural industry.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to explore the area's natural beauty, learn about its rich history, or simply relax and enjoy the local culture, Cawston has something for everyone. With its stunning landscapes, charming attractions, and friendly locals, this hidden gem in British Columbia is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Canada.

Sources

"Cawston, British Columbia." Wikipedia.
"Cawston Market." Cawston Market.
"Cawston Cold Storage." Similkameen Valley.
"Cawston Community Park." Similkameen Valley.
"Similkameen River." Similkameen Valley.
"Cawston Creek Trail." AllTrails.